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Writer's pictureChanelle Smith

Can Sun Exposure Affect Your Dermal Fillers? Find Out Here

dermal fillers and sun exposure

Imagine stepping out into the sun after getting fresh dermal fillers—will your skin stay radiant, or are there hidden risks? Sun exposure might seem harmless, but it can impact the results of your treatment. According to a report of  Dr. Dauwe Plastic Surgery, sun exposure without protection can reduce the effectiveness of dermal fillers by 20-30%, depending on your skin type and lifestyle. So if you want to enjoy your outdoors without harming your fresh look then you are at the right place.


What are Dermal Fillers?

What are Dermal Fillers

The following are some of the points that give a basic knowledge of dermal fillers:


  • Dermal fillers are materials injected into the skin to improve its appearance and remove fine lines. 

  • There are three types: hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, and poly-L-lactic acid. They work as well and can be used interchangeably. 

  • They aid in the enhancement of facial beauty, lip fillers, and fighting aging. 

  • The results of dermal fillers are only temporary and it usually lasts for an average of six to eighteen months depending on the brand. 

  • Fillers can be invasive, but some treatments involve little to no downtime. 

  • This is normally done on such areas of the face as cheeks, lips and the area around the eyes. 


Non-surgical facial fillers are in most cases referred to as reversible fillers and this indicates that they are biodegradable. 

 

The Purpose of Dermal Fillers

The purpose of dermal fillers is to:

 

  • Smooth out wrinkles and fine lines: They are used for the elimination of facial wrinkles and for contouring facial features, for instance in the mouth or eye area. 

  • Add volume to areas of the face: Instead of only filling in the skin imperfections, dermal fillers can give cheeks, lips or eyes a fuller look. 

  • Enhance facial contours: It is noteworthy, fillers can really work on the face, either making a jawline prominent or cheekbones more expressed. 

  • Restore youthful appearance: They are non-surgical procedures that help facial skin bounce back from aging effects. These treatments improve skin elasticity.


The impact of sun exposure on dermal fillers

The impact of sun exposure on dermal fillers

  • Accelerated Breakdown: Sunlight exposure accelerates the breakdown of dermal fillers, especially hyaluronic acid injectable fillers shortening their duration of effect (Ciin Magazine). 

  • Increased Inflammation: UV radiation right after treatment may cause increased swelling, redness, and irritation in the treated areas. 

  • Faster Filler Absorption: Sunlight speeds up filler absorption, reducing benefits by 20-30%, depending on lifestyle choices. 

  • Higher Risk of Bruising: Sun exposure slows the healing process and causes bruising to be more visible after the injections so that skin looks uneven. 

  • Prevention: Using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and avoiding direct sun for a week preserves the procedure's results.


The importance of avoiding sun damage to preserve dermal filler results


The importance of avoiding sun damage to preserve dermal filler results
  • Preserve Results: One will find that dermal fillers are far more likely to be degraded by exposure to the sun than the facial muscles themselves. 

  • Prevent Degradation: UV rays damage both the skin and fillers, leading to early absorption and reduced effectiveness.  

  • Maintain Appearance: This helps ensure the dermal fillers maintain their intended appearance and longevity, unaffected by sun exposure.

  • Use SPF: Fillers need protection from UV radiation, so apply sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection daily. 

  • Seek Shade: Avoid the skin from coming into contact with sunlight particularly those during the day so as to reduce effects like tanning. 

  • Wear Protective Clothing: Accessories like hats and sunglasses will also play a big role in protecting the skin and fillers from the UV sun radiation.


Tips for protecting your dermal fillers from the sun


Tips for protecting your dermal fillers from the sun
  • Apply Sunscreen: Wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, applying it daily to your skin and fillers.

  • Reapply Regularly: Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after sweating, swimming, or washing off sweat, as recommended.

  • Wear Hats: Next, choose wide-brimmed hats for they allow protecting the face and neck from extreme sun exposure thus damaging the skin. 

  • Use Sunglasses: Protect the fine skin of the eyes by using sun glass that has special UV protection ability. 

