When is it OK to start tanning after using a dermapen? A simple explanation of the effectiveness of the Dermapen on sunburned skin.

Hello, I am a doctor at Smart Skin Clinic.

Does anyone have these questions about dermapen and sunburn?

It is important for those who are considering the procedure to know the effects of sun exposure in advance, because incorrect sun protection after dermapenning can lead to skin problems such as redness and blemishes.

In this article, we will explain the relationship between dermapen and sunburn from a medical standpoint in an easy-to-understand manner.

Why you should not tan after a dermapen

Before we talk about when you can start tanning after a dermapen, we will explain why you should not tan after a dermapen.

There are two main reasons why you should not tan after a dermapen.

Let's take a look at the following paper, which is very informative about (1).

In a research paper by the Department of Applied Biology, Tokyo University of Technology, on the physiological response of skin to sunlight, the following is described.

Exposure of the skin to solar ultraviolet radiation induces immunosuppression.^{note 1}

Among the cellular injuries caused by ultraviolet radiation is damage to DNA in epidermal cells and fibroblasts.^*2

1, 2: Masaki, Hitoshi. "On Skin Physiological Response to Sunlight". Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists of Japan. 2013, 47(3), p197-201.

The skin immune function is a defense mechanism that works to protect the skin from stimuli and damage received from inside and outside the body.
It also plays a role in stimulating skin turnover.

Fibroblasts are the tissue that produces proteins that make up the skin, such as collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Damage to the DNA of these cells directly leads to a failure of the skin's ability to repair itself.

In other words, exposing the skin to the sun after a dermapen may reduce the effectiveness of the procedure and make it more difficult for the wound to heal. Furthermore, it may cause inflammation.

(2) You have probably already experienced the temporary reddening and darkening of the skin when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays.

In addition, hyperpigmentation may occur after the skin has been injured.

When the skin is injured by acne, eczema, dermatitis, burns, insect bites, etc., skin cells become inflamed. When this occurs, pigment cells in the basal layer of the epidermis are also activated, resulting in the overproduction of melanin pigment.

After the inflammation subsides, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation remains.

Kawada, Satoru. Nippon Igaku Shinposha. 2022, p14.

Normally, pigmentation fades as wounds and inflammation heal, but exposure to ultraviolet rays before healing is complete produces large amounts of melanin pigment in combination with the effects of post-inflammation, and turnover cannot keep up, leaving the pigmentation dark.

When can I start tanning?

From the above, you can see that it is desirable to avoid sun exposure as much as possible after dermapen.

Avoid skin exposure for about a week after dermapen treatment, if possible. Also, while the redness remains, be sure to protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen and a parasol.

It is said that the cycle of the skin's shedding of dead skin cells and their replacement with new skin takes about 28 days. If possible, it is recommended to avoid sun exposure for at least one month.

Dermapen itself has no whitening effect on sunburned skin.

Dermapen treatment involves inserting a very fine-tipped needle into the skin and making a small hole to intentionally create a wound to activate the skin's repair function and regenerate the skin.

Therefore, unlike treatments that destroy pigment or inhibit melanin production, the Dermapen alone is not expected to have a whitening effect.

The following treatment options are recommended for those seeking to whiten their skin.

treatment	Contents	Why it is effective for whitening	cost price
Photofacial	Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) light is irradiated on the skin	Because of the damaging and destructive effects of IPL on hemoglobin and melanin pigment inside the skin	10,000 to 30,000 yen (per transaction)
Ion implantation	Drugs such as vitamin C and tranexamic acid are infiltrated into the skin by the power of electricity using an ion induction device.	Because of its effectiveness in penetrating ingredients with whitening effects deep into the skin	5,000-15,000 yen (per transaction)
Dermapen + Introductory solution	After making microscopic holes in the skin with a dermapen, the drug is injected.	Because of its effectiveness in penetrating ingredients with whitening effects deep into the skin	Depends on the drug being injected.
Medicine	Prescription of whitening agents for spots and dullness, to be taken internally for a certain period of time	Because the drug taken internally is expected to increase the antioxidant effect of the skin and inhibit the excessive production of melanin.	5,000-15,000 yen (per month)

Smart Skin Clinic Dermapen

Dermapen is a procedure that does not involve skin incisions and can be performed with relatively little downtime and a high level of skin beautification. Maximum results can be expected if the skin is well protected from sun exposure after the procedure.

If you have skin problems such as acne scars, open pores, or craters, please contact Smart Skin Clinic for a consultation.