Laser Skin Treatments – Why Winter is the Best Time to Get Them
People often think about getting laser skin treatments in the summer when they are showing more skin. This is when issues such as unwanted hair, a regrettable tattoo, wrinkles, or any other imperfections are more obvious. However, summer may not be the best time to have these types of treatments. If you are considering laser hair removal, skin resurfacing, or tattoo removal, the winter months are the perfect time to schedule them.
Laser Skin Treatments and the Sun
Laser skin treatments and the sun just don’t mix. After a skin rejuvenation laser treatment, your skin is more susceptible to hyperpigmentation and other effects of the sun. Although the sun still emits UV rays in the winter, we are typically outside less and are showing much less skin than in the summer. Some laser skin treatments such as PicoSure Focus skin revitalization require much less downtime than other laser treatments. With Picosure, most patients only experience minor redness after a treatment. This quickly dissipates and they can go out in the sun the next day. However, you should wear sunscreen and if your treatments were received during the summer months, you may want to avoid any serious sunbathing for a week or two.
Laser Hair Removal
Hair removal is another laser treatment that is best done during the winter for a few reasons. It usually takes 6 treatments to achieve the desired result, so having laser hair removal done in the winter will have your skin free of unwanted hair and baby smooth by bikini season. When preparing for laser hair removal, it is important to avoid the sun for a couple of weeks. Tanned or sunburned skin will be more sensitive to the treatment and could result in hyperpigmentation. Due to reduced hair growth and the cover of winter clothing, some patients consider the option to skip shaving in between treatments to be another benefit.
Laser Tattoo Removal
Like hair removal, tattoo removal requires multiple laser skin treatments. It can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks in between treatments for the body to absorb the broken down ink particles. The number of laser treatments necessary to achieve the desired results will vary. Factors such as ink type, size of the tattoo, and location on the body all play a part in determining the number of treatments needed. At different stages of the removal, you will have a partially visible tattoo that you may want to conceal. In many cases, this will be much easier to do with winter clothing. The winter months will provide you plenty of time to complete the removal before summer arrives.
Better Healing Environment
Although the newer technology of today’s laser skin treatments offers less irritation or downtime, some patients may experience mild sensitivity in the treated area. The warmth of the summer months can intensify that irritation. The cooler temperatures of the winter months often provide a more comfortable environment for healing.
Laser Skin Treatments at Vive
If you’re considering any type of laser skin treatment, now is the time to make that appointment. Dr. Pinto and his professional and friendly staff will develop a personalized treatment plan for your specific needs. Offering skin rejuvenation, hair and tattoo removal, Vive Aesthetics, and Wellness is proud to provide PicoSure and Vectus laser treatments in NJ. We are a unique medical practice, providing aesthetic medicine and medical weight loss to the South Jersey community and offer an extensive variety of services. Schedule your consultation today and find out if PicoSure facial rejuvenation or tattoo removal is right for you.
