Tanning ability after IPL - Will the skin be able to tan after IPL?

Question

I am not asking about the immediate post period of 4-6 weeks when you are not allowed to tan but more the long term ability.As of now I am not able to tan my face because I have so much redness there (probably small capillaries due to old sun damage). I am super sensitive and react with alot more redness when exposed to sun. If I am able to get rid of the redness with multiple IPL treatments will I be able to tan later on? Risk my melanocytes be damaged?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, you'll be able to tan, but I recommend avoiding excessive sun exposure and tanning. I recommend wearing adequate sun protection.  I recommend following up with a cosmetic dermatologist about after care recommendations. I recommend skin care with vitamin c, b5 hydrator, silicone based scar gels with growth factors and enzymatic washes with papaya enzyme to give improvement. Sun protection is essential. Lasers work best in combination with other treatments in order to improve the skin's texture and collagen. Best, Dr. Emer

Katherine Dee, MD · Answer

IPL will have no long term effect on your skin's ability to tan. It will act as it always has. Please remember, there is no such thing as a healthy tan. Wear sun block every day.

Eric Shreder, DO, MS · Answer

Hi, You should be able to tan after IPL with no problems provided your skin is completely recovered from the treatment 8-12 weeks. But, I must say, the UV exposure that caused you to need IPL in the first place will age your skin and place you at higher risk for skin cancer! I practice in Arizona, and deal with skin damage, and skin cancers every day! Cheers, Dr Eric Shreder

Ahad Mahootchi, MD · Answer

While you are doing the IPL, and I am not sure how many treatments you are getting, you will want to avoid sun exposure.Weeks after the treatment, you should be able to tan but with your skin, I would wear lots of sun protection.

Tanning ability after IPL - Will the skin be able to tan after IPL?

Answers (4)

Answer: Tanning long term.

Answer: Tanning long term.

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Everything you need to know about IPL

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Tanning ability after IPL - Will the skin be able to tan after IPL?

Answers (4)

Answer: Tanning long term.

Answer: Tanning long term.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about IPL

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.