What should you do when skin peels after laser?
Light flaking is part of skin turnover after many treatments — the key rule is not to pick at it.
Many resurfacing and pigment lasers work by pushing old skin cells to the surface, so fine flaking or micro-crusts in the first week are usually part of the plan rather than a problem.
Let it shed on its own schedule
Peeling or picking flakes off early can pull away skin that has not finished renewing, raising the chance of marks and pigment change. Moisturizer keeps the flakes soft, and any exfoliating acids, scrubs, or retinoids stay paused until the surface has settled.
How much flaking appears, and for how long, differs with laser intensity and individual skin. If flaking turns into cracking, oozing, or spreading redness, that goes beyond normal turnover and deserves a consultation at the treating clinic.
MediIndex articles are for general information only and are not medical advice, diagnosis, or advertising. Outcomes vary by individual — consult a board-certified specialist for personal decisions.