How Long After IPL Should Sun Exposure Be Avoided?

Question

I live in Southern California and hike a lot. I wear sun protection, but still want to be cautious so I don't interfere with the IPL results.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Unprotected sun exposure after IPL treatments may lead to brown discoloration of your skin. The recommended period of sun-avoidance is 2-3 weeks. I hope this is helpful for you.

Anne Marie McNeill, MD, PhD · Answer

For as long as you want to maintain the results from your IPL treatment, you need to avoid the sun!
I am in So Cal also and this is possible!  Just wear a mineral-based sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide-based sunscreen) every day. And wear a hat when you are hiking.
If you don't, the brown spots you paid a lot to get removed will just come back!  If you wear a hat, you will be fine hiking. 
By avoiding the sun, I don't mean you need to stay inside all of the time, or avoid exercise or the things you love. Just wear sunscreen and a hat while you do them.

How Long After IPL Should Sun Exposure Be Avoided?

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How Long After IPL Should Sun Exposure Be Avoided?

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Everything you need to know about IPL

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