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!

In today’s fast-paced, media-driven world, we face a barrage of advertisements, blogs, celebrity endorsements, and messages about what we should or should not do to achieve a beautiful, healthy complexion. If you’re confused, you’re not alone. A professional consultation by a skincare specialist can not only help make sense of all the information out there but also customize a regimen and treatment plan that’s right for your skin. Read our blog as we discuss what to expect at your skincare consultation.

I’ve booked my consultation – now what?

Take some time to think about what problems or concerns you have regarding your skin and develop a list of questions to ask at your appointment. Your skincare professional will begin by reviewing any aesthetic issues affecting your face, décolletage, neck, and hands. This will help determine your goals and assist your provider with developing a plan according to your needs and expectations.

How does my skincare history factor in?

The consultation is also a good time to discuss your history and how prior issues like sunbathing, smoking, acne, eczema, or psoriasis affect how your skin looks as it ages. A thorough understanding of any previous lifestyle choices or skin problems is instrumental in determining the best cosmetic treatment moving forward.

When will we discuss my options?

Once you discuss your history and your provider assesses your skin, it’s a good time to discuss options. Whether your goal is to eliminate age spots, minimize fine lines, increase skin’s elasticity, or simply revitalize your skin after a harsh winter, there are countless state-of-the-art treatment options and products to help repair and restore your skin for a beautiful, youthful glow.

Am I eligible for any promotions?

Once you decide on a treatment plan, your provider will discuss costs as well as any current promotions for the specific service you’re interested in.

From injectables and chemical peels to facials and Coolsculpting, Belladerm MedSpa offers leading-edge skin rejuvenation procedures to clients throughout the Twin Cities. Call us to schedule your free consultation or visit us online.

Did you know that the visible signs of aging are linked to volume loss of our facial tissue? Over time, a decrease in volume and elasticity leads to wrinkles, sagging skin, and etched lines on the face. Injectable dermal fillers can help smooth lines, plump lips, and restore a more youthful appearance. Read our blog to learn more and find out if you’re a good candidate for treatment.

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are soft, gel-like substances that are injected directly under the skin. They’re composed of several compounds, including hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance found in the body that keeps skin hydrated and volumized. Dermal fillers address a number of common age-related concerns by smoothing under eye circles, lifting cheekbones, smoothing lip lines, and replacing soft-tissue volume loss. This restores the skin to a more youthful appearance without expensive cosmetic surgery or downtime.

Are you a good candidate?

You’re a good candidate for dermal fillers if you have fine lines and wrinkles and the desire to look younger. Dermal fillers work by “plumping” the skin, filling in the lines and wrinkles, and smoothing out the skin in the process. The number of injections required depends on your individual needs and the area you wish to treat. With so many filler products on the market, it’s difficult to know which option is best. Certain fillers work better for a particular area so we recommend consulting an injection specialist about which treatment is right for you.

What can you expect during treatment?

Since dermal fillers are non-surgical, treatment can usually be completed in an office visit. Depending on your provider, your initial treatment often begins with a consultation to determine your needs and desired outcomes. The injection specialist will review your medical history and discuss any concerns you may have prior to treatment. Although the risk associated with injectable fillers is relatively low, it’s important to disclose any allergies, medications, or neurological conditions you have to your provider.

Before the actual treatment, the injection site is cleaned and a topical anesthetic is applied to numb the area. Your specialist will then carefully inject the filler under the skin. You may notice results immediately, depending on the area. It’s not uncommon to experience mild bruising and swelling at the injection site. This usually lasts for about three to five days after treatment; however, the side effects will vary from patient to patient.

Generally, dermal fillers last anywhere from 6 to 18 months but results depend on several variables, including the patient and the injection area. For example, the treatment for nasolabial folds (smile lines or folds that run from each side of the nose to the corners of the mouth) usually last longer than lip injections.

Injectable dermal fillers offer a practical, cost-effective way to look younger. However, choosing the right injection specialist is key to receiving quality care and desireable outcomes. The trusted experts at Belladerm MedSpa will customize a treatment plan according to your needs and beauty goals.

Call today to schedule your FREE consultation and find out more about our spring special, Beauty in a Box – one syringe of Juvederm and 20 units of Botox!