# Laser Resurfacing Recovery: A Day-by-Day Timeline

> What to expect each day after non-ablative, fractional and ablative laser resurfacing: redness, peeling, when to wear makeup, warning signs and aftercare that helps.

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Author: Anti Aging Care Editorial Team
Published: 2026-02-01
Updated: 2026-10-24
Category: Treatments

Laser recovery depends mostly on how deep the laser goes. The short answer: non-ablative lasers usually mean a few days of redness; fractional ablative lasers such as fractional CO2 often mean about a week of oozing, crusting and peeling; fully ablative resurfacing can take weeks, with pinkness lasting longer. Your provider's instructions always come first.

## Recovery by laser type

| Laser type | Typical social downtime | Lingering redness |
|---|---|---|
| Non-ablative (e.g., 1550 nm fractional) | A few days | Days |
| Fractional ablative (CO2, erbium) | About 5 to 10 days | Weeks |
| Fully ablative | Two weeks or more | Can last months |

These ranges vary by settings and skin; treat them as general guidance.

## Day-by-day for fractional ablative laser

| Day | What's normal | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 1 | Feels like a sunburn; swelling, pinpoint bleeding or oozing | Cool compresses, gentle cleansing and ointment as instructed; sleep with head raised |
| 2 to 3 | Swelling peaks, especially around eyes; bronzing or crusting | Keep skin moist; don't pick |
| 4 to 7 | Peeling and itching; new pink skin | Bland moisturizer; no actives |
| 7 to 14 | Most peeling done; pink skin | Mineral sunscreen; makeup once skin has closed and your provider okays it |
| 2 to 6 weeks | Fading redness | Strict sun protection; reintroduce retinoids only when cleared |
| 3 to 6 months | Collagen remodeling continues | Results keep improving |

## Aftercare that helps

- **Keep it moist.** Occlusive ointments are common after ablative resurfacing. A trial of a dexpanthenol-containing ointment after fractional ablative CO2 laser found faster wound healing than the comparison ([Heise et al., *Cutan Ocul Toxicol*, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30897983/)).
- **Gentle cleansing** with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser.
- **Sun protection** for weeks to months, since new skin is sensitive.
- **Skip actives** (retinoids, acids, scrubs) until your provider says to restart.

## Warning signs: call your provider

A review of fractional laser complications describes infection, prolonged redness, acne flares, pigment changes and, rarely, scarring, with higher risk in sensitive areas and darker skin phototypes ([Metelitsa and Alster, *Dermatol Surg*, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20100273/)). Contact your provider for:

- Increasing pain after the first few days
- Yellow crusting, pus or fever (possible infection)
- Clusters of painful blisters (possible herpes reactivation; many providers give antivirals before ablative treatments)
- Thick, raised or white areas

## Darker skin tones

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is more common in darker skin after laser and usually appears a few weeks later. Pre-treatment planning, conservative settings and strict sun protection lower the risk ([Davis and Callender, *J Clin Aesthet Dermatol*, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20725554/)).

## Frequently asked questions

**When can I wear makeup?** After non-ablative laser, often within a day or two. After ablative laser, wait until the skin has fully re-epithelialized and your provider approves.

**When can I exercise?** Usually after the first few days, once oozing stops; sweat can irritate open skin.

**How long does redness last?** Days for non-ablative, weeks for fractional ablative, and sometimes months after fully ablative resurfacing.

**When will I see results?** Texture improves as peeling finishes, and collagen keeps building for months.

_This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Talk to a board-certified dermatologist about your situation._

## Sources

- Heise R et al. Accelerated wound healing with a dexpanthenol-containing ointment after fractional ablative CO2 laser resurfacing. *Cutan Ocul Toxicol*. 2019. [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30897983/)
- Metelitsa AI, Alster TS. Fractionated laser skin resurfacing treatment complications: a review. *Dermatol Surg*. 2010. [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20100273/)
- Davis EC, Callender VD. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. *J Clin Aesthet Dermatol*. 2010. [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20725554/)