Sometimes, but not always. The honest answer depends on your skin, the specific treatment and how much sun you are realistically going to get. With Queensland heading into its highest UV months, it is worth understanding before you book.
Laser and light-based treatments work by targeting pigment in the skin or by creating a controlled injury that the skin then repairs. Recently tanned or sun-exposed skin holds more pigment near the surface, which changes how that energy is absorbed and raises the risk of burns and of pigmentation changes afterwards.
The weeks following treatment matter just as much. Treated skin is more vulnerable to UV, and sun exposure during recovery is one of the main reasons pigmentation problems develop.
This is assessed individually. Your skin type, the technology involved and your recovery tolerance all affect the answer, and results vary between individuals.
If your summer involves time outdoors, two things are worth doing now.
First, check your local sun protection times, issued whenever the UV index is forecast to reach 3 or above. The free SunSmart app from Cancer Council Australia and ARPANSA’s UV monitoring both make this straightforward.
Second, if it has been a while, book a skin check. Our skin cancer services include clinical assessment, dermoscopy and biopsy where appropriate. This is a separate medical appointment from a cosmetic or skin treatment. If you have noticed a spot that is new, changing or not healing, that is the appointment to make.
If you are considering a skin treatment or a cosmetic treatment this summer, raise timing at your consultation. Suitability is assessed individually, every treatment carries risk, and not everyone is suitable.
Book a consultation or call 07 5627 2200. Availability varies by clinic, so check our locations.
