What do you know about the importance of using sunscreen after a facial treatment such as IPLs, chemical peels, micro-needling or laser hair removal in San Diego? We fill you in on all the important information you need to know so you can make the best out of your appointment with us.

It wasn’t that long ago that we reveled in our dark natural tans and even our blistering sunburns. How things have changed: tans are still in, but burns are out, and many of us may now be paying the price for our carefree days in the sun with premature wrinkling, age spots, hyperpigmentation, sagging skin, deep creases, and coarse skin.

Luckily, there are multiple non-invasive solutions to our skin tone and texture problems, including chemical peels, micro-needling, and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments. These FDA-approved remedial treatments offer safe, successful outcomes for a smoother and more radiant complexion.

When you choose these procedures, there are several essential rules to follow for optimum results. Comply with these recommendations and not only will you help your skin recover, but you will also invest in healthier skin in the future.

1. What You Need to Know About IPLs, Chemical Peels, Micro-Needling, and Laser Hair Removal

While they rely on different techniques, IPLs, chemical peels, micro-needling, and laser hair removal all have one element in common: they impact the skin’s surface through therapeutic wounding, whether via exfoliants, micro-puncture wounds, or controlled energy.

• IPLs use intense light pulses in specific, controlled wavelengths to clarify and smooth the skin by sparking collagen synthesis in the dermis. Your skin will look a little swollen and pink afterwards. In certain ways, it will feel and look like you have a sunburn, however, this should subside quickly. After that, your skin will start to flake off over several days as it responds to the treatment and starts to regenerate. Your more youthful and luminous skin will become fully apparent within two to four weeks.

• Chemical peels use naturally-occurring clarifying acids and healing ingredients to penetrate and act on the surface and the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production for improved skin tone. They stimulate the resurfacing of your epidermis to reveal a smoother, clearer, and less wrinkled appearance. Similar to IPLs, after this treatment, your skin will look pink and feel tight and tender. After several days, your skin will start to peel, revealing your more youthful complexion.

• Micro-needling applies very fine, very short micro-needles to the face, resulting in tiny micro-punctures that promote collagen production and facilitate increased absorption of topically-applied skincare products. You may also experience some swelling and peeling, which are normal. After a few days, you will see visible recovery, and the healing will continue along with improvements in your appearance for up to two months.

• Laser hair removal for the face uses a laser, or a beam of light, which heats the follicle to ‘kill’ your hair at the root, resulting in reduced hair growth across several sessions. After-effects can include redness and swelling. These effects are within normal expectations and should disappear within days. We recommend staying out of the sun leading up to your treatments.

Related post: Micro-Needling vs. Chemical Peels: Which is Right for Me?

2. What You Need to Know About Aftercare for Your Treated Skin

In each treatment, the skin is ‘abraded’, needled, or heated—and as a result, it will be especially sensitive and vulnerable. Naturally, your skin will need a few days to recover while your system produces a refreshed and toned epidermis.

In addition to gentle cleansing and careful moisturizing, our nurse will advise you to apply sunscreen regularly and diligently to protect your skin from sun damage. A reliable sunscreen with a factor of at least SPF30, such as Obagi’s Professional-C Suncare, is a must-have for one to two weeks, depending on the treatment. It’s important to remember that prolongued exposure to the sun, even if you apply sunscreen can cause pigmentation issues in some cases which can make your skin look worse which is why we always recommend that you stay out of the sun if you can. Otherwise, we recommend applying a generous amount of sunscreen and a wide-brimmed sunhat as additional protection when you’re outside.

3. About Obagi Professional-C Suncare

Obagi is a long-established, scientifically researched skincare range offering proactive prevention and innovative rejuvenation for all skin types to promote optimal skin health. The brand’s Professional-C Suncare SPF30 is a broadspectrum, dual-purpose sunscreen with antioxidants to address signs of aging while protecting against UVA and UVB rays. The product is perfect for keeping your skin safe after treatments. It is recommended for daily use by The Skin Cancer Foundation and is reef-friendly.

While providing chemical protection from harmful rays, our Obagi Sun Shield and Nu-Derm lines offer options for physical sun protection whenever you need it. Our proprietary INVISIBLE ZINC technology uses zinc oxide and dimethicone, which vanish on the skin but remain on the surface to provide a physical barrier against the sun’s rays.

While sun protection is necessary after your treatments, we urge you to continue with this healthy habit. Wear sunscreen daily to maintain your rejuvenated appearance and avoid the dangers of further sun-related damage.

We look forward to helping with your skin concerns. When you book with us for your IPL, chemical peel, micro-needling, or laser hair removal treatment on your face, ask about our highly effective Obagi range of sunscreens.

Get your facial treatment today. Contact us.

4. Testimonial by Ashley, Patient and San Diego Resident 

I decided to try laser hair removal after waxing and shaving for years. I started off with laser on my underarms and after my first few sessions I could already see a huge difference. The staff at The Laser Cafe has always been very friendly and accommodating. The actual service takes no more than 2 minutes, it’s super quick and not as painful as I expected it to be. I would definitely recommend The Laser Cafe to anyone considering laser hair removal. I’m so happy with my results!