As we sit and wait patiently for the spring weather to round the corner, it’s impossible to not think of warmer – and sunnier – days. Whether you’re planning an upcoming vacation, or just dreaming of temperatures above 20 degrees, we can all agree we are ready to sport shorts and our favorite sundresses. But with our heads in the clouds, dreaming of 70 and sunny, we may miss out on the optimal hair removal months. Read on as we discuss what laser hair removal is, why winter is the best time for this treatment, and how you know if you’re a good candidate for laser hair removal. 

What Is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is a nearly pain-free hair removal procedure with virtually no downtime following the treatment. As your technician gets to work, the laser targets the pigment melanin in the root of the hair follicle and eliminates the hair growth from that area. Unfortunately, one treatment is typically not enough to wipe out the hair growth entirely. During your first visit, a well-constructed treatment plan is put into place with usually six treatments spaced 4 – 8 weeks apart (depending on the area being treated, as well as hair type and skin).

Am I a Good Candidate?

If you have lighter skin and darker hair, you’re in luck. Since the laser targets pigment, people with these characteristics typically see the best results. On the other hand, those with darker skin tones or very tanned skin, will have a more challenging time with the laser. Darker skin tones have more melanin in the upper layers of the skin, which can lead to a greater likelihood of burns from the laser. Therefore, the treatment must be less aggressive for those with darker skin, often starting with a gentler setting and beginning with test spots on the skin to avoid burns. It can also take more treatments to achieve the desired results.

On the other end of the spectrum, is light hair. Those with white or blonde hair may not find laser hair removal effective at all. If you lean more on the lighter side of hair color, it’s best to consult a professional to determine if you are a good candidate for laser hair removal.

It’s Winter. Why Do It Now?

Winter is ideal for treatment because there are less opportunities for your skin to be directly exposed to the sun. Prior to the laser treatment, it’s preferable for skin that will be treated to be covered from extensive sun exposure. Also, because the treatment itself can lead to increased skin sensitivity, it’s necessary for recently treated skin to be covered from sunlight. It’s suggested you keep the area covered for about 3 weeks, which is much easier to do with cold weather.

Let Belladerm MedSpa help you look and feel your best, just in time for the warm weather. Call today to schedule your FREE consultation with one of our certified laser technicians. Ask about our BOGO laser hair removal packages – buy any hair removal package and get the second package of equal or lesser value free! Contact us today to learn more.

Whether you enjoy outdoor winter activities or take these months to hibernate, the brutal cold is around the corner and ready to take a toll on our skin. Negative temperatures leave our skin red, itchy, and irritated if not taken care of properly. Now is the time to adjust your skincare routine and give your skin a head start. Read our blog as we discuss helpful tips for healthy winter skin.

Maximize Moisture with a Humidifier

A high-quality humidifier will add much-needed moisture to the air to keep your skin hydrated. If you’re still working from home, run a humidifier in the room where you spend most of your time like the bedroom or in your home office. The added moisture to the air will keep your skin feeling youthful and healthier.

Protect Your Lips

Our lips are just as affected by the cold as the rest of our body. To protect your lips, apply a generous coat of lip balm with sunscreen built-in. Avoid purchasing lip balms with alcohol listed as their first ingredient, as alcohol acts as a drying agent and will accelerate the dehydration of your lips. Lip balms that are made of mostly shea, aloe, and cocoa butter as common ingredients will soothe and moisturize.

Nourish the Inside

During the winter, the more time we spend indoors with the heat cranked up, the more dehydrated we become. Remember, taking care of our skin starts internally. Make sure to drink plenty of water and incorporate foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, like fish and flaxseed oil, into your diet to heal your skin from the inside, out.

Apply Sunscreen

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the snow can reflect up to 80 percent of the sun’s rays, so regular sunscreen use is crucial to decrease your risk of exposure. Whether ice fishing, snowmobiling, or snowshoeing through a park, applying sunscreen in the winter is just as important as in the summer. And, during those dark, dreary days, UV rays can still penetrate the clouds. Make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to all exposed areas of the body.

Shorter Showers

A long, hot shower may be appealing when the temperature plummets, but excessively hot water can dry out your skin. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests taking a lukewarm shower for five to ten minutes and avoid washing hands in hot water. Using cooler water is just as effective on germs as hot water and much less irritating to the skin.

Change Your Skincare Routine

Swap out your generic face wash for a gentler, cream-based cleanser and limit the use of toners and astringents. Products that contain alcohol and fragrances can cause further irritation and dryness, so it’s important to use products that help retain your natural oils. Also, try replacing your nightly face lotion with a thick night cream to combat the dry weather that your skin has braved all day. If you are unfamiliar with the variety of products, ask your skincare professional for recommendations.

The experts at Belladerm MedSpa are ready to assist with all your winter skincare needs. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, call or visit us online.

Did you know that the visible signs of aging are linked to volume loss of our facial tissue? Over time, a decrease in volume and elasticity leads to wrinkles, sagging skin, and etched lines on the face. Injectable dermal fillers can help smooth lines, plump lips, and restore a more youthful appearance. Read our blog to learn more and find out if you’re a good candidate for treatment.

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are soft, gel-like substances that are injected directly under the skin. They’re composed of several compounds, including hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance found in the body that keeps skin hydrated and volumized. Dermal fillers address a number of common age-related concerns by smoothing under eye circles, lifting cheekbones, smoothing lip lines, and replacing soft-tissue volume loss. This restores the skin to a more youthful appearance without expensive cosmetic surgery or downtime.

Are you a good candidate?

You’re a good candidate for dermal fillers if you have fine lines and wrinkles and the desire to look younger. Dermal fillers work by “plumping” the skin, filling in the lines and wrinkles, and smoothing out the skin in the process. The number of injections required depends on your individual needs and the area you wish to treat. With so many filler products on the market, it’s difficult to know which option is best. Certain fillers work better for a particular area so we recommend consulting an injection specialist about which treatment is right for you.

What can you expect during treatment?

Since dermal fillers are non-surgical, treatment can usually be completed in an office visit. Depending on your provider, your initial treatment often begins with a consultation to determine your needs and desired outcomes. The injection specialist will review your medical history and discuss any concerns you may have prior to treatment. Although the risk associated with injectable fillers is relatively low, it’s important to disclose any allergies, medications, or neurological conditions you have to your provider.

Before the actual treatment, the injection site is cleaned and a topical anesthetic is applied to numb the area. Your specialist will then carefully inject the filler under the skin. You may notice results immediately, depending on the area. It’s not uncommon to experience mild bruising and swelling at the injection site. This usually lasts for about three to five days after treatment; however, the side effects will vary from patient to patient.

Generally, dermal fillers last anywhere from 6 to 18 months but results depend on several variables, including the patient and the injection area. For example, the treatment for nasolabial folds (smile lines or folds that run from each side of the nose to the corners of the mouth) usually last longer than lip injections.

Injectable dermal fillers offer a practical, cost-effective way to look younger. However, choosing the right injection specialist is key to receiving quality care and desireable outcomes. The trusted experts at Belladerm MedSpa will customize a treatment plan according to your needs and beauty goals.

Call today to schedule your FREE consultation and find out more about our spring special, Beauty in a Box – one syringe of Juvederm and 20 units of Botox!