Solaria CO₂ LaserPre & Post Treatment Care
Follow these instructions carefully to ensure optimal healing and the best possible results from your treatment.
Pre-Treatment Instructions
Proper preparation is essential for optimal results and safety
2 Weeks Before
- ✓Avoid sun exposure and tanning (including self-tanners)
- ✓Stop using retinoids (Retin-A, tretinoin, retinol)
- ✓Discontinue AHAs, BHAs, and glycolic acid products
- ✓Avoid waxing, threading, or depilatory creams on treatment area
1 Week Before
- ✓Stop taking blood thinners if medically approved (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E)
- ✓Discontinue any exfoliating treatments
- ✓Begin antiviral medication if prescribed (for cold sore history)
- ✓Stay well-hydrated
Day Before
- ✓Avoid alcohol consumption
- ✓Get a good night's sleep
- ✓Prepare your recovery area at home with clean pillowcases
- ✓Stock up on recommended post-care products
Day Of Treatment
- ✓Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin
- ✓Wear comfortable, loose clothing
- ✓Arrange for someone to drive you home
- ✓Eat a light meal before your appointment
- ✓Bring sunglasses for the ride home
🛒 Products You'll Need
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Keep skin moist during healing
Days 1-7
Gentle Cleanser (Cetaphil/CeraVe)
Gentle cleansing
Day 3+
SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen
Sun protection
Once healed (Week 2+)
Gentle Moisturizer
Hydration after peeling
Week 2+
Clean Pillowcases
Prevent bacteria
Change daily Days 1-7
Ice Packs/Cool Compresses
Reduce swelling
Days 1-3
Post-Treatment Care Timeline
Your healing journey day by day
Days 1-3
Immediate Recovery
✅ DO:
- •Apply cool compresses for 10-15 minutes every hour while awake
- •Keep skin moist with Aquaphor or prescribed healing ointment at all times
- •Sleep with head elevated on 2-3 pillows to reduce swelling
- •Take prescribed pain medication as needed
- •Drink plenty of water (aim for 8+ glasses daily)
- •Avoid touching your face except when applying ointment with clean hands
🚫 AVOID:
- •Direct sun exposure
- •Picking or peeling skin
- •Makeup or skincare products (only healing ointment)
- •Strenuous exercise or sweating
- •Hot showers (lukewarm only, avoid direct water on face)
Days 4-7
Active Peeling Phase
✅ DO:
- •Continue keeping skin moist with healing ointment
- •Gently cleanse with lukewarm water and gentle cleanser (Cetaphil, CeraVe)
- •Pat dry gently—never rub
- •Your skin will begin peeling—this is NORMAL and expected
- •Continue sleeping elevated if swelling persists
- •Stay hydrated and eat nutritious foods to support healing
🚫 AVOID:
- •Picking, pulling, or peeling skin (let it fall off naturally)
- •Makeup until peeling is complete
- •Direct sun exposure
- •Swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas
- •Exercise that causes sweating
- •Alcohol consumption
Week 2
New Skin Emerges
✅ DO:
- •Once peeling is complete, begin gentle moisturizer
- •Start applying SPF 50+ sunscreen every morning (even indoors)
- •Continue gentle cleansing routine
- •Your new skin will be pink—this is normal
- •May resume light makeup if desired (mineral makeup recommended)
- •Light physical activity may resume
🚫 AVOID:
- •Harsh skincare products or active ingredients
- •Direct prolonged sun exposure
- •Picking at any remaining flaky areas
- •Intense workouts that cause heavy sweating
Weeks 3-4
Continued Healing
✅ DO:
- •Continue SPF 50+ daily (this is critical for 3-6 months)
- •May gradually introduce gentle skincare products
- •Pink/red tone will fade over the coming weeks
- •Normal activities can resume
- •Schedule your follow-up appointment
🚫 AVOID:
- •Retinoids, AHAs, BHAs until cleared by your provider (usually 4-6 weeks)
- •Chemical peels or aggressive treatments
- •Tanning or prolonged sun exposure
Months 1-6
Collagen Remodeling
✅ DO:
- •Continue daily SPF 50+ protection
- •Results will continue improving as collagen rebuilds
- •May resume retinoids and active skincare when cleared by provider
- •Consider maintenance treatments as recommended
- •Take progress photos to track your transformation
🚫 AVOID:
- •Excessive sun exposure without protection
- •Skipping sunscreen
🚨 When to Contact Us Immediately
- !Signs of infection: increasing redness, pus, fever, or foul odor
- !Severe pain not controlled by prescribed medication
- !Blistering or oozing that seems excessive
- !Allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, severe swelling
- !Any concerns about your healing process
Contact us at 630-636-6193 or text 630-881-3398
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
📅 Visual Healing Timeline
Day 1-3
Red & Swollen
Keep moist, ice
Day 4-7
Peeling
Don't pick!
Week 2
Pink & New
Start SPF
Week 3-4
Fading Pink
Normal routine
Month 1-6
Improving
Collagen building
Save or print this page for easy reference during your recovery
Ready to Transform Your Skin?
Schedule your Solaria CO₂ consultation or join the VIP waitlist for exclusive early access and special pricing.
Questions? Call 630-636-6193 or text 630-881-3398
These instructions are general guidelines. Your provider may give you specific instructions based on your individual treatment. Always follow your provider's personalized instructions if they differ from these guidelines.
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