While many people may be mourning the loss of daylight and grumbling about the colder, wetter temps, the laser enthusiasts at FoRM Health PDX in Portland, Oregon, embrace the next 6 months! Why? Well it’s the opening of “laser season,” specifically aesthetic procedures, such as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Laser Hair Removal (LHR).
These aesthetic procedures have been around forever and generate some pretty great aesthetic results!
What light-based aesthetic procedures does FoRM offer and how do they work?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is an effective and fast-acting procedure for those looking for a brighter, glowing and more even complexion. IPL uses a broad spectrum of light that targets varied pigmentation within the skin, including redness (erythema), brown discoloration (hyperpigmentation from increased melanin deposition) and enlarged blood vessels (capillaries) within the skin. The “intense light” of IPL is able to breakdown the concentrated deposition of melanin (dark pigmentation) and/or hemoglobin (red pigmentation) which cause the skin discoloration and uneven complexion. Another bonus effect of IPL is that it is both anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial (along with other unwanted organisms like skin-mites), making it an excellent therapy for acne reduction. Rosacea is another chronic skin condition that can benefit from IPL.
Laser Hair Removal (LHR) provides a permanent solution for unwanted facial and body hair, resulting in significant reduction in hair coarseness and count in any treatment area. Many of those who receive LHR rarely have to shave or wax again! LHR works by targeting the melanin present in your hair follicles with with a strong emittance of light energy. The melanin within the follicle absorbs the light, which gets converted to heat, and the heat damages the hair follicle (root of the hair). The specific wavelength of light used in LHR is refined enough to target the dense pigmentation in the hair follicle without damaging the surrounding skin.
So why are these procedures best performed in the Winter (for Portland, Oregon, that means Nov through May!)?
Light-based therapies like IPL and LHR are most effective and safest when performed on an untanned area because there is less pigmentation throughout the skin. This creates a better contrast between the pigmented target (ie hair follicle or skin discoloration) and normal skin, which allows for a more precise treatment (safer), better results (more effective) and makes the treatment more comfortable overall. Additionally, during the winter months there is less risk of sun exposure AFTER the session, so post-treatment care—like avoiding direct sunlight and using sunscreen—is easier to manage, ensuring optimal outcomes and minimizing risks.
Starting these treatments in winter yields best results, a safer treatment and allows your skin to be ready and radiant for late spring and summer!
Maximizing Your Results with Light-Based Therapies
Before you kick off your laser or light-based journey, here are the steps to take to maximize results and ensure a safe treatment. Follow these tips to ensure your skin and hair respond beautifully:
- Protect Your Skin from Sun Exposure: Avoid tanning or prolonged sun exposure at least two weeks before and after treatment. Be diligent with UV protection, using SPF 50+ SPF, before or after your treatment if you plan on traveling to a sunny destination.
- Skip Waxing and Plucking: Refrain from removing hair by the root for at least four weeks before Laser Hair Removal. Shaving, however, is absolutely fine and required before each treatment.
- Follow Post-Treatment Care: Avoid harsh topicals (ie acids or exfoliants) and use soothing products as directed after each session. In addition, excessive heat such as hot baths, saunas, or exercise that causes sweating should be avoided for 24–48 hours post-treatment.
- Be Patient: Results develop over multiple sessions—stick to a monthly schedule for best outcomes! LHR often requires 6+ sessions as it is most effective on hair that is in the growth stage (which is approximately 30% of hair in any given area). With repeated treatments, hair grows back finer and lighter—or stops growing altogether! While one session of IPL can generate immediate results, most people are happiest when they complete a series of 3+ IPL sessions which address the deeper layers of sun damage and inflammation that are often present.
- Communicate with Your Provider: Please let us know about any medications or topicals you are taking that make your skin more sensitive to light. Specifically, retinols, oral isotretinoin (ie Accutane) and antibiotics, should be avoided for a period of time prior to your treatment. Please ask your provider about this during your consultation!
These simple steps will help you achieve glowing, smooth results while keeping your skin safe and healthy!
To get started, schedule your complimentary consultation at our clinic in Portland, Oregon with our Advanced Aesthetician!!
