{"id":9248,"date":"2023-12-05T02:37:43","date_gmt":"2023-12-04T19:37:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=9248"},"modified":"2023-12-05T02:37:43","modified_gmt":"2023-12-04T19:37:43","slug":"what-to-know-about-the-fraxel-laser-skin-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=9248","title":{"rendered":"What To Know About the Fraxel Laser Skin Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"drop-cap text-big text-gray\"> <span class=\"drop-cap__first text-dropcap \">I<\/span> spent the entire elevator ride to Shafer Clinic in Manhattan considering chickening out of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/skinmedica-tns-recovery-complex-review\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/skinmedica-tns-recovery-complex-review\/\">Fraxel treatment<\/a> that was waiting for me on the 33rd floor.<\/div>\n<p>Though the do-it-all laser has long been regarded as the gold standard of skin care, it has a reputation for requiring some serious downtime, and I wasn&#8217;t sure I had the guts to go through with it. But with the benefits from a single treatment in the back of my brain\u2014a reduction of fine lines, improved skin texture, sun damage repair, acne scar reduction, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/medik8-oxy-r-peptides\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/medik8-oxy-r-peptides\/\">skin resurfacing<\/a>, a boost in skin firmness, and the list goes on and on (and on)\u2014I decided to see it through.<\/p>\n<p>Although my initial apprehensions about the Fraxel treatment turned out to be largely unfounded, I did require a significant amount of downtime to see the glowy bounce that has long been <em>oohed<\/em> and <em>ahhed<\/em> about by those in the know. To ensure you reap all the benefits while avoiding any pitfalls, I&#8217;m sharing my comprehensive take on the procedure in this \u201cfirst timers\u201d guide.<\/p>\n<h2>Understanding the Fraxel Technology<\/h2>\n<p>\u201cFractionated lasers, [which are used for Fraxel treatments], work by directing microscopic laser columns at the skin, creating tiny injuries in certain parts of the skin barrier while leaving other zones of healthy surrounding tissue untouched,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D104860X1561639%26xs%3D1%26xcust%3DSTMSBT-426800%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fdrloretta.com%252F&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Ffraxel-laser%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/drloretta.com\/\" data-type=\"affiliateLink\" data-aff-intermediate=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=104860X1561639&amp;xs=1&amp;xcust=STMSBT-426800&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrloretta.com%2F\">Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD<\/a>, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon. \u201cThese microscopic injuries trigger the skin\u2019s natural reparative processes.\u201d In turn, this leads to that long list of benefits.<\/p>\n<p>Within this set of lasers, there are two main types: Ablative lasers, which vaporize the top layer of the skin, effectively treating more severe concerns\u2014like deeper wrinkles and sagging\u2014but require longer recovery; and non-ablative lasers, which focus on the underlying layers of the skin for milder concerns\u2014like photo-aging, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation\u2014with minimal downtime.<\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content \" style=\"\" data-module-init=\"related-content\" data-module-immediate=\"\" v-cloak=\"\">\n<div class=\"related-content__wrapper \" v-cloak=\"\" :class=\"{'is-loaded':isLoaded}\">\n<p> <span class=\"inline pr-6 text-seafoam-dark\">Related Stories<\/span> <\/p>\n<p> <related-content class=\"related-content__links\" parent-article-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/fraxel-laser\/\" current-title=\"Everything You Need To Know About Fraxel, the Skin-Resurfacing Laser Celebrities Swear By\" current-image=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/GettyImages-1302537864_418x278_true_70.webp\" v-on:parsely-posts-loaded=\"onPostsLoaded\" start-date=\"2023-06-04\" tag=\"div\" inline-template=\"\" url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/fraxel-laser\/\" secret=\"w5ztterVB03LGZJLfXS0hf3EvQBuFFIWew9hmVQxthU\" apikey=\"wellandgood.com\" limit=\"3\"> <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"related-content__card mb-[10px] sm:mb-[20px]\" :class=\"{'related-content__card--full':posts.length === 1}\" v-for=\"(post, key) in posts\"> <a