What Works Skin — Independent · Evidence-First · Ad-FreeIssue 014 · 20 April 2026 · Next: 04 Maywhatworksskin.com
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Concern · Recovery · Post-laser & post-microneedling

P. 35 · GUIDE

The 14 days
that determine the result.

Centella, panthenol, occlusion. Skip everything else.

Centella, panthenol, mineral SPF, and a willingness to do nothing else. The single most important window in any procedural treatment, and the one most-often sabotaged by enthusiastic re-introduction of actives at day 5.

— § 01

The triggers worth tracking.

Erythema for 2–7 days post-procedure

Expected. Should be steadily improving day-by-day. Worsening warrants a clinician call.

92%
Crusting or fine scabbing

Normal in the first week post-laser. Do not pick. Petrolatum keeps the surface moist and prevents post-inflammatory pigmentation.

68%
Tightness without sting

Barrier is healing. Apply ceramide cream every 4–6 hours during the first 72 hours.

85%
Itch without rash from day 5–10

Re-epithelialisation. Annoying but normal. Resist scratching, which produces hypertrophic scars.

62%
⁂

— § 02

Ingredients that actually work.

Tier
Molecule
Role
Evidence
Tier A
Centella triterpene complex (TECA)
Wound healing
Standardised triterpene fractions; the most-evidenced botanical for procedural recovery.
Tier A
Panthenol 5%
Re-epithelialisation
Reduces TEWL within 48 hours; supports surface repair.
Tier A
Petrolatum / Aquaphor
Occlusive
First 72 hours post-laser. Prevents crust formation and accelerates healing.
Tier A
Hyaluronic acid + glycerin
Hydration
Layered under occlusive. Pulls water; the occlusive prevents evaporation.
Tier A
Mineral SPF 50+ from day 4
Pigment prevention
Mandatory. Post-procedure skin is exquisitely UV-sensitive; PIH is the most common avoidable complication.
Tier B
EGF (epidermal growth factor)
Acceleration
Promising for laser recovery; small trials. Premium adjunct, not requirement.
⁂

— § 03

The protocol.

  1. Phase 01 · Day 0–3

    Occlude + protect

    Petrolatum every 4 hours. Avoid sun completely. No actives, no acids, no retinoids.

  2. Phase 02 · Day 4–7

    Centella + SPF

    Switch to centella + panthenol cream. Add mineral SPF 50+ once any crust resolves. Indoor-only if possible.

  3. Phase 03 · Week 2

    Slow re-introduction

    Resume gentle cleanser and moisturiser. No retinoid until day 14. No exfoliant until week 3.

  4. Phase 04 · Week 3+

    Resume routine

    Reintroduce retinoid at half-cadence for 2 weeks before resuming nightly. Continue SPF religiously.

Bottom line

The patients who re-introduce their full routine at day 5 are the patients who pay for procedures twice. Discipline in this window protects the investment.