CO2 Laser Resurfacing

CO₂ laser

pre-care

HOW YOU ARRIVE DECIDES HOW YOU HEAL

CO₂ works by creating controlled microscopic injuries that your skin repairs stronger than it was. How well that repair goes depends on the state your skin is in when you walk in — above

all, how much sun it has seen and how hydrated it is. This is a treatment you prepare for over

weeks, not days, and it comes with real downtime. Plan for both.

TWO TO FOUR WEEKS BEFORE

S u n M a t t e r s M o s t

No sun, no tanning beds, no self-tanner. Do not arrive with a fresh tan or a sunburn — we will reschedule you. Recently tanned skin carries a much higher risk of pigment problems afterward. Wear SPF 50+ every day between now and your appointment. We may start you on skincare prep — a retinoid or a pigment inhibitor — and we will tell you exactly when to stop it.

TELL US BEFORE WE TREAT

A history of cold sores or fever blisters, anywhere on the face. A tendency to keloid, scar badly, or recent isotretinoin (Accutane) use. Any autoimmune condition, or anything that slows your healing. A recent tan or sun exposure, even if it has faded, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

THE WEEK BEFORE

Stop retinoids, retinol and harsh exfoliants — unless we tell you otherwise. No waxing, electrolysis, or hair removal in the treatment area. If you are prone to cold sores, start the antiviral prescribe exactly as directed, usually the day before or day of, even with no sore present. 2-3 days leading up to your visit, if it is safe for you, avoid aspirin, NSAIDs, fish oil, vitamin E, and alcohol. Never stop a prescribed blood thinner without reviewing it with your prescribing provider.

HYDRATE THE SKIN ITSELF

W a t e r I s t h e T a r g e t

Water is what the laser actually aims at. The CO2 wavelength is absorbed by water — its chromophore. Well-hydrated skin takes the energy more evenly and recovers better, so hydrating beforehand is part of the treatment. Drink water consistently the week before, and keep your barrier well moisturized. Our favorite at Aster is the CO2LIFT Carboxy Gel Mask. In published clinical work it improved skin hydration by 117% after a single application and raised microcirculation by 28%. Pick one up from us ahead of your appointment and use it at home a few hours before you come in.

ASK ABOUT PDGF

I n O f f i c e A d d - O n

PDGF is a topical growth factor we apply immediately after your laser, while the channels are still open and the skin can take it up. It carries up to 300,000x the growth factor concentration of PRP or PF — the platelet treatments made from your own blood — and does more than space healing: it multiplies fibroblasts and slows collagen breakdown, so it keeps building your result after you heal.

PLAN THE DAY — AND THE WEEK AFTER

Clear your calendar honestly: 3-7 days for CoolPeel, 10-14 for deeper. Never near an event. Have your aftercare at home first: Hyacyn Active, Vaseline, cleanser, mineral SPF 50+. Arrive with clean skin — no makeup, lotion, sunscreen, or perfume on the area. Eat a light meal beforehand, and arrange a ride if you are given numbing or sedating medication.

971-428-7254 A S T E R A E S T H E T I C S asteraesthetic.com

CoolPeel post-care

WHAT TO EXPECT

Your skin will feel hot, tight, and sunburned right after with redness and a rough, sandpaper

texture. Most people put on a tinted SPF the next day and carry on as normal — CoolPeel is minimal to no downtime treatment. Light swelling, flaking and peeling follow over about 3-7 days.

FIRST 24 HOURS Hyacyn Only

The only thing that goes on your skin for the first 24 hours is Hyacyn Active. Use it as often as you like to keep the skin clean, calm, and comfortable. No cleanser, no serum, no moisturizer, no makeup. Do not touch the treated skin. Change your pillowcase, sleep elevated, and use a clean cool compress — never ice directly on the skin. FROM 24 HOURS ON Your Routine Cleanse morning/evening with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser. Pat dry — do not rub. Apply your Hydrinity Restorative HA Masque after your first cleanse. We provide an empty syringe — use it to draw up the fluid left in the pouch and continue applying morning and evening. Follow with Restorative HA Serum, and Skin Better Science Trio Luxe (or a gentle moisturizer), and keep using Hyacyn Active throughout the day. (or a gentle moisturizer) Tinted SPF is fine the next day. Regular makeup once the flaking has finished. IF YOUR SKIN IS WEEPING Only If Needed A light CoolPeel does not usually need Vaseline at all — the routine above is enough. If we treated you more aggressively and your skin is weeping or glistening, spray Hyacyn Active first, then seal it with a thin layer of plain Vaseline, and repeat that cycle until the weeping stops, then begin the masque and your routine. No Neosporin, bacitracin, or any antibiotic ointment at any point — on resurfaced skin these cause allergic rashes. After a more aggressive CoolPeel, hyaluronic acid alone is not enough. Layer a hydrating moisturizer over your Restorative HA to lock it in — we prefer SkinBetter Science Trio Luxe. Itching is extremely common as the skin repairs. That combination of Hydrinity and SkinBetter is what settles it, along with the redness and irritation.

ONCE YOU ARE HEALED

The Months Ahead

Your full result is noticeable at about 3 months, as new collagen continues to form. Once completely healed — about 2-4 weeks after a CoolPeel — we recommend a DiamondGlow to exfoliate and hydrate. CoolPeel is often done as a series. We will map out how many sessions and how far apart at your next visit.

WHILE YOU ARE HEALING

Days 2 to 14 Do not pick, peel, scrub, or exfoliate — picking is what causes scarring and dark spots. Avoid retinoids, acid, vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and other active skincare. No exercise, sweating, alcohol, hot showers, saunas, or steam rooms while you are healing. Minimize sun. Once tolerated, wear mineral SPF 50+ daily — sun on healing skin causes long-lasting dark spots.

REACH OUT WITH ANY CONCERN

Healing skin looks alarming before it looks look good. If something seems off to you, call or text us.

Worsening redness or swelling, significant pain, drainage, a spreading rash, fever, or signs of infection. Painful blisters or clusters of small sores — that can be a cold sore flare, and we treat it quickly. Delayed healing, new raw areas, or anything that worries you — checking in is never a bother.

AS TE R AE S TH E TICS asteraesthetic.com 971-428-7254