v-on:click.prevent=\"trackLinkGA($event, key)\" :href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/fraxel-laser\/post.url\" data-url-source=\"related-content\" class=\"related-content__link\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"\"> <\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content__card--image bg-tan\" :style=\"{ backgroundImage: 'url(' + post.image_url + ')' }\"> <img decoding=\"async\" :src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/fraxel-laser\/post.image_url\" :alt=\"post.title\" class=\" js-inline-lazy-load\" src=\"\"\/> <\/div>\n<p> <\/a>  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <\/related-content> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>By contrast, non-fractionated lasers, like CO2 lasers, \u201cact on every part of the target area,\u201d says Dr. Engelman. This means that while you&#8217;ll likely see more robust results from these treatments, they can come with up to two weeks of downtime.<\/p>\n<p>On the spectrum from \u201clunchtime lasers\u201d like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/rose-skin-co-lumi-review\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/rose-skin-co-lumi-review\/\">IPL<\/a> (intense pulsed light treatments, which use a broad spectrum of light and are gentler) to the types of treatments that leave your skin crackling up like you&#8217;re tonight&#8217;s dinner, Fraxel serves as a nice in-between\u2014a five-day downtime that will leave your skin looking fresh and new.<\/p>\n<h2>Wait, is there more than one Fraxel laser?<\/h2>\n<p>Yes. Now that you\u2019re well acquainted with the types of technology behind these lasers (fractionated versus unfractionated; ablative versus non-ablative), we can go deeper. Fraxel is a brand name for a class of fractionated lasers; the same way Botox is a brand name of a neuromodulator that freezes your muscle. There are a bunch of different fractionated lasers, but the ones you want to become most familiar with are:<\/p>\n<h3>Fraxel Re:Pair<\/h3>\n<p>This laser is an ablative, CO2 laser, which means it will \u201cvaporize\u201d the top and deeper skin layers to <a href=\"https:\/\/charlotteskinandlaser.com\/services\/laser-services\/fraxel-re-pair\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/charlotteskinandlaser.com\/services\/laser-services\/fraxel-re-pair\/\">stimulate your body\u2019s wound-repair triggers<\/a>. It results in prominent collagen creation for those with sagging and deeper wrinkles, but the downtime is no joke and can last up to two weeks.\u00a0Also, because you\u2019re wounding the top layer of skin, there\u2019s a potential for hyperpigmentation, so you should make sure to speak with your dermatologist about the potential risks and benefits of opting for this treatment. It\u2019s important to note that more intense lasers don\u2019t often mean \u201cbetter\u201d results. You need to match what you\u2019re looking for with what a laser does.<\/p>\n<h3>Fraxel: Dual<\/h3>\n<p>The latest Fraxel models\u2014like the Fraxel Dual\u2014are non-ablative and fractionated, and deliver heavyweight results without having to cancel weeks&#8217; worth of social plans.\u00a0 The Fraxel Dual uses two wavelengths\u20141,550 nanometers (nm) and 1,927 nm\u2014which gives it the power to work on multiple skin layers.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHarnessing the power of two different wavelengths allows Fraxel to target different layers of the skin barrier,&#8221; says Dr. Engelman. &#8220;The 1927 nm wavelength acts on the epidermis, or the outer layer of skin, while the 1550 nm wavelength acts on deeper layers of the dermis as well as the epidermis.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Studies have shown that the 1927 nm wavelength is beneficial for removing hyperpigmentation, while the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michelegreenmd.com\/fraxel-dual-laser#:~:text=Fraxel%20uses%20two%20different%20wavelengths,Thulium%201927%20nm%20for%20pigmentation.\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.michelegreenmd.com\/fraxel-dual-laser#:~:text=Fraxel%20uses%20two%20different%20wavelengths,Thulium%201927%20nm%20for%20pigmentation.\">1550 nm wavelength <\/a>helps improve fine lines as well as scarring. In other words, as the name suggests, it\u2019s &#8220;dual&#8221; acting in that it gives you both topical and collagen-boosting results.<\/p>\n<h3>Lumenis Resurfx<\/h3>\n<p>Outside of the Fraxel brand name, this laser operates at a 1565 nm wavelength, giving comparable results to Fraxel Re:Store, a non-ablative, single-wavelength laser. It only requires a single pass over the skin, and it has a cooling tip so that it feels more comfortable as you\u2019re treating each area. It was the laser that I tried at Dr. Engelman\u2019s office.