Did you know that laser hair removal was the third most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment last year? More than a million men and women underwent laser hair removal in 2016 to achieve smooth, carefree, hair-free skin! This time of year is ideal for starting laser hair removal treatments. Here’s why:
The sun is your enemy—and so are fake tans!
Exposing your skin to the sun either before or after your treatment not only increases your risk for side effects, but also diminishes the effectiveness of your treatment. Laser hair removal targets the dark pigment in your hair follicles, so if your skin is darkened by melanin or artificial tanning lotions, you’ll confuse the laser and risk injuring your skin. It goes without saying that avoiding UV exposure is much easier to do in the cooler months when the sun is weaker and you find yourself indoors more often.
Advance planning is key.
Laser hair removal only works on active hair follicles. Problem is, your hair follicles are not all active at the same time. To target every possible follicle, it can take multiple treatments, usually one treatment a month over a period of months, to achieve your desired results. That is why you should start treatments now so you can achieve smooth, carefree skin in time for summer.
Roots rule!
You can’t rush laser hair removal. In addition to ensuring your skin isn’t tanned, you’ll also need to be sure your roots are intact. Laser hair removal targets the dark roots of your hair follicles. If there’s no hair in the root, it won’t work. This means waxing, plucking, and electrolysis are out. Before undergoing treatment, allow your hair at least 3 months to grow back in. It’s also important to shave a day or two before your treatment, which prompts the hair follicle to enter the active growth phase.
Learn more helpful tips for getting the most out of your treatments by checking out our podcast on laser hair removal.
With two convenient locations in Center Valley and Lansdale, Young Medical Spa is easily accessible to patients in Philadelphia, Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton.