There is a possibility that certain laser therapies cause the skin to react sensitively to ingredients in some facial cleansers.
There are different types of facial cleansers available on the market. For instance, cleansers for acne-prone skin may include BHA like salicylic acid to improve comedones. Mature skin needing rejuvenation could incorporate retinol and AHAs like glycolic acid to exfoliate. At the same time, it can help to lighten sun-damaged skin.
For people with sensitive skin such as eczema or rosacea, cleansers commonly contain ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid for hydrating purposes. Occasionally, fragrances and alcohol might also be used in the production of facial cleansers.
Broadly speaking, lasers can be classified into non-ablative and ablative treatments. Non-ablative lasers generally deliver gentle treatments that are well tolerated. Most of the time, it does not result in significant downtime or redness.
Meanwhile, ablative lasers, conversely, are stronger and involve a short period of downtime post-treatment. During this time, your skin might be red and easily aggravated by harsher products found in facial cleansers like:
- alcohol,
- AHAs,
- BHAs,
- retinol.
It is advisable to stay with hydrating, non-irritating facial cleansers during this period of recovery. In addition, if laser treatment was done with an unsuitable type of laser or with the wrong technique, you can indeed suffer from hypersensitivity.
Please approach your doctor for a formal consultation if your hypersensitivity worsens, as this is as much general advice I can offer without seeing you in person.
