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Fraxel Laser
Can I Sunbathe After Fraxel Laser Treatments or Will my Skin Be Too Sensitive?
Any laser treatment will make your skin more susceptible to damage from the sun and sunbathing should be avoided until you've healed from the laser. Fraxel works by creating thousands of tiny injury zones in the skin to stimulate new collagen and renewal, and while these heal the outer barrier is thinner and more vulnerable. This means treated skin sunburns faster and pigment cells can overreact to UV exposure, sometimes causing dark or uneven patches that take weeks or months to fade. Healing generally takes several days to a week or so depending on the treatment strength, and you'll notice redness and flaking during that time. Good sunscreen is the key to preventing skin cancer and aged looking skin in the future. If you notice unusual dark spots, blistering, or prolonged redness after treatment, call your surgeon's office.
Clinical Context
Fraxel works by creating thousands of microscopic injury zones that trigger new collagen and skin renewal. While these heal, the skin's outer barrier is thinner and pigment-producing cells are more reactive, so UV exposure can trigger uneven or dark patches that take time to fade. Freshly treated skin also sunburns more easily than normal skin. This is why protecting it from direct sun with shade, clothing, and sunscreen matters more than usual until healing is complete.
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