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Keep the skin moist

Do not allow the skin to become dry, cracked, or heavily crusted.

Quick Reference Guide

Do not pick

Allow peeling and flaking skin to shed naturally.

Protect your skin from the sun

Freshly treated skin is extremely sensitive to UV exposure.

Contact us if you are concerned

We would much rather answer a question early than address a complication later.

Tonight (treatment day)

Do not wash your face until the following morning.

Your skin barrier has been intentionally disrupted and should remain undisturbed overnight.

What to expect:

  • Redness

  • Warmth

  • Swelling

  • Tightness

  • Tenderness

  • Mild pinpoint bleeding

Tonight's priorities:

  • Keep skin continuously moist with Aquaphor or Alastin Nectar

  • Sleep with your head elevated.

  • Stay hydrated.

  • Use sterile water soaks if instructed.

  • Avoid touching the treated skin.

Avoid:

  • Washing your face until tomorrow 

  • Exercise

  • Sweating

  • Hot tubs

  • Saunas

  • Steam rooms

  • Hot showers

  • Makeup

  • Direct sun exposure

What to expect during healing

Day 1

Redness, warmth, swelling, and tenderness are expected.

Day 2

Swelling often peaks, particularly around the eyes.

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Many patients feel they look worse on Day 2 than on treatment day. This is normal.

Day 3

Bronzing and rough texture may begin.

 

The skin may feel tight or sandpaper-like.

Days 4-6

Peeling and flaking commonly occur.

 

Do not pick, scrub, or manually remove shedding skin.

Days 7-10

Fresh pink skin is revealed.

 

Mild redness and sensitivity may continue.

Weeks 4-12

Collagen remodeling continues beneath the surface.

 

Skin texture, tone, and firmness continue improving over time.

Days 1-3 Care

Cleanse twice daily

Beginning the morning after treatment:

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Use:

  • Lukewarm water

  • Gentle cleanser

  • Clean hands

 

Avoid:

  • Washcloths

  • Scrubs

  • Exfoliating brushes

  • Active skincare products

 

Pat dry gently.

Do not rub.

Immediately reapply Aquaphor or Alastin Nectar.

Sterile Water Soaks

For moderate to deeper treatments, sterile water soaks may improve comfort and healing.

 

Note: Not every Solaria treatment requires this step. Follow your provider’s recommendations.

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Instructions

  • Refrigerate sterile water bottles.

  • Saturate sterile gauze with chilled sterile water.

  • Apply moist gauze to treated areas.

  • Leave in place for 5-10 minutes.

  • Repeat every 2-3 hours as needed.

  • Reapply healing ointment immediately afterward.​

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Benefits

  • Reduces heat

  • Minimizes swelling

  • Improves comfort

  • Softens crusting

  • Supports healing

Care after
Day 3

Once the skin is no longer actively weeping, you may gradually transition to:

  • Gentle moisturizer

  • Hyaluronic acid serum

  • Mineral sunscreen (once approved by your provider)

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Continue avoiding friction, rubbing, and heat exposure.

Products to avoid

Avoid the following until your skin has completely healed:

  • Retinol

  • Retinoids

  • Tretinoin

  • Vitamin C

  • Glycolic acid

  • Salicylic acid

  • Lactic acid

  • Benzoyl peroxide

  • Acne medications

  • Scrubs

  • Exfoliating devices

 

Using active products too early may increase irritation, delay healing, and increase the risk of pigmentation complications.

Sun Protection

This is one of the most important parts of your recovery. Avoid direct sun exposure for a minimum of 2 weeks.

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For best cosmetic outcomes and pigment prevention, maintain diligent sun protection for at least 3 months.

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We Recommend

  • Wide-brim hats (ball caps are not enough)

  • Shade whenever possible

  • Mineral sunscreen once approved

  • Avoiding prolonged outdoor exposure

​

Sun Exposure During Healing Can Cause

  • Hyperpigmentation

  • Prolonged redness

  • Delayed healing

  • Increased sensitivity

  • Compromised results

Healing Gallery

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Day 1

Redness, warmth, swelling, and tenderness are expected. Pinpoint white dots and grid marks are normal.

 

Your skin may feel similar to a moderate sunburn. Continue keeping the skin moist with Aquaphor and avoid touching the treated area.

Day 2

Swelling often peaks today, especially around the eyes.

 

Many patients look worse today than they did immediately after treatment. This is normal and temporary. Continue your aftercare routine and trust the process.

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Day 3

Bronzing and rough texture may begin.

 

The skin often develops a sandpaper-like feel as the healing process progresses. Continue gentle cleansing and keep the skin well moisturized.

Days 4-6

Peeling and flaking are expected.

 

Allow shedding skin to come off naturally. Do not pick, scrub, or exfoliate.

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Days 7-10

Fresh pink skin is revealed.

 

Your skin may still appear pink and sensitive but should feel significantly smoother and healthier.

Weeks 4-12

Collagen remodeling continues beneath the surface.

 

Improvements in skin texture, tone, wrinkles, and overall skin quality continue to develop over the coming weeks.

Remember: You are unique, and so is your personal timeline.

Healing timelines vary. Your recovery may not look exactly like these examples, but the guide is to help you see what an average timeline looks like.

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