Key Takeaways

Failing to protect the area from sun exposure can result in increased redness and swelling right after treatment. To promote optimal healing, you should not be in the direct sun, particularly within the first 48 hours.
Neglecting to shield treated skin from the sun can lead to unwanted dark spots and an uneven overall pigmentation. This becomes even more important for those of us with medium or darker skin tones.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays will cause new collagen to break down faster, making the results from the plasma pen less effective and less long lasting over time.
Regular sun protection is key to helping your procedure heal beautifully, and maintain it for years to come. Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen, wear wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses!
Do not tan or sunburn prior to treatment. Schedule your activities to avoid Los Angeles’ peak sun hours, which are between 10 AM and 4 PM, for a smoother healing process.
Consistent reapplication of sunscreen as well as being aware of incidental sun exposure will help protect your skin investment and reduce potential complications.

Excessive sun exposure can affect the appearance of plasma pen results on skin, as well as the overall healing process. In very sunny conditions, such as in Los Angeles, direct sun exposure can be damaging to treated skin. It can result in increased swelling, prolonged healing time, and the development of hyperpigmented or hypopigmented spots.

The risk is that skin will become redder or more painful than normal if exposed to sun after a procedure. Even very light sun exposure can cause the new skin to scar or develop pigmentation changes. For Los Angeles residents, daily sun care is one of the most important aspects of your plasma pen aftercare.

The next part covers why sun makes such a big difference, how to shield your skin, and what steps help healing go smoother in a sunny city like LA.

What Is Plasma Pen Therapy?

Plasma pen therapy is a non-invasive skin treatment. It’s performed with a handheld device that delivers tiny, controlled bursts of plasma energy to specific areas of the skin. As the energy is received, it makes the skin tissue contract, resulting in as much as an amazing 40% soft tissue tightening.

The idea here is to trigger the skin’s natural repair mechanisms, so it begins producing additional collagen. Collagen is essential for healthy, youthful-looking skin. As the body heals from this procedure, this increase in collagen can work to smooth out uneven texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and even skin tone.

The plasma pen can be used on areas where patients usually want to address the signs of aging or damage. Common treatment areas include the skin around the eyes, mouth, and jawline. Scars and areas of the skin that have begun to droop are frequently treated.

Patients enjoy this non-invasive treatment, as it requires no incisions or sutures. It offers an effective and affordable alternative to getting younger-looking skin without the need for invasive surgery. Most side effects are mild and can include redness, swelling, and small scabs. These usually fade within a few days to two weeks.

For optimal results, the majority of individuals require multiple sessions. These are far apart, often by months. It’s important to give your skin time to heal properly.

Note, too, that it can take 8 to 12 weeks before the full effects are apparent. If you have a darker skin tone, consult with your provider. You might be at an increased risk of pigment changes following the procedure.

If you maintain proper aftercare, results will last at least three years.

How Sun Ruins Plasma Pen Healing

We know that sunlight can feel wonderful, but for that fresh, healing skin after a plasma fibroblast treatment, the sun offers more danger than delight. Considering the healing process after a plasma pen session is complicated enough. During the plasma pen aftercare, the different layers of the skin are still in repair mode, attempting to rebuild and restore. This not only adds additional stress to already stressed skin but complicates and lengthens the healing process.

In a city like Los Angeles, where sunny days are the rule, outdoor living makes it even more challenging to stay protected. For those of you with newly treated skin, the sun is no joking matter. Here’s how sunlight can mess up your healing, extend your recovery period, and ruin your final results.

1. More Redness, More Swelling

Direct sunlight, particularly in the harsh midday sun, causes the skin to heat up which then accelerates inflammation. If your skin is already irritated and swollen from a plasma pen procedure, the added UV exposure exacerbates these adverse reactions. Greater redness equals greater irritation, and swelling can linger beyond the typical duration.

This is not only a cosmetic nuisance. When inflammation remains elevated, the skin’s natural healing process is delayed. Avoiding direct sun exposure right after treatment can help address these issues. It can actually make redness and swelling take twice as long to disappear! Implementing sun protection measures such as wearing hats, masks, or utilizing shade will directly reflect the protection of your skin.

For the first 7-10 days, avoiding the sun completely is required until sunscreen becomes safe for the treated area. Do your best to stay out of the harsh midday sun during this weeklong period. It will truly maximize the speed at which, and the quality with which your skin heals!

