When winter comes, it can be easy to fall into the habit of fantasizing about summer: the warmth, the sun, the carefree energy. For some people, especially those who shave often in the warmer months, summer can be a dreaded time. Between shaving irritation, razor bumps, and painful ingrowns, summer can be more of a pain than a season of relaxation. Did you know, though, that you can skip shaving not just in the summer, but for up to years at a time? If this sounds like a sigh of relief, laser hair removal may be the service for you. Offered at Keep Glowing Medical Spa in Tinton Falls, NJ, laser hair removal can be the perfect summer prep that you can begin right now in winter.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a concentrated beam of light (the laser) to target melanin in hair follicles. The laser’s light is then absorbed by the pigment in the hair, converting it to heat and damaging the follicle’s ability to regrow. The hair proceeds to shed over the following days or weeks. This treatment can eliminate unwanted hair from areas like the face, legs, underarms, and bikini line, offering a longer-lasting solution than shaving or waxing through multiple sessions.
During each session, both the patient and the practitioner wear protective eyewear, and a cooling gel or device protects the skin during treatment. The sensation of the laser hair removal itself is often described as a rubber band snapping on the skin or a warm pinprick.
Why Should Laser Hair Removal Be Done in Winter?
One of the most important factors of laser hair removal aftercare is avoiding sun exposure. This makes winter the ideal time for the laser hair removal procedure, as there is much
less risk of burns or discoloration. The laser works best on untanned skin, as tanned skin increases pigmentation risks. Cooler weather also makes post-treatment recovery easier by allowing the patient to cover up sensitive skin and avoid sweat while allowing for the necessary multiple sessions to be completed in time for summer.
Long sleeves and pants also function as natural protection from the sun and wind, both of which can cause the sensitive skin to be further irritated. Beginning the laser hair removal sessions in winter additionally offers plenty of time to complete the required 6-8 sessions before beach season, meaning you can enjoy the warmer weather without the hassle of shaving every day.
Should I Get Laser Hair Removal?
If you shave often and want to eliminate the inconvenience of shaving in the warmer months, laser hair removal could be the option for you. Dark, coarse hair on light skin is ideal, as the contrast in pigmentation raises the effectiveness of the treatment. Specialized lasers, though, (like Nd:YAG) can improve results for darker skin tones.
Laser Hair Removal FAQs
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Laser hair removal can cause some discomfort, but it’s generally less painful than waxing, and modern technology with cooling systems makes it quite manageable during each session.
How long does laser hair removal last?
Laser hair removal offers long-term hair reduction, with results lasting months to years, requiring yearly touch-ups to maintain smooth skin, as hair follicles can recover from the damage inflicted by the laser.
How many sessions are required for laser hair removal?
Patients typically need 4 to 10 sessions of laser hair removal, spaced 4-8 weeks apart, but session number can vary by patient and area of removal.
What is laser hair removal aftercare like?
Laser hair removal aftercare focuses on soothing skin (cool compresses, aloe vera), avoiding sun exposure and heat for 24-48 hours, and gently cleansing with mild products to reduce redness/swelling, while waiting about a week before exfoliating or using harsh products to allow treated hair to shed and skin to heal to prevent irritation and scarring.
What parts of the body can I receive laser hair removal on?
You can get laser hair removal on almost any body part, with popular areas including legs, underarms, back, chest, arms, and the face (upper lip, chin, cheeks), plus bikini/Brazilian, hands, feet, shoulders, and stomach.
Keep Glowing Medical Spa in Tinton Falls, New Jersey
Located just minutes from the Garden State Parkway, our highly qualified, experienced, and dedicated team is ready to greet you with top-notch services. Find out today what makes Keep Glowing Medical Spa the best spa in Monmouth County.