Can I sunbathe after Fraxel laser treatments or will my skin be too sensitive?
after fraxel re-store treatment how sensitive is to the sun? planning on doing the re-store treatment my main concern now is would I be able to sun bathing?
Editor's Note: Find out more about sensitive skin and Fraxel treatments here.
Answers (2)
Good idea not to sun bathe
Unfortunately sun bathing causes skin damage, not only increasing your cancer risks but increasing your age spots and wrinkles too. Undergoing skin rejuvenation procedures such as Fraxel and others is meant to reverse some of the signs of skin damage. Sunbathing after skin rejuvenation almost certainly will negate any benefit you get from the treatment - you would simply be throwing your time and money down the drain. The other concern is that sun exposure after skin rejuvenation procedures can actually cause hyperpigmentation (dark spots) on the skin, making the aging process worse than before treatment. Consider either not sun bathing or not undergoing the Fraxel treatment - they will pretty much offset one another.
Get your sunbathing out of the way before your laser treatments
Facial Plastic Surgeon
It is counterintuitive to sun bathe after having treatments that correct sun damaged skin. I love to be outdoors and in the sun myself so I can appreciate your concerns. You risk post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark browning of your skin) if you sun bathe following Fraxel re:store treatments. You should wear daily sun block for at least 3 months following your treatment, use wide brimmed hats, and avoid sun exposure. Many patients delay their treatment until the fall and winter months to make staying out of the sun a bit easier. Some patients who have been successfully treated for melasma (brown pigment of pregnancy, hormones) have relapses after "sun vacations". It is best to avoid the sun after the Fraxel restore treatment in order to protect your investment in your skin's health. Be well.
Dr. P
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