2. Dark Spots: PIH Alert!

The most common risk after the plasma pen treatment is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This is where PIH alert! UV rays are the number one culprit. When skin that is healing is exposed to sunlight, it will begin to produce additional melanin, which is the pigment responsible for dark spots.

Individuals with Fitzpatrick skin types III to VI, or patients at high risk for pigmentation, are most susceptible. Even brief excursions outdoors result in persistent pigmentation that can take many months to resolve. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 40, as soon as your provider has approved the treated area, is essential.

Monitoring for any new freckles or changes in color during the healing phase can help identify PIH early. If dark spots begin to develop, it’s prudent to consult with a skincare expert for guidance.

3. Healing Takes Forever

What isn’t fragile is freshly treated skin. Sun exposure causes the healing process to prolong. UV rays put the skin under duress, so it focuses all of its energy on repairing the damage instead of progressing with healthy skin’s typical healing process.

It accounts for scabs, flakes, and pinkness lingering, often weeks past the healing timeline. For many, this extended downtime translates to much more missed work or social engagements. That’s when the frustration deepens and your patience runs out.

This is why adhering to a very specific aftercare regimen is so important! By incorporating sun protection, you’ll reduce your healing time and allow your skin to recover more quickly.

4. Weakens New Collagen

Plasma pen treatments are designed to create micro-wounds on the skin, which then stimulate the growth of new collagen. Collagen is the key to skin’s smooth, firm texture. UV rays degrade existing collagen fibers and inhibit the synthesis of new ones.

If skin that has been treated is exposed to sunlight, the new collagen can become weak or lumpy. This makes sun exposure a huge contributing factor to results that don’t look as good or last as long. Even if you did everything, proper aftercare is key.

Applying sunscreen and seeking shade will help your skin create the best collagen it can be strong and healthy.

5. Risk of Scars, Bad Texture

In addition to pigmentation problems, sun exposure heightens the possibility of scars and bad texture. When healing skin is burned or irritated, the risk of scarring increases dramatically. Raised, bumpy areas or irregular texture may appear, sometimes persisting for several months.

Keeping the skin barrier intact post procedure is extremely important. This involves rejecting sunbeds, avoiding saunas, and staying out of direct sunlight during the initial 10-12 weeks. If you’ve developed scars or a bad texture to the skin, don’t wait any longer!

Consulting a skin professional for customized guidance is always a wise decision.

6. Skin Barrier Breakdown

Our skin is like a sponge that retains moisture and repels harmful germs, simply because of a healthy barrier. After plasma pen treatment, this barrier is compromised. Even if the surface feels fine, the sun exposure strips away further moisture and can leave the skin feeling dry, flaky, or even cracking.

When the skin barrier is compromised, healing is slower and the risk of infection or irritation is significantly increased. Preventing a breakdown by using gentle, hydrating products and avoiding harsh, stripping cleansers will greatly help keep that barrier intact during your recovery.

Until then, covering up outdoors and waiting until it’s safe to use sunscreen helps skin cells rebuild.

7. Longer, Frustrating Downtime

When healing is prolonged when exposed to the sun, the damage goes beyond the skin. Not only does your wallet suffer, but your mood and resulting plans do as well! Rest assured, patients become impatient with the extended timeline to clear, smooth outcomes.

That’s easy to misinterpret and thus become disappointed or regretful if your expectations aren’t tempered. Scheduling around sunny weeks ensures that your healing goes smoothly. Creating routines at home is another big step to moving forward!

If you’re realistic about healing time and remain diligent with sun-safe practices, you’ll be grateful in the future.

Sun’s Toll on Your Final Look

Sun exposure is a much larger factor than many realize in the quality of your plasma pen outcome. In bright, sunny cities like Los Angeles, direct UV rays can wreak havoc on the skin’s healing. This could negate the long-term results you wish to achieve with your procedure.

It’s important to know how sunlight impacts your skin. Understanding this helps you make informed decisions to help protect your investment both before and after your plasma pen treatment!

Results Can Fade Fast

UV rays speed up the breakdown of all this fresh new collagen and elastin. Therefore, your results won’t last as long as you might expect. Skin that has been treated with a plasma pen is more delicate during the healing process.

Just a little time in the sun can ruin your results! Sunscreens, wide-brimmed hats, and sun-protective clothing contribute to healthier, more youthful skin.

Regular maintenance is important—doing regular check-ups with your practitioner will ensure your skin is where it needs to be. A regular monthly visit can help catch early signs of fading or sun damage. That means you can make changes to your routine in no time.

