What's the recovery like for Fraxel Laser?

Everything you need to know about Fraxel Laser recovery — timeline, tips, what to avoid, and when to call your provider.

Typical downtime: 5–7 days — sunburn first, then a bronze 'sandpaper' (MENDS) that sheds before fresh skin

Recovery timeline

Day 1

Skin is red, swollen, and feels like a strong sunburn. Keep it cool and coated in the prescribed ointment. Take any provided pain medication.

Days 2–3

Redness and swelling peak, then skin develops a bronzed, scaly, sandpapery texture called MENDS as the treated cells rise to the surface. Do not try to scrub it off.

Days 4–5

The bronze, gritty skin begins to flake away on its own. Resist picking — let it shed naturally.

Days 5–7

Most people are presentable with makeup, though some redness remains and can be covered.

Weeks 2–4

Redness fades and fresh skin emerges. Darker skin tones may briefly hyperpigment — strict SPF protects against this.

Months 1–6

Collagen builds and texture, tone, and lines keep improving, with the best results around 3 to 4 months.

Things nobody tells you

After the sunburn phase, skin develops a bronze, sandpapery texture called MENDS that you must never scrub or pick off.
It looks worse before it looks better as the treated cells rise to the surface and shed.
The fresh skin underneath is highly UV-sensitive — strict SPF for weeks prevents hyperpigmentation.
The collagen result keeps building for 3 to 6 months.

Recovery tips

The bronze, sandpaper texture (MENDS) on days 2 to 5 is treated skin rising to shed — never scrub or pick it off
Keep skin coated in healing ointment for the first 3 to 5 days; do not let it dry out
SPF 50+ is non-negotiable for at least 4 weeks — UV can cause hyperpigmentation now
Sleep with an extra pillow to reduce facial swelling
Plan 5 to 7 days away from social events

What to avoid

Direct sun for at least 4 weeks (ideally 8)
Retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and actives for 2 weeks
Makeup for 5 to 7 days, until the peeling phase finishes
Hot showers, saunas, and steam for 1 week
Picking at peeling skin

When to call your provider

Fever above 101°F — possible infection
Blistering beyond a minor post-treatment response
Significant darkening that does not improve after 2 to 3 weeks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)
Eye irritation or vision changes

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Frequently asked questions

What does Fraxel recovery look like day by day?

Days 1 to 2: sunburn-like redness and swelling. Days 2 to 5: bronzed, sandpapery skin (MENDS) that sheds naturally. Days 5 to 7: presentable with makeup. Most people take 5 to 7 days of social downtime.

What are MENDS?

Microscopic epidermal necrotic debris — the bronze, gritty texture as treated skin cells rise to the surface to be replaced by fresh skin. They flake off on their own; picking risks scarring.

When will I see results?

Initial improvement at 2 to 4 weeks, building over 3 to 6 months as new collagen forms, with the best results around 3 to 4 months.

This recovery guide is general education, not medical advice, and does not replace your provider's instructions. Healing varies by person and procedure — always follow the aftercare guidance from your own licensed provider and contact them with any concerns.