Best Sunscreen After Fraxel

Fraxel laser treatment is FDA-approved for treating a wide range of cosmetic concerns, including acne scars, sun damage, fine lines, enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation, age spots, surgical scars, uneven skin texture, and issues with skin tone. Fraxel is a non-ablative skin resurfacing treatment option that utilizes fractionated laser technology to stimulate collagen production, resulting in comprehensive skin rejuvenation without damaging the outer layer of the skin. Using targeted microscopic beams of laser energy, the Fraxel laser penetrates the inner layer of skin. It triggers the body’s natural healing process, which corrects uneven skin tone and texture, resulting in smoother, clearer, and more youthful-looking skin. To learn more about how the Fraxel laser can address your skin concerns, schedule a consultation with expert board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green.

Fraxel is a safe and effective treatment option that does not require downtime following the treatment. However, after the procedure, patients may experience increased photosensitivity and minor side effects, including redness, dry skin, flaking, and tenderness in the treated area. While these side effects are a natural part of the healing process following the procedure, it is essential to practice good skincare post-treatment for optimal results. One of the most essential aspects of post-procedure skincare is practicing strict sun avoidance and always wearing sun protection when outdoors. Because the treated area is more sensitive to sunlight, the risk of developing sun damage after the Fraxel laser treatment is high without sufficient protection. Post-procedure, Dr. Green will provide patients with detailed aftercare instructions, including recommendations for the best skincare products to protect the treatment area from harmful UV rays.

Experienced, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green has been expertly treating patients at her Upper East Side, New York City, dermatology office for over 25 years. Dr. Green is an expert in many anti-aging cosmetic treatments, including chemical peels, microneedling, microdermabrasion, IPL laser hair removal, and injectable treatments, such as Botox and dermal fillers. With treatments for many skin conditions available at her office and her proprietary line of skincare products, Dr. Green enhances access to a youthful-looking appearance for all her patients. Well-known for high patient satisfaction, Dr. Green has been frequently voted one of New York City’s best dermatologists by publications such as Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors.

What is Fraxel Laser Treatment?

Fraxel laser therapy is a non-ablative skin resurfacing treatment option that is FDA-approved to treat a range of skin concerns, including acne scars, surgical scars, uneven skin texture, stretch marks, fine lines, and sun damage. Originally manufactured by Solta Medical, the Fraxel laser is a fractional laser, meaning it uses precise beams of laser energy to target only a fraction of the skin at a time, while leaving the surrounding tissue unaffected. Fraxel is a non-ablative laser resurfacing option, meaning that the treatment penetrates the dermis and boosts new collagen growth without vaporizing the outer layer of the skin. As a result, Fraxel laser therapy can provide improved skin tone and texture with minimal downtime.

How does Fraxel laser resurfacing work?

The Fraxel laser is a safe, effective, non-invasive, and non-ablative treatment option for patients seeking to improve their skin tone and texture. The laser emits controlled, targeted beams of fractionated energy that penetrate the deeper layers of the skin while leaving the surrounding tissue unaffected. The microscopic columns treat a fraction of the skin at a time, creating controlled micro-damage to the tissue. This triggers the body’s natural healing process and boosts collagen production for smoother, brighter, more youthful-looking skin.

When treating various skin concerns, Dr. Green utilizes the Fraxel Dual laser, which features two distinct settings and essentially combines the functions of two lasers into one. With a wavelength of 1927 nm, the Thulium laser is best suited for treating hyperpigmentation, including skin discoloration, age spots, and sun damage. The 1927nm laser emissions target the chromophores in the skin to reduce pigmentation on the skin’s surface. The 1550 nm wavelength Erbium laser is best suited for improving skin texture and addressing concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and surgical scars. The Erbium laser penetrates the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production, yielding results that continue to improve over time.

Patients with a history of cold sores should inform Dr. Green prior to starting treatment. If patients are experiencing an active acne breakout in the treatment area, Fraxel treatment should be delayed until the breakout has been resolved.