Old Sun Damage Returns

After undergoing plasma pen therapy, old sun spots or uneven tone can often be accentuated. This is especially true if older sun damage was not addressed initially.

By taking care of concerns such as dark spots or broken capillaries prior to your plasma appointment, your results will be enhanced. Daily SPF 30+ and no sun between 10 am and 4 pm are cornerstone recommendations of ongoing sun protection.

These kinds of practices keep skin from getting damaged again. To effectively repair and strengthen skin over time, introduce vitamin C serums and other targeted treatments into your routine.

Wasting Your Investment

Neglecting sun safety post-plasma pen can reverse all your hard work. Failing to follow post-care instructions could result in further expenses for touch-ups or corrective treatment.

Immediate protection, like avoiding direct sun exposure, should be approached as an extension of your treatment—just like aftercare instructions and using simple, soothing products.

Good sunscreen and basic things such as not using tanning beds or a sauna while your skin is healing will go a long way. Taking steps to protect your skin now will save you time, money, and health later on.

Sun & Skin: Pre-Treatment Rules

Before plasma pen therapy, how you prep your skin can make all the difference in the results you achieve and the recovery process that ensues. Natural or artificial sun exposure can cause real surface skin changes that may alter the treatment. Skin that has not experienced sun damage within the last few weeks usually responds more effectively and heals more quickly.

To achieve optimal results, always go over pre-care instructions with your technician. Individual skin types and the local climate may need special consideration!

No Tanning Before Plasma Pen

Stay away from tanning beds, sunbathing, and even spray tans for a minimum of 2–4 weeks prior to the treatment. This practice is key to reducing the chances of patchy results or additional inflammation.

Sunburned or tanned skin will be more reactive, with a greater chance of adverse reactions such as scarring or pigment alteration. Untanned, natural skin provides the technician a clean, stable canvas, leading to smoother results and less complication.

Even in sunny cities like Los Angeles, the sun shines strong even in winter months. Planning ahead to avoid beach days or outdoor events is essential! Sun hats, masks, and shade all do wonders to protect the skin, particularly in the weeks before the session.

Prep Skin for Best Healing

Proper hydration and a diet rich in fruits, veggies and healthy nutrients nourish the skin from within. Antioxidants and vitamins, such as C and E can all aid in your skin’s healing process post-treatment.

Try a mild exfoliant to remove dead skin cell buildup. This simple step makes a world of difference and paves the way for a smoother procedure. For those who may have specific skin concerns, consulting with an esthetician or dermatologist for customized recommendations can go a long way.

Sunburned Skin? Reschedule Now!

If you have a sunburn, reschedule your appointment immediately. This is because sunburned skin slows healing and may result in patchy or discomfited results.

Give your skin time to heal completely before beginning the treatment. It’s very important to disclose sun exposure to your aesthetician. This direct line of communication protects your skin and ensures that you get the results you’re hoping for.

Post-Plasma Pen Sun Shield Plan

Immediately following a plasma pen treatment, your skin is in a very vulnerable state. Increased sun exposure can worsen your healing process, increase the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and compromise your long-term results. Establishing a robust sun protection plan is essential for all patients undergoing this treatment.

This is crucial from one of the most sun-drenched cities on earth —Where the UV rays are intense year-round —Los Angeles! Below, we explain what a post-plasma pen sun shield plan looks like to ensure you heal beautifully and maintain healthy skin.

First 48 Hours: Total Shade

First 48 Hours—Complete Sun Avoidance. During this window, skin is actively angry and more reactive than usual. Excessive sun exposure can increase swelling and cause hyper-pigmentation or hypo-pigmentation.

If that’s not possible, blunt force sun protection becomes even more important. If you have to go outside, stay in complete shade or under a large umbrella. Taking this cautious route promotes optimal healing and reduces the risk of prolonged redness or additional inflammation.

Weeks 1-4: Be Sun Smart

Weeks 1–4 Sun safety remains paramount. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every day, even when it’s overcast. Reapply every two hours if you are outdoors.

Wear wide-brimmed hats and loose-fitting clothing. Continue to monitor for any unusual changes in your skin. Avoid potent skincare products such as retinol and glycolic acids while healing.

Long-Term: Keep Results Safe

Long-Term: Keep Results Safe. Sun care shouldn’t stop after you’ve healed. UV rays can immediately start to break down newly returned collagen and elastin, shortening the life of your results.

Consider applying sunscreen a regular part of your day. Visit a board-certified dermatologist regularly to monitor new growths and skin changes.

