Best Products to Use After a Laser Treatment (and for Sensitive Skin)

Yesterday I did it- I got the Blue Light Levulan Photodynamic Therapy treatment (this little website actually explains it pretty well). I chose it last minute over the professional micro needling because of how it gives a more complete skin rejuvenation and prevents skin cancer (more on that with a complete before and after later). For now, let’s talk about the skincare given to me right after the treatment to use on my very compromised and ultra-sensitive skin. If this is what docs are giving to patients whose skin shouldn’t even be exposed to sunlight, then those of you with sensitized skin might want to take note, there may be a good solution in here for you too.

Elta MD UV Facial SPF 30: This is a brand I’ve never heard of before, but clicking around today I saw that this SPF is a cult fav that people swear by. I read over and again how it was suggested by a doctor for those who had a reaction to sunscreen or were acne-prone. I haven’t used it yet, but it’s a line I’m excited to check out especially seeing that it was chosen as a best-of by the EWG this year.

Vanicream SPF 60: I bought a sunscreen of theirs a few years ago after searching for a safe physical SPF, it was a fav of beauty editors and the EWG alike. A physical block means it has zinc and titanium dioxide to protect the skin from the sun (like the white stuff lifeguards used to use on their noses), versus a chemical block which uses things like avobenzone and oxybenzone which can be irritating to sensitive skin. If you have any sort of skin reaction at all from sunscreens, switch to a physical block where you might have more luck.

Auuaphor Healing Ointment: Of course I already had some of this all-purpose healing ointment on hand because I use it on my lips and cuticles, but I’d never used it on my face. Since it isn’t fully absorbed into the skin, it acts as a barrier to lock in much needed moisture to create an ideal environment for my skin to heal. It’s not something I’d use on my face long-term of course but if your skin isn’t responding well to anything else you might give it a try.

Dove Sensitive Skin: They also had Vanicream Cleansing Bars which I would’ve preferred because it doesn’t contain sodium tallowate, but they gave me the Dave Sensitive Body Wash too which is sodium tallowate free. The Dove wash is what I’ve used a few times already and it didn’t sting or burn and cleansed the ointment off pretty well without leaving my skin dry. For just $9, the Dove wash would be perfect to throw in the shower and use on both face and body every day.

I’m sequestered to the house for another day, but I’m vlogging and taking pics of my face (which resembles raw meat) so I can show the world… Now I understand why I couldn’t find but 3 people who posted video diaries to YouTube (only 1 woman btw) after having this done. You look like shit which isn’t the most fun thing to share, but whatever- it’s interesting and if you’re looking to have it done you should probably know what to expect. Vanity is overrated.