Do You Need to Stay out of the Sun After an IPL Photorejuvenation Facial and for How Long?

Question

I play a lot of beach volleyball, so staying out of the sun is impossible. Is this treatment only effective for patients who are not constantly exposed to sunlight? I also have tanned skin with a lot of freckling and/or small sun spots on the face. Is this treatment effective for my type of skin? Thanks for your help.

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

Jessica J. Krant, MD, MPH · Answer

BeachVB,

	Sounds like a lot of fun! But you are correct to wonder if IPL would be a waste of your time. Going right back out into the sun after an IPL treatment will pretty much undo any improvement (and increase the risk of additional hyperpigmentation, truth be told). I would only recommend IPL treatments for someone who either intended to entirely change sun exposure habits, or who was prepared for annual maintenance treatments with the full expectation that it's a constant and ongoing battle. I agree with increased sun protection on a daily basis, hats, sunglasses, antioxidants, and creams that contain skin lightening agents. See your board-certified dermatologist for good advice.

Emily Altman, MD · Answer

You need to be out of the sun for one month before and after sun exposure. 

	When you are in the sun, since the sand and water reflect  and intensify sun and sweating decreases sunscreen effectiveness, you need to be absolutely religious about applying and reapplying sunscreen regularly, at least every two hours or more often.

	It is not just a matter of IPL.  It is a matter of significantly increasing your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.

	So, it is best to do IPL at least a month after you are finished with the volleyball circuit for a year and have one month before you are out in the sun again.  Usually IPL requires more than one session.

Do You Need to Stay out of the Sun After an IPL Photorejuvenation Facial and for How Long?

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Do You Need to Stay out of the Sun After an IPL Photorejuvenation Facial and for How Long?

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