Pick Your Best Sunscreen (SPF 30+)

Choose a mineral sunblock, SPF 40 or more after scabs have shed. Choose one that suits your skin type. UVA and UVB protection is non-negotiable.

Keep trying until you find a good formula that works for you and does not irritate.

Hats, Glasses: Your New BFFs

UV-blocking glasses and wide-brimmed hats are essential for protecting new, sensitive skin after plasma fibroblast treatment. Long-sleeves and pants also help during the recovery period, ensuring proper plasma pen aftercare while complementing your style.

Avoid Peak Sun Hours (10 AM – 4 PM)

Avoid peak sun hours (10 AM – 4 PM) to protect your skin after plasma treatments. Planning activities during early morning or after 4 PM significantly reduces your risk of sun damage while you’re still in the recovery period.

Skin Tone & Sun Risks

Exposure to sun is one of the biggest factors in how well skin heals post plasma pen treatments. Whether you’re very fair, light, medium, olive, or dark, the way in which skin reacts is different, and each skin tone presents its own challenges. People in places like Los Angeles see a lot of sun year-round, so it is smart to know what your skin might face.

Whether you have fair, medium, or dark skin tones, your complexion requires specialized attention and sun protection — more so after a plasma pen procedure.

Fair Skin: Handle With Extra Care

Those with very fair skin can burn quickly and consistently experience a quick onset of redness or swelling within a short period of sun exposure. Especially after plasma pen treatment, this risk increases significantly.

Sunburn can delay healing and increase the risk of scarring. Opting for mineral-based sunscreens, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, is a much safer choice for sensitive fair skin. These prevent the sun from coming through, but they don’t cause irritation.

Hats and shade are good strategies. Being mindful of sun exposure, even when it’s cloudy, makes sun safety easy.

Medium Tones: Watch for Pigment

Medium tones are less prone to burns but are more likely to have pigment changes. Brown spots or uneven skin tone may develop if the skin is overexposed to the sun immediately after treatment.

Looking for any changes in color is one of the easiest ways to identify issues early. Using sunscreen every day, and choosing products that include additional pigment-fighting ingredients, can help maintain an even complexion.

Remaining diligent about following these four steps daily will improve the skin’s appearance in the long-run.

Darker Skin: PIH Danger Zone

Darker skin (Fitzpatrick IV-VI) typically suffers greater risks with sun. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) can occur if the skin is overexposed to sun while it’s healing.

While melanin does provide some natural protection, sunburn and damage still occur. Applying sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher is essential!

Ensure you’re using it consistently, ideally for at least three to four weeks after treatment. A good routine with sunscreen, gentle care, and help from a skin pro can prevent lasting marks or dark spots.

Sun Mistakes We All Make

Even when fully committed to the proper plasma pen aftercare, many find themselves making common mistakes that can offset the power of the plasma fibroblast treatment. Surreptitious sun exposure, even when it is intentional, can obscure the healing or damage results. By recognizing these common missteps, patients can effectively partner with their provider to achieve the best outcomes in their recovery and future skin health.

“A Little Sun Is Fine” (It’s Not!)

In the pandemic, many thought a quick trip outside was okay. Even minimal sun exposure can cause quick redness or that burning sensation on newly lasered skin. Immediately following a plasma pen treatment, skin is left fragile.

As a result, UV rays can inhibit healing, promote the development of pigmentary alterations, or cause frank photodamage. All that sun accumulates pretty quickly. This is why preventing sun exposure by wearing broad-brimmed hats, seeking shade, and covering up skin every day is so important.

Sneaky Incidental Sun Exposure

A lot of people underestimate incidental sun exposure on the drive to work, walking to and from the car, or sitting in front of a window. These incidental, short exposures really add up, particularly around the middle of the day, when UV is at its highest levels.

Applying sunscreen, wearing a hat or a mask—even if you’re just running out for a quick errand—provides one more line of protection. During those first 48 hours post-treatment, there is no room for error when it comes to protection. Your skin might be warm or tender to the touch, as if it were sunburned.

Makeup SPF Isn’t Enough Shield

Slathering on makeup SPF is another major sun protection misstep. For one, the average consumer doesn’t use nearly the right amount of product to get full coverage and SPF in makeup wears off quickly.

A good sunscreen worn under makeup is more effective. Reapplying sunscreen throughout the day, including on top of makeup, maintains your protection.

