LAM FACIAL PLASTICS

Hi Dr. Lam,
I thought this might be a good question for the forum and I hope you haven't addressed it before. I did some searching and couldn't find anything specific.

For someone like me who has had mole excisions, then dermabrasion and laser treatment in those areas to help with thickness and redness - what is your suggestion on every day sunscreen application? The make up I wear has an SPF of 20. I'm also wondering next month when I go on vacation if I'll need to put on SPF 30 under my regular make up on those days where we may spend all day outdoors?

I'd also like to know how long (1year, 6 months) I should be really diligent about sunscreen application to keep the scars from darkening?

Maybe you could make us one of your great videos on this subject?

Thanks in advance for your advice, Dr. Lam!

Hi,
I can't recall where I talk about this so here goes.
1. In general the first 30 days is the time that you can get a bit of an allergic reaction especially to sunscreens that have the chemical component of a sun block (octyl methoxycinnamate) as compared to physical blocks (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide). However, sun blocks and sun avoidance are important to avoid this problem so here is a solution. Before a full application of a sun block before the first 30 days are out, just put a small test spot on your dermabraded area after the skin heals (you are beyond that period now) and wait 48 to 72 hours. if you get an allergic reaction you will experience it typically delayed for that time period. If no reaction occurs after 72 hours, you can most likely safely apply a full sun block which is important to knock down the risk of hyperpigmentation.
2. typically hyperpigmentation starts to show up about 3 weeks after dermabrasion (or any skin resurfacing for that matter) and can continue for several months. the darker the skin you are, the higher chance of getting it and the longer it will take to clear. the best time to start a bleaching product if you have this problem is after 30 days to minimize the risk of an allergic reaction. triluma, etc. (see video. just do a search for it) is very strong and can lead to a reaction. if you are going to be in the sun, you can't do triluma because you can get a sun burn. the best policy is to use it only if you need to and to do so after 30 days have transpired to be clear of a possible allergic reaction.
3. generally, you are at most risk the first 6 weeks, and moderate risk for another 6 weeks, and minor risk for the first 6 months total. i would just use common sense in staying clear of the sun directly during the initial 3 months.
no time for video but may do it in the future. thanks for the suggestion.
best,
sml