Is the Fraxel laser a CO2 laser?

There are three main types of Fraxel lasers available: Fraxel Dual laser, Fraxel Repair, and Fraxel Restore. Fraxel Repair is an ablative CO2 fractional laser that destroys the outer layer of skin for full laser skin resurfacing and rejuvenation. While the results are dramatic and can be effectively used to treat sun spots and uneven skin texture, the ablative nature of the CO2 laser treatment means that significant downtime is associated with the treatment, as well as a higher risk of infection and other potential side effects. On the other hand, Fraxel Restore is a gentle laser that utilizes a 1550 nm wavelength of light to specifically address mild to moderate skin conditions, including fine lines, discoloration, and uneven skin tone and texture. While minimal downtime is associated with Fraxel Restore, the results are not as dramatic as those achieved with other forms of Fraxel laser.

As such, Dr. Green typically uses the Fraxel Dual laser for sun damage and to address various other skin conditions, including fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, surgical scars, and actinic keratosis. The Fraxel Dual laser has two wavelengths of light energy: 1550 nm and 1927 nm. The 1550 nm wavelength, also called an Erbium laser, can be used to treat the same skin conditions as the Fraxel Restore laser, including wrinkles, skin texture, and acne scarring. When treating sun damage, Dr. Green will utilize the other wavelength available on the Fraxel Dual laser: the 1927 nm wavelength or the Thulium laser, which is most effective in treating various forms of hyperpigmentation and discoloration. Both wavelengths of light on the Fraxel Dual laser can be used during the same treatment session for full facial skin rejuvenation.

What is the dermatologist-recommended skincare after Fraxel treatment?

Patients often ask, “What should I put on my face after Fraxel?” Following Fraxel laser treatment, patients should choose gentle, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic products. Patients should begin their skincare routine every morning and evening with a gentle cleanser to clear the skin of dirt, sunscreen, sweat, and other debris that can clog pores. After cleansing, patients can apply a toner to prepare the face for absorbing products. Due to the flaking and dry skin side effects of Fraxel treatment, moisturizing with a fragrance-free lotion is an essential part of post-laser treatment skin care. It is best to use a moisturizer specifically designed for the face and labeled as suitable for sensitive skin. While petroleum ointments like Aquaphor or Vaseline are very hydrating, they are often too heavy for the skin and can contribute to clogged pores. The final step of every skincare routine should be applying sunscreen. Following laser treatment, the skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight, thereby increasing the risk of sun damage in patients. Dr. Green recommends reapplying sunscreen every 90 minutes that you spend outside.

In the first week post-procedure, the skin may be dry, flaky, and more sensitive, so it is essential to avoid skincare products with active ingredients that could irritate the treatment area. Exfoliants, such as AHAs (glycolic acid, citric acid, and lactic acid) and BHAs (salicylic acid), as well as vitamin C, retinoids, and retinol-based products like Retin-A, should all be avoided until the treated area is fully healed. Additionally, skin-lightening creams containing hydroquinone should also be avoided. Direct exposure to harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun or tanning beds can be particularly dangerous while the skin is healing. Dr. Green recommends that patients avoid direct sun exposure for at least three months after treatment to minimize the risk of unwanted side effects, including hyperpigmentation, scarring, and burning. Keeping the skin clean and clear is also essential, so Dr. Green also recommends avoiding smoking, excessive sweating, and swimming until the area has fully healed.

What is the aftercare like following Fraxel treatment?

Following your Fraxel treatment session, Dr. Green will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help maintain clear, clean, and hydrated skin in the days and weeks following the procedure. Immediately after the treatment, Dr. Green will apply a cold compress to the treated area, which can help soothe the slight sunburn sensation caused by the laser. When patients return home, they can repeat the process of applying a cold compress or ice pack as necessary. Following the treatment, it is essential to practice strict sun avoidance, as sun exposure can damage sensitive skin and worsen hyperpigmentation, scarring, or burning. Dr. Green recommends that patients apply SPF 30 or higher sunscreen every morning before going outside as part of their regular skincare regimen. When the Fraxel laser treats hyperpigmentation, patients typically experience 5-7 days of skin flaking and peeling. During this time, patients should keep the skin moisturized with a gentle moisturizer.

