Are you thinking about getting your very first photofacial? Sunspots/freckles/age spots are more common in people with less melanin in their tissue and who have spent time outdoors absorbing more UV rays. It is recommended to have spots evaluated by a primary doctor or dermatologist prior to treating sun spots. Spots on your skin are caused by a myriad of environmental and hereditary factors. Determining skin spot causes is one way to be proactive, but it is also a way to understand the best treatment options.
Most people have some kind of skin spots.
Before going into your first photofacial appointment, it is important to know if the treatment is right for you and your skin. There are six different skin types as laid out by the Fitzpatrick Scale. Knowing where you are on this skin type chart can help you determine the best ways to prevent sun damage and help you determine which lasers and laser treatments are good for achieving your goals.
What to Expect
At Mill City Laser a photofacial experience is a quick and easy treatment. With that being said, there are some things you should expect to experience with your first photofacial experience:
A mild sunburn-like sensation for 2-24 hours
Darkening of a lesion for 3-5 days
Red puffiness around the darker/larger sun spots
To get the best possible results and most comfortable experience, we do have some suggestions that first-timers should know.
1. Avoid UV Rays
It is no secret that UV rays can damage our precious skin. When preparing for your photofacial, you will want to take extra precautions with the sun both before and after your appointment. Freshly tanned skin does not play well with laser technology and could leave you with unwanted white spots or hypo-pigmentation. Use sunblock and stay out of the sun for 4-6 weeks leading up to your treatment and avoid concentrated sun exposure for 2 weeks post treatment.
2. Disclose Product and Medication Use
To avoid any possible complications, you should disclose any and all topical product usage, history of skin conditions (including peri-oral herpes simplex virus), and medications with your technician prior to your appointment.
The dedicated technician may request that you stop non-prescribed topical medications or skincare products for a few days leading up to your treatment. We also recommend avoiding any photosensitizing topical products or exfoliants for 2 weeks prior to your appointment (ex. Retin A, Renova, etc.).
You will also want to avoid chemical peels for 4-6 weeks before your treatment.
3. Clean Skin
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it is an important step leading up to your photofacial appointment. Clean off any makeup, lotions, moisturizers, or other products thoroughly before your treatment — or avoid them entirely the day of your appointment.
Ready to Schedule a Photofacial?
If you have unwanted sunspots, dots, or other marks — laser photofacials could be a great way to reduce their appearance and even out your skin tone. Mill City Laser offers a comfortable and effective photofacial experience at a great price. We offer individual sessions or package deals to help you get the most out of your skincare treatments. Explore our skincare offerings and discover how we can help you achieve your skin care goals.