With another Minnesota winter in full swing, it’s hard to imagine sporting a bikini, shorts, or your favorite sun dress while digging out from under two feet of snow. Believe it or not, the colder months are optimal to remove unwanted hair so your skin is smooth, glowing, and beach-ready for summer. Read on as we discuss why winter is the best time for laser hair removal.  

Exposure to the sun is limited in the winter

Winter is ideal for treatment because there is less chance your skin will be exposed to the sun. Laser hair removal works best on dark hair and pale skin.  Before the laser treatment, we prefer you keep the areas being treated from sun exposure.  Also, because the treatment itself can lead to a temporary increase in skin sensitivity, it’s crucial to keep the targeted areas of the body out of direct sunlight following treatment for 2 – 4 weeks. That’s much easier in the winter, as we wear more clothing.

Prepping for treatment is easier

Because laser hair removal targets active-growth hair follicles, it works best when there’s some amount of hair in the follicle itself. Generally, the treatment won’t work on skin that has been waxed, plucked, or removed by other methods like hair removal cream, as these approaches pull hair out at the root, leaving nothing for the laser to target. The best way to prepare is to shave the treatment area as close to the appointment as possible. The remaining hair growth should be close enough to the skin’s surface so the laser will reach the follicle easily.

Scheduling treatments

Since the laser is only effective at certain stages of active hair growth, laser hair removal usually requires 6 separate treatments spaced 4 – 8 weeks apart depending on the body area, skin tone, and hair type. The best areas for laser hair removal are lower legs, underarms, and bikini lines. Areas of the face, including the chin and upper lip, can be more challenging because the hair is finer and not as easy to remove. It’s important to remember that laser hair removal isn’t a “one size fits all” solution. A consultation with a licensed laser technician at Belladerm MedSpa can determine if laser hair removal is right for you. We’ll customize a treatment plan based on your needs and desired results. 

How long will it last?

Results will vary from patient to patient, but typically laser hair removal results in the thinning of the hair and an 80% reduction in growth. For some patients, the results are permanent. However, most patients will require yearly maintenance.  At Belladerm we understand this need and provide up to two maintenance treatments per year, for half price.  

Let Belladerm MedSpa help you look and feel your best. Call today to schedule your FREE consultation with one of our certified laser technicians and ask about our BOGO laser hair removal packages – buy any hair removal package and get the second package free!

Brilliant Distinctions® from Allergan® is now Allē℠. The premier online aesthetic rewards program has a new look and even more exciting benefits so you can enjoy your favorite treatments at an even better value. Earn points and save on popular Allergan brands like Juvederm®, CoolSculpting®, and BOTOX® as well as additional non-Allergan in-office treatments from other manufacturers. Read on as we take a tour of Allē – the customer loyalty program designed just for you.

More than a new name

Allē isn’t your mother’s loyalty program (but we think it should be). Pronounced “Al-ee”, it’s a completely personalized, not to mention rewarding, customer experience based on your needs, tastes, and preferences. The offers aren’t just cosmetic. Allē also offers deals on other interests like vacations and theatre tickets. Coupons are built into your customer profile, so you get rewarded on things you already love and there are no pesky codes or emails to clutter your inbox. *Swoon.

Enjoy your points, your way

Everything counts toward your points balance. You can come in for an injectables treatment and earn points toward your next product or procedure. And unlike Brilliant Distinctions, your points never expire if you’re on the A-list otherwise your points expire after one year. Can you say win-win?

The Allē App

Allergan used the latest technology to develop the Allē wallet app, with a seamless user interface and top-notch customer support which makes managing your account easy. Your password is your cell phone number, which eliminates the risk of forgetting and resetting. Belladerm staff can see your point balance in real time, making it simple to purchase your favorite products or services or save them up for future visits. In addition, any gift cards purchased through Allergan for Juvederm, CoolSculpting, and BOTOX, can be entered into the Allē wallet and used at Belladerm.

