Looking for a way to improve the appearance of your skin? If so, you may want to consider the laser-serum combo that many dermatologists—board-certified dermatologist Steven Musick, MD of Musick Dermatology included—swear by. The HALO laser treatment is a versatile in-office procedure that can address a variety of skin concerns, including wrinkles, discoloration, and sun damage.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is tested with physicians post-laser. C E Ferulic can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and provide advanced protection from environmental aggressors. To celebrate SkinCeuticals Flagship Month, Dr. Musick walks us through what to know about the HALO treatment and why proper aftercare is so important.

Dr. Musick

What skin concerns does a HALO laser treat?

Dr. Musick says the HALO laser is a versatile treatment that can be used to address a variety of skin concerns, including:

How does a HALO laser treatment work?

The HALO laser is an ablative and non-ablative treatment, which means that it removes the top layer of skin and heats up underlying skin tissue simultaneously. “This eliminates sun damage by activating your own healing response, which in turn will cause you to make healthy new tissue,” says Dr. Musick. “The HALO treats sun damage we can see and the damage we cannot see with the naked eye.” This is the damage underneath of the skin that is just “waiting” for its time to come to the surface.

Why is proper aftercare for your skin important? Can it significantly enhance the results?

Proper aftercare is important for any type of skin treatment, but it is especially important for HALO laser treatment, Dr. Musick explains. “This is because the treatment can cause some temporary redness, swelling, and flaking.” By following your doctor’s aftercare instructions carefully, you can help to minimize these side effects and speed up your recovery.

Which serum do you recommend patients use after a HALO treatment and why?

“We recommend the use of an antioxidant such as SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic after your HALO treatment. C E Ferulic is an antioxidant that helps to protect our skin against environmental factors that can prematurely age our skin. Although its primary function is to prevent further damage, it also helps reduce the appearance of aging.”

How and how often should patients be using this serum post-HALO?

“CE Ferulic is used each morning after cleansing and toning. Apply 4-5 drops to the face and neck prior to any other anti-aging serums or moisturizer,” Dr. Musick instructs. Since it protects against environmental factors, this particular antioxidant is only applied in the morning. “We recommend beginning to use C E Ferulic regularly no later than 48 hours after a HALO treatment.”

When used in conjunction with the laser treatment, what kind of results can patients expect to see in their skin?

When used in conjunction with the HALO laser treatment, CE Ferulic can help to improve the appearance of your skin in a number of ways, including:

If you’re interested in trying the HALO laser, be sure to talk to your dermatologist about its benefits and risks for your particular skin. And don’t forget to discuss the importance of following a proper skin-care regimen, as this will make a world of difference in your overall results.