Fall is Laser Season

We get asked often about the best time of the year for laser skin treatment. I have an answer. Fall is a great time to start your laser skin improvement journey, whether you’re considering laser hair removal, laser skin resurfacing, or another of the many available options. Here is why…

Sun Damage/ Exposure

Laser skin treatments are medical procedures that result in cosmetic improvements. Side side effects from laser procedures are typically mild and temporary, but sun exposure increases possible side effects many times over. When skin is exposed to the sun before or after a laser session, the possibility increases that you could develop unwanted dark spots (hyperpigmentation) or light spots (hypopigmentation), and these pigment problems can be difficult to correct. For surface damage correction laser procedures by exfoliating damaged skin cells (like traditional -IPL or fractionated laser skin resurfacing – CO2), your skin will also be very sensitive to sun damage after the procedure meaning that Fall is a great time due to sun exposure.

The laser manufacturers recommend protection from the sun for 4-6 weeks before and after the treatment. This means avoiding spending a lot of time outside in the sun, wearing sunscreen daily and reapplying it as instructed, and wearing sun-protective clothing as well as sunscreen when you do go outside. Remember that driving your car exposes you to sun, so take caution even when driving your car for a period before and after your procedure.

Time

Some procedures are primarily done as solitary procedures (like the more extensive laser resurfacing options – CO2), but many laser procedures are conducted in a series, like IPL.  We recommend 3-4 sessions on most areas conducted 4-6 weeks apart. It can take six months or more to complete a laser hair removal cycle. This is why we recommend that patients start their laser treatment series in the fall – because if you start in October, you may be able to finish your treatments by April, which is just in time to be able to enjoy the Summer next year without razors and with fresh skin!