To ensure the safest and most effective results, please follow these guidelines:

7 Days Before Your Treatment

• ❌ Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds – No sunburns, self-tanners, or spray tans on the face.

• 💊 Stop retinoids and exfoliating acids – Discontinue products containing retinol, tretinoin, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or other exfoliants.

• ⚠️ Avoid certain skincare treatments – No waxing, chemical peels, microneedling, or laser hair removal on the face.

3–5 Days Before

• 🧴 Hydrate your skin – Use a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF daily.

• 💧 Drink plenty of water – Hydrated skin heals faster and responds better to treatment.

• 🛑 Stop using active acne medications (e.g., benzoyl peroxide, adapalene) unless cleared by your provider.

24 Hours Before

• 🚫 Avoid alcohol – It can increase risk of redness and bruising.

• 🧼 Arrive with clean skin – No makeup, lotion, or SPF on the treatment area.

• 💊 Check medications – Let us know if you’re taking antibiotics, steroids, or Accutane (must be off for 6+ months).

Day of Appointment

• 😌 Come relaxed and ready – The treatment is quick and comfortable.

• 👕 Wear comfortable clothing – Avoid high collars or anything that could rub the face post-treatment.

The CO₂ CoolPeel® is designed to be much more comfortable than traditional CO₂ laser resurfacing. Most patients describe the sensation as a warm, prickly feeling or mild stinging, similar to a sunburn or light zap. The treatment is very tolerable, and no numbing is typically required, although a topical anesthetic can be used for added comfort if you prefer.

Because CoolPeel uses ultra-short, controlled bursts of energy, it limits heat buildup and minimizes discomfort while still delivering great results. Any redness or warmth afterward is usually mild and resolves within a few hours to a couple of days.

One of the biggest advantages of CoolPeel® is the minimal downtime compared to traditional CO₂ lasers.

⏱ Typical downtime is 1–3 days
You may experience:

• Mild redness (like a sunburn)

• Slight warmth or tightness

• A rough, sandpaper-like texture as your skin begins to exfoliate

Most clients are comfortable returning to work or daily activities the next day, especially with light mineral makeup if needed. Redness typically fades within 48–72 hours, and your skin will gradually reveal a smoother, more refreshed appearance over the following week.

Results from a single CO₂ CoolPeel® treatment can last several months, depending on your skin condition, age, and skincare routine. Many patients notice visible improvement in skin tone, texture, and overall radiance after just one session, with full results appearing over 4–6 weeks as collagen production continues.

🌟 For optimal results and long-term benefits:

• A series of 3 treatments spaced 4–6 weeks apart is recommended

• Follow-up maintenance treatments every 6–12 months help sustain your glow

• Consistent at-home skincare and SPF are key to protecting your investment

CoolPeel® vs. Traditional CO₂ Laser — Which One Do I Need?

Both CoolPeel® and traditional CO₂ lasers improve skin texture, tone, and signs of aging—but they differ in intensity, downtime, and goals.

💧 Choose CoolPeel® if you:

• Want gentle resurfacing with minimal downtime (1–3 days)

• Are targeting early signs of aging, sun damage, fine lines, or enlarged pores

• Prefer a series of light treatments with gradual, natural-looking results

• Have a busy lifestyle and can’t take extended time off for healing

🔥 Choose Traditional CO₂ if you:

• Have deep wrinkles, severe sun damage, or textural scarring

• Are looking for more dramatic, one-time results

• Can commit to 7–14 days of downtime and post-care

• Want a more aggressive collagen stimulation in one session

🧖🏻‍♀️Still not sure? At Haus of Aesthetics, we offer personalized skin consultations to determine which option is safest and most effective for your skin goals.

Immediately After Treatment

• Expect redness similar to a sunburn. Your skin may feel warm or tight.

• Avoid touching or picking the treated area.

• Skin may feel rough or sandpaper-like for 1–3 days — this is normal.

Days 1–3

✅ Do:

• Cleanse gently with a mild, non-foaming cleanser.

• Apply a hydrating, non-active moisturizer as directed (e.g., Alastin, CeraVe, or Aquaphor).

• Use a mineral-based sunscreen (SPF 30+) daily, even indoors.

• Sleep on a clean pillowcase and avoid direct contact with pets, hair, or hands.

🚫 Avoid:

• Makeup for 24–48 hours (or until skin is no longer red or sensitive).

• Hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, and intense workouts for 48 hours.

• Active skincare ingredients (retinol, exfoliants, vitamin C, AHAs/BHAs) for 5–7 days.

• Direct sun exposure—wear a hat if going outside.

What to Expect

• Mild flaking or peeling may occur within a few days.

• Redness typically subsides within 48–72 hours.

• Results will improve progressively over the next 4–6 weeks as collagen rebuilds.

Call us if you notice:

• Persistent redness or swelling after 4+ days

• Signs of infection (pus, increased pain, unusual discharge)