Why fall and winter are the best time for laser and light-based treatments

Fall is not just for pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin carving. It’s also the start of laser season! If you’re new to lasers and light-based treatments, then you may also be new to the idea of laser season. Laser season is the magical time of year when skincare experts recommend most patients to schedule their laser and light-based treatments. And no, we don’t recommend this because it’s a great excuse to stay inside and out of the cold. (Although, that can be a bonus depending on where you live!) Here are the top 5 reasons why fall and winter are the best times of year to get laser and light-based treatments!

No Sunburns Allowed

Laser and light-based treatments can’t be performed over sunburned (or even sunkissed) skin. (Talk about OUCH!) If the skin has received any significant sun exposure in the 3-4 weeks prior to a laser or light-based treatment, the chances of side effects (such as burns, blisters, and unwanted pigmentation changes of the skin) greatly increases. Most people spend less time in the sun during the fall and winter months and are, therefore, more likely to be able to realistically follow pre- and post-treatment care instructions. As a rule, we don’t touch skin with lasers or light-based treatments if there has been any significant sun exposure or if a tan or sunless tanner is present on the skin–in order to provide the most efficacious treatment in the safest manner possible.

In some cases, people are getting laser and light-based treatments to target sun spots, melasma, or skin damaged by exposure to the sun. It wouldn’t make a lot of sense to be getting treatments for sun damaged skin while you’re simultaneously hanging out at the beach every weekend, would it?

Safer Healing

Lasers and light-based treatments can make skin more sensitive to the sun. However, in the fall and winter, there isn’t as much direct sunlight. Additionally, colder temperatures mean people tend to stay indoors. An increased time indoors and out of the sun means most patients are better able to protect their skin after they’ve had a laser or light-based treatment. Protecting the skin and following any post-care instructions are important for proper healing and optimally achieving the desired treatment results.

Time Is On Your Side

When you begin laser or light-based treatments in the fall, you may be able to see your desired results by summer or an upcoming event—especially if you’re getting a treatment like laser hair removal. Of course we can’t promise that everyone will have the skin they want by summer or an event coming up in the next year. It all depends on what you want to achieve and the state your skin is in when you begin treatment.

But rest assured, the earlier the better! No matter what you want, your customized treatment regimen will only be benefitted from starting early and being consistent.

Fight The Winter Blues

It’s no secret that winter can take a toll on our mood. Some might even say that winter is depressing! You can help fight the winter blues by getting your appointments on the books so that you can:

• Have something to look forward to!
• Be working toward a tangible goal!

Prep For Summer During The Winter

There’s nothing better than heading into the warmer months feeling good about the skin you’re in. Have you ever heard the saying that summer bodies are built in the winter? Let us help you achieve your skincare goals NOW, so you can look and feel great this summer!

And that’s it!

Those are five great reasons why fall and winter are the best time for laser and light-based treatments! If you want to make the most of laser season, make an appointment with our DermacareHR Experts, call us at (757) 317-2893 to make your appointment or click the following to request an appointment or book an online consultation.