Do I really need to use an expensive, specialized regenerating cream after a dermatological laser procedure?

This week, I received a fairly intense laser treatment to smooth the texture of my entire face. The clinic manager strongly recommended that I purchase an expensive regenerating cream to use at home after the procedure. Although the product recommended by the clinic was only palm-sized, it was quite pricey, so I felt hesitant to pay with my card. I politely declined, saying I would just use a mild moisturizing cream I already had at home for now, and left.
However, when I actually got home and looked in the bathroom mirror, my entire face was flushed bright red like a beet and throbbing with burning pain. I deeply regretted not going out of my way to buy the hospital's specialized regenerating cream. I am extremely anxious because I heard that applying just any cosmetic product could cause severe inflammation or dark pigmentation when the skin barrier is severely irritated and thinned out by the heat after the procedure.
I am very curious about the exact facts regarding whether it is absolutely necessary to apply expensive regenerating creams and ointments costing tens of thousands of won sold at dermatology clinics to ensure healthy, side-effect-free skin regeneration and maximize the effects of expensive laser treatments. Would there be absolutely no problem with recovery if I substituted them with generous amounts of affordable soothing products from road shops that are rich in madecassoside or Centella Asiatica extract ointments, which are easily available at Olive Young or pharmacies?
I would like to ask Maypure members, who are beauty experts and frequently undergo laser treatments, for some vivid tips on which regenerative products you usually prefer for aftercare. If there is a highly cost-effective regenerating cream that can quickly soothe and reduce redness while strengthening the skin barrier, please be sure to recommend it in the comments.
Also, the director told me to absolutely avoid hot saunas that make my skin feel hot or intense aerobic exercise for at least a few days, but I am wondering if it is okay to do light walks or stretching at home without sweating.