Forgetting to Reapply Sunscreen

Even water resistant protection fades with sweat, swimming or towel drying. It can be helpful to set a reminder to reapply sunscreen every two hours, particularly when spending long days outside.

Maintaining diligence goes a long way in helping to achieve healthy healing.

Thinking Clouds Block All UV

Even on cloudy days, skin can sustain damage, making a comprehensive sun protection approach year-round crucial for all ages, especially after plasma treatments.

Back to Sun: The Real Timeline

Plasma pen treatments create tiny wounds in your skin, which requires time to heal. The majority of people experience noticeable swelling and redness within the first 72 hours. In some cases, this can extend for a week. Tightness of the skin and slight pinkness are to be expected for some time.

Although initial results may be visible within three to seven days, the skin continues to improve long after that. Most of the healing takes roughly two to four weeks. At this stage, even though the skin is no longer sensitive to the touch, proper management is still essential.

Full results may not be apparent until three months post-op, and for some patients it can be as long as six months. Collagen, the protein that provides skin its smooth, elastic surface, takes time to accumulate. In her experiences, modifications in texture and tightness reveal themselves gradually, not suddenly.

Returning to the sun before you’re fully healed may compromise your results. It can lead to spot darkness or even alter the end results. In a city with Los Angeles’ blazing sun and year-round outdoor lifestyle, sun care takes on even greater significance.

A phased approach back to sun makes the most sense. Go slowly with short exposure, stay covered and use sunscreen. Keep an eye out for symptoms such as stinging or redness. If you’re finding your skin is extra sensitive, then it’s a good idea to be in the shade.

Everyone’s skin is unique, so it’s important to pay attention to your skin. Even beyond the first month, sun safety needs to continue to be a priority. The healing stage is continuing, but like after any procedure, building positive habits today will safeguard your investment in the cure tomorrow.

In the long run, sunscreen and hats go a long way toward preserving these results.

Conclusion

Sun exposure can drastically ruin your plasma pen results and increase healing time. Even a short walk to pick up coffee can derail your efforts at achieving clear skin. So can a few hours spent in LA traffic! Sun exposure can cause new spots to darken, create blotchy pigmentation, and prolong the appearance of scabs or redness. These smart moves — wearing hats, applying sunscreen, staying in the shade — add up to tangible benefits. Everyone’s skin reacts slightly differently to treatment. So keeping these habits, no matter how bike-friendly your tone or destination within the city, is key. Avoid the risk of leaving it up to chance — consult with your skin professional if you are unsure what is considered safe. Consider these tips, and just let your skin work its magic. Have additional questions or want to tell us about your experience. We hope you found this informative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go out in the sun right after plasma pen treatment?

Can I go out in the sun right after plasma pen treatment? Much sun exposure can increase swelling, lead to patchy healing, and elevate the potential side effects like scarring and hyperpigmentation.

How does sun exposure affect plasma pen results?

Not only does sun exposure slow down your healing process after a plasma fibroblast treatment, it may lead to unwanted hyperpigmentation, scarring, or patchy results. Due to increased skin sensitivity following the plasma procedure, proper plasma pen aftercare and high skin protection factor sunscreen are essential to prevent UV damage.

What is the best way to protect my skin after plasma pen therapy in Los Angeles?

Cover up by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective sunglasses, and high skin protection factor suncream. To ensure proper plasma pen aftercare, avoid the sun and stay indoors as much as possible between 10 AM – 4 PM, especially during the summer months.

How soon can I wear makeup or sunscreen after plasma pen?

Allow all scabs to come off on their own, typically in 7–10 days. Proper plasma pen aftercare is crucial, as applying products too quickly can jeopardize your healing process and lead to potential irritation or infection of your traumatized skin.

Does my skin tone affect how the sun impacts my plasma pen results?

Yes. In patients with darker skin tones, hyperpigmentation is a common concern, while individuals with very fair skin are at risk of burning or scarring. It’s important to note that all skin types need to be very careful about sun exposure post plasma fibroblast treatment.

What happens if I accidentally get sun after my plasma pen session?

For the first few days after your plasma pen treatment, you will likely experience redness, swelling, or dark discoloration. If this occurs, avoid sun exposure and reach out to your provider for proper plasma pen aftercare guidance.

When is it safe to start sunbathing again after plasma pen treatment?

When is it safe to start sunbathing again after plasma fibroblast treatment? Once you resume outdoor activity, it’s crucial to wear high skin protection factor suncream and protective clothing to keep the treatment area covered.