Best Healing Cream for Burns and Laser Treatments 2022
As a Laser and Skin Expert and owner of a Laser Center for 15 years, I’ve helped over 2000 clients in their healing process and with pain control. The specific creams and oils we’ve used are all available over-the-counter (online) and are inexpensive. Some can even be made at home.
Sunburns feel and act somewhat like the skin after CO2 laser resurfacing where we remove the top layer of dead skin and the body, over time, replaces it with new skin. So the same products we use for laser aftercare also help with sunburns and minor burns of any kind. Our aftercare treatment was developed with the help of our patients to provide maximum comfort, pain reduction, and inflammation reduction.
What is the Best Healing Cream for Burns and Laser Treatments?
Product Number 1
Our Pick
Avene Tolerance Skin Recovery Balm
My number one for creams is Avene Tolerance Skin Recovery Balm. It nourishes and restores swollen and irritated skin and helps soothe the treated area or burn. It provides great comfort during the healing process and it’s specially formulated to be safe for all ages, including infants.
Please note: This is not medical advice. If you have severe burns, please see your health care doctor or go to an emergency room.
Product Number 2
Our Pick
Pure Organic Coconut Oil
Unless you’re allergic to nuts, virgin coconut oil is #1 for oils.
I personally pioneered using coconut oil to expedite healing after CO2 Laser Resurfacing treatments. I tested by dividing my face and treating the left side with coconut oil and the right side with the standard at that time, Aquaphor.
The organic coconut oil nourished my dry skin, provided relief for skin irritation and swelling, prevention of infection, and helped accelerate wound heal-time, while the other side remained inflamed and painful for a longer period, and had a significantly slower healing process.
Coconut oil is naturally antibacterial, anti fungal, antiviral and cost-effective. All of my clients (but 2 in 15 years) agree and use it daily. Some skin types, including oily skin and acne-prone are 50/50 in opinion. It does kill acne vulgaris, but may also clog pores of already-oily skin.
Mix a 5-10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil into 2 Tablespoons of coconut oil to help relieve pain naturally.
Product Number 3
Pure Alcohol-Free Aloe Vera Gel
Refreshing and cooling for sunburns, minor burn wounds and laser treatments, aloe vera gel reduces redness and blisters.
For laser treatments, it’s best to use a sterile aloe gel instead of gel straight from a plant to avoid risk of infection. Also, be sure any aloe product you buy doesn’t have extra ingredients like witch hazel or alcohol. Our choice available on Amazon.
Mix a 5-10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil into 2 Tablespoons of Aloe Gel for soothing natural pain relief.
Product Number 4
Our Pick
Wilder’s Face Moisturizer Cream for Men
I’m not sure why it’s for men. Women like it too. The collagen and hyaluronic acid help to plump and hydrate the skin, while the peptide complex helps to stimulate collagen production.
Avocado oil is a rich source of vitamins A, D, and E. DMAE helps to firm and tone your skin. It’s a non-greasy cream, quickly absorbed, doesn’t clog pores, and is great for sensitive skin.
I usually recommend this cream at about 1-month post laser resurfacing instead of during downtime, just in case the extra ingredients cause sensitivity before the skin heals.
Product Number 5
Our Pick
Ancient Greek Remedy
Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, D, E and K, which help reduce inflammation and has also been shown to have anti-aging benefits and help improve the appearance of wrinkles.
Ancient Greek Remedy has an organic blend of olive, grapeseed, and almond oils, and lavender, which is used for natural pain relief.
6.) Awake Human Organic Facial Moisturizer
With organic jojoba, sweet almond and safflower oils, green tea extract and shea butter, it also has brassica glycerides for moisture without feeling oily. Unscented, vegan, and cruelty-free. This is one of my favorites for face.
If you’ve had a laser treatment, wait about a month before adding this or any new product into your routine. Get it on Amazon.
7.) Ginseng Green Tea Deep Skin Hydration Face Cream by Tree to Tub
Contains Vitamin C, aloe vera, ginseng, shea butter, organic rose water, tea tree, Vitamin B5, and Vitamin E.
Great ingredients for most skin types. Those with sensitive skin (example Rosacia) may find Vitamin C is too harsh for their skin. Available on Amazon.
What Not to Do
If you are under the care of a physician, of course, follow their advice. My opinion is based on my experience with thousands of clients and multi-thousands of laser treatments, but it is still my opinion and not medical advice.
If you’re staying inside, I recommend staying away from any petroleum jelly products, including Aquaphor. I would also avoid antibiotic ointments, as they are usually petroleum-based and highly occlusive. They seal out the nourishment needed by the damaged skin. I don’t like anything with mineral oil, petroleum jelly, or paraffin, or any synthetic or pharmaceutical ingredients. The more natural, the better.
Outside is different. In this case you do want a barrier to keep dirt, dust, sand, etc. out of the open wound. So, to protect skin when going outdoors, I advise temporary use of antibiotic ointments. Be sure you gently remove with distilled water and mild soap as soon you get back indoors and then apply the recommended topical cream or oil. Don’t use tap water as it can have contaminants and cause infection.
Never put ice on a burn or laser-treated skin as it can cause damage.
Application
When applying lotion, cream, or oil, never rub, but always gently dot on and spread with sterile hands. For oils, use a clean spoon to dip out for use and never put your hands in the jar. You want to keep the oil sterile to avoid infection. Always have clean hands before applying to face or body.
For the first few days, you will probably need to apply healing cream or oil every couple of hours. The general rule is to keep the area moist but not wet, so don’t overdo it. After a 5-6 days, you can start to reduce applications as healing progresses.
Don’t forget to apply at night before bed to give the healing agents time to work while you sleep.
Adding Essential Oils
When using essential oils for healing, always use a carrier oil like jojoba, grapeseed, sweet almond or coconut oil. Essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin as they can cause irritation. A few drops of essential oil in an ounce of carrier oil is all you need.
SUNSCREEN
MINERAL SUNSCREEN
Use only after you are completely healed! Once your burn, or laser treatment area has fully healed, you need to protect the new baby skin from sun exposure with a natural sunscreen. Since a large percentage of what you apply to your skin penetrates and is absorbed into your bloodstream, why apply anything with toxic chemicals? Pipette Mineral Sunscreen is what I love for my clients and use myself.
DIY Recipes
For those of you who are “do it yourself” types, here are some recipes for healing creams and oils to help heal burns and laser treatments.
Coconut Oil and Aloe Vera Gel Healing Cream:
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup organic Virgin Coconut Oil
– 1/4 cup sterile alcohol-free aloe vera gel
– 2 tablespoons jojoba oil
Bumps and Boo Boos Salve:
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup organic Virgin Coconut Oil
– 20 drops of Boo Boo Essential Oil Blend (chamomile, tea tree, lavender)
I hope you find these tips helpful.
Remember you are beautiful, body, mind & soul!
Disclaimer: I share products I use, love, and recommend for my own clients. Some of the links in this article are affiliate links and I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks!