Hello. I am Director Lee Sang-ju, a dermatologist. After receiving laser treatment at a dermatology clinic for various reasons, you may often be prescribed or recommended to use a regenerating cream by the clinic. Many of you may have wondered if regenerating cream, which is known as a functional cosmetic, is really necessary for laser treatment, and which product to apply. Today, we will learn more about the role of regenerating cream after laser treatment and how to use it correctly.
What changes does the skin undergo after laser treatment?
Laser is a treatment that uses light to treat the skin. Just as skin can become red, sore, or dry after sun exposure in the summer, and then peel a few days later, similar reactions can occur after laser treatment. The treated area may become red, swollen, and feel warm, and dryness and peeling may accompany it after a few days.
Do I really need to apply regenerating cream?
Yes, there is a clear reason why clinics recommend using regenerating cream. This is because regenerating creams provide sufficient moisture to the skin after treatment and contain ingredients that help improve skin wounds. Therefore, consistently applying regenerating cream can have a positive effect on the skin regeneration process.
The role of regenerating cream according to laser type
Lasers can be broadly divided into those that wound the skin and those that do not. Regenerating cream helps skin recovery according to the characteristics of each laser.
After non-ablative laser treatment
After non-ablative laser treatment, regenerating cream helps to quickly reduce swelling and soothe the skin, contributing to rapid recovery to a normal state. It also plays a role in accelerating skin regeneration, reducing dryness and peeling in the treated area, and helping wounds heal well.
After ablative laser treatment
In the case of ablative laser treatment, regenerating cream contains ingredients such as EGF that help wounds heal quickly. The skin barrier, which can be damaged by laser treatment, plays an important role in protecting the skin and our body from external factors. Regenerating cream can help rapidly restore this skin barrier.
- EGF component: Promotes wound healing, helping the skin to heal quickly.
- Skin barrier recovery: Strengthens the damaged skin barrier to protect the skin from external stimuli.
Which regenerating cream should I choose?
It is not easy for the average person to judge which of the many regenerating creams on the market is good. The following considerations can be made:
- EGF component: After treatments that involve wounds, products containing EGF components may be helpful.
- Avoid irritating ingredients: Even if a product contains many good ingredients, it is best to choose a product that does not contain preservatives or allergy-causing ingredients that can irritate the skin.
Generally, medical staff at clinics directly test and select the most suitable products, so using in-clinic medical professional products sold at the clinic can be helpful.
How to use regenerating cream effectively?
It is best to apply regenerating cream immediately after laser treatment. It is generally applied consistently morning and evening, and applying it three times a day is not a big problem. If you often feel dry, you can reapply it frequently.
Precautions and the importance of personalized care
However, the method of using regenerating cream may vary slightly depending on the type of laser treated and the skin condition. Especially if there is a wound, it is important to follow the instructions if the clinic has given specific warnings about the use of a particular regenerating cream. Therefore, it is most advisable to inquire with the clinic where you received the treatment for more detailed and personalized usage instructions.