What is a common post-treatment care for patients receiving laser therapy?

Avoiding sun exposure and using sunscreen is a common post-treatment care measure for patients receiving laser therapy. This is important because laser treatments can make the skin more sensitive and susceptible to UV damage. After undergoing laser therapy, the skin may have compromised barrier function, leading to a higher risk of erythema (redness) and other reactions if exposed to sunlight.

Using sunscreen and limiting sun exposure helps protect the treated area from these adverse effects, facilitating proper healing and reducing the risk of complications, such as hyperpigmentation. Sun protection is an essential component of aftercare following laser procedures, as it helps to ensure that the benefits of the treatment are maximized and that the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or other negative outcomes is minimized.

Other options, such as increased physical activity or prolonged exposure to heat, are generally not recommended post-treatment because they can exacerbate irritation or inflammation in the treated area. Meanwhile, while moisturizers play an essential role in skin care, they should be part of a comprehensive skin care routine that also includes sun protection, rather than being relied upon exclusively.