Every year, when the clocks “Spring Forward” in late March, the UK collectively loses an hour of sleep. For most people, this means a groggy Monday morning and an extra coffee. But for our clients at Illusion Laser Clinic, it can raise genuine practical questions.
Will losing an hour affect how your skin heals? Should you reschedule your Monday appointment? And does the extra evening daylight change how you manage your aftercare?
These might sound like minor concerns, but when you are investing time and money into laser treatments, every detail matters. Here are the facts about how the clock change interacts with your treatment plan.
According to skincare experts at Illusion Laser Clinic, it is more about the circadian rhythm of your body than the actual clock which affects you. If your appointment is booked for 6 PM, it is still 6 PM after the clocks change. However, your circadian rhythm (internal body clock) thinks it is 5 PM. This can make you feel slightly “off” i.e. more tired than usual or slightly disoriented.
Another important thing is to ensure your personal calendar and alarms are updated. While most smartphones adjust automatically, if you use a manual diary, be sure to “spring forward” to avoid being an hour late.
Losing one hour of sleep is unlikely to cause any clinical issue. Your skin doesn’t know what time it is! According to skincare experts at Illusion Laser Clinic, you might feel a bit more tired than usual, but it’s highly unlikely to affect your ability to have the treatment. The feeling is similar to a single night of poor sleep. Our treatments are quick, and our practitioners are experts at ensuring you are comfortable. We recommend staying well-hydrated on the day, but there’s no need to worry about being too tired. However, if you are someone who is particularly sensitive to pain, fatigue can lower your pain threshold slightly. If you are worried, take a paracetamol 30 minutes before your appointment and drink extra water to stay alert. Most clients don’t notice any difference.
Skincare experts at Illusion Laser Clinic have often observed that in the first few days after the clocks change, mornings can feel brutal. Your body is waking up an hour earlier than it is used to. If you have flexibility, booking a late afternoon or early evening slot gives your body the full day to adjust. You will feel more alert, more hydrated (you’ve had all day to drink water), and less sensitive to the treatment.
For many potential clients at Illusion Laser Clinic, this is the real concern. After the clocks change, the evenings are suddenly brighter. You might walk to your car after a laser session in daylight instead of darkness.
Freshly treated skin is photosensitive. If your face or arms have been lasered, even 15 minutes of unexpected spring sunshine on the walk home can cause hyperpigmentation (dark spots). Apply SPF 50 before you leave the clinic, even if it looks cloudy.
One of the biggest benefits of the clock change is that clients who work 9-5 are able to attend evening appointments without travelling in the dark. If safety or comfort on the commute home was a barrier for you during winter, the lighter evenings are the perfect reason to resume or start your treatment course. Many clients book their first session of the year in late March for this exact reason. The extra hour of daylight in the evening makes late afternoon and early evening appointments much more convenient and pleasant.
It’s very unlikely. Treatment sensitivity is far more influenced by factors like your individual pain threshold, hydration levels, and for women, your menstrual cycle as often observed by skincare experts at Illusion Laser Clinic. A one-hour time shift will not have a noticeable impact on how the treatment feels. Our advanced laser cooling technology is the primary factor in ensuring your comfort, and that works the same any day of the year.
There is absolutely no medical or safety reason to skip or reschedule your appointment. It is perfectly safe to proceed with your treatment as planned according to skincare experts at Illusion Laser Clinic. However, if you personally feel particularly overwhelmed or stressed by the change, we are always happy to find a more suitable time for you. Your comfort and peace of mind are paramount.
Consistency is crucial for laser hair removal. Skipping a week unnecessarily can push your treatment plan off schedule, especially if your sessions are timed to your hair growth cycle.
During winter, many clients become complacent about sunscreen because they leave the house in the dark and come home in the dark. After the clocks change, you are suddenly exposed to UV during your evening walk, school run, or drive home.
This is particularly important for clients undergoing facial laser hair removal or tattoo removal as often observed by skincare experts at Illusion Laser Clinic. Treated skin is photosensitive for 2-4 weeks after each session. Apply SPF 50 every morning, and keep a travel-size tube in your bag for top-ups.
According to skincare experts at Illusion Laser Clinic, a single day of feeling tired will not have any impact on your final results. The success of laser hair or tattoo removal is cumulative, built up over a course of multiple sessions spaced weeks apart. Your body’s process of shedding hair or flushing away ink happens over this entire period. One day of fatigue is just a tiny blip on that long timeline.
At Illusion Laser Clinic, while we don’t change our standard opening hours, our team is fully aware that clients might feel a bit “off” during the adjustment period. We always recommend confirming your appointment time on the day, and if you’re running a few minutes late due to the time shift, just give us a quick call. We are here to be flexible and supportive.
The clocks changing is a small adjustment, but it signals a big shift: summer is coming. If you have been hibernating through winter and putting off your treatments, the lighter evenings are your sign to get back on track.
Book your Spring session at Illusion Laser Clinic today. Let’s make sure you are ready for the sunshine.
Your journey will begin with an in-depth consultation to discuss your requirements and get to know our practitioners before going ahead with their treatment plans.
Having undergone years of intensive training, our laser specialists have extensive knowledge in their area of expertise and work hard to continually refine their skills to deliver the highest standards.
Our practitioners are focused on helping you to achieve your goals, while providing you with the most comfortable experience possible, ensuring you leave our clinic feeling confident and cared for.