Solaria CO₂ Laser Pre-Care & Aftercare Instructions
Last updated September 14, 2026 · 7 min read
Solaria CO₂ laser is an advanced resurfacing treatment that improves skin texture, tone, fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and acne scarring by stimulating collagen and replacing damaged surface skin with healthier, rejuvenated skin. It can be customized from a lighter treatment with minimal downtime to a more intensive resurfacing treatment for more significant skin concerns.
Following these guidelines will help support your skin's healing process and optimize your results. Your provider will tailor them to your treatment settings and skin.
1 to 2 Weeks Before Treatment
We recommend using ALASTIN Regenerating Skin Nectar twice daily before your treatment, unless otherwise directed by your provider. Nectar helps prepare the skin for treatment and supports the skin's natural recovery and remodeling process.
- Gentle cleanser
- ALASTIN Regenerating Skin Nectar
- Moisturizer, if needed
- SPF 30 to 50 every morning
Before treatment, avoid sun exposure and tanning beds, getting a sunburn, aggressive exfoliation, waxing or other irritating treatments in the treatment area, and starting new or potentially irritating skincare products. Please let us know about any medications, supplements, cold sores, skin infections, or changes in your health before your appointment.
After Your Solaria Treatment
It is normal for your skin to feel warm, tight, or similar to a sunburn following treatment. You may experience redness, swelling, warmth, tightness, crusting, pinpoint petechiae, mild tenderness, peeling or flaking, and increased sensitivity.
The amount and duration of these effects depend on your treatment settings and individual healing response.
The First 24 to 72 Hours
- Keep your skin clean and protected.
- Cool the skin with a clean cold compress for comfort as needed.
- Follow the cleansing instructions provided by Therapeutic Elements.
- Use ALASTIN Regenerating Skin Nectar, and NEOVA Cu3 Tissue Repair or Eucerin as directed.
- Keep your skin moisturized.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid touching or picking at the treated skin.
- Protect your skin from the sun.
What to Avoid While You Heal
- Direct sun exposure
- Tanning beds
- Hot tubs and saunas
- Excessive heat
- Strenuous exercise if it increases redness or swelling
- Scrubs or exfoliation
- Retinol and retinoids
- Glycolic, salicylic, or other exfoliating acids
- Picking or peeling the skin
Do not remove peeling or flaking skin. Allow it to shed naturally.
Skincare During Recovery
Keep your skincare routine simple and gentle while your skin is healing.
- Gentle cleanser, such as CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
- ALASTIN Regenerating Skin Nectar
- NEOVA Cu3 Tissue Repair or Eucerin
- Gentle moisturizer
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30 to 50
Your provider will let you know when it is appropriate to restart active skincare products.
When to Restart Retinol and Acids
Wait until your skin has completely recovered, typically 2 to 4 weeks, before restarting retinol and retinoids, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, other exfoliating acids, scrubs, and other potentially irritating products.
Do not rush this step. Your skin needs time to rebuild its protective barrier.
Sun Protection
Sun protection is especially important after CO₂ laser treatment. Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 to 50 every morning once your provider advises that sunscreen can be applied to the treated area.
Avoid intentional sun exposure and tanning while your skin is recovering. Consistent sun protection also helps protect your long-term results.
Long-Term Skin Maintenance
Once your skin has completely healed, transition from recovery-focused skincare to a daily maintenance routine. We recommend ALASTIN Restorative Skin Complex as part of your ongoing routine after your recovery period, to support the appearance of healthy, firmer, more youthful-looking skin.
- Morning: gentle cleanser, ALASTIN Restorative Skin Complex, moisturizer if needed, SPF 30 to 50
- Evening: gentle cleanser, ALASTIN Restorative Skin Complex, moisturizer if needed
Your provider may recommend additional products based on your individual skin type and goals.
Your Results
Solaria CO₂ laser creates controlled treatment within the skin to stimulate collagen remodeling and improve the skin's appearance and texture. You may notice improvement as your skin heals, but results continue to develop over the following weeks and months as collagen remodeling occurs.
Results vary from person to person and depend on your treatment settings, skin condition, treatment area, and individual healing response. Consistent skincare and daily sun protection are important for maintaining your results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Considering CO₂ laser resurfacing?
Book a consultation and we will review the right treatment depth and recovery plan for your skin.
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This page is general information only and is not medical advice. Always follow the specific instructions given to you by your provider, and contact Therapeutic Elements with any questions about your treatment or recovery.