Laser Resurfacing - Advice Needed
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Thu Jan 07, 2010 6:37 pm

Hello All,

I really need some advice! My mom just had laser resurfacing. After the treatment, the derm put vaseline on her face and recommended using only vaseline to moisturize, and only water to cleanse her face for the next few days.

I don't understand this. Vaseline clogs pores. I had a minor chemical peel several years ago, and used Vaseline to moisturize because I thought it was the least irritating. I got a zit the next day. My mom has the same skin as me, so I'm worried about this because the last thing my mom needs right now is a breakout.

I'm looking for anyone's input on this. I found a website that recommends Eucerin, and having used Eucerin, I think my mom would be happier with that than Vaseline. I also wonder if there's anything non-irritating that can be used to cleanse. Water is not going to cleanse away Vaseline! Another website recommended saline, but where do you get saline? I don't care for the advice that derm gave. Any input is appreciated!

Thanks all! Smile

free skin care · Thu Jan 07, 2010 8:34 pm

I think using vaseline is pretty common after a laser peel but Eucerin probably works as well. A lot of plastic surgeons suggest cleansing with apple cider vinegar which will cut through the vaseline coating and surprisingly the acv is quite soothing. The vaseline is used to protect the skin as it peels. I suppose post-procedure ptotocols will vary from doctor to doctor.

free skin care · Thu Jan 07, 2010 8:37 pm

KrazyKatLadyAUE wrote:

Hello All,

I really need some advice! My mom just had laser resurfacing. After the treatment, the derm put vaseline on her face and recommended using only vaseline to moisturize, and only water to cleanse her face for the next few days.

I don't understand this. Vaseline clogs pores. I had a minor chemical peel several years ago, and used Vaseline to moisturize because I thought it was the least irritating. I got a zit the next day. My mom has the same skin as me, so I'm worried about this because the last thing my mom needs right now is a breakout.

I'm looking for anyone's input on this. I found a website that recommends Eucerin, and having used Eucerin, I think my mom would be happier with that than Vaseline. I also wonder if there's anything non-irritating that can be used to cleanse. Water is not going to cleanse away Vaseline! Another website recommended saline, but where do you get saline? I don't care for the advice that derm gave. Any input is appreciated!

Thanks all! Smile

I had a CO2 peel a couple years ago and I was told to use Cetaphil to wash face with. Do it very very gently and rinse very very gently. Afterwords I used Aquaphor healing ointment constantly thoughout the day.

free skin care · Thu Jan 07, 2010 8:58 pm

I had urbium laser about 10 years ago and used vaseline right up until the peeling finished. I also had a 35% TCA peel a few years before that and also used vaseline. I had no problems with it.

free skin care · Thu Jan 07, 2010 9:57 pm

Aquaphor Healing Ointment:

Active Ingredients: Petrolatum 41%.

Inactive Ingredients: Mineral Oil, Ceresin, Lanolin Alcohol, Panthenol, Glycerin, Bisabolol.

Not much difference between this product and plain Vaseline really.

free skin care · Fri Jan 08, 2010 2:39 am

Vaseline, being mostly a barrier and protective balm, will not react and cause skin irritation. It's a safe bet as far as the physician is concerned.

I personally don't believe minerol oil clog pores. I had a discussion with my beauty therapist who uses Ella Bache, full of mineral oil. Her answer so simple: what you put on the face doesn't clog pores, blackheads, etc come from underneath the skin.

I'm sure I have just started a massive debate re: the above. But it's true in my case. Regardless of what skin care I use (or don't use anything at all), the blackheads are there on my nose and chin!

Most French skin care companies are full of mineral oil anyway, from Lancome, Dior and Swiss like Valmont. They don't see what the big fuss is about against mineral oil. To them, it's a superior carrier, spreads well, keeps well (doesn't go rancid) and leaves the skin smooth and protected.

Back to the subject, I assume your mum would only be on Vaseline for 2 weeks. Please follow the physician's instruction.

free skin care · Fri Jan 08, 2010 11:13 am

I have had several laser procedures and the various doctors all recommended Aquaphor or vaseline.
After my CO2 I had to gently wash my face with Purpose in distilled water and sterile gauze, rinse well and then cover with the Aquaphor several times a day for 14 days. I had no issues from pore clogging whatsoever.
As a matter of fact in this cold and dry weather right now I do an occasional night of Aquaphor.

free skin care · Fri Jan 08, 2010 2:43 pm

Nothing wrong with Vaseline. Its commonly recommended after procedure like this.
Vaseline is not know to clog pores. I'm acne prone and use some times.

Fri Jan 08, 2010 6:08 pm

I just want to say thanks so much for all the responses!! This really makes me and my mom feel better. She's going to go ahead and use the vaseline.

I love EDS! Smile

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