
How soon can I wash my face after fractional laser treatment?
I am a 25-year-old female who recently underwent fractional laser treatment. There is some redness and mild pain on my skin. I would like to know how long I should wait before resuming normal face washing to avoid affecting the recovery outcome.

You can wash your face 7 to 15 days after fractional laser treatment.
Fractional laser is an effective skin rejuvenation technique that works by targeting the skin with microscopic laser beams to stimulate collagen regeneration, improve skin texture, and reduce issues such as scars and acne pits. However, the skin becomes sensitive and fragile after treatment and requires time to recover. Typically, redness, mild pain, and peeling may occur after the procedure, which are all normal reactions.
Generally, scabs will form within 3 to 7 days following fractional laser treatment, and it takes about 4 more days for the scabs to naturally shed. Therefore, most patients can start washing their face between 7 to 15 days post-treatment. However, the exact timing should be determined based on individual skin condition and healing progress.
If the patient has good skin with strong metabolism and heals quickly, face washing can resume around 7 days after treatment. However, care should be taken to avoid rubbing or irritating the skin during washing. If the patient has poor skin condition, slower metabolism, and a longer healing period, it may be necessary to wait 10 days or longer before washing the face.