HALO gives you the glow-up you’ve been waiting for with very little downtime, but your results aren’t instantaneous. You’ll need to follow your aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and the glowing results you’re after. Below, we break down your HALO laser recovery day by day so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
Treatment Day
Technically, your recovery time following treatment is just 60 minutes. However, you won’t see results from your treatment for about a week. During those intervening days, your skin will undergo a period of renewal and rejuvenation. Here’s what that week typically looks like for most patients.
Day 1: Immediate Post-Treatment
On the first day following your HALO laser skin resurfacing treatment, you’ll likely notice your skin feeling warm and tight. This sensation is completely normal and part of the healing process. Your skin may also appear red and inflamed, similar to a mild sunburn. The treated area may feel rough to the touch—a little like sandpaper—as the outer layers of your skin start to respond to the laser treatment.
Keep your skin well moisturized during this time. Avoid direct sun exposure and refrain from applying makeup or other potentially irritating products to your skin.
Day 2 & 3: Initial Recovery Phase
By days 2 and 3, the initial redness and warmth will begin to subside slightly, but your skin will still be sensitive. Expect a continued sensation of tightness and mild swelling. The rough texture you felt on the first day will evolve into a more noticeably dry and flaky appearance. Don’t be alarmed! This is a sign that your skin is beginning to shed the old, damaged layers to make way for new, healthy skin.
Continue to use gentle, hydrating skincare products and maintain a consistent moisturizing routine. If you experience any discomfort or swelling, applying cool compresses can provide relief. We recommend that you still avoid unnecessary sun exposure to protect your skin.
Day 4 & 5: Skin Peeling
Around days 4 and 5, you’ll start to see more significant peeling of the outer layer of skin. This process is entirely normal and indicates that your skin is regenerating. The peeling may be more pronounced in certain areas, and the skin underneath will appear pink and sensitive.
Although it may be tempting, do NOT pick or pull at your flaking skin, as this can lead to scarring or infection. Instead, let the skin shed naturally. Continue to apply a gentle moisturizer and avoid any products that could irritate your sensitive skin, such as exfoliants or strong acne treatments.
Day 6 & 7: Visible Results
By the end of the first week, most of the visible peeling will have subsided, and your skin will start to feel smoother and softer. The pinkness of the newly revealed skin will gradually fade, leaving you with a fresh and rejuvenated appearance.
However, your skin will still be in the healing phase, so it’s essential to remain diligent about moisturizing and limiting sun exposure. A broad-spectrum sunscreen is crucial to protect your new skin from UV damage, which can compromise your results and prolong healing.
Week 2 and Beyond: Continued Improvement
As you move into the second week, you should notice a significant improvement in your skin’s texture and appearance. The new skin will continue to mature and blend with your natural complexion.
While any lingering redness should diminish, it’s still important to practice good skincare habits. Your skin will likely feel more comfortable and resilient. However, keep in mind that the HALO laser healing process includes both short-term rejuvenation and long-term skin health benefits. Your results will continue to develop over the following months as your skin undergoes ongoing repair and rejuvenation.
Renew Your Skin With HALO
Remember: HALO laser recovery time can vary between individuals, so patience is key. Embrace the process and enjoy the beautiful, youthful skin that awaits you! If you would like to discover the HALO glow for yourself, please request a consultation or call us at (858) 788-7989.
Not sure if HALO is right for you? Check out our personalized treatment planner, or take our quiz!