<\/p>\n<h3>Nd: Yag<\/h3>\n<p>The Nd: Yag is a Q-switch laser\u2014meaning it delivers high-intensity pulses for short amounts of time\u2014that operates at a 1064 nm frequency. It\u2019s a non-ablative, fractionated laser that\u2019s able to be used on darker skin tones for a wide range of benefits, including <a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.mdedge.com\/files\/s3fs-public\/issues\/articles\/Vol28_i2_Darker_Skin_Types.pdf\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/cdn.mdedge.com\/files\/s3fs-public\/issues\/articles\/Vol28_i2_Darker_Skin_Types.pdf\">skin rejuvenation, acne scarring, and more.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>One note on how lasers work: they often use light to seek out melanin in the skin, and melanin-rich skin can absorb that heat, leading to potential scarring and hyperpigmentation. \u201cAs in nearly every industry, technological advancements have emerged in recent years to improve equipment and techniques, resulting in more efficient lasers,\u201d says Dr. Engelman. \u201cOne great advancement is the Nd: YAG laser, which\u2014unlike many lasers\u2014can safely be used on deeper skin tones.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>What are the main benefits of Fraxel<\/h2>\n<h3>1. Increased Collagen Production<\/h3>\n<p>You know the bouncy kind of skin that celebrities chalk up to \u201cdrinking a lot of water\u201d or \u201cgetting a good night\u2019s sleep\u201d? Yeah, this is what they&#8217;re actually doing. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/liquid-microneedling\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/liquid-microneedling\/\">Collagen<\/a> can be likened to skin\u2019s \u2018scaffolding,\u2019 and gives skin a more youthful appearance,\u201d says Dr. Engelman. \u201cThe regeneration of collagen post-Fraxel makes the skin appear firmer, plumper, and more youthful overall.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3>2. Improved Cell Turnover<\/h3>\n<p>If your skin texture is looking a little <em>meh<\/em>, you might just need to speed up the turnover of some of your cells to get rid of the dead ones and show off the glorious, glowy ones sitting just beneath the surface. \u201cThe result is brighter, fresher skin and more even texture and tone,\u201d says Dr. Engelman.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Reduction in Hyperpigmentation<\/h3>\n<p>\u201cDeep laser penetration into the skin barrier is effective for breaking up scar tissue and allowing the skin to regenerate healthily, resulting in improved texture,\u201d says Dr. Engelman. \u201cShallow penetration into the epidermis breaks up excess melanin and replaces dyspigmented areas with a more even skin tone.\u201d This results in a more even-toned complexion that\u2019s free of melasma or other hyperpigmented spots.<\/p>\n<h2>Who Fraxel is right for<\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019re interested in laser resurfacing, you need to consider your lifestyle along with your individual skin concerns. \u201cLike all lasers, Fraxel is not good for people who have an outdoor lifestyle where they cannot avoid sun exposure post-procedure,\u201d says Loretta Ciraldo, MD, a dermatologist and founder of the <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D104860X1561639%26xs%3D1%26xcust%3DSTMSBT-426800%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fdrloretta.com%252F&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Ffraxel-laser%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/drloretta.com\/\" data-type=\"affiliateLink\" data-aff-intermediate=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=104860X1561639&amp;xs=1&amp;xcust=STMSBT-426800&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrloretta.com%2F\">Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>She adds that if you have a consultation for a laser, remember to ask a lot of questions of your specific provider for the best results. \u201cKeep in mind that there are now many fractionated lasers and the settings may be adjusted to the person\u2019s tone,\u201d she says. \u201cIt is of the utmost importance that you ask many questions before you have laser treatment so you can make a very informed decision on if you should be lasered and which laser is best for your skin.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Inquire about things like downtime, how many treatments you&#8217;ll need to achieve the results you&#8217;re after, and which laser will work best for your particular skin type, tone, and concerns.<\/p>\n<h2>What a Fraxel session is like<\/h2>\n<p>A Fraxel appointment always starts with pre-treatment numbing. The technician will apply a numbing gel all over your face (inevitably, I always get this in my mouth and feel like I\u2019ve undergone dental work; don\u2019t make my mistakes and lick your lips!), and after 30 minutes to an hour, you&#8217;re ready to go.