As winter weather sets in here in Melbourne and memories of summer fun fade away, skin treatments are probably the last thing on your mind. However, did you know that winter is considered the best time to receive a laser treatment? If that sounds counterintuitive to you, let us explain why our dermal clinicians swear by it.
Reason 1: Reduced sun exposure
It’s no secret that sun exposure causes damage to the skin, but what you may not know is that laser treatments make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the chance of UV damage in the days following a treatment. As part of your aftercare, dermal clinicians recommend limiting sun exposure and wearing SPF. Getting your laser treatment in winter when the sun sits lower in the sky and you’re spending more time indoors will make it a lot easier to avoid this issue and allow the skin to heal more effectively.
Reason 2: Easier aftercare and recovery
Following a laser treatment, you will likely experience side effects such as redness, temporary swelling and a hot or flushed feeling in the treated areas. Cool winter air can make these things more manageable, as opposed to hot summer days that may exacerbate feelings of warmth and discomfort. Your dermal clinician will advise you of aftercare, which generally involves applying soothing skincare and avoiding sun exposure. You’ll also need to avoid wearing make-up for a few days and take special care not to damage your skin so you don’t interrupt the healing process. All of these things are a lot easier to accomplish in winter when it’s not unusual to stay bundled up indoors.
Reason 3: Summer-ready skin
If you want to look your best in summer, it’s important to get a head start on skin treatments. Many laser treatments require multiple sessions spaced weeks apart for optimal results, and best results may not manifest until several months have gone by. Starting in winter ensures that you’ll be able to complete your treatment cycle and see full results in time for those big Christmas and New Year events.
Reason 4: Improving laser effectiveness
Many lasers such as Excel V are more effective on patients that have not had recent sun exposure or applied fake tan, as these factors can limit light absorption. In the hotter months, having to spend more time indoors and avoid spray tans in the weeks leading up to a treatment can be disruptive, while in winter you won’t even have to think about it.
Reason 5: Addressing seasonal concerns
Winter weather can have a number of adverse effects on the skin, causing dryness, dullness and changes to skin tone and texture. Lasers that encourage skin rejuvenation and promote overall skin health can be a great choice to address these concerns and perk your skin up again.
Many people also become interested in lasers because they want to address pigmentation and the cosmetic effects of sun damage. Winter is the perfect time to address sun damage that was caused in the summer months, since you’re less likely to experience further UV damage while you’re undergoing the treatment.
How to choose the best Melbourne laser treatment for you
Choosing the best laser treatment for your skin is a matter of assessing your skin type, concerns, and treatment goals. It is important that you talk these things through with a qualified dermal clinician or other professional, as there are many different laser modalities and not all will be suitable for your particular situation. For example, patients with concerns about pigmentation will need a different laser than those concerned about redness.
To make an appointment for a skin consult so you can discuss laser options at Liberty Belle Skin Centre Melbourne, give us a call on 03 9826 9988. For general information about some of the treatments we offer, see below.
Laser treatment options Melbourne
Laser Genesis – the gentlest laser we offer, Laser Genesis targets redness and helps improve the appearance of pores and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production through the application of heat to the dermis. While you can see results after just one treatment in the form of improved skin tone, texture and overall health, clinicians generally recommend four to five treatments at intervals of four weeks for best results, making it best to get a head start in winter.
Best for: All skin types and ages, but particularly those with who want general skin improvement or who have concerns about redness. This laser is non-invasive, pain-free and involves no downtime.
Clear + Brilliant Laser – this laser stimulates the natural healing process, causing the skin to refresh and rejuvenate itself to help improve tone, texture, enlarged pores and pigmentation. It is sometimes called the ‘mini Fraxel’ as it offers similar effects to that advanced laser in a beginner-friendly way. Softer, more youthful-looking skin will reveal itself gradually over the course of several months as the skin refreshes itself and new collagen is produced. Multiple treatments are recommended for best results.
Best for: All skin types and ages, but particularly those with concerns about the tone and texture of their skin. Discomfort is minimal during this procedure and there is no downtime, though you might experience some redness and swelling immediately post treatment.
Excel V Laser – this laser provides targeted improvement of redness and visible capillaries and veins on the face or body. It can also be used to address scars, stretch marks and red skin imperfections such as port wine stains and cherry angiomas. This laser is more effective at treating lighter skin tones and those who have not recently applied fake tan or experienced significant sun exposure.
Best for: Those with specific concerns about vascular imperfections on the face and body. There is little to no downtime or discomfort.
Pearl Fusion Laser – this laser resurfacing treatment targets concerns relating to ageing, sun damage, acne scarring, and other pronounced texture imperfections. It is one of the more advanced lasers that we offer; typically only one treatment is necessary to see significant results.
Best for: Those with advanced anti-ageing goals and concerns about pigmentation and deep lines. You can expect some discomfort and about 10 days of downtime as your skin will look and feel as if it is sunburnt and will need time to heal. If you’re working at home in winter, this downtime should pass quickly and conveniently.
Fraxel Laser – this skin resurfacing treatment stimulates the body’s natural wound healing mechanisms to rejuvenate and refresh the skin from the inside out. It can be used to address skin concerns such as pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring and surgical or traumatic scars. Results appear gradually over the course of three to six months as your skin refreshes itself and produces additional collagen. For some, one treatment will be enough, while others may need follow-up treatments.
Best for: Those with advanced anti-ageing goals or those seeking targeted improvement to the appearance of scars and pigmentation. Fraxel requires some downtime as it typically takes seven days for the skin to heal from the treatment, during which time you will experience redness and some flaking. Patients report that this downtime is much easier to manage in winter.
If you are considering a laser treatment, take advantage of the season and give us a call on 03 9826 9988 to discuss options with one of our friendly dermal clinicians. You can also get in touch using the contact form here.