Your DEKA CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing Care Guide

Pre-Treatment

• 6 months prior: Absolutely NO Accutane (Isotretinoin).
• 14 days prior:
  • Avoid all laser treatment.
  • Avoid tanning beds, self-tanner, and unprotected sun exposure.
• 7 days prior:
  • Discontinue all topical retinoid/retinols, exfoliating masks, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide, acne products, alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), beta hydroxy acids (BHA), and any other exfoliating or resurfacing agents.
  • Avoid photosensitizing medications (such as doxycycline, minocycline, or certain antibiotics) unless cleared by your provider.
• 5 days prior: Avoid excessive alcohol consumption to reduce risk of dehydration and bruising.
• 3–5 days prior: Increase water intake to 48–64 oz per day, and continue through the day after treatment to support healing.
• 2 days prior (if applicable):
  • If you have a history of cold sores, see your physician for an antiviral agent and start taking it 2 days prior to treatment.
  • Active cold sores require rescheduling.
• General health considerations:
  • Treatment cannot be performed if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you have open wounds, active infections, rashes, or eczema flare-ups in the treatment area.
• Injectables: Avoid treatment within 2 weeks of dermal filler or neuromodulator (Botox, Dysport, etc.) injections in the same area.
• Alert your provider if:
  • You are prescribed anticoagulant medication
  • You have a history of or are prone to keloid scarring
  • You have a history of infection
  • You have a compromised immune system

Day of Treatment

• Avoid lotion, creams, oils, and makeup on the area to be treated.
• Arrive with clean, washed skin, free of makeup or topicals.
• Notify your provider of any changes in skin condition, medical history, supplements, or over-the-counter medications.
• Treatment cannot be performed over active cold sores, open lesions, severe/active acne outbreaks, herpes simplex, or sunburns in the application area.

What to Expect

• Redness, swelling, flaking, microscabbing, pinpoint bleeding, oozing, weeping, and a sunburn-like sensation immediately following treatment.
• A rough or “sandpaper-like” texture to the skin from 3–10 days as treated cells shed.
• Dryness or tightness in the treated area.

Post-Treatment

Days 1–5 (Vinegar Soak Phase)

• Avoid ALL lotions, oils, skincare, and topical products.
• Starting the day after treatment and for the next 4 days:
  Vinegar soaks every 3–4 hours
  • Prepare a mixture of:
    1 tsp white distilled vinegar + 1 cup distilled water
    (or boiled water that has cooled).
  • Submerge several dental gauze pads into the mixture, cover, and refrigerate.
  • Apply pre-soaked gauze to the entire treatment area for 15 minutes.
  • Do NOT rub, scrub, or apply pressure. Gently pat only to maintain contact.
  • Remove gauze and pat skin dry with a clean washcloth or towel.
    Do NOT use paper towels on facial skin.
  • Apply Vaseline (NOT Aquaphor — no lanolin) and allow it to absorb.
• You may use a cool compress for comfort.
• Avoid warm or hot water on the treated skin.
• Absolutely no exfoliants, acids, retinoids, active ingredients, or any skincare products not provided or listed.
• No sauna, exercise, hot yoga, or sweating for 7 days following treatment.
• Sleep on clean sheets and pillowcases.
• Avoid pet dander near the treatment area.
  Wash hands immediately after touching pets.
• No makeup for 5–7 days following treatment.
  When makeup resumes after 1 week, ensure brushes are clean.

Days 6–10 (Healing Phase)

Begin using the provided skincare kit as follows.

Morning

• Wash with EltaMD Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser (gentle, non-stripping).
• Apply a thin layer of EltaMD Enzyme HydroGel (hydrates + soothes).
• Apply EltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex (restores skin barrier).
• Finish with EltaMD UV Skin Recovery SPF (daily sun protection).

Evening

• Wash with Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleaner.
• Apply Enzyme HydroGel.
• Apply Barrier Renewal Complex.

Day 10 and Beyond

• Continue using your EltaMD routine until instructed to return to your normal skincare.
• You may resume active products (retinoids, exfoliants, vitamin C) after 7–10 days, or when skin feels fully calm.