Which post-treatment instruction emphasizes sun protection after procedures like microdermabrasion?

• A. Wear a UV sunblock on exposure to sunlight at all times
• B. Rely on sunscreen only when outdoors for long periods
• C. Sunscreen is unnecessary after such treatments
• D. Avoid wearing sunscreen

Answer: (A)

After exfoliating skin treatments like microdermabrasion, the skin is more sensitive to UV rays, which heightens the risk of pigment changes and irritation during healing. The best post-treatment instruction is to wear a broad-spectrum UV sunblock whenever you are exposed to daylight. This provides continuous protection against both UVA and UVB rays, helping the skin heal more evenly and reducing the chance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Sunscreen should be applied daily and reapplied regularly, especially after sweating or swimming, because even short periods of sun exposure can impact the treated skin. Relying on sunscreen only for long outdoor periods isn’t enough since the skin remains vulnerable throughout the day. Sunscreen isn’t unnecessary after these treatments, and avoiding sunscreen would leave the skin unprotected.