After any laser session, the skin is in active recovery. Sun exposure during that window can slow healing, trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and interfere with the results the treatment started working toward. AlumierMD Sheer Hydration SPF 40 is now available at Studio Kiku in tinted and untinted formulas, as a medical-grade option for clients managing their skin between sessions.
AlumierMD is a professional skincare brand whose products are developed for and distributed through aesthetic practices. The Sheer Hydration SPF 40 is one of the brand's core daily-wear sunscreens, formulated to protect skin that is going through a treatment protocol while staying comfortable enough to wear every day.
Why SPF is a required step in laser aftercare
The laser targets pigment in the skin by delivering energy that shatters pigment particles into smaller fragments, which the body's lymphatic system clears over the following weeks. That process temporarily leaves the treated area more reactive to UV radiation than it would otherwise be. Sun exposure during the healing period can cause pigmentation changes, slow the clearance process, and affect final results.
Billy DeCola, Studio Kiku's founder, is clear about the relationship between sun and laser: "Sun and laser do not mix. Try to avoid that combination if possible."
For clients receiving PicoToning or Rejuvenation treatments, daily SPF application is a specified part of the formal aftercare protocol. The skin benefits of those treatments develop gradually over the weeks following each session, and UV exposure during that time can counteract results before they have a chance to take hold.
What broad-spectrum SPF 40 does
Broad-spectrum coverage means a sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin and are associated with premature ageing and pigment irregularities; UVB rays are responsible for sunburn. Both are concerns for skin that has recently been treated.
SPF 40 provides a higher level of daily protection than the SPF 30 minimum specified in the aftercare protocol for PicoToning and Rejuvenation, which makes it a solid choice for clients who are spending time outdoors between sessions.
The AlumierMD Sheer Hydration formula is designed to absorb without leaving a heavy residue, which makes it practical for daily face use and suitable for areas that are commonly treated at Studio Kiku.
Tinted or untinted: choosing between the two
Studio Kiku carries both variants of the Sheer Hydration SPF 40. The Versatile Tint version is a tinted moisturising sunscreen that provides a sheer warmth across skin tones. It can double as a light coverage product on the face, which makes it convenient for clients who prefer fewer layers in their daily routine. The untinted version is a clear moisturising sunscreen with no added colour, a straightforward option for clients who prefer no tint or who are applying it to a body area rather than the face.
Both variants share the same SPF 40 broad-spectrum formulation.
The honest part
SPF is an important tool, but it is not a substitute for keeping a treated area out of the sun. The laser tattoo removal aftercare protocol recommends avoiding direct sun exposure on the treatment site, which means covering the area with clothing, KT tape, or a bandage when outdoors, not simply applying sunscreen over it. A medical-grade SPF helps when the area is incidentally exposed, but it works best as one layer of a broader approach to sun management rather than as the only measure.
For tattoo removal clients, avoiding direct sun on the treatment site remains the priority. SPF becomes most relevant once the skin has settled from the session and you're maintaining protection in the weeks between appointments.
For PicoToning and Rejuvenation clients, daily SPF application is a stated aftercare requirement. In that context, AlumierMD Sheer Hydration SPF 40 meets the protocol directly.
Available in studio and online
AlumierMD Sheer Hydration SPF 40 is available for purchase at Studio Kiku's Vancouver, Langley, and Vaughan studios, as well as online at studiokiku.com. If you're partway through a laser tattoo removal or laser facial series and have questions about what belongs in your aftercare routine, the team is happy to go through it with you at your next session.
If you haven't started yet and want to understand what a treatment series involves, a free consultation is the right first step. The team will look at your skin in person, walk you through what each session involves, and answer any questions you have about aftercare. Book a free consultation at any of Studio Kiku's three studios in Vancouver, Langley, or Vaughan.
Thanks for reading.