As we sit and wait patiently for the spring weather to round the corner, it’s impossible to not think of warmer – and sunnier – days. Whether you’re planning an upcoming vacation, or just dreaming of temperatures above 20 degrees, we can all agree we are ready to sport shorts and our favorite sundresses. But with our heads in the clouds, dreaming of 70 and sunny, we may miss out on the optimal hair removal months. Read on as we discuss what laser hair removal is, why winter is the best time for this treatment, and how you know if you’re a good candidate for laser hair removal. 

What Is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is a nearly pain-free hair removal procedure with virtually no downtime following the treatment. As your technician gets to work, the laser targets the pigment melanin in the root of the hair follicle and eliminates the hair growth from that area. Unfortunately, one treatment is typically not enough to wipe out the hair growth entirely. During your first visit, a well-constructed treatment plan is put into place with usually six treatments spaced 4 – 8 weeks apart (depending on the area being treated, as well as hair type and skin).

Am I a Good Candidate?

If you have lighter skin and darker hair, you’re in luck. Since the laser targets pigment, people with these characteristics typically see the best results. On the other hand, those with darker skin tones or very tanned skin, will have a more challenging time with the laser. Darker skin tones have more melanin in the upper layers of the skin, which can lead to a greater likelihood of burns from the laser. Therefore, the treatment must be less aggressive for those with darker skin, often starting with a gentler setting and beginning with test spots on the skin to avoid burns. It can also take more treatments to achieve the desired results.

On the other end of the spectrum, is light hair. Those with white or blonde hair may not find laser hair removal effective at all. If you lean more on the lighter side of hair color, it’s best to consult a professional to determine if you are a good candidate for laser hair removal.

It’s Winter. Why Do It Now?

Winter is ideal for treatment because there are less opportunities for your skin to be directly exposed to the sun. Prior to the laser treatment, it’s preferable for skin that will be treated to be covered from extensive sun exposure. Also, because the treatment itself can lead to increased skin sensitivity, it’s necessary for recently treated skin to be covered from sunlight. It’s suggested you keep the area covered for about 3 weeks, which is much easier to do with cold weather.

Let Belladerm MedSpa help you look and feel your best, just in time for the warm weather. Call today to schedule your FREE consultation with one of our certified laser technicians. Ask about our BOGO laser hair removal packages – buy any hair removal package and get the second package of equal or lesser value free! Contact us today to learn more.

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!

Plucking, waxing, or shaving unwanted body hair can be frustrating and time-consuming. It can irritate your skin as well as cause bumps, redness, in-grown hairs, and even acne. Laser hair removal is a safe, effective alternative for removing unwanted hair, leaving your skin silky smooth and healthy looking for weeks on end. Read on to understand the basics and to find out if you’re a good candidate.

What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is a relatively painless, non-invasive procedure that concentrates light on the hair follicle of the treated area. The laser light is absorbed by the pigment or color in the hair follicle and damages it at the root, preventing the hair from growing back. The results will vary by client depending on skin type, hair color, and the treatment area; however, most people notice a change in hair growth after the first few weeks.

Who is a good candidate?

Although the procedure can be performed on almost anyone, the ideal candidates for are clients with dark hair and fair skin. This enables the laser to concentrate light on the pigment within the follicle without having to compete for pigment in the skin. Clients who have darker skin tones or tans have more melanin on the upper layers of the skin, which can absorb light. Therefore, it’s advisable to begin with a less aggressive treatment that uses lower energy levels and spot tests to avoid adverse reactions. Clients with blond, white, or gray hair, unfortunately, aren’t good candidates as they lack the pigment necessary for the treatment. So, if you’re planning for gray hair in the future, don’t wait to have the procedure. Schedule an appointment today!

What can you expect?

Since 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 coloring, and hair type. The best areas are lower legs, underarms, and bikini lines. Areas of the face, including the chin and upper lip, are more challenging because the hair is much finer and not as easy to remove. It’s important to remember this is not a “one size fits all” solution. A consultation with a licensed laser technician at Belladerm MedSpa can determine if the procedure 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 but typically laser hair removal results in the thinning of the hair and an 80 percent reduction in growth. For some clients, the results are permanent. However, most require yearly maintenance.

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 of equal or lesser value free!