Following a laser treatment, Vampire Facial, or microdermabrasion, your skin is in a particularly vulnerable state and needs careful care to avoid further irritation. While it might seem intuitive to reach for a moisturizer to soothe the inflamed skin, the choice of product can significantly impact the healing process. Ensuring adequate skin hydration post-procedure is vital for a quick and effective recovery. However, using a moisturizer packed with strong acids or harsh chemicals can strip and further disrupt the skin's delicate balance.
“The key components to look for in post-treatment moisturizers are occlusives, such as petrolatum, vitamin E oil, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, lanolin, and aloe, which help prevent water loss,” explains Dr. Dendy Engelman, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. These occlusives are celebrated for their ability to create a protective barrier over the epidermis. “Moisturized wounds heal more effectively and quickly—a concept that challenges the old belief that wounds need to be exposed and scab over. Moisture is actually beneficial.” Below are nine moisturizers recommended by dermatologists, perfect for sensitive and post-procedure skin.
Ghost Democracy Clean Lightweight Daily Face Moisturizer ($28)
This hydrator delivers consistently impressive results whether used post-procedure or on days when your skin needs extra care. “This moisturizer uses entirely pure ingredients and advanced technology—oat extract and niacinamide protect and calm inflamed skin, while panthenol accelerates wound healing,” says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “Probiotic extracts help maintain a healthy microbiome, ensuring optimal skin function.”
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Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar ($195)
“This product can be applied immediately post-procedure for faster recovery and healthier-looking skin,” states Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “It has been shown to enhance the effectiveness and reduce downtime of both ablative and non-ablative skin rejuvenation procedures.” Dr. King explains that this product aids in clearing damaged cells and debris from the extracellular matrix, the network of molecules that support skin cells, while also promoting the skin’s natural production of new, healthy elastin and collagen. “Its high antioxidant activity is designed to soothe the skin and reduce redness.”
Aquaphor Healing Ointment ($10)
For a more budget-friendly option, consider Aquaphor’s Healing Ointment, available at most drugstores. “This ointment is highly effective in moisturizing severely cracked, dry, and inflamed areas,” notes Dr. Engelman. “It works by preventing water loss in the skin, allowing natural oils to nourish and repair. This product uses lanolin to condition and comfort dry skin.”
Eighteen B Hydrate + Restore Rich Cream ($95)
“This cream uses a specialized silk protein that acts as both a breathable barrier and a carrier of hydrating components like ceramides, which help fill the gaps between skin cells,” explains Dr. Zeichner. “It is breathable and can aid in protecting the skin as it heals.”
Calecim Professional Restorative Hydration Cream ($65)
“The use of stem cells in skincare has become more common due to their regenerative properties—this line uses stem cells ethically and safely obtained from the umbilical cord lining of New Zealand red deer,” says Dr. King. “When these stem cells are cultured, they produce a mix of proteins, growth factors, and cytokines that aid in skin repair and rejuvenation. They increase hyaluronic acid levels in the skin, enhance epidermal cell turnover, and contribute to wound healing.” Dr. King adds that a single-blinded split-face trial observed the recovery of 14 patients who underwent full-face carbon dioxide fractional laser resurfacing. Immediately post-procedure, one side of the face was treated with Calecim serum, and patients experienced reduced warmth, less pain, and less redness as the skin healed.
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SkinMedica TNS Ceramide Treatment Cream ($69)
Commonly found in dermatologists’ offices, this moisturizer is a favorite among patients for good reason. “This cream is designed to repair, nourish, and protect delicate, injured skin,” says Dr. Engelman. “Its rich texture provides plumping moisture with hyaluronic acid to reduce dehydration lines and enhance radiance and luminosity. It supports our body’s natural production of ceramides, essential for a strong skin barrier.”
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Balm ($15)
If you’re planning a laser appointment, stock up on this product beforehand. “This balm is an excellent choice after laser treatments—it helps protect the skin from environmental factors without clogging pores or burdening the skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. “It softens and hydrates the skin with shea butter and glycerin, while panthenol alleviates inflammation and promotes wound healing.”
Avene Cicalfate Post-Procedure Skin Recovery Emulsion ($32)
“This lightweight, soothing skin recovery lotion is formulated for use after procedures—including laser, peel, and hair removal—to restore skin without causing additional irritation,” says Dr. King. “It absorbs quickly and provides an immediate cooling sensation and six hours of hydration.” Sucralfate helps facilitate the skin recovery process by protecting the compromised skin from the environment, and a copper-zinc sulfate complex promotes healthy skin conditions for optimal recovery, Dr. King adds.
Glo Skin Beauty Restorative Cream ($52)
“I prefer this cream because it uses shea butter, which softens and conditions the skin,” says Dr. Engelman. “It also contains antioxidants, which help reduce recovery time by repairing compromised skin.”