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1139371 js-inline-lazy-load\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"1067\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Before_falsexfalse_true_70.webp\"\/><\/p>\n<p>After the laser flicks on, you can definitely feel it working\u2014it reminded me of a fairly aggressive rubber band snapping on my skin every time it pulsed.\u00a0The laser head is about the size of a nickel, and so it takes repeated triggers to cover the entire area. I didn&#8217;t think I would need the cushion-y stress ball that the technician offered me to distract me from the discomfort, but after one-half of my face was treated, I changed my tune. Though there is some (manageable) pain involved, the tip of the laser has a cooling head that helps your skin from feeling too hot\u2014you won&#8217;t get the same singed hair-and-skin smell you get with IPL and other types of lasers.<\/p>\n<p>All in all, the procedure takes 20 minutes (on top of the 30 minutes to an hour of numbing) and is followed by 10-ish minutes of icing to reduce the swelling before you&#8217;re on your way.<\/p>\n<h2>What the recovery is like<\/h2>\n<h3>Right after:<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1139367 js-inline-lazy-load\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"1067\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Right-After-_falsexfalse_true_70.webp\"\/><\/p>\n<h3>Days 1 and 2:<\/h3>\n<p>\u201cYour skin will most likely feel and look swollen, red, and hot\u2014similar to a sunburn,\u201d says Dr. Engelman. \u201cIt\u2019s crucial to stay hydrated and out of the sun, and to regularly apply a cold compress as this is when your skin is at its most fragile state.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>I was actually much more swollen than I\u2019ve ever been with a sunburn, and would instead say that the first day I looked like any one of the Mrs. Doubtfire personas. My face was not my own, but I diligently slathered on the <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fshop-links.co%2F1827206090787991245%3Fu1%3DSTMSBT-1139239&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Ffraxel-laser%2F&amp;event_type=click\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.dermstore.com\/skinceuticals-hydra-balm\/11289618.html\" data-type=\"affiliateLink\" data-aff-intermediate=\"https:\/\/shop-links.co\/1827206090787991245?u1=STMSBT-1139239\">SkinCeuticals HydraBalm<\/a> ($25) and took an antihistamine, which are regarded <a href=\"https:\/\/www.realself.com\/question\/phoenix-az-antihistamines-slow-collagen-stimulation-swelling-after-halo-laser\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.realself.com\/question\/phoenix-az-antihistamines-slow-collagen-stimulation-swelling-after-halo-laser\">to help with swelling.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<p>A lot of people probably wouldn\u2019t have left the house, but I threw caution to the wind and met a friend for coffee and picked up another friend\u2019s marathon bib with her. I feel like we can start to normalize everyone not looking their best every second of every day, no?<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1139375 js-inline-lazy-load\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"1067\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2-Days-After_falsexfalse_true_70.webp\"\/><\/p>\n<h3>Days 3 and 4<\/h3>\n<p>On about day three, right on the clock, the swelling started to subside. \u201cThis is when you can slowly start to integrate skin-care products recommended by your provider,\u201d says Dr. Engelman. \u201cMost of these products will focus on hydration, nourishment, and reparation.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFraxel laser boosts collagen production in the skin while vitamin C is known for its role in collagen synthesis, so using it in conjunction may enhance the overall collagen-stimulating effects,\u201d says Dr. Engelman. \u201cVitamin C is also an essential antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals and pollution damage, which is especially important during the post-laser healing phase when the skin is more susceptible to damage.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1139373 js-inline-lazy-load\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"1067\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Day-4_falsexfalse_true_70.webp\"\/><\/p>\n<h3>Days 5 and 6<\/h3>\n<p>While I was certainly hoping for a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/homemade-foot-peel\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/homemade-foot-peel\/\">BabyFoot-like reaction<\/a> on my face, I never experienced significant shedding, but I did see some flaking. \u201cYou will most likely see your skin start the peeling process, which will eventually reveal healthier skin underneath,\u201d says Dr. Engelman. \u201cContinue using skincare products as recommended and being diligent about sun protection such as applying sunscreen and wearing sun protective clothing.