What is Fraxel Dual Laser?
Fraxel Dual is a non-ablative fractional laser designed to treat:
- Sun damage & hyperpigmentation
- Acne scars & uneven texture
- Fine lines & wrinkles
- Enlarged pores
- Overall skin rejuvenation through collagen stimulation
Unlike harsher lasers, Fraxel Dual offers significant results with minimal downtime—making it a popular choice for those seeking clearer, smoother, younger-looking skin.
Why I Tried Fraxel Dual: My Skin Concerns
I booked my Fraxel treatment to target:
- Mild sun damage and dark spots
- Faint acne scarring
- Enlarged pores on my nose and cheeks
- Early signs of aging (fine lines) — with hopes of boosting collagen production
Before my session, I stopped using retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and exfoliating acids to prep my skin for optimal healing.
The Fraxel Dual Procedure: Does It Hurt?
Honestly, the Fraxel Dual treatment was super easy.
- Numbing: 1 hour with topical anesthetic
- Treatment Time: ~20 minutes for a full face
- Pain Level: 3/10 — mostly felt like intense heat and a stamping sensation
- Post-Treatment: Skin will look very red and feel hot, similar to a bad sunburn
Pro tip: Bring ice packs or sit in front of cool air after your appointment—it helps soothe the heat sensation!
Fraxel Recovery: Day by Day Breakdown
Day 1 (Day of Treatment): 🔥 Red, Hot & Freshly Zapped
- Immediate intense redness and heat. My provider applied a hydrating serum and tinted sunscreen right after the treatment which helped to calm things down and cover some of the redness.
- Iced my face on and off every hour to help with redness and initial swelling.
- No pain, just very mild discomfort from the heat.
Day 2: 😵 Swollen & Sandpaper Skin
- Woke up puffy, especially around my eyes.
- Skin felt rough, like sandpaper, and looked tanned and slightly red.
- Tinted sunscreen helped me look “normal-ish” but I still appeared very bronzed, like I'd gotten extremely tanned on a vacation.
Tip: I didn’t do this, but taking Benadryl at night and Zyrtec during the day can help with swelling. Sleeping elevated (2 pillows) is also recommended.
Day 3: Peak Swelling & Texture Trouble
- Still swollen, even darker tan appearance
- Texture intensified—my skin was very rough to touch
- Tinted SPF was much harder to apply smoothly
Day 4: Flaky but Progress!
- Swelling mostly gone so I looked more like myself 🙌
- Skin still dark and rough, definitely the most intense yet
- Also saw the first signs of peeling (tiny flakes on chin and cheeks), which made tinted SPF almost impossible to apply
- However, I was able to gently exfoliate most of the dead skin off during the shower (the steam was super helpful!), revealing pink, glowing skin underneath
Day 5: Baby Skin Emerging
- Forehead still a bit rough, but cheeks were ✨ glass skin vibes
- The redness on my cheeks had gone down considerably
- In places where the old skin had been exfoliated, my pores looked minimized and pigmentation was significantly reduced
- Tinted SPF applied much more easily
Day 6: Basically Back to Normal
- Minor dryness near hairline (this area took the longest to regenerate)
- Skin looked radiant, soft, and clear
- Honestly, my best skin day—ever!
The Worst Part of Fraxel Recovery?
Definitely the swelling and awkward skin texture around Days 3-4. I didn’t feel comfortable socializing without a cap and tinted sunscreen. But after Day 5, it was smooth sailing.
Post-Fraxel Skincare Routine: What to Use After Laser Treatments
The goal is to keep things simple and focused on skin barrier repair. Here’s what I used to speed up recovery and protect my fresh skin:
- Gentle Cleanser: Epionce Lytic Gel Cleanser
- Skin Repair Serums (alternated between):
- Moisturizer (alternated between):
- Sunscreen (Non-Negotiable!): Colorescience Sunforgettable Flex SPF 50 (my favorite tinted SPF and comes in a range of shades to match your skin tone)
Note: Sunscreen is critical post-Fraxel to maintain results and prevent new pigmentation.
How Much Does Fraxel Dual Cost?
Fraxel pricing varies, but expect:
- $600 - $1,500 per session (depending on provider and location)
- I paid $800 for a full-face treatment
Most dermatologists recommend a series of 2–3 sessions spaced a month apart, but individual needs vary.
Final Thoughts: Would I Recommend Fraxel Dual?
If you're dealing with pigmentation, acne scars, or dull skin and want a boost in collagen production—Fraxel Dual is 100% worth considering.
While the recovery isn't exactly glamorous, the payoff is smoother, clearer, more youthful skin.
👉 Want personalized skincare tips to maintain your glow?
Take the Skin Quiz to get product recommendations tailored to your skin type and concerns!
Frequently Asked Fraxel Dual Questions (FAQs)
How long is Fraxel recovery time?
Most people experience 5–7 days of downtime, with Days 2–4 being the most noticeable due to swelling and rough texture.
What does Fraxel Dual treat best?
- Sun damage & dark spots
- Acne scars
- Fine lines
- Enlarged pores
- Overall skin rejuvenation
How many Fraxel sessions do I need?
While 3 treatments are standard, I saw excellent results after just 1 session.
Who shouldn’t get Fraxel Dual?
- Those with active acne outbreaks
- Very deep skin tones (risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)
- Anyone prone to keloids or poor wound healing
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
How long do Fraxel results last?
Results can last years with proper skincare and daily sunscreen use. Avoiding sun exposure is key to maintaining your glow.
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