Question:
I’m 33, female, and I just got laser skin resurfacing treatments three weeks ago. I know I’m supposed to wear sunscreen constantly, but when I’ve put it on to go outside, the skin has gotten red and itchy, so I’m embarrassed to go out. Why is the sunscreen irritating my treated skin?
Answer:
Laser skin resurfacing requires meticulous post procedure care including the use of sun screens and sun avoidance to insure an uneventful recovery and prevent potential complications such as pigment changes to the skin. Skin that has undergone laser resurfacing tends to be very sensitive and it is likely that the use of your sunscreen is resulting in a hypersensitivity reaction. I would consult your surgeon and have them change your sunscreen to one that is more hypoallergenic.
Posted by Dr. Philip Schoenfeld