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>One unexpected result that came from getting Fraxel was that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/skin-purging\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/skin-purging\/\">my skin started to purge<\/a>, which apparently isn&#8217;t all that uncommon. Because the laser speeds up cell turnover, it can result in some Millia and small pimples being pushed to the surface of the skin (I also used a thick moisturizer that wasn\u2019t non-comedogenic which likely contributed to my post-treatment breakouts.)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1139369 js-inline-lazy-load\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"1067\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Day-5_falsexfalse_true_70.webp\"\/><\/p>\n<h3>Day 7 and beyond<\/h3>\n<p>Dr. Engelman says that getting the best results from your Fraxel treatment really comes down to maintaining a robust skin-care routine. \u201cRecovery varies from person to person, depending on the intensity of the treatment and each person\u2019s skin type,\u201d she notes.<\/p>\n<p>Around the one-week mark, my skin looked all around better than it had. I was seeing that bounce come back, and the patch of hyperpigmentation on my cheek that I wanted to diffuse was softer; however, it was around two weeks when I saw significant changes in the texture of my skin. It was smoother and clearer than it had been in some time. So, with Fraxel: Patience is key.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1139377 js-inline-lazy-load\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/1week2_falsexfalse_true_70.webp\"\/><\/p>\n<h2>The post-Fraxel products to use<\/h2>\n<div class=\"theme-main-2020\">\n<div class=\"wg-inline-shopable\">\n<div class=\"pb-[20px] sm:pb-[35px] sm:flex justify-between\">\n<div class=\"w-full\">\n<figure class=\"block w-full wg-inline-shopable__figure p-0 m-0 mb-[25px]\"> <a data-vars-event=\"product image\" data-type=\"affiliateLink\" data-product-name=\"Alastin%2C+Ultra+Calm+Cleansing+Cream\" data-product-price-value=\"49\" data-vars-info=\"Alastin%2C+Ultra+Calm+Cleansing+Cream\" href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D104860X1561639%26xs%3D1%26xcust%3DSTMSBT-1139239%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Falastin.com%252Fproducts%252Fultra-calm-cleansing-cream&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Ffraxel-laser%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=104860X1561639&amp;xs=1&amp;xcust=STMSBT-1139239&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Falastin.com%2Fproducts%2Fultra-calm-cleansing-cream\" data-aff-intermediate=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=104860X1561639&amp;xs=1&amp;xcust=STMSBT-1139239&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Falastin.com%2Fproducts%2Fultra-calm-cleansing-cream\"> <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"block w-full no-pin js-inline-lazy-load\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/UltraCalmCleansingCream_5oz_Hero_800x800_crop_center@2x.webp\"\/> <\/a><figcaption class=\"text-center text-caption--article text-gray-light block mt-[10px]\"\/> <\/figure>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D104860X1561639%26xs%3D1%26xcust%3DSTMSBT-1139239%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Falastin.com%252Fproducts%252Fultra-calm-cleansing-cream&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Ffraxel-laser%2F&amp;event_type=click\" class=\"wg-inline-shopable__subtitle-link\" data-type=\"affiliateLink\" data-product-name=\"Alastin%2C+Ultra+Calm+Cleansing+Cream\" data-product-price-value=\"49\" data-vars-event=\"product name\" data-vars-info=\"Alastin%2C+Ultra+Calm+Cleansing+Cream\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=104860X1561639&amp;xs=1&amp;xcust=STMSBT-1139239&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Falastin.com%2Fproducts%2Fultra-calm-cleansing-cream\" data-aff-intermediate=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=104860X1561639&amp;xs=1&amp;xcust=STMSBT-1139239&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Falastin.com%2Fproducts%2Fultra-calm-cleansing-cream\"> <\/p>\n<p>Alastin, Ultra Calm Cleansing Cream \u2014 $49.00<\/p>\n<p> <\/a> <\/p>\n<div class=\"text-big mb-[5px] wg-inline-shopable__content mt-[10px]\">\n<p>After any intensive dermatological treatment, you want to wash your face with something that will gently cleanse it without stripping the skin or causing irritation. I like Alastin, which is a derm-developed brand that\u2019s particularly good for post-procedure protocol. This gentle cream cleanser doesn\u2019t disrupt your skin\u2019s pH balance and it\u2019s non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic, making it an all-star soother for skin recovering from Fraxel.