  • Seek Shade: As earlier mentioned, do not go out when the sun is most intense which is from 10 a. m. and 4 p. m. 

  • Avoid Tanning Beds: No tanning beds: In order to avoid further damage to your skin and the fillers, it is advisable to stop using tanning beds. 

  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to optimize your skin and extend the filler’s lifespan.


Top sunscreens for safeguarding dermal fillers

  • Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+: Protections skin from both UVA and UVB which helps not to damage the filler and the skin. 

  • Mineral Sunscreen (Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide): Stands as a shield to the skin and can decrease the degradation of fillers by ultraviolet light. 

  • Tinted Sunscreen: Provides additional safeguard via outage of visible mild and negativity of pigmentation round fillers. 

  • Water-Resistant SPF: Remains active while sweating or swimming; it will afford protection to your fillers for a longer time as you anticipated. 

  • Moisturizing SPF: Acts as a protection from the sun which also assists in skin health as well as longevity of the filler. 

  • Antioxidant-Infused SPF: It also serves a shield against free radicals which cause skin aging and also the degradation of fillers. 

  • SPF Lip Balm: Gives lips the extra boost of hydration they need to prevent the wear and tear of lip fillers from exposure to the sun.


Popular myths about protecting dermal fillers from sun damage

Popular Myths About Protecting Dermal Fillers from Sun Damage 

 

  • Myth: Even indoors, light through windows can affect fillers. Apply sunscreen to protect them throughout the day.

 

  • Myth: Tanning beds do not impact fillers’ war: Tanning beds also produce effective UV rays which have the ability to degrade fillers as it is with natural light. 

 

  • Myth: Lip fillers and only high SPF sunscreen protection. The effectiveness of SPF 30+ depends more on proper application and frequent reapplication than on the SPF level alone. 

 

  • Myth: It is important to note that Sun damage only has an effect on the skin, not the fillers. Exposure to ultraviolet light reduces the skin’s elasticity which can cause premature breakdown of the filler and loss of the effects attained. 

 

  • Myth: Approximately one application of sunscreen is sufficient throughout the day. Sunscreen remains effective for about two hours. Reapply it after swimming or sweating.

 

  • Myth: Some makeup with SPF acts as sunscreen. However, SPF makeup alone is insufficient for complete protection. You still require a layer of the broad-spectrum sunscreen underneath.



The importance of post-treatment care for maintaining dermal fillers


Hydrate Your Skin: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated, especially when you have fillers. 

Avoid Sun Exposure: User sunscreen and do not go out in the sun as this can be very harmful to the skin. 

Refrain from Touching the Area: Any massage or movement in the treated region should not be done, in a bid to avoid repositioning of the filler. 

Use Gentle Skincare: Choose creams and products for cosmetic use that pose no risk of allergic reactions in areas with filler injections. 

Limit Physical Activities: In the first two days, avoid activities that may cause swelling or bruising in the area. 

Skip Alcohol and Caffeine: Avoid these during and for a few days after treatment so that you do not become dehydrated or experience some swelling. 

Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Regularly inspect your fillers to ensure they are in excellent condition. Any defects will be detected immediately.



Final thoughts: Maintaining dermal fillers for enduring results


  • Hydration is Key: To keep your filler effective, take proper care of your skin and stay hydrated. Be aware of potential pitfalls. 

  • Protect from Sun Exposure: Even when away from home, constantly use sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays, which can alter or diminish your filler.

  • Gentle Skincare: To keep your hair soft, avoid strong hair products and styling that could affect the fillers on your head.

  • Follow Aftercare Guidelines: It also helps prevent complications and reduces the need for a return visit to the clinic due to infection relapse once treatment begins.

  • Regular Maintenance: I recommend clients return for touch-ups, or "strengthening sessions," with the provider who administered the fillers.

  • Healthy Lifestyle: To make filler effects last longer, follow these practices: maintain a healthy diet, get enough rest, and avoid alcohol. 

  • Patience Pays Off: If your fillers are properly administered, treated, and cared for, the results will look natural and last longer.


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