Can You Go in the Sun After Cryotherapy? What You Need to Know

Cryotherapy is a popular wellness treatment known for its potential benefits in reducing inflammation, speeding up recovery, and enhancing overall well-being. It involves exposing your body to extremely cold temperatures, either through whole-body cryotherapy (systemic) or localized cryotherapy, where cold is applied to a specific area of the body.

At Graceful Touch, cryotherapy is commonly used as a localized treatment to target specific areas of pain, inflammation, or injury.

While many people experience immediate relief and rejuvenation from cold therapy, questions often arise about what to do after the session.

One common question that comes up is:
Can you go in the sun after cryotherapy—especially localized cryotherapy?

In this blog, we’ll break down how sun exposure affects your skin after both localized and whole-body cryotherapy, with special consideration for Rapid City’s climate. By the end, you’ll know whether it’s safe to be in the sun, what precautions to take, and how to protect your skin for optimal results.

Why Sun Exposure After Cryotherapy Can Be Risky

After a cryotherapy session, your skin undergoes rapid changes. Cold temperatures constrict blood vessels, reduce inflammation, and stimulate healing. This response occurs in both systemic and localized cryotherapy, but it is concentrated in the treated area during localized sessions.

1. Increased Skin Sensitivity

After cryotherapy, the treated skin area becomes temporarily more sensitive. With localized cryotherapy, this sensitivity is limited to the specific area that was treated, such as the knee, shoulder, back, or neck.

Exposure to extreme cold can reduce the skin’s short-term ability to protect itself from environmental stressors like UV rays. This increases the risk of sunburn or irritation if the treated area is exposed to direct sunlight too soon.

2. Risk of Hyperpigmentation (Localized Risk)

Increased sensitivity to the sun after cryotherapy can lead to hyperpigmentation. This is especially important for localized cryotherapy, because only the treated area is at risk—not your entire body.

If the treated skin is exposed to sunlight too soon, dark spots or uneven pigmentation may appear. This risk is higher for lighter skin tones but can affect anyone.

3. Dryness in the Treated Area

Cryotherapy can leave the skin feeling dry. With localized cryotherapy, dryness is usually limited to the exact treatment zone rather than the entire body.

Dry skin weakens the natural skin barrier, allowing UV rays to cause irritation more easily. Sun exposure can worsen redness, flaking, and sensitivity.

How Long Should You Wait Before Going in the Sun?

1. Wait at Least 24 Hours (For the Treated Area)

Most professionals recommend waiting at least 24 hours before exposing the treated area to direct sunlight.

For localized cryotherapy, you don’t need to avoid the sun entirely—just protect the specific area that was treated.

If sun exposure is unavoidable, stay in the shade or keep the area covered.

2. Use Sunscreen on Treated Areas

If you need to be outside, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) directly to the treated area.

Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are ideal, especially for sensitive post-cryotherapy skin.

3. Wear Protective Clothing

For localized cryotherapy, simple solutions like long sleeves, athletic wraps, or light layers are often enough to protect the treated area.

A wide-brimmed hat is recommended if the face, neck, or shoulders were treated.

Can Cryotherapy Make Your Skin More Prone to Sunburn?

Yes—but only in the treated area when it comes to localized cryotherapy.

As your skin warms back up, blood flow increases to the surface. This healing response makes the skin temporarily more reactive to UV exposure. Combined with dryness, this can increase the chance of sunburn if precautions aren’t taken.

Sun Exposure and Cryotherapy in Rapid City: Unique Considerations

Rapid City’s elevation and seasonal extremes make sun protection especially important after cryotherapy.

Summer in Rapid City: Higher UV Exposure

UV rays are stronger at higher elevations. If you’ve had localized cryotherapy, be especially cautious with the treated area during peak sun hours (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.).

Hydration is also crucial, as summer heat can worsen post-treatment dryness.

Winter in Rapid City: Sun Still Matters

Even in winter, snow reflects UV rays. Treated areas remain sensitive whether the temperature is hot or cold.

Other Skin Care Tips After Cryotherapy

1. Moisturize the Treated Area

Apply a hydrating moisturizer immediately after your session. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and glycerin help restore the skin barrier specifically where cryotherapy was applied.

2. Avoid Heat on the Treated Area

Avoid hot showers, heating pads, or saunas on the treated area for at least 24 hours. Heat can irritate the skin and counteract cryotherapy benefits.

3. Stay Hydrated

Drinking water supports skin recovery and helps prevent excessive dryness after treatment.

You’re One Step Away from Feeling Better

If you’ve been curious about what we, GracefulTouch, can do for you, now’s the perfect time to find out. 

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This 60-minute, targeted deep tissue massage is designed for those seeking relief and relaxation. It directly addresses the most common reasons people seek out expert muscle therapy:

Pain Management & Relief: Ease chronic tension, workout-related soreness, and joint discomfort to recover faster.

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From athletes to busy professionals, this treatment makes a noticeable difference in how you feel and perform.

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This powerful combination package tackles pain and recovery from every angle, addressing the top reasons people turn to cryotherapy and massage:

Instant Pain Relief: The cryotherapy session instantly soothes inflammation and nerve pain for immediate comfort.

Deep Muscle Recovery: The targeted massage releases tight tissues and enhances circulation for lasting relief.

Post-Workout Enhancement: Accelerate your recovery time, reduce soreness, and get back to your routine faster.

This one-two punch is perfect for anyone seeking comprehensive results.

If your goals are to:

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Final Thoughts

After cryotherapy—especially localized cryotherapy—the treated area of your skin is more sensitive to sun exposure. Avoid direct sunlight on that area for at least 24 hours, use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and stay hydrated.