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When Is the Best Time to Start Laser Hair Removal Course?

The removal of unwanted body hair has been around for centuries and the many tedious processes available make this task a habitual one. Should you be considering a laser hair removal course, it would be well advised to commence this during autumn, winter, and spring months.

What is a Laser Hair Removal Course?

A laser hair removal clinic offers a professional service that uses a laser to remove unwanted body hair. This takes the form of a concentrated beam of light, in this case a laser beam, which creates heat energy that penetrates the hair follicles. The pigment in the hair follicle absorbs this energy and affects the process responsible for hair production. 

The impact effectively delays the production of new hair growth. This light energy is not absorbed by the skin, only the pigmentation in the hair follicle is affected, so no damage is caused to the skin itself. With improved technology, these days people with different skin tones all have the option of safely removing unwanted body hair. 

Although this process is highly efficient, it does not stop the growth immediately and multiple hair removal treatments are required initially. Subsequently, maintenance appointments can be made to keep everything in check.

How long does it usually last?

In today’s environment, lasers have come a long way from when they were first used for hair removal and the process is much more refined. Generally, the reason people decide to consider going the laser hair removal route, is to avoid the hassle of continuously removing body hair by either shaving, waxing, or plucking! 

Bear in mind that although laser hair removal is permanent, new hair will eventually start growing back so touch-up appointments would be required. The question everyone asks is how long will laser hair removal last?

laser hair removal for woman in armpits

The timeframe can be different for various areas of the body. Coarse underarm hair will react and take longer to reappear as opposed to very fine lip hair which responds slowly and may reappear quicker. So, there is not a specific timeline as it depends on the hair type, but generally speaking, body laser hair removal should last in the region of 2 years before any touch-ups are required.

Is there a best time to start a laser hair removal course?

When preparing for laser hair removal consult with your practitioner before the start of the sessions to determine the appropriate procedure for you, and discuss any medication you are on. The ideal time to consider starting a laser hair removal course would be when your skin has not had exposure to the sun, so the winter and spring months are ideal as the sun exposure factor is low. Should you go out, apply a high SPF cream to protect your skin from the UV rays.

woman getting laser hair removal

Why starting a Laser Hair Removal Course is best in winter?

Choosing the right time of the year to consider using a professional laser hair removal practitioner is easier when you are not exposed to the sun’s strong rays.  The time between autumn and spring is ideal as winter allows us to keep covered up and laser hair removal makes your skin temporarily very sensitive to the sun’s rays. 

This would also impact the course timeframe as it would be beneficial to have the process well completed before the onset of summer. People with tanned skin are discouraged from the procedure as the power of the laser equipment needs to be turned down, resulting in more laser treatments. So, a winter treatment option with paler skin will result in fewer treatments.

Clients would generally require a number of applications over a period of weeks, however, how often you need laser hair removal depends on the type of hair that that is being targeted. Facial hair, being finer, would require treatments around every 4-6 weeks and every 8-10 weeks for body hair.

These timeframes are a generalization as factors like age, medication, hormones, and genetics will influence the number of applications required and how often maintenance sessions are required after the initial application.

laser hair removal on legs

Active, regression and resting phases are the different stages of hair growth, and laser hair removal processes will be influenced by this. The laser hair removal process is designed to work on “active” hair growth, so between appointments, some hair will move from a resting phase to an active phase. 

These hairs will not have been affected by the first laser application but will now be targeted. Dormant hair follicles are not affected and at some stage, they may become active and start growing hair again.

Final Thoughts

Besides the initial thought of a laser being used to destroy hair follicles, the idea of having silky-smooth skin, the reduction of ingrown hair and not having to maintain a shaving or waxing regime makes the decision an easier one.  

How many laser sessions to permanently remove hair all depends on your physical attributes, as laser treatment performs differently on different people, however, the average timeframe is between 3 – 8 sessions to achieve permanent hair loss. 

After the first treatment, you will see a reduction in hair growth. There are additional benefits that add to this choice, one being the cost-saving as no more expensive wax treatments are need and there’s less stress and effort required to maintain a weekly hair growth.

Planning when to start laser hair removal should commence during the winter months which is far more beneficial than during the warmer seasons. Should you consider a summer season laser removal course, bear in mind that avoiding the sun’s exposure is an important factor to consider. 

This may hinder your activities during this time as you need to refrain from sun exposure for about a month after your final treatment to prevent skin damage and possible discoloration.  In order to get a silky-smooth skin ready for summer, give yourself sufficient time during winter to avoid disappointment!

Winter Skincare Tips For Every Skin Type: How to Treat Oily, Dry, Combination and Sensitive Skin in Winter

Winter is when you switch to your winter wardrobe and also to an alternative winter skincare regime. Skincare routines need to be adjusted depending on the season and weather condition whether you have dry, oily, combination, or sensitive skin. Your skincare habits should be tailored to combat the damaging and drying effects that winter has on the skin.

