Exercising after laser facial treatment: Is It Safe or Bad for Recovery?

Exercising too soon after a laser facial treatment can slow down healing and increase the risk of redness, swelling, or infection. Most people should avoid workouts for at least 1–2 days, but the exact time depends on the type of laser used. Light treatments allow a quicker return to exercise, while deeper lasers like CO2 may require 10–12 days of rest. 

In this guide, we explain how exercise affects recovery, safe timelines for different treatments, and what to do if you worked out too early.

Why is exercising problematic after laser treatments?

Exercising immediately after a laser facial treatment can negatively affect your skin. Below are some key reasons why waiting is recommended:

Increased blood flow

Exercising increases your heart rate and causes the blood vessels to expand. It may be concerning for your already healing skin. Laser treatment promotes blood flow and stimulates collagen production. Exercise can aggravate the healing process and even delay the healing process.

Sweat and skin sensitivity

After laser treatment, sweat makes your skin more prone to inflammation or infection. Sweat has bacteria and germs in it. When in contact with the treated skin, it might cause bumps and unwanted side effects. Sweating with skin sensitivity during this period would worsen unwanted side effects.

Heat exposure

Exercise raises your body temperature, which may fuel inflammation in the body. It causes a higher risk of side effects such as swelling or redness. In addition, as your skin is healing, heat may worsen it and cause prolonged recovery

Bacteria exposure

People work out in a gym or outdoor space, exposing themselves to harmful bacteria. This is dangerous when your skin is freshly treated. Bacteria lead to infections that complicate the recovery and affect treatment.

Risk of sunburn

If you're outdoors working out in the Netherlands, you're exposing your skin directly to the sun. Laser-treated skin becomes more sensitive to UV rays. Direct exposure causes pigmentations or even burns. Your skin requires protection against sunlight during recovery.

When can you resume exercise after laser treatment?

The type of laser procedure defines the duration of how long you should wait before returning to physical activity. Some require more extended periods of downtime than others. The general recommendation is to wait at least 1-2 days after a laser facial treatment before resuming any exercise. Below is a general guideline from Lana Skyn:

Light treatments:

You can return to light workouts after 48 hours. This is the case if you've had any mild laser treatment. Mild facial therapies generally do not need much downtime. However, avoiding vigorous activity for at least 2-3 days is wise.

Moderate treatments:

Moderate treatment, like IPL or fractional laser, needs slightly more time. In this case, we recommend waiting at least a few days to one week before any vigorous workout. The reason is that these lasers cause swelling and redness. Give your skin enough time to heal before doing any intense activity.

Deep treatments:

If you have a deep facial treatment like a CO2 laser, an even longer recovery period is required. Such treatments leave significant injuries on the skin. So, wait at least 10-12 days before you engage in heavy exercise. Your skin can become prone to irritation or infection due to it.

Exercise Restrictions After Fractional Laser Treatments

Fractional laser treatments need extra care because the skin is more sensitive during recovery. To avoid irritation, infection, or delayed healing, follow these restrictions before getting back to your normal workout routine:

• Avoid running, weightlifting, and HIIT until redness/swelling improves

• Skip hot yoga, saunas, or steam rooms for at least one week

• Stay away from outdoor workouts in direct sunlight

• Do not use shared gym equipment until skin is fully healed

• Keep workouts short and low-intensity in the first weekAvoid swimming pools and hot tubs (chlorine and bacteria can irritate healing skin)

• Do not wear tight or non-breathable workout clothing on the treated area

• Postpone any contact sports where sweating and skin contact are unavoidable

• Always cleanse skin gently after light activity to remove sweat and bacteria

What if You Already Exercised Too Soon

If you worked out too soon after your laser facial treatment, don’t panic. But act quickly to protect your skin. Stop exercising immediately and gently cleanse your face to remove sweat and bacteria. 

Use a cool, clean compress to calm redness or swelling, and avoid applying harsh products or scrubbing the skin. Keep the treated area moisturized and stay hydrated to support healing. 

If irritation, burning, or unusual bumps appear, contact your dermatologist right away for professional guidance. Acting early helps prevent long-term side effects and ensures your laser treatment results remain safe and effective.

Safe ways to stay active during recovery

You can still stay active right after treatment in a gentle way. There are ways to keep active without wounding your skin after laser treatment. Here are some safe ways and tips to exercise while allowing your skin to heal:

• Gentle activities: Start exercising with light walking or stretching. These won’t raise your heart rate too much or cause sweating. It helps your skin heal while you stay active.

• Protect your skin outside: Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen before outdoor activities to shield your sensitive skin from UV damage. Stay cool and avoid hot environments.

• Yoga: Consider going for lightweight exercise like gentle yoga. Avoid vigorous yoga classes to prevent excessive sweating and irritation.

• Leisure cycling: Enjoy easy bike rides on flat routes. Avoid intense cycling or direct sunlight, which can harm healing skin.

• Hydrate and moisturize: Drink water and apply a gentle moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. It supports healing and prevents dryness.

• Cleanse after exercise: Wash your face with a mild cleanser to remove sweat and dirt. Avoid harsh or strong products that could irritate your skin.

• Monitor your skin: Watch for redness, swelling, or discomfort after activity. If these occur, rest and let your skin recover further.

Returning to the gym after laser treatment in the Netherlands

When the time comes to return to the gym again, there are a few additional precautions you must consider:

1. Choose off-peak hours

In the Netherlands, gyms are loaded with large crowds. The more members share the equipment, the more likely your sensitive skin will come into contact with bacteria. It is best to start a workout during the least popular hours. Choose a time when the gym is less crowded. It will protect your skin and help you recover safely.

2. Carry a towel

Sweat can irritate your delicate and sensitive skin after a facial laser treatment. For this reason, ensure you always have a clean towel with you. Use it to wipe off sweat during a workout. Also, always clean equipment with sanitizer or tissue paper before using it. It will protect your skin from germs.

3. Wear breathable clothing 

Tight-fitting clothes are known to cause discomfort or irritation. They also make you sweat more than usual. So, wearing loose, breathable clothing in the gym is very important. Select a clothing option with natural fabric such as cotton to allow your skin to breathe.

What to do if you experience side effects

After any facial laser treatment, observing your skin regularly is essential. If you experience any of the following symptoms after exercise, contact your dermatologist quickly:

• Excessive redness or irritation

• Blisters or swelling

• Increased sensitivity

• Signs of infection or fever

These could indicate that your skin is not responding well to exercise. Or you are pushing yourself too hard too soon.

Conclusion

Avoiding intense physical activity right after a laser facial treatment is mandatory. But there are many ways to stay active in the Netherlands without compromising your skin’s recovery. Following the proper aftercare after laser facial treatment ensures that your skin heals properly and provides long-lasting outcomes. 

Contact our laser experts for better-personalized guidance. Stay patient and take care of your skin. Doing this will let you experience the benefits of a rejuvenated face and a healthy lifestyle!

Frequently asked questions

Can I do light exercise the day after my laser treatment?

It’s best to wait at least 48 hours before any activity. Even light exercise can cause sweating, which may irritate your skin.

What should I do if I experience irritation after exercising?

Give your skin time to recover if you experience any irritation, redness, or swelling. If the symptoms get worse, contact your dermatologist.

How will I know when it’s safe to exercise again?

You should wait until your skin is no longer sensitive or irritated. Always consult with your dermatologist to confirm that it’s safe to resume exercise.