Joining has never been easier

Joining is a breeze. You can use your existing Brilliant Distinctions information or create a new account if you were not a Brilliant Distinctions member. All Belladerm customers that were in Brilliant Distinctions were automatically migrated over to Allē in September. However, even if you migrated and all your points were transferred, you still need to create your account to ensure your account is set up properly. Once you sign up through the Allē website or with the app, all your information from Brilliant Distinctions will be converted.

Once you sign up through the Allē website, click on “Join” with Brilliant Distinctions or with the app (available for iPhone users in the App Store, coming soon for Android users), all your information from Brilliant Distinctions will be converted. You’re all set!  Please note — if you were Diamond Level in Brilliant Distinctions you are automatically on the A-list in Allē so your points never expire.  If you were not Diamond level your points transferred to Allē’, but you have until September 2021 to use them. 

The gift that keeps on giving

Just in time for the holidays. Get a $100 Allē gift card for just $75 at Belladerm. Allē gift cards can be used on a variety of Allergan Aesthetics products and treatments we offer at our practice. Gift cards purchased directly through Allē go into the wallet.

Ready to get started? Visit www.alle.com to sign up and start saving.

The experts at Belladerm MedSpa are ready to assist with all your winter skincare needs. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, call or visit us online at www.belladermmedspa.com.

It’s hard to believe but winter is just around the corner. The cold, dry Minnesota air can deplete skin of natural moisture, leaving it red, itchy, and irritated. It’s time to start thinking about adjusting your skincare routine so you can feel your best all season long. Read our blog as we discuss helpful tips for healthy winter skin.

Add a humidifier to maximize moisture

A high-quality humidifier will add much needed moisture to the air to keep your skin hydrated during the colder months. With many of us working from home these days, it’s a good idea to run the humidifier in the room where you spend most of your time like the bedroom or in your home office.

Stay hydrated and eat right

This goes without saying. During the winter, the more time we spend indoors with the heat cranked up, the more dehydrated we become. Dry, indoor air can wreak havoc on our skin. Make sure to drink plenty of water and incorporate foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, like fish and flaxseed oil, into your diet.

Apply sunscreen (even on cloudy or gray days)

Yep, you read that right – sunscreen. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the snow can reflect up to 80 percent of the sun’s rays, so regular sunscreen use is crucial to decrease your risk of exposure. Whether you’re hitting the slopes or snowshoeing through a park, applying sunscreen in the winter is just as important as in the summer. And, during those dark, dreary days, UV rays can still penetrate the clouds. Make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to all exposed areas of the body.

Limit the amount of time in the shower

A long, steamy shower may be tempting when it’s cold outside, but did you know excessively hot water can dry out your skin? The American Academy of Dermatology suggests taking a lukewarm shower for five to ten minutes and avoid washing hands in hot water. Using cool water is just as effective on germs as warm water and much less irritating to the skin.

Change up your skincare regimen

It’s a fact – skin requires more moisture in the winter, so we recommend changing up your skincare regimen when the cold weather hits. Choose gentle, fragrance-free, cream-based cleansers and limit the use of toners and/or astringents. Products that contain alcohol and fragrances can further dry out the skin, so it’s important to use products that help retain natural oils. Don’t forget to apply a rich moisturizer on your face at night to help combat the dryness and keep your skin glowing all season long. Ask your skincare professional for product recommendations during the colder months.

Wear comfortable, breathable fabrics

Many cold-weather fabrics such as wool can exacerbate dry skin, causing redness, itchiness, and discomfort. When you bundle up this winter, opt for layers of light, breathable fabric like cotton or silk under your heavy wool sweater. And don’t forget to protect your hands with a pair of gloves or mittens that won’t irritate the skin.

The experts at Belladerm MedSpa are ready to assist with all your winter skincare needs. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, call or visit us online at www.belladermmedspa.com.