Ablative Procedure Post Care

Ablative procedures remove the outer layers of skin to trigger the healing and restructuring of the skin matrix. This process increases collagen production and produces excellent clinical results. These procedures are great options for patients who want to reduce signs of aging, uneven skin tone or other signs of damage. However, the healing process can diminish the positive results of the procedure if the wrong products are used during post-care.

 After an ablative procedure is performed, the skin has lost its protective barrier. As the new epidermis forms, the surface area is susceptible to infection or scabbing. To avoid these unwanted effects, a product needs to be applied to the skin surface to shield it during the healing process.

 Some doctors use Vaseline or other heavy, waxy oils to protect the skin during this stage but these products can often do more harm than good. When you remove everything down to the dermis, that injury temporarily paralyzes the muscle that keeps pores contracted. This means pores are open during the healing process. If heavy oil-based products are applied to the skin, the pores will clog and milia will form when the muscle is no longer paralyzed.

 After an ablative procedure, the skin heals best when there is a light, oil-free moisture barrier over the skin. At Therapon Skin Health, we designed products that work in a safe and effective manner for all types of skin, including skin that has gone through an ablative procedure. Theraderm Gentle Moisturizer has no harsh ingredients. It’s also very easily removed from fragile or injured skin, making it a great option for use on ablated skin. By keeping the raw surface covered and hydrated, the skin can heal properly and patients will see the best possible results from their procedure.