Yes, you can do skincare after LASIK, but you need to make some temporary changes to protect your eyes and ensure a smooth recovery.
The first few weeks after LASIK are critical, and how you approach your skincare routine can make a real difference in your healing and comfort.
LASIK surgery is life-changing for many, but it also means rethinking your daily habits, especially when it comes to skincare. If you love your skincare routine, you might be anxious about what’s safe and what should wait. This guide covers everything you need to know about post-LASIK skincare, from the first 24 hours to the months ahead.
Why Do You Need to Adjust Your Skincare After LASIK?
Your eyes are more sensitive and vulnerable to infection after LASIK, especially in the first week. The corneal flap created during the procedure needs time to heal, and even small particles or vapors from skincare products can irritate your eyes or disrupt recovery. That’s why doctors recommend temporary changes to your routine.
The First 24 Hours: No Skincare, No Exceptions
For the first day after LASIK, avoid all skincare products—including cleansers, toners, moisturizers, and makeup.
- Focus on letting your eyes rest and heal.
- Don’t touch your eyes, even if you feel itchy or uncomfortable.
- Only use lubricating or medicated eye drops as prescribed by your surgeon.
Tip: If you need to wash your face, use a damp, clean cloth and stay well away from your eyes.
The First Week: Gentle Care and Avoiding the Eye Area
For at least one week after LASIK, avoid any skincare products directly around your eyes.
- Skip eye creams, serums, and masks—even if they’re labeled as gentle or hypoallergenic.
- Avoid heavy, fragranced, or active-ingredient products (like retinoids or acids) near your eyes.
- Don’t use exfoliants, scrubs, or facial masks, especially around the eyes.
You can use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers on the rest of your face, but be extra careful to keep products away from your eyes.
- Pat your face dry with a clean towel—don’t rub.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face.
Weeks Two to Four: Gradual Return to Your Routine
After the first week, you can slowly reintroduce gentle skincare products, but still avoid the eye area.
- You may use lotion or moisturizer on your face, but keep at least a finger’s width away from your eyes.
- Avoid eye makeup and chemical peels for at least two weeks, and steer clear of spray tans or facials involving your face for a month.
- Still skip any harsh actives or treatments that could irritate sensitive skin.
If you want to exfoliate, wait at least a month, and only use gentle methods—never scrubs or aggressive acids near the eyes.
Three Months and Beyond: Back to Normal, With Caution
Most people can return to their full skincare routine—including eye creams and treatments—after three months, as long as healing has gone well and your doctor has cleared you.
- You can resume facials, spray tans, and even false eyelashes at this stage, but always check with your surgeon if you’re unsure.
- Continue to avoid any products or treatments that have previously irritated your eyes.
Skincare Ingredients and Products to Avoid After LASIK
Certain ingredients are more likely to irritate healing eyes or increase infection risk. Avoid these for at least the first month, or until your doctor says it’s safe:
- Retinoids (retinol, tretinoin)
- Vitamin C serums
- Strong acids (AHAs, BHAs)
- Fragrance and essential oils
- Alcohol-based toners
- Parabens, PEGs, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
Always check product labels and choose fragrance-free, hypoallergenic options whenever possible.
Face Washing and Moisturizing Tips After LASIK
- Cleanse with lukewarm water and a mild, non-foaming cleanser.
- Avoid splashing water directly on your face for the first week—use a damp cloth instead.
- Moisturize with a lightweight, non-comedogenic product, but keep it away from your eyes.
- Never rub your eyes or the surrounding skin, even if you feel dryness or itchiness.
Makeup and Beauty Treatments After LASIK
Hold off on all eye makeup—including mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow—for at least one week after LASIK.
- When you return to makeup, buy new products to minimize infection risk.
- Remove makeup gently, without rubbing or pulling at your eyelids.
Wait at least two weeks before getting facials, brow waxing, fillers, or other beauty treatments near your eyes.
- Chemical peels and spray tans involving the face should be delayed for at least a month.
- For treatments like false eyelashes or tanning beds, wait three months.
Sun Protection and Eye Safety in Your Skincare Routine
Your eyes and the skin around them are more sensitive to UV light after LASIK.
- Always wear UV-protective sunglasses whenever you step outdoors.
- Use a gentle, mineral sunscreen on your face, but avoid the eyelids and immediate eye area until fully healed.
Signs You Should Stop and Call Your Doctor
If you notice any of these symptoms after using skincare products post-LASIK, stop immediately and contact your surgeon:
- Redness, swelling, or pain around the eyes
- Blurry vision or increased sensitivity to light
- Discharge or signs of infection
- Persistent dryness or irritation
Always err on the side of caution—your vision comes first.
Skincare After LASIK—Protect Your Eyes, Love Your Skin
You can absolutely keep up with your skincare after LASIK, but your eyes need extra protection during the healing process.
- Refrain from using any products around your eyes for the entire first week.
- Use gentle, fragrance-free products and avoid harsh actives for at least a month.
- Wait three months before resuming all treatments and products around the eyes.
- Consistently follow your surgeon’s guidance and pay attention to any signals from your body.
If you’re ever unsure, check with your LASIK surgeon before restarting any part of your skincare routine. Your eyes—and your skin—will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skincare After LASIK
When can I use face cream after LASIK?
Wait at least one week before using face cream, and keep it away from your eyes.
Can I use sunscreen after LASIK?
Yes, but choose a gentle, mineral-based formula and avoid the eyelid area until your doctor says it’s safe.
What about anti-aging products or serums?
Hold off on strong actives (like retinoids or acids) for at least a month, and reintroduce them slowly, avoiding the eye area.
When can I get a facial or chemical peel?
Facials can be resumed after two weeks (avoiding the eye area), but chemical peels should wait at least a month.