We are in the middle of the hottest months of the year, a time when many people in the Atlanta area are heading to the beach or anywhere outside. Sun exposure is at its peak, and your skin will likely be exposed to excessive UV rays, even when you wear adequate sunscreen. Most people know that sun exposure can damage their skin and promote faster aging, but no one wants to stay inside all the time. However, if you receive specific cosmetic treatments, you may want to skip that trip to the beach for a few days or more.
Sun exposure changes your skin and can cause significant damage when the skin is vulnerable after a cosmetic procedure. Whether you have plastic surgery or a non-surgical cosmetic treatment, you may need to limit your exposure to the sun for anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. UV rays can weaken the skin, impacting healing and results from your cosmetic procedure. Here are a few different cosmetic treatments that may be impacted by sun exposure.
Cosmetic Injectables
For the most part, sun exposure does not affect cosmetic injections, meaning the results will not change if you go out in the sun. However, if you have bruising or swelling from the injection, sun exposure could make it worse. It is a good idea to avoid direct sun exposure for a minimum of 24 hours after your injections. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face, and apply sunscreen to protect your skin.
Laser Treatments
Most laser treatments will require some avoidance of the sun, especially ablative ones. Laser energy causes changes to the skin, and it does need to heal. Non-ablative procedures like laser hair removal or IPL treatments may not remove the skin, but it still needs time to recover. You should avoid direct sun exposure to areas treated with lasers for at least two weeks. Your cosmetic provider will provide exact specifications based on your procedure and skin type.
Chemical Peels and Skin Resurfacing
When the top layer of your skin is removed, new skin cells are exposed below the surface. Chemical peels, especially deep peels, and skin resurfacing, or dermabrasion procedures will require limiting your exposure to sunlight. If your skin is pink, it must continue healing before being exposed to direct sunlight. This may require a few weeks or longer – always follow your provider’s instructions regarding post-procedure care to avoid damage to your skin.
At The K Spa, we want our patients to achieve the best outcomes from their aesthetic procedures. We will always provide detailed instructions on caring for your skin after any cosmetic treatment, including advice on sunlight exposure. As a general rule of thumb, it is always a good idea to protect your skin as much as possible when you are headed outside. Have a wonderful summer, and call us at our Atlanta, GA, clinic when you are ready for your next cosmetic treatment!
