With the arrival of summer, we become more aware of the importance of protecting ourselves from the harmful effects of the sun on our skin, although it is something that we should keep in mind throughout the year and not only in a seasonal way. There are circumstances in which it is even more essential, if possible, to protect ourselves from the sun. One of them is the performance of aesthetic treatments that make our skin more vulnerable than usual to the harmful effects of the sun.
After aesthetic treatments, it is always advisable to follow some guidelines at home, which may include healing or smoothing creams, vitamin K creams, etc. depending on the type of treatment performed (mesotherapy, chemical peels, threads, botox, microneedling, etc.). What is invariable is always the recommendation to apply a sun protection factor.
Exposure to solar radiation, in general, contributes to skin aging and harms all skin types. The skin loses elasticity and hydration and fine lines, wrinkles and spots appear. It is very important to apply effective sun protection daily, but it becomes essential to do it before and after medical-aesthetic treatments.
Why should we protect our skin from the sun after an aesthetic treatment?
Mainly because the treatment may have left the skin more vulnerable to the damaging effects of the sun. For example, a chemical peel or a laser treatment, among others, are abrasive procedures after which the skin is more sensitive and unprotected. Exposure to the sun in these circumstances is not recommended and if it occurs without protection, it can lead to burns, redness, swelling and even blistering.
Another factor to consider is the possibility of a hyperpigmentation of the treated area, which is inflamed due to the procedure and can be darkened by reaction.
In addition, finally yet importantly, in the case of anti-aging treatments, sun exposure is counterproductive and may override the objectives pursued by the aesthetic procedure. UVA radiation has a pronounced effect on the subcutaneous layer and can alter the structure of the collagen and elastin fibres, accelerating the aging of the skin.
What type of sunscreen is the ideal after aesthetic treatments?
As for the protection factor, it should be high, ideally 50+.
In reference to the filter, there are two types: physical or mineral filters (also called total screens) and chemical filters.
The physical filters reflect all the solar radiation, preventing it from penetrating the skin and producing redness or burns.
The chemical filters act by absorbing the solar radiation and transforming it into another type of energy not harmful to the skin.
A good option is to recommend your patients to use a protective cream that combines these two types of filters, with a 50+ protection factor.
BCN Solar, sun protection after aesthetic treatments
BCN Solar is a sun protection cream specially indicated for its use before and after professional medical-aesthetic treatments such as mesotherapy, microneedling, peelings, laser, pulsed light, dermabrasion, etc.
BCN Solar protects the skin from UV rays, avoiding its harmful effects such as accelerated aging, cell damage and hyperpigmentation. Contains Silanetriol, Carcinine, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and chamomile essential oil extract, in addition to several sunscreens combined with micronized titanium dioxide. BCN Solar provides the following specific benefits:
How to apply sun protection properly
Clean the skin and apply the cream on face, neck, décolleté, hands and any other areas that may be exposed to the sun between 30 minutes and 2 hours before the exposure.
Reapply every 2 hours or every 80 minutes if you are in the water or perspiring abundantly.