Can I use sunscreen after Fraxel laser treatment?

Following Fraxel Dual laser treatment, patients should practice strict sun avoidance by wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and sun protection clothing. Post-treatment, the skin in the treatment area will be particularly photosensitive, making it more susceptible to sun damage. Patients can use sunscreen immediately after treatment and should practice strict sun protection daily for at least three months following treatment.

What sunscreen to use after fractional laser treatment

The best sunscreen to use after Fraxel laser treatment is the one you are motivated to wear every day. The most effective sunscreen routine typically employs a combination approach, using both chemical sunscreen and mineral sunscreen for more comprehensive coverage. When it comes to choosing a brand of sunscreen that will be effective for managing the symptoms of melasma, Dr. Green recommends the following:

• MGSKINLABs Essential Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50 – a mineral sunscreen containing hydrating ingredients
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios Broad-Spectrum SPF 100
• EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide
• CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen with Niacinamide
• EltaMD Tinted Mineral Sunscreen

To determine which option is best for your skin type and tone, schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Green.

Can I use chemical sunscreen after Fraxel?

There are two overarching types of sunscreen available: chemical sunscreen, which contains active ingredients such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, and cinnamates to protect against UVA and UVA rays, and physical sunscreen, which contains active ingredients such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and iron oxide to create a physical blocker of UVA and UVB rays. Dr. Green recommends using both a chemical and a physical sunscreen for optimal sun protection results. It is wise for patients to choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher for better protection against the sun. Additionally, sunscreens that block both visible light and UV rays can further protect the skin and reduce the risk of additional sun damage following Fraxel laser treatment. For more comprehensive coverage, Dr. Green recommends using lotion sunscreen rather than aerosol or spray-on sunscreens. While aerosols are convenient, they often provide less protection than lotion.

How long after Fraxel can I put on sunscreen?

Patients can begin applying sunscreen to the treatment area 24 hours after Fraxel laser treatment. For the next three months, patients should be diligent about applying sunscreen to the treated area, reapply 20 minutes before going outside, and should reapply every two hours that they spend in the sun. Patients must practice strict sun avoidance after Fraxel laser treatment, as the skin is more sensitive to the sun’s UV rays.

Do I need to avoid the sun after Fraxel laser treatment?

Following the Fraxel laser procedure, Dr. Green will provide you with comprehensive aftercare instructions to ensure optimal results and minimize potential side effects. It is common for the skin to feel warm after treatment, as if you have just received a sunburn. Redness, skin irritation, and peeling may occur for 5-7 days post-treatment, and Dr. Green advises patients to use gentle skincare products during this time. Most significantly, Dr. Green advises patients to practice strict sun avoidance in the months following Fraxel skin resurfacing treatment. Patients should apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when going outside and reapply every 90 minutes. You can also stay inside when the sun is at its most intense, between 10 am and 2 pm.

How long until you can go in the sun after Fraxel?

Following Fraxel laser treatment, patients should avoid direct, unprotected sun exposure for at least three months, as the newly revealed skin in the treated area will be particularly photosensitive and more prone to sun damage. Exposing new skin post-treatment can exacerbate existing discoloration, and there is a risk of further sun damage. The treatment results can be maintained and improved by practicing strict sun avoidance, which can be achieved by applying sunscreen whenever you go outside, reapplying every 90 minutes, wearing sun-protective clothing, and staying inside during the sun’s most intense hours.

What happens if you don’t wear sunscreen after Fraxel treatment?

