Why Winter is the Best Season to Start Your Laser Hair Removal Journey Before Vacation

Do you have an exciting vacation planned?

Like countless other people, you might consider prepping your look to be a major part of getting ready for a sunny getaway. You want to look and feel at your best by the time you jet off on an adventure, so you can relax and focus on enjoying yourself.

And removing unwanted body hair is a common pre-vacation process, whether on the legs, chest, back, or any other area you’re likely to show off.

Laser hair removal is an effective and reliable way to achieve smoother, hair-free skin. But while you might shave or wax close to the day your vacation starts, it’s best to start laser treatments months in advance — as early as winter.

Why? And how should you prepare for it? In this post, we’ll explain the benefits of starting your laser hair removal journey in winter, share preparation tips, and cover other details you need to know.

What is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser treatments are an effective and reliable way to deal with unwanted hair growth. A technician uses a cutting-edge laser system to deliver a carefully controlled amount of heat to one or more areas of the body. They will configure the system to the best level for your hair growth and goals.

The heat from the laser is absorbed by the hair pigment (melanin), then passes through the hair into the root. This damages the follicle and helps inhibit future hair growth.

Using a laser to remove body hair is more effective than alternatives, and the results last longer. That’s one of the most important points to consider if you’re curious about trying laser-based treatments, especially when you’re tired of shaving, waxing, or plucking hairs repeatedly.

Multiple treatments are required to enjoy the full benefits, though. That’s why it’s referred to as a hair removal “journey” instead of a one-off solution.

Benefits of Laser Hair Removal Treatments in Winter

Here are three reasons to start your laser treatments in winter:

Give Yourself Time for a Full Course of Treatments

The average person needs between three and five treatments, spaced four to six weeks apart. Several sessions are scheduled to make sure hairs are removed properly in line with the hair growth cycle.

There are four phases in the cycle:

• Anagen — hairs extend from follicles
• Catagen — hairs detach from follicles
• Telogen — new hairs form in follicles while other hairs rest in place
• Exogen — hairs are shed, and new hairs continue growing

Hair across the body is in different stages of the cycle at any one time and catching it at the right time is key for effective removal. Laser hair removal is most effective during the anagen phase, as hairs have the most pigment at this time. Pigment is crucial for absorbing heat from the laser and damaging follicles.

Treating the same areas multiple times allows you to target hairs that were in different growth stages during previous sessions. Starting your hair removal journey in winter ensures that you have plenty of time to undergo the right number of sessions and get silky smooth, vacation-ready skin.

Avoiding Sunlight is Easier

Staying out of direct sunlight is one of the most important steps in preparing for a laser treatment. If your skin is more tanned than usual, your skin will be at higher risk of being damaged (as the laser targets melanin).

Avoiding the sun is harder in summer, especially if you’re the type of person who loves to soak up rays and develop a deep tan. But in winter, you might find it more convenient to cover up and stay indoors without feeling as if you’re missing out on the opportunity to enjoy the weather. 

You’re Less Likely to Sweat After Your Treatment

Sweating can have a negative impact on your skin after laser hair removal, as it contains bacteria. Possible outcomes include skin irritation, swelling, and rashes.

However, it’s not always easy to control when or how much you sweat, especially in summer. Hot weather can cause you to perspire even if you’re not doing anything particularly strenuous. But unless you’re pushing yourself, you’re less likely to sweat in lower temperatures.

Starting your course of laser treatments in winter will help you avoid any of the possible issues related to sweating. And that will make your experience smoother and more comfortable overall.

How to Prepare for Your Laser Hair Removal

Here are four steps to keep in mind before your treatments:

• Limit sun exposure: As we mentioned earlier, spending too much time in the sun before a laser session can leave your skin at higher risk of harm. Try to avoid direct sunlight and other sources of UV rays as best you can. Cover up the areas you want to treat whenever you go outside, and don’t use tanning beds or booths.

• Avoid plucking or waxing: If you usually pluck or wax hairs, that’s a no-no in preparation for laser hair removal. The roots of the hairs in target areas need to be intact for laser treatments to work.

• Keep clothing loose and comfortable: On the day of your treatment, avoid clothes that fit tightly or feature coarse materials likely to rub up against the skin. Wear clothing that’s loose and less likely to irritate your skin after your session.

• Shave the day before your treatment: Aim to shave hair in the target areas within the 24 hours preceding your appointment. This helps the laser target and reach follicles more effectively.

Book Your Laser Hair Removal at Astra Medicare

Laser treatments are a popular option for removing hair from the back, legs, underarms, and other areas. They can leave your skin smooth and hair-free for longer than more traditional methods. And they’re a fantastic solution to keep unwanted hair growth at bay during vacations.

Starting your laser hair removal journey in winter will give you lots of time to fit in several treatments and achieve the results you want before your much-needed summer getaway. To book your first session at Astra Medicare today, get in touch with our team!