Caring for Your Skin After Photodynamic Therapy
When it comes to erasing damage on your skin, whether it’s damage done by the sun or by acne, photodynamic therapy provides you with incredible results without resorting to more invasive approaches like surgery. Since the goal of our PDT is to eliminate damaged and abnormal cells, it’s important that you protect the newer, healthier skin cells that take their place.
At Z-Roc Dermatology, Drs. Khongruk Wongkittiroch and Matthew Zarraga and our experienced team of dermatologic and aesthetic specialists want to ensure that the treatments we provide serve you well for years to come. When it comes to PDT, there are a number of steps you should take after your procedure that will keep your skin glowing and in the pink of health.
Immediately after your PDT
During the first 24-48 hours after your PDT, we ask that you stay indoors and avoid any exposure to sunlight during this sensitive time. In fact, we also recommend that you steer clear of bright indoor lighting since your skin’s photosensitivity will be extremely high.
If you’re feeling any discomfort after your PDT, we recommend that you keep the treatment area cool with ice packs and cold compresses and take over-the-counter medications like Advil® or Tylenol® as needed. If you encounter any swelling, we suggest that you sleep with your head slightly elevated (an extra pillow should do the trick).
While you can get back to most of your usual activities within a day or two, we ask that you avoid hot tubs, saunas, and any activity that leads to sweating for at least a week.
Taking care of your skin after your PDT
When it comes to moisturizing and irrigating your skin immediately after your PDT, we supply you with a list of products that help your skin heal more smoothly, including Z RO Downtime Intensive Antioxidant Recovery Cream.
To protect your vulnerable skin against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, you should use Lasercyn® Dermal Spray each time you return home during the first several weeks after your PDT.
If you experience any stinging, you can use a topical hydrocortisone 1% lotion or cream, but we ask that you do so sparingly as it may interfere with your skin’s immune response.
When you’re ready to clean your skin, we suggest that you use cool water as well as our Z RO Downtime Ultra Gentle Revitalizing Cleanser, which you should apply using your fingers only.
One of the most important steps you should take as your damaged skin flakes away to reveal healthier skin below is to protect this fresh skin against exposure to the sun. One of the best sunscreens for the job is Z RO Sun Sheer Matifying Antioxidant Sunscreen.
At night, you can also give your skin a little TLC with Z RO Downtime Intensive Antioxidant Recovery Cream.
Most of the flaking and crusting after your PDT should resolve themselves after 7-10 days, and we ask that you let these processes happen in their own time (no picking!). Once your new, vibrant skin is revealed, you can begin to wear makeup again, but you should still be gentle with your skin and use the products we recommend.
If you have more questions about the care you should give your skin after photodynamic therapy, please don’t hesitate to contact our office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.