As the cooler months roll in, the term “laser season” begins to trend in the aesthetics world. But what exactly is laser season, and why is this time of year ideal for laser treatments?
Let’s dive into the essentials, exploring the most common types of lasers, how to prepare your skin, and key things to know before committing to treatment.
Why Fall and Winter Are Perfect for Laser Treatments
Laser treatments work by targeting specific concerns such as pigmentation, scars, hair removal, or skin texture. However, these treatments make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Cooler months mean less intense UV exposure, making it easier to avoid sun damage and ensuring optimal healing and results.
Popular Laser Types Explained
Different lasers address unique skin concerns. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most commonly used lasers and their purposes:
1. Long Pulse Nd:YAG
• Use: Treats vascular lesions (spider veins), hair removal for darker skin tones, and skin tightening.
• How it Works: Penetrates deeply into the skin to target blood vessels or hair follicles.
• Best For: Individuals with darker skin tones due to its lower melanin absorption.
2. Q-Switched Nd:YAG
• Use: Tattoo removal, pigmentation correction, and melasma.
• How it Works: Delivers short bursts of energy to shatter pigment particles.
• Best For: Treating stubborn pigmentation and multicolored tattoos.
3. Diode Laser
• Use: Hair removal and acne treatments.
• How it Works: Targets hair follicles while being gentle on the surrounding skin.
• Best For: Effective on various skin types, including darker tones.
4. Erbium YAG
• Use: Skin resurfacing for fine lines, wrinkles, and superficial scars.
• How it Works: Vaporizes the outer skin layers with minimal heat damage.
• Best For: Precise treatments with a shorter recovery time compared to CO₂ lasers.
5. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
• Use: Treats pigmentation, rosacea, sun damage, and hair removal.
• How it Works: Uses a broad spectrum of light to target multiple concerns.
• Best For: Non-invasive treatments with minimal downtime.
6. CO₂ Laser
• Use: Deep resurfacing for severe wrinkles, scars, and uneven texture.
• How it Works: Removes deeper skin layers while stimulating collagen production.
• Best For: Individuals needing aggressive treatment with transformative results.
Pre-Treating Your Skin: The Role of Retinol
Prepping your skin for laser treatments is essential for achieving optimal results. Retinol, a vitamin A derivative, can enhance the efficacy of your laser treatments by:
• Stimulating Cellular Turnover: Encouraging new skin cells to replace older ones, making your skin more receptive to treatment.
• Improving Texture: Smoothing rough patches for even laser penetration.
• Minimizing Pigmentation: Lightening dark spots, which lasers can further target.
How to Use Retinol Before Laser Treatments:
1. Start using a gentle retinol product 4-6 weeks before your laser treatment.
2. Apply it 2-3 times per week to build tolerance, avoiding irritation.
3. Discontinue retinol use at least 1 week before your laser session, or as directed by your provider.
Laser season is the perfect time to invest in your skin’s long-term health and beauty. Whether you’re targeting fine lines, pigmentation Or blood vessels understanding your options and properly preparing your skin are key to achieving stunning results.
Things to Know Before Getting Laser Treatments
1. Sun Protection Is Non-Negotiable
• Always wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ before and after treatments to avoid hyperpigmentation or burns.
2. Stop Photosensitizing Medications
• Certain medications, like antibiotics or acne treatments, can increase photosensitivity. Consult your a licensed professional before treatment.
3. Avoid Certain Skincare Products
• Discontinue use of exfoliants, acids (e.g., AHAs, BHAs), and retinoids 1 week before your appointment to reduce irritation risk.
• Avoid use of sunless tanning products for at least 1 month or have it completely removed from your skin.
4. Patch Test First
• If you’re trying a new laser, request a patch test to gauge how your skin reacts.
5. Plan Downtime Accordingly
• Some lasers, like CO₂ and Erbium YAG, may require significant recovery time. Schedule treatments when you can avoid social events or heavy sun exposure.
6. Communicate Medical Conditions and Medications including history of cold sores/fever blisters.
• Let your provider know about any conditions (e.g., autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s) or allergies to ensure safe and effective treatment.
7. Hydrate Your Skin
• Use a gentle, hydrating moisturizer leading up to your appointment to maintain a healthy skin barrier.