Tis the Season for Laser Hair Removal

If you’ve ever considered getting laser hair removal you’ve likely wondered when the best time would be to start your treatments. Perhaps you’ve even put it off because the summer months, when you really want it done, are so far away. While you can definitely get treatments year round, there is a time when it may be best to start the process. The truth is if you want smooth, hair-free skin for summer, the time to start your treatments is now!

Why start laser hair removal in the winter?

Laser hair removal isn’t a one-and-done type of treatment. Depending on the area of the body you want to have hair removed from, the number of sessions may vary anywhere from four to eight. The legs and the bikini area, which most women want treated before summer, need the most sessions so you’ll want to start the treatments months in advance. Another reason that the winter months work best is that many of us have lighter skin as a result of less exposure to the sun. Many lasers perform better with lighter pigmented skin because it’s easier for the laser to detect the hair when there is a more significant difference in color between skin and hair. We actually ask patients to limit their sun exposure and use SPF 30 or higher in the six weeks leading up to their appointment…something that is much easier to do during the winter months! We ask them avoid tanning or sunless tanners as well. In addition to limiting exposure to the sun prior to their appointments, we also ask our patients to avoid sun exposure and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen after the treatments. Have a darker complexion? Don’t worry! Certain lasers are designed for darker skin, so you can still get great results. How does laser hair removal work? Laser or Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL, devices produce a precise beam of light energy that safely transmits through the skin to target the dark pigment found in the hair follicle shaft. When the light is absorbed by the pigment it converts to heat, damaging the follicle and destroying the hair. Because hair grows in cycles, it’s necessary to have repeated treatments to permanently destroy the hair follicles. Three or more treatments are typically required to permanently reduce the hair growth.

What are the actual treatments like?

The easiest way to describe a laser hair removal treatment is “fast and easy.” Preparation is minimal. Body hair does not have to be grown out prior to the appointment like waxing, which means you can maintain your usual hair removal routine. The sensation of the laser damaging the hair follicle is often referred to as a gentle snap with minimal to no sensation after the treatment. Patients do sometimes experience some mild redness or tenderness that typically goes away within a day. Click here to read more about laser hair removal. If you are interested in learning more about Laser Hair Removal in Denver, we are happy to talk with you in depth about the process. Contact us today at 303-305-4343 orinfo@aobmedspa.com.