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"pb-[20px] sm:pb-[35px] sm:flex justify-between\">\n<div class=\"w-full\">\n<figure class=\"block w-full wg-inline-shopable__figure p-0 m-0 mb-[25px]\"> <a data-vars-event=\"product image\" data-vars-info=\"SkinCeuticals%2C+HydraBalm\" href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fhowl.me%2Fck8L2vems6M&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Ffraxel-laser%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/howl.me\/ck8L2vems6M\" data-type=\"affiliateLink\" data-aff-intermediate=\"https:\/\/howl.me\/ck8L2vems6M\"> <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"block w-full no-pin js-inline-lazy-load\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/11289618-2125043613311858.webp\"\/> <\/a><figcaption class=\"text-center text-caption--article text-gray-light block mt-[10px]\"\/> <\/figure>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fhowl.me%2Fck8L2vems6M&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Ffraxel-laser%2F&amp;event_type=click\" class=\"wg-inline-shopable__subtitle-link\" data-vars-event=\"product name\" data-vars-info=\"SkinCeuticals%2C+HydraBalm\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/howl.me\/ck8L2vems6M\" data-type=\"affiliateLink\" data-aff-intermediate=\"https:\/\/howl.me\/ck8L2vems6M\"> <\/p>\n<p>SkinCeuticals, HydraBalm \u2014 $50.00<\/p>\n<p> <\/a> <\/p>\n<div class=\"text-big mb-[5px] wg-inline-shopable__content mt-[10px]\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I love this occlusive as an alternative to Vaseline. Because it\u2019s spiked with aloe vera and squalane, it soothes and hydrates the skin while also providing a lock-tight barrier so no water molecules can escape from your complexion. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"pb-[20px] sm:pb-[35px] sm:flex justify-between\">\n<div class=\"w-full\">\n<figure class=\"block w-full wg-inline-shopable__figure p-0 m-0 mb-[25px]\"> <a data-vars-event=\"product image\" data-vars-info=\"iS+Clinical%2C+Vitamin+C+Serum\" href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fhowl.me%2Fck8L260hofA&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Ffraxel-laser%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/howl.me\/ck8L260hofA\" data-type=\"affiliateLink\" data-aff-intermediate=\"https:\/\/howl.me\/ck8L260hofA\"> <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"block w-full no-pin js-inline-lazy-load\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/11355225-1144442881897236.webp\"\/> <\/a><figcaption class=\"text-center text-caption--article text-gray-light block mt-[10px]\"\/> <\/figure>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fhowl.me%2Fck8L260hofA&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Ffraxel-laser%2F&amp;event_type=click\" class=\"wg-inline-shopable__subtitle-link\" data-vars-event=\"product name\" data-vars-info=\"iS+Clinical%2C+Vitamin+C+Serum\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/howl.me\/ck8L260hofA\" data-type=\"affiliateLink\" data-aff-intermediate=\"https:\/\/howl.me\/ck8L260hofA\"> <\/p>\n<p>iS Clinical, Vitamin C Serum \u2014 $158.00<\/p>\n<p> <\/a> <\/p>\n<div class=\"text-big mb-[5px] wg-inline-shopable__content mt-[10px]\">\n<p>This potent vitamin C serum is aided by copper peptides, which help to give it even more antioxidant prowess so that it can better protect against environmental stressors (which cause visible signs of skin damage). It goes onto the skin smoothly and never, ever feels sticky, making it easy to layer morning and night.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"pb-[20px] sm:pb-[35px] sm:flex justify-between\">\n<div class=\"w-full\">\n<figure class=\"block w-full wg-inline-shopable__figure p-0 m-0 mb-[25px]\"> <a data-vars-event=\"product image\" data-vars-info=\"Dr.