Just as you diligently chose the treatment to rejuvenate and restore your skin it is of equal importance to properly care for it post treatment. Tara has created this summary for her patients to reference post CO2 Skin rejuvenation treatment. Keep in mind that each patient has unique settings and therefore the downtime will vary patient too patient.
Immediately following your CO2 treatment for skin rejuvenation with Tara @ DCCM™
4 hours after your treatment apply your Alastin Nectar or the Aquaphor in order to keep the skin with a thin layer of ointment on it at ALL times. Change your pillow case every night or lay a fresh clean white towel over the pillow each night to sleep. Do not sleep with your pets at this time as you can develop infections and hyperpigmentation.
Your skin will be hot for the first 4 hours after the treatment, then it will become red, dry and look like you have little grids all over it. You may even notice it gets dry, cracks and oozes a bit. All of these changes are normal. Do not pick or peel your skin. Once you are ready to go back outside you must wear sunscreen and a hat. It is advised that you stay out of the sun completely for 4-6 weeks. You can cause serious damage to the skin if you expose it to sun post treatment. You must directly avoid the sun for a minimum of 4 weeks. Apply sunscreen even to go in the car as you can hyperpigmentation the skin if not.
The Morning after your treatment
The following morning you will create a mixture of 1/3 White vinegar and 2/3 warm water. You will soak a paper towel in your solution and allow it to sit on the skin for 5 minutes. This is a natural antibacterial and it will also help to cut the grease from the ointment you have been keeping on your skin. After your vinegar soak, you will GENTLY wash your face with a very mild cleanser (we recommend ZO gentle Cleanser retailed here at DCCM). Do not rub or pick the skin, you only want to very gently pat your skin. It is best to just use the tips of your fingers and avoid a face cloth or face brush to wash until the skin is healed. Be sure the skin is throughly rinsed and then apply your ointment again and keep reapplying all day.
At Bed time; repeat your vinegar soak process.
You will be dry and red for up to 7 days, your skin will remain pink and slightly tender for up to 3-4 more weeks. Makeup can be worn once the skins texture is even again and all of the scabs and flaking are gone. This usually occurs by day 3-5. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call the practice and a member of our team can help guide your care.
For 30 days avoid:
Direct sunlight,
Swimming,
Sweating,
Exercise,
Vigorous activities that cause sweating;
Tanning beds all together,
Powered cleansing brushes,
Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids,
Retinol (Vitamin A),
Vitamin C (low-pH formula) scrubs;
Anything perceived as “active” skincare.