Can one occasionally go to the beach (months) after laser resurfacing with the use SPF30?

Question

The skin has very little protection after a resurfacing procedure and may be damaged more easily by ultraviolet light. Is the skin forever afterwards more sensitive to ultraviolet light after refsurfacing, or will use of Suncreen SPF 30 be sufficient for the remainder of ones life?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Sun exposure should be minimized, but if you are in the sun, use sunscreen. I prep my patients with Melarase creams before and after laser. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Sun exposure elicits one of the most damaging effects onto one's skin. Keep I mind that laser skin resurfacing provides long-term changes by encouraging the production of collagen and elastic fibers in the deep layers of the skin. You certainly do not want to undo the positive results of laser skin resurfacing. For that reason, I suggest you use much stronger sun screen and limit your face and skin exposure through cover-ups, umbrellas, hats and more. Follow your surgeon's recovery guidelines as well.

Hannah Vargas, MD · Answer

Once your skin is healed from the procedure you are able to enjoy outside activities.  I would recommend that you wear a higher SPF that you reapply as well as a large hat to protect your skin.  You have made the investment to treat your skin and you should try to prevent further damage, while still living your life!

Adam Scheiner, MD · Answer

There are two issues in regards to the skin being more sensitive following laser resurfacing procedures.First is the reduction in pigment staining of the skin from years of sun damage. This gives the complexion a smoother appearance but the lack of pigment does make the skin more sensitive to the sun. Second is the reduction in the dead skin layers on the top layer of the skin. This will replenish itself over 6 weeks or so.So the skin will improve in sensitivity to the sun to a certain degree, but its critical for everyone regardless of having had skin resurfacing to keep their skin protected from the sun when outside.The sun is the major force of skin aging in general and skin cancer in particular.The most important thing is to reapply your sun protection every 3-4 hours when you're outside and I like the mechanical blocks best which are those that have Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide.I hope this was helpful.

Otto Weiglein, FRCSC · Answer

As
you've correctly noted, a laser resurfacing procedure prompts the growth of new
collagen, and your skin can burn more easily when exposed to the sun's harmful
rays. It is critical to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or
higher every day, especially during the first several weeks after your
treatment. Avoiding sun exposure after that is recommended, but when you do
enjoy outdoor activities try to limit exposing the treated skin by wearing a
hat or sitting beneath an umbrella. At the beach, reapply sunscreen frequently.You don't need to stay out of the sun
forever, but it sounds like you're on the right track by researching this
topic. Protect your skin to protect your results.

Joshua A. Halpern, MD, PA · Answer

Thank you for your question. I would recommend waiting a minimum  of three months after you heal. I recommend you wear SPF 60 or higher. If your going to be out at the beach make sure your reapplying your sunscreen, wear a wide brim hat, and using an umbrella. Your skin may burn more easily so be careful, and follow up with your plastic surgeon. I hope you find this useful.

Nissan Pilest, MD · Answer

You are absolutely correct in that the new skin that forms
post-resurfacing is much more sensitive to sun exposure. It can vary by how
aggressive of a procedure you received, but generally speaking, the skin needs
at least a month to return to its normal state. You should be fine being that
you stated you’re a few months post-treatment, but yes, it is still
important to protect your investment, as well as your new, healthy skin with sunblock!

I always remind my patients that while treatment can
dramatically improve your skin, the measures you take to maintain your results
at home are just as important. While too much sun isn’t good for you, it
doesn’t mean you are not allowed to indulge in the occasional beach day. But anyone
who is trying to be proactive about their skin health should take certain
precautions at the beach: Keep sun exposure to a minimum, find shade and/or
wear a large hat, wear a physical SPF 50 and don’t forget to reapply!

Regardless of if someone has done any kind of
treatment, no one is immune to sun damage and should wear sunblock each and
every day! Diligent use of sunblock will prevent environmental damage and
premature signs of aging; more importantly it will also help to prevent skin
cancer.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

It really depends on your skin type, as well as the depth and type of laser used. Generally, I would say 8 weeks, then it is still strict sun protection with SPF but also hats and sunglasses. Regardless, one should use a high factor sunscreen for the remainder of your life to help against UV damage and extrinsic ageing after the procedure- regardless of skin type. Even though I am of Asian extraction, and do no burn in the sun, I always apply sun screen for that reason when ever I have sun exposure. All the bestDr Davin LimLaser DermatologistBRISBANE, Australia.

Can one occasionally go to the beach (months) after laser resurfacing with the use SPF30?

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