Preferably, come to your appointment with clean, dry skin. Avoid using your retinols for 3 days. Tell your doctor if you have a history of cold sores so prophylactic Valtrex can be prescribed. Avoid tanning before or after the laser procedure in order to minimize the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (unwanted darkening of the skin after the laser procedure). Cessation of smoking can aid in quicker healing. Tell your doctor if you have been on accutane in the last 6 months or have a history of keloids or sun-sensitivity disorders like lupus.