Why Fall May Be the Perfect Time for Laser Hair Removal
The days are starting to get shorter, the summer sunshine a little less strong, and you might already be packing up your shorts and tank tops for the season. But if you’ve been considering laser hair removal all summer, now may actually be the best time to go for it. It’s true that most people tend to seek laser hair removal at the start of summer, but in reality, the transition from summer to fall can be a much more convenient time to schedule your first appointment, and here’s why.
1. Your Tan Has Faded
Unless you’re okay with avoiding the sun (and tanning) all summer, you might want to think twice before planning your laser hair removal at the start of the sunny season. Laser hair removal works by targeting melanin, the pigment that gives your skin and hair its color, in your hair follicles. The heat from the laser disables these follicles, which prevents hair from regrowing from them.
But when your skin is tanned, it contains much more melanin than it otherwise would, thus making it difficult for the laser to differentiate between the color of your hair and skin. While advancements in laser technology have now made it possible for people with darker skin tones to receive effective laser hair removal treatment, the best results still occur with a combination of dark hair and fair skin (Journal of Drugs in Dermatology).
So instead of avoiding the sunshine all summer long, plan to begin your laser hair removal sessions in the fall, once your tan has had a chance to fade.
2. You Won’t Be As Worried about Sun Exposure
Not only can sun exposure hinder your results because it tans your skin, but it can also lead to complications between treatment sessions (Mayo Clinic). Because the laser targets only the hair that’s currently in its active growth, or anagen, phase, multiple laser hair removal sessions are required to achieve your final results, as not all of your hair will be in this same phase at once (Journal of Cell Science).
That means that between each of these sessions, you’ll want to avoid sun exposure because your skin will be extra sensitive to the sun, and you don’t want to hinder the results of your next appointment. While you can use a sunless tanning lotion during this in-between period, you’ll have to give it enough time to fully fade away before the next laser session.
But because sun exposure is typically less of a concern during the fall and winter months, this can be the ideal time of the year for your laser hair removal.
3. You’ll Be Ready in Time for Next Bikini Season
Laser hair removal is a process that generally involves 6 to 9 treatment sessions spaced a few weeks apart. Because of this, if you wait until the onset of summer to begin your treatments, you won’t be able to fully enjoy your smooth results until the following season rolls around. So instead of missing out on remaining summer fun this year, schedule your first laser hair removal appointment during the back-to-school season so that you’ll be able to flaunt your amazing results all summer long… next year.
Taking the Next Step
Although laser hair removal is generally a safe and easy procedure, the quality of your results, as well as your safety, will greatly depend on the skill and experience of your laser technician. Plan to work with a trained professional who has ample experience performing laser hair removal procedures, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about any stage of the process during your consultation.
Licensed and certified clinicians perform skilled laser hair removal treatments atAcqua Blu Medical Spa, with locations in Pittsburgh and Wexford. Please feel free to contact us today at (724) 933-1800 for more information about laser hair removal or to schedule your consultation with our providers and take the next step toward enjoying smoother, more radiant skin.
