Introduction
Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed those little brown spots that seem to deepen every year?
I finally decided to do something about mine — and tried a Pico laser treatment to target a few small age spots (seborrheic keratosis) on my face.
Here’s my honest 10-day healing diary: what it felt like, how my skin responded, and what I wish I’d done differently.
Day 0 — Before the Treatment
The areas I treated were small patches of seborrheic keratosis (age spots) that had gradually darkened over the years. I went in feeling a bit nervous but hopeful — my dermatologist assured me that Pico laser could safely target pigment without much downtime.
Day 1 — Right After the Treatment
The session was short — just a few minutes — but it did sting. I’d describe the sensation as tiny bursts of heat, like small sparks on the skin. Because it was a small area, the pain was totally manageable.
Right after treatment, the skin looked a little red and slightly swollen, almost like a mild sunburn.
Day 3 — Scabbing Phase
Tiny brown spots started forming over the treated areas — these are the healing scabs, a normal part of the process. I tried my best not to touch or pick at them and kept my skincare very simple: gentle cleanser, hydrating serum, and lots of patience.
Day 7 — Scabs Falling Off
By the end of the first week, the scabs started to fall off naturally, revealing pink, tender new skin underneath. It looked smooth but a bit fragile — so I was extra gentle and avoided exfoliating or wearing makeup.
Day 10 — Healing & Reflection
A few days after the scabs were gone, I noticed something unexpected — the treated areas looked slightly darker than before. This post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can happen if the skin isn’t fully protected from UV light.
My doctor had warned me to strictly avoid sun exposure, but I only wore a face shield outdoors and skipped sunscreen while indoors. Lesson learned! Even indirect sunlight or indoor lighting can trigger pigmentation after laser treatment.
Despite the temporary darkening, I can already see smoother texture and lighter spots starting to emerge underneath. I’ll keep monitoring and updating over the next few weeks.
What I Learned
- Protect your skin 24/7 — use sunscreen even indoors.
- Be patient; post-laser redness and darkening can take weeks to fade.
- Keep your skincare routine gentle and hydrating.
- Small treatment areas hurt less and heal faster — a good choice for first-timers.
Would I do it again? Probably yes — but this time, with a hat, SPF 50, and full commitment to sun protection.
Final Thoughts
This experience reminded me that skincare is not just about results, but about respect for the skin’s healing process. If you’re considering Pico laser for age spots, go in informed, take it slow, and protect that new skin like treasure.
(This post shares my personal experience and is not medical advice. Always consult a licensed dermatologist before starting any treatment.)