How to protect your skin from sun damage

 Protect your skin in summer season 

September emerges as the optimal time to book your first laser treatment consultation. As the summer hustle slows down and cooler weather prompts more indoor activities, the risk of complications from sun exposure diminishes. In this overview, delve into the reasons behind the post-summer preference for laser treatments, grasp the fundamental laser treatment procedure, and explore the diverse laser treatment choices available at  Dermatology.

Post-Summer Precision for Laser Treatments: Understanding the Wait

Sun Exposure and Tanning

As summer unfolds, outdoor activities soar, elevating sun exposure and the likelihood of tanning. Tanned skin harbors increased melanin—the same target for lasers in procedures like Laser Hair Reduction and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). When the skin is tanned, there's a heightened risk of the laser honing in on the melanin in healthy skin, potentially causing burns, blisters, or alterations in pigmentation.

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Skin Sensitivity

Sun-soaked skin tends to be more sensitive. Laser treatments, known for their potential discomfort, may induce heightened irritation, redness, or discomfort when applied to sun-exposed skin, both during and after the procedure.

Increased Complication Risks

Laser-treating tanned or sun-damaged skin heightens the odds of complications, ranging from burns to blisters and pigmentation changes. Delaying treatments until your skin naturally reverts to its original hue minimizes these risks.

Post-Laser TLC: Guarding Your Glow

Sun Shield Vigilance

Following laser treatments, it's advised to steer clear of direct sun exposure. Elevate your safeguarding game with sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing. This not only shields the treated area but also wards off potential complications. Commencing treatments after summer simplifies adherence to these post-treatment care instructions.

Strategic Planning for the Long Haul

Certain laser procedures, like laser hair removal and IPL, often demand multiple sessions spaced over weeks for optimal results. Initiating treatments in the fall or winter allows you to complete your treatment plan before the next summer, ensuring uninterrupted enjoyment of the benefits—smoother, more uniform skin.

Seamless Summer Bliss

Laser treatments may induce temporary redness, swelling, or sensitivity in the treated area. Opting for post-summer commencement ensures you relish outdoor activities and events without fretting over discomfort or visible side effects, minimizing disruption to your summer escapades.

Using the Reveal Imager, we can thoroughly analyze your skin, taking advantage of its 3-D imaging, zoom, and magnification features. 

This allows us to assess various skin attributes like pigmentation, texture, sun damage, rosacea, acne, and wrinkles. The detailed, multi-spectral analysis helps us identify key areas affecting your skin's health and appearance, going beneath the surface to understand the origins of complexion issues. By uncovering the underlying causes of skin aging signs, we can offer precise recommendations for suitable treatments, estimate the number of sessions needed, and determine the optimal pace for your skincare regimen.

The Reveal Imager utilizes ultraviolet (UV)

 photography to expose pigmentation issues like sunspots and freckles. In visible light, it captures images to identify changes in skin tone and dark spots. Moreover, the imager enhances images to highlight vascular structures, making visible blood vessels and capillaries. This feature facilitates side-by-side comparisons over time, aiding in tracking changes in vascular health and evaluating the success of treatments.

The Reveal Imager employs multi-spectral imaging to evaluate fine lines and wrinkles by analyzing skin texture and color variations across different wavelengths.

Additionally, computer software is utilized to analyze captured images and predict how features may evolve as the skin ages. This predictive analysis encompasses changes in wrinkle depth, pore size, and skin texture, providing insight into the aging process.

General Laser Treatment Process

To create a laser treatment plan tailored to your needs, skin type, hair color, and medical history, it's crucial to consult with a Bryn Mawr Dermatologist. The process involves an initial assessment, utilizing tools like the Reveal Imager if necessary, to understand the underlying causes of your skin concerns.

Following the consultation, a customized treatment plan is developed, recommending the most suitable laser technology based on factors like skin tone and desired outcomes. The number of sessions required is estimated, considering variables such as hair color and thickness, correction goals, and pigmentation levels.

Before your first session, your dermatologist provides guidelines, including avoiding sun exposure and discontinuing certain products. For laser hair removal, shaving the treatment area is advised a day or two prior.

During a treatment session, the Bryn Mawr Dermatology team prioritizes your comfort and safety. Local anesthesia, in the form of a topical numbing cream, is applied, and protective eyewear is provided. Appointment duration varies based on treated areas. Any questions can be addressed during the initial consultation.

Post-Treatment Care

Following each laser treatment session, you might experience temporary side effects like redness, swelling, changes in pigmentation, and mild discomfort. These effects typically resolve within a day or two. Bryn Mawr Dermatology advises the following post-treatment care:

•  Avoid sun exposure and tanning for a couple of weeks.
•  Refrain from hot baths, saunas, and intense exercise for a day or two.
•  If your skin is sensitive, apply soothing creams or aloe vera.

Repeat these steps twice a day, excluding sunscreen in the evening, to unveil healthy, glowing skin. Choose skincare products tailored to your skin type and specific concerns for optimal results. Consistent care will be appreciated by your skin.

Types of Laser Treatments

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

 is a gentle yet effective procedure designed to address pigmentation issues, providing a solution for patients concerned about their skin's appearance. This treatment also promotes the remodeling of collagen, resulting in a youthful and refreshed look. Many patients opt for IPL due to its convenience, non-invasiveness, and the following benefits:

• Little-to-no downtime
• Improved pigmentation
• Comfortable and non-abrasive
• Complementary to other skin rejuvenating procedures

The V Beam 

Laser is specifically employed for treating conditions like Rosacea, addressing redness in areas such as the central face, cheeks, nose, and forehead. Additionally, this laser is effective in treating small dilated blood vessels close to the skin surface, along with angiomas, red birthmarks, and scars.

The YAG laser is designed to target well-defined dark pigments, such as sunspots, birthmarks, or dark patches on the skin. It is considered safe for use on various body parts, including the face and hands, effectively addressing unwanted age spots or sunspots.

Laser hair removal 

 provides long-lasting and effective hair removal, eliminating or softening hair to the point of invisibility after several sessions. This eliminates the need for at-home supplies to maintain smooth skin, ensuring you're always ready to wear certain outfits or enjoy outdoor activities without concern about hair.

CO 2RE Laser Resurfacing

specifically fractional CO2 resurfacing, can significantly enhance the appearance of facial wrinkles, skin texture, and discoloration by stimulating collagen production. This procedure is effective in improving acne scars, C-section surgical scars, and stretch marks. Targeting specific zones deep within the skin, fractional CO2 resurfacing results in less downtime compared to full-surface treatments, offering a rejuvenating effect with the expertise of licensed medical professionals.