Welcome to Laser Season: Your Guide to Glowing Skin
As the summer sun begins to fade, we enter what is affectionately known in the skincare and aesthetics world as "Laser Season." This period, typically from fall to early spring, is the ideal time to erase sun damage incurred during the summer months and rejuvenate your skin
In this guide, we'll explore four popular laser and light based treatments that we employ in our office in various combinations to help our patients achieve glowing skin — IPL Photofacial, Fractional Non-Ablative Laser, Picosure Laser and CO2 Ablative Laser Resurfacing — and discuss when they are most appropriate.
1. IPL: Best for Improving Skin Tone and Clarity
What is it? IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Photofacial is a non-invasive treatment that uses broad-spectrum light to improve your overall skin tone by targeting target redness, broken capillaries and hyperpigmentation to even your skin tone and complexion.
When to Consider It: IPL Photofacials are most effective when the skin is not exposed to strong sunlight, making laser season the ideal time. If you suffer from facial redness, sun damage, or broken capillaries, IPL can help restore a more even skin tone.
Post-Treatment Care: Post-IPL, you may experience mild redness or swelling. It's important to use sunscreen and avoid direct sun exposure to maintain your results and protect your skin.
2. Fractional Laser: Best for Fine Lines and Textural Concerns
What is it? Fractional non-ablative laser treatments target the deeper layers of the skin, promoting collagen production and skin renewal. This laser creates micro-injuries below the surface of the skin without damaging the epidermis, triggering a natural healing process that improves overall skin texture and reduces fine lines.
When to Consider It: Fractional laser treatments are ideal during the cooler months when your skin is less exposed to the sun. If you're starting to notice fine lines, uneven skin texture, or mild scars, this treatment can help rejuvenate your skin with minimal downtime.
Post-Treatment Care: After a fractional laser treatment, your skin may be slightly red or swollen for a few days. It's crucial to avoid direct sunlight and wear broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your healing skin.
3. Picosure Laser: Best for Pigmentation
What is it? Picosure is a revolutionary laser that delivers ultra-short pulses of energy to break down pigment particles without damaging surrounding tissue. It's particularly effective for treating hyperpigmentation and sunspots in all skin types. Traditionally patients with darker skin tones have needed to avoid treatments like IPL but this technology makes it safe to use on all skin types.
When to Consider It: Picosure is a versatile treatment that can be done year-round, but it's especially beneficial during laser season. If you're looking to reduce pigmentation issues, now is the perfect time to start your sessions for optimal results.
Post-Treatment Care: After Picosure treatment, your skin may appear slightly red, similar to a mild sunburn. Use gentle skincare products and avoid sun exposure to ensure the best results.
4. CO2 Laser Resurfacing: Best for Deep Wrinkles and Scarring
What is it? CO2 laser resurfacing is a more intensive treatment that uses a carbon dioxide laser to ablate or remove layers of the skin, stimulating collagen production and revealing smoother, younger-looking skin. It's highly effective for deep wrinkles, significant sun damage, and acne scars.
When to Consider It: CO2 laser resurfacing is best performed during laser season when you're less likely to be exposed to UV rays. Given its intensity, this treatment is ideal for those looking for dramatic results in reducing accumulated sun damage, deep wrinkles or acne scarring.
Post-Treatment Care: The recovery from CO2 laser resurfacing can take up to two weeks, during which your skin may be red, swollen, and crusty. Strict sun avoidance and the use of healing ointments are essential during this period.
Final Thoughts
Laser season is the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate your skin with treatments that are most effective when your skin is shielded from the sun. Whether you're looking to smooth fine lines, reduce pigmentation, or tackle deeper wrinkles, there's a laser treatment tailored to your needs.
