Which post-treatment care steps reduce pigment changes and infection?

• A. Cool compresses, gentle cleansing, moisturizers, broad-spectrum sunscreen, avoid heat and friction, no picking, and follow clinician instructions.
• B. Daily exfoliation and tanning.
• C. Skip sunscreen.
• D. Use harsh cleansers.

Answer: (A)

Post-treatment skin care after laser targets calming the skin, protecting the healing barrier, and shielding it from UV light to prevent pigment changes and infection. Cooling helps reduce inflammation and redness without disturbing the healing layer. Gentle cleansing removes debris but avoids harsh rubbing that can irritate or reopen micro-vessels. A moisturizer supports the skin’s barrier, reducing dryness and cracking that can invite infection. Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects treated skin from UV exposure, which can trigger pigment changes like hyper- or hypopigmentation; applying it as directed is essential. Avoiding heat and friction minimizes irritation, and not picking prevents introducing bacteria and delaying healing. Always follow the clinician’s instructions, as they address your specific device and skin type.

Exfoliating daily or tanning brings extra irritation to healing skin and raises the chance of pigment changes. Skipping sunscreen allows UV damage to accumulate, increasing pigment risk. Harsh cleansers disrupt the protective barrier and raise infection risk.