Following Fraxel laser treatment, the skin becomes significantly more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of developing hyperpigmentation, dark spots, or other forms of sun damage in the three months following treatment. If patients do not wear sunscreen after Fraxel treatment, they are more likely to develop sun damage, which may require additional treatment to reverse. Having skin that is more sensitive to sunlight also puts patients at a higher risk of developing pre-cancerous lesions that could develop into sun cancer. As such, Dr. Green recommends applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapplying every 90 minutes when you go outside, especially during the three months post-treatment when the skin is at its most sensitive.

How soon after Fraxel can I wash my face?

Following Fraxel laser treatment, Dr. Green will provide patients with clear aftercare instructions, including recommended skincare products and the necessary waiting time before washing their face. Typically, patients can wash their face 12-24 hours after the procedure. They should then wash their face with a gentle cleanser twice daily to keep the treatment area clean. Common side effects of Fraxel laser treatment include redness and some scabbing. Patients should keep the skin hydrated with a light moisturizer and avoid picking at any crusting.

What is the best moisturizer after Fraxel?

A light, gentle, and fragrance-free moisturizer is the best type to use after Fraxel laser treatment. When dry skin and flaking occur due to the treatment, it is important to keep the skin hydrated by applying moisturizer in the morning and evening after thoroughly washing the face with a gentle cleanser and applying toner. Products containing ingredients such as ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid can help retain moisture in the treated area, reduce redness, and strengthen the skin barrier. Dr. Green recommends that patients look for products labeled as “sensitive skin” from brands such as CeraVe, Cetaphil, Aveeno, and Neutrogena, or Dr. Green’s proprietary line of skincare products, MGSKINLABs.

Can I use hyaluronic acid after Fraxel treatment?

Unlike ablative lasers, the Fraxel laser does not require any downtime following the procedure. Patients may experience some minor redness and swelling, which will subside within a couple of days. In the weeks following the procedure, Dr. Green recommends that patients avoid harsh skincare products, such as exfoliants, retinoids, hydroquinone, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), as these can irritate the newly treated skin. Patients may experience some peeling and crusting of the skin, but should not pick at it, as this can interfere with the healing process. Instead, patients should clean their skin with a gentle cleanser and moisturize with a light moisturizer twice a day. Hyaluronic acid is a gentle ingredient that helps the skin retain moisture. Dr. Green recommends that patients seek out gentle hyaluronic acid-based cleansers to wash their face in the weeks following Fraxel laser resurfacing treatment.

How many days after Fraxel can I wear makeup?

The Fraxel Dual laser is a non-ablative laser treatment, meaning that it is associated with significantly fewer side effects compared to an ablative laser. Where ablative laser treatments destroy the outer layer of the skin, Fraxel leaves the skin’s surface intact and targets the tissue in the deeper layer of the skin. In the first week after receiving Fraxel laser treatment, patients may experience some common, mild side effects, including swelling, redness, dry skin, tenderness in the treatment area, and flaking of the skin. These side effects will resolve within one week of receiving the treatment, as the treatment results continue to improve over time. Patients should wait for one week before applying makeup on the treated area to avoid exacerbating the side effects of the treatment.

How to get started with Fraxel treatment today

The Fraxel laser is an excellent treatment option that works by emitting precise laser energy, causing controlled damage to the skin to stimulate collagen production over time. With two different wavelengths available, the Fraxel laser can address a wide range of skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, uneven skin texture, and uneven skin tone. Unlike ablative laser resurfacing treatment options, the Fraxel laser has a low risk of serious side effects and does not require any downtime. To find out if the Fraxel laser is the right treatment option for you, schedule an appointment with expert dermatologist Dr. Michele Green.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing her patients with the best non-invasive treatment options. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach, embracing a less-is-more philosophy, and creates customized skincare routines and treatment plans that cater to the unique concerns and aesthetic goals of her patients. She is consistently identified as one of New York’s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors for her dedication to her patients and expertise. Please call us at 212-535-3088 or email our New York City-based office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Green to see if Fraxel laser treatment is the best option for you.