Is It Normal for Skin to Flake After Laser? What to Expect From Your Recovery
Laser treatments have become an essential part of many skin care journeys — offering targeted results for concerns like pigmentation, skin texture, scarring, fine lines, and more. But what surprises some clients is the period of visible skin shedding that may follow.
So, is it normal for your skin to flake after a laser treatment?
The short answer is: yes, in many cases it’s completely normal — and even expected.
But let’s unpack that a little further.
Why Does Skin Flake After Laser Treatments?
Flaking skin is often a sign that your body is going through a natural renewal process after treatment. Laser therapy works by delivering controlled energy to the deeper layers of the skin, which stimulates collagen production and triggers cellular turnover.
As your skin repairs and regenerates, the top layer (stratum corneum) may begin to slough off. This flaking reveals fresher, newer skin underneath — it’s part of how laser treatments help with concerns like dullness, pigmentation, and fine lines.
Flaking doesn’t mean something’s gone wrong — but how much flaking you experience can depend on the type of treatment you had.
Types of Laser and Recovery Expectations
At Platinum Cosmetics, we use a range of advanced laser technologies, including the Fotona SP Dynamis platform. Fotona offers multiple treatment modes that are customisable to your skin goals and tolerance levels. Some common treatment types and their recovery timelines include:
Fotona SmoothEye®: A non-ablative laser for fine lines around the eyes. Little to no flaking, though mild redness or dryness may occur.
Fotona LipLase®: Used to stimulate collagen and fullness in the lips. Often no downtime, though lips may feel dry for a few days.
Fotona 4D®: A multi-step treatment combining intraoral and external laser modes to rejuvenate and lift the face. Mild flaking may occur, especially after the final resurfacing step.
Er:YAG Resurfacing: For deeper skin rejuvenation (used in treatments for texture, sun damage or scars), more noticeable flaking or peeling can occur over 5–7 days post-treatment.
The takeaway? Some flaking is completely normal — and how much you experience depends on the treatment type, the settings used, and your individual skin type.
How to Care for Flaking Skin Post-Laser
Supporting your skin properly after a laser treatment is crucial to get the best results and avoid irritation. Here’s what we recommend:
Avoid picking or exfoliating
As tempting as it might be, don’t pick at or rub flaking skin. Let it shed naturally to avoid disrupting the healing process or causing pigmentation.
Hydrate generously
Use a calming, hydrating moisturiser to soothe dry or tight skin. We often recommend SkinCeuticals Epidermal Repair, which is designed to support post-procedure recovery.
Stick to gentle products
Avoid retinol, AHAs/BHAs, or active serums until your skin has completely settled. Instead, focus on barrier-supportive products like SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 or a gentle hyaluronic acid serum.
Sun protection is non-negotiable
Your skin is more vulnerable after laser. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ daily, even indoors, to prevent post-inflammatory pigmentation and allow your results to shine.
Stay cool and skip the gym
For the first 24–48 hours, avoid excessive heat, saunas, or sweating. This gives your skin time to calm and begin healing.
What’s Not Normal: When to Check In
While flaking is expected, certain symptoms are not. Contact us if you notice:
Prolonged or worsening redness beyond a few days
Burning, stinging, or sharp pain
Yellow crusting or signs of infection
Unusual swelling or blistering
Your safety and comfort are always our priority. At Platinum Cosmetics, we provide detailed aftercare instructions after every Fotona Laser Treatment, and we’re always happy to follow up if you have any questions.
Long-Term Skin Health and Laser
One of the key benefits of laser is that it works below the surface — building better skin over time. While flaking is part of the immediate post-treatment response, the real glow continues to emerge over the following weeks as collagen production increases.
We typically recommend a series of sessions (depending on your skin goals), spaced several weeks apart, to build on each result gradually and safely.
Planning Your Treatment Around Events
Because flaking, redness or mild swelling can occur, we recommend planning your laser appointments at least 7–10 days before any special event. This gives your skin time to recover and ensures you’re looking your best when it counts.
Need a treatment with less downtime? Our Facials or Skin Rejuvenation treatments may be a better fit for short-term glow-ups with minimal peeling or shedding.
Final Thoughts
Flaking skin after a laser treatment isn’t something to fear — it’s often a sign that your skin is renewing and responding well to the procedure. With the right care, your skin will look and feel fresher, smoother, and more refined in just a few days.
Still have questions about what to expect from your treatment? Book a consultation with our experienced team at our Port Melbourne clinic, and we’ll help you understand the process step-by-step.
Laser results are a journey — but we’ll be with you every step of the way.