Sun Exposure After IPL Vascular Removal

Though your skin will be healed after 4 weeks, sun exposure (more importantly UV) will create new damage regardless.  Many of the reasons patients seek out IPL treatment is due to sun damage related skin problems (brown spots and small blood vessels). It is always important to use a full spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen/block, reapply frequently and avoid direct exposure.  If my patients are headed for a sun filled vacation, I generally advise them to wait to have IPL (or start their series) until after they return to get the most longevity from their treatments.

Dr. Grant Stevens         

While safe, you may negate the effect of your treatment if you have significant sun exposure that soon after IPL treatments. Be sure to do your best to protect your skin from UV radiation exposure.

One of the results of sun exposure is appearance or accentuation of small blood vessels or broken capillaries on the face.

So if you have recently treated broken capillaries, you want to preserve the results of the treatment by avoiding sun exposure.  That is best done by using a high SPF broad spectrum sunscreen and avoiding the sun altogether between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. If you do that, there should not be a problem with going to Mexico one month after IPL.