Thinking about starting your laser hair or tattoo removal journey? Your timing could be the key to achieving the best, safest results. While we can perform treatments year-round at Illusion Laser Clinic, there’s a reason we call autumn and winter “laser season.” The cooler, darker months offer the perfect conditions for your skin. Let’s explore why.
Laser treatments work by targeting pigment-melanin in the hair follicle or ink in a tattoo. Sun exposure increases the amount of melanin in your skin, creating a tan as often seen by skincare specialists at Illusion Laser Clinic.
1. Safety: A tan makes it harder for the laser to distinguish between the pigment in your skin and the pigment in the hair/tattoo. This increases the risk of burns, blistering, or hyperpigmentation.
2. Effectiveness: To treat tanned skin safely, we have to lower the laser’s energy settings, which can make the treatment less effective and mean you require more sessions. Starting in autumn/winter when your skin is at its natural, lightest tone allows us to use the optimal settings for the best results.
The primary risk is sun exposure both before and after your session according to skincare experts at Illusion Laser Clinic. Attempting laser treatments during summer presents several challenges as faced by clients at Illusion Laser Clinic. Tanned skin limits the laser settings that can be safely used, potentially requiring more sessions for the same results. There’s an increased risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, where treated areas develop dark patches. You might also experience hypopigmentation, where skin loses pigment and appears lighter than surrounding areas.
If you do have a treatment in the summer, Illusion Laser Clinic experts advise that your aftercare needs to be impeccable.
The key is to start early! According to specialists at Illusion Laser Clinic, a full course of laser hair removal typically takes 6-8 sessions, spaced 4-8 weeks apart. To be completely finished and safe for sun exposure by June, you should ideally start your course in September or October. This allows you to complete your treatments during the winter and have your skin fully healed and ready for the beach. For tattoo removal, which typically requires more sessions, starting in early autumn gives you the entire winter to progress through treatments without sun exposure concerns.
Yes, absolutely. Illusion Laser Clinic specialists have often seen that fake tan deposits pigment into the top layers of your skin, which the laser can mistake for your natural skin tone. This carries the same risks as a real tan. You must ensure the treatment area is completely free of all fake tan products for at least 2 weeks before your appointment as per skincare specialists at Illusion Laser Clinic.
Winter conditions can be drying for the skin. Central heating and cold air can lead to dehydration, which can make your skin feel more sensitive post-treatment as per skincare specialists at Illusion Laser Clinic. We recommend using a simple, fragrance-free moisturiser on the treated area a few days after your session (once any initial sensitivity has subsided) to keep your skin hydrated and support the healing process. Cosmetic tattoo laser removal post-treatment guidelines also advise you to be cautious of steam and heat from kettles and ovens, as your face can be more sensitive to these extreme temperatures.
A ski holiday involves intense sun exposure, often more than a beach holiday due to the altitude and reflection off the snow. You must treat it with the same caution according to skincare experts at Illusion Laser Clinic.
Yes, and this is why a patch test and consultation at a professional clinic like Illusion Laser Clinic are so important. A good technician will assess your skin tone at every single appointment. If your skin tone has changed since your last session, we will adjust the laser settings to ensure your treatment is both safe and effective.
The main “benefit” is simply one of convenience if summer is the only time you can commit to a course. However, from a clinical and safety perspective, the risks associated with sun exposure generally outweigh this. At Illusion Laser Clinic, we universally recommend autumn and winter as the optimal time to start.
Illusion Laser Clinic specialists advise waiting a minimum of 2 weeks after your very last laser session before you intentionally expose the skin to strong, direct sunlight. You should always introduce sun exposure gradually and continue to use a high-factor SPF to protect your investment and your skin’s health.
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.