Laser and Sun Exposure: Can You Go in the Sun After Laser Skin Treatment?

Uncovering a fresh and youthful layer of skin is now possible with state-of-the-art and non-surgical laser skin treatments. At BROWZ, we offer Pico laser, Fotona, Sofwave, and Morpheus 8 to address specific skin concerns including scarring, pigmentation, and signs of ageing. Like everything in life, there is an ideal time and place for laser skin treatments. In this blog, we hope to help you understand the connection between laser and sun exposure.

Since laser skin treatments involve gently injuring the top layers of the skin, new skin tissue is exposed and more vulnerable to sun damage. To ensure our clients the best possible results from laser skin treatments, we take the time to understand your unique skin characteristics during the initial consultation. We then recommend tailored laser skin treatments and fully disclose what to expect before and after. We also provide aftercare instructions and tips to stay protected under the sun.

What is Laser Skin Treatment?

Laser skin treatments involve injuring the top layers of the skin gently and with precision using pulsating beams of light. The general goal of this procedure is to boost collagen and elastin production to reveal a healthier, smoother, and firmer layer of skin, which improves complexion and tone altogether.

Not one type of laser skin treatment is better than the other. It’s more about matching you with the laser skin treatment that will deliver your desired skin results. For instance, Pico lasers would be highly effective for acne scars, while Sofwave would be ideal if you want a natural facelift. We also factor in your skin type, skin condition, and lifestyle, as each procedure would have a corresponding number of sessions and downtime.

Benefits of Laser Skin Treatments

Minimises Visibility of Scars

Specific lasers can minimise the visibility of scar tissue from acne, surgery, or injury. Laser skin treatments stimulate collagen production, strengthening its role in wound healing.

Reduces Signs of Aging

Laser skin treatments can target wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots or liver spots.

Tightens Skin

Skin becomes more elastic after laser skin treatment. Some laser technologies can also be used to give you a more contoured jawline and cheekline.

Brightens Skin

Skin looks brighter with a uniform complexion. Laser skin treatments can even out your skin tone as it helps reverse sun or photodamage, and lighten other skin pigmentations.

Laser and Sun Exposure

Laser skin treatments expose an unprotected layer of skin that is sensitive to the elements and prone to sun damage. We tell all our clients to avoid sun exposure for at least 10 days to avoid complications such as patchiness, scarring, or hyperpigmentation. Sun exposure can also trigger the skin to sweat which may irritate the laser-treated area.

To maximise your skin investment, schedule laser skin treatments 10 days before your summer holiday plans or sun exposure to give your skin enough time to heal. Also, note that some laser technologies are most effective at your skin’s most natural colour. We ask patients not to be out in the sun before laser skin treatment to avoid the chances of deepening their skin tone.

Best Practices Before and After Laser Skin Treatments

Before Laser Skin Treatment

• Let us know your medical history so we can determine if you’re a candidate for laser skin treatments. If not, we’ll suggest other more suitable skin solutions for you.
• Keep off medication like aspirin, ibuprofen, or vitamin E supplements 10 days before your appointment.
• Avoid tanning or heavy sun exposure.
• Refrain from getting deep facial peels like chemical peels.
• You may be prescribed antibiotics and antiviral medication

After Laser Skin Treatment

• Put a cold compress for 15 minutes on laser-treated skin every hour or 2 during the first 2 days.
• Apply mineral sunscreen like Colorescience with SPF 50 every 2 hours, especially when you’re out or under the sun.
• Don’t apply makeup in the next 24 hours.
• Try not to sweat excessively for at least 12 hours.
• Use a mild cleanser to wash the laser-treated area two to five times a day or as instructed by your aesthetician.
• Avoid manual exfoliation with microbeads or scrubs for 3 days.
• Do without vitamin C, retinol, and aha topical skincare products.

Can You Go in the Sun After Laser Skin Treatment?

Yes, you can go in the sun after laser skin treatment. However, we advise clients to observe a 10-day no-sun window. At BROWZ, we remind you to avoid direct sun exposure for 5 days before and after laser skin treatments.

When you do get out in the sun, we urge you to apply mineral sunscreen like Colorescience with an SPF (sun protection factor) 50 throughout the day. We enable you to enjoy your time in the sun for as long as you remember to keep your skin protected.

How Mineral Sunscreens Protect You From Sun Exposure

At BROWZ, we recommend clients to opt for mineral sunscreens like Colorescience instead of chemical sunscreens since they’re compatible with all skin types and environmentally friendly.

Without any chemicals, it is unlikely for mineral sunscreens to cause skin inflammations and irritations, making them a better alternative for those who’ve undergone laser skin treatments. In the same way, mineral sunscreens decrease the risks of negative reactions for individuals with sensitive and/ or acne-prone skin, children, and pregnant women. Moreover, mineral sunscreens are reef-friendly, so you also don’t cause any harm to the environment when rinsing off.

Mineral sunscreens instantly shield skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays by forming a protective barrier using zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, whereas chemical sunscreens take up to 20 minutes to be effective. Unlike chemical sunscreens that may seep into the bloodstream and raise internal body temperature, mineral sunscreens stay on the skin’s surface to reflect broad-spectrum ultraviolet rays, preventing them from penetrating deep into the skin.

Whether you’ve had a laser skin facial or Liplase Fotona treatment, Colorescience has got you covered with a range of mineral sunscreens for the face, under-eyes area, and lips. The best part is when the laser-treated area has fully healed, Colorescience mineral sunscreens only get better with makeup and boost effects of other skincare products. Needless to say, you won’t have any trouble blending mineral sunscreens with other beauty cosmetics.

Key Takeaways on Laser and Sun Exposure

At BROWZ, we offer laser skin treatments to boost your confidence and make you more comfortable in your own skin–not to limit you from having fun in the sun. To achieve your desired result of unveiling a more youthful and smooth glow, we’ve listed the best practices before and after laser skin treatment.

Part of having laser skin treatment is revealing a fresh and unprotected layer of skin that is vulnerable to damage due to sun exposure. At BROWZ, we remind you to observe the 10-day no-sun window and to schedule laser skin treatments before the summer holidays.

Laser skin treatments are innovative technologies that can brighten and rejuvenate skin at a cellular level. It is a non-surgical and transformative procedure that can enhance overall skin health. At BROWZ, we provide a tranquil space where you can get laser skin treatments that are tailored to your skin condition and goals.