Reasons to adapt your skincare routine to seasonal and weather conditions

Adverse changes in your skin can be attributed to the changing of seasons as well as environmental and lifestyle factors. In winter, the air’s moisture levels are lower which directly affects your skin and ultimately determines how much moisture your skin may need and what your winter skincare products will comprise. 

In summer months, many may experience signs of oily or greasy skin due to sweat-inducing temperatures. These seasonal conditions will require summer or winter skincare adjustments and specifications. The season’s hot days will determine if your skin needs a light foaming facial cleanser to remove excess oil or a creamier and hydrating facial cleanser during the colder months. 

Our skin is constantly adjusting to environmental pressures to maintain adequate moisture, pH balance and oil control.  Different winter skincare is required compared to summer and it is crucial to give your skin what it needs during these seasonal transitions.

How different seasons and climate changes affect our skin?

When transitioning from warm to cold climates, for example, from summer to autumn, changes in temperature and humidity decrease, disrupting the skin’s barrier. This disruption may increase susceptibility to inflammation and irritation as the cold weather requires your skin to work harder to maintain hydration and the loss of hydration can lead to cracked skin. Winter comes with climate changes and additional lifestyle changes that follow can play a role in skin health.

As the weather shifts from cold to warmer climates, you could experience greasy or oily skin as a result of oil getting trapped under the surface of the skin. It is normally in these circumstances that you will benefit from a winter skincare routine for oily skin to combat the increase in oil.

woman cares for skin with cream

What usually happens to our skin in winter?

The skin is stripped of its natural moisture during winter as the air becomes cold and dry and it functions as a protective barrier against the external environment. When winter hits, the skin produces fewer oils than usual, therefore the skin becomes more susceptible to damaging effects such as dryness. 

This is more common in people with sensitive or acne-prone skin. When temperatures and humidity drop, it’s tempting to take long, hot showers along with increasing the internal heating in the home, which results in skin being subjected to cracking, irritation, inflammation, and dryness due to the loss of moisture. This loss of hydration can affect the skin’s overall state and for that reason, your skin will benefit from a heavy, creamy, and hydrating cleanser to compensate for the loss of moisture during these times.

Winter Skincare Routine

For Oily Skin

Winter skincare for oily skin regime requires careful cleansing in the morning and evening with a water-soluble cleanser. Oily skin is prone to dead skin build-up which can block pores, so it’s important to exfoliate at least 3 times per week. 

When using a toner for oily skin, the skin rids itself of residual dirt before adding the next application. During the winter months, you need to consider using an oil-free moisturiser. There are many available in a gel form that are water-based and enriched with vitamin E. Look for creams that have calming and soothing effects on the skin.

For Dry Skin

A skincare routine for dry skin in winter changes slightly to using a balm, oil or cream cleanser. Foaming and bubbly cleansers contain sulphates that tend to dry the skin further. Exfoliate in moderation, as the skin is already dry and excessive scrubbing will dehydrate the skin even more. 

It is advisable to skip the toner during the winter months, as these generally contain alcohol to absorb oils, and will dry out the skin even more. Use an alcohol-free face mist as an alternative. Switch your moisturiser from a lotion to a cream, as they contain emollients that are more important for a winter skincare routine for dry skin during low-humidity conditions.

girl cares for skin

For Combination Skin

Winter skincare for combination skin can be a bit challenging as you are dealing with oily and dry skin types. A morning routine using a gentle cleanser to clean your face is important to rid the skin of toxins during the night. Don’t go overboard with the exfoliation programme as being too harsh could have a negative impact so rather stick to gel or water-based products. 

Rather opt for a gentle, no alcohol toner for combination skins. Moisturising combination skin can be a tricky one, as you need to limit the application on the T-zone and concentrate on the dryer areas of your face.

For Sensitive Skin

Winter skincare for sensitive skin during the winter months is important as many ingredients do not agree with sensitive skin types. Choose products that work with your skin and do not contain harmful ingredients. Try keeping your environment moist with a humidifier and use gentle cleansing creams with a natural base that is softer on the skin. Exfoliating scrubs can be too severe so use for a washcloth for a light rub. 

The use of non-alcoholic toners can alleviate skin inflammation as it restores the pH levels in the skin. Skincare for acne-prone skin in winter requires the above attention during the winter months and make sure that your moisturiser is suitable for sensitive skin types.

Seasonal skincare routine

General Tips and Recommendations

Drink enough water, maintain a consistent skincare regime, and wear sunblock every day. Skincare products for winter should include the right cleanser and toner for your skin to ensure the correct hydration. Also use a moisturiser day and night and include sunscreen daily.

Effective Cosmetic Procedures for Winter

Some cosmetic procedures that are recommended during winter are skin resurfacing and plastic surgery. It’s the perfect time for your skin to heal from any procedures as it is easier to stay indoors so your skin can recuperate. Additionally, there is less exposure to harsher UV rays and it is the ideal season to prepare your skin for summer.