Best Sunscreens for Post-Procedure Skin Protection

Summer might be on it’s way out, but that doesn’t mean you can pass on sun protection—especially not post-procedure. How you care for your skin after you’ve had a cosmetic treatment is crucial to your recovery and results, and SPF is the key to that care. If you want to maximize your results, then you have to protect your recovering skin from sun damage and inflammation. These are the best sunscreens recommended by experts for your sensitive, post-treatment skin.

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Why Is Sunscreen Post-Procedure so Important?

After a cosmetic procedure, your skin is in a particularly sensitive state. “Because the skin is in an inflamed and vulnerable state post-procedure, it is more susceptible to sun damage. Without proper sun protection, patients are at a higher risk of developing hyperpigmentation and other complications,” explains New York dermatologist Arash Akhavan, MD.

“I require a mineral SPF of at least 30,” says Wichita, KS plastic surgeon Amy Sprole, MD of her post-procedure patients. “I don’t require additional sun protection, like UPF clothing, but I think it can be a great supplement to sunscreens.”

And the formula matters, as chemical sunscreens may be irritating to post-procedure skin. “While chemical and hybrid chemical/physical sunscreens do still have their place, physical sunscreens tend to be gentler on the skin,” adds Omaha, NE dermatologist Daniel Schlessinger, MD.

The Best Sunscreens for Post-Procedure Skin

1 / 5

A practitioner-favorite, this award-winning formula is reinforced with amino acids and ceramides to help skin recover and was even tested on post-laser treatment skin.

2 / 5

A 20 percent zinc oxide formula powers this mineral sunscreen, which Omaha, NE dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD recommends for his post-procedure patients. “The tinted formula is great if you’re hoping to conceal redness, as well,” he adds.

3 / 5

This broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen doubles as a skin-soother perfect for post-procedure and irritated skin.

4 / 5

Fortified with peptides, this sunscreen offers serious anti-aging benefits alongside UVA and UVB protection. Suitable for sensitive and post-procedure skin, this fragrance- and oil-free formula is lightweight and comfortable.

5 / 5

Designed for post-procedure skin, this formula is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation for its broad spectrum protection and ZOX¹² complex, which provides free radical protection.