+Loretta%2C+Intense+Replenishing+Serum\" href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fhowl.me%2Fck8L3NeIo0T&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Ffraxel-laser%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/howl.me\/ck8L3NeIo0T\" data-type=\"affiliateLink\" data-aff-intermediate=\"https:\/\/howl.me\/ck8L3NeIo0T\"> <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"block w-full no-pin js-inline-lazy-load\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/12695136-5115065692080100.webp\"\/> <\/a><figcaption class=\"text-center text-caption--article text-gray-light block mt-[10px]\"\/> <\/figure>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fhowl.me%2Fck8L3NeIo0T&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Ffraxel-laser%2F&amp;event_type=click\" class=\"wg-inline-shopable__subtitle-link\" data-vars-event=\"product name\" data-vars-info=\"Dr.+Loretta%2C+Intense+Replenishing+Serum\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/howl.me\/ck8L3NeIo0T\" data-type=\"affiliateLink\" data-aff-intermediate=\"https:\/\/howl.me\/ck8L3NeIo0T\"> <\/p>\n<p>Dr. Loretta, Intense Replenishing Serum \u2014 $70.00<\/p>\n<p> <\/a> <\/p>\n<div class=\"text-big mb-[5px] wg-inline-shopable__content mt-[10px]\">\n<p>Even if you forgo every other post-treatment product, you\u2019re absolutely going to want to use something that hydrates your skin after you have Fraxel done. This star option from Dr. Loretta contains a cocktail of antioxidants alongside glycolipids, lecithin, linoleic, and linolenic acids to hold moisture deeply within the skin.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"pb-[20px] sm:pb-[35px] sm:flex justify-between\">\n<div class=\"w-full\">\n<figure class=\"block w-full wg-inline-shopable__figure p-0 m-0 mb-[25px]\"> <a data-vars-event=\"product image\" data-vars-info=\"Glo+Skin+Beauty%2C+BioRenew+EGF+Drops\" href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fhowl.me%2Fck8L4AhuN08&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Ffraxel-laser%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/howl.me\/ck8L4AhuN08\" data-type=\"affiliateLink\" data-aff-intermediate=\"https:\/\/howl.me\/ck8L4AhuN08\"> <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"block w-full no-pin js-inline-lazy-load\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/12902908-1665077042699182.webp\"\/> <\/a><figcaption class=\"text-center text-caption--article text-gray-light block mt-[10px]\"\/> <\/figure>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fhowl.me%2Fck8L4AhuN08&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Ffraxel-laser%2F&amp;event_type=click\" class=\"wg-inline-shopable__subtitle-link\" data-vars-event=\"product name\" data-vars-info=\"Glo+Skin+Beauty%2C+BioRenew+EGF+Drops\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/howl.me\/ck8L4AhuN08\" data-type=\"affiliateLink\" data-aff-intermediate=\"https:\/\/howl.me\/ck8L4AhuN08\"> <\/p>\n<p>Glo Skin Beauty, BioRenew EGF Drops \u2014 $136.00<\/p>\n<p> <\/a> <\/p>\n<div class=\"text-big mb-[5px] wg-inline-shopable__content mt-[10px]\">\n<p>These drops help to repair your skin\u2019s barrier, effectively speeding up the time it takes your skin to bounce back post-laser. I mix them with vitamin C and slather the concoction all over my face.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>The final verdict<\/h2>\n<p>Despite my initial trepidation with Fraxel, I\u2019d now readily recommend it. It\u2019s about a six or seven on the pain scale when you\u2019re in the chair, and while the recovery does take an extended amount of time, the results are pretty incredible and long-lasting. If you went ham in the sun this summer or have had a baby and find yourself with hyperpigmentation (it me!), if you want to do the equivalent of fluffing your duvet for your skin, it could be well worth talking to your dermatologist to hear more about if it\u2019s right for you, too.<\/p>\n<div class=\"disclaimers__after_content mb-[18px] mt-[16px] pt-[16px]\">\n<div class=\"outline-earmark relative mt-[8px] pt-[10px] pl-[20px]\">\n<p>\n            Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.          <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1675549\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I spent the entire elevator ride to Shafer Clinic in Manhattan considering chickening out of the Fraxel treatment that was waiting for me on the 33rd floor. Though the do-it-all laser has long been regarded as the gold standard of skin care, it has a reputation for requiring some serious downtime, and I wasn&#8217;t sure &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":9249,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9248","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9248","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=9248"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9248\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/9249"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=9248"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=9248"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=9248"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}