Winter is arguably the worst time of year for our skin; the combination of central heating plus the harsh weather conditions makes for dull, dry complexions. But there’s actually one major benefit of winter skin – it’s the best time of year to try non-invasive skin treatments, such as laser hair removal, facial peels and derma-needling – due to the fact that the lack of sun exposure is beneficial to healing time.
We spoke to Aesthetic Doctor, Dr Joney de Souza, member of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine, about why you should opt for that longed-for treatment before next summer.
Laser Hair Removal
It’s advisable to avoid the sun both before and after a laser hair removal session, which makes winter the optimum time to get bikini-ready. Dr Joney de Souza says ‘The technology in laser hair removal is mainly based on skin tone, the less melanin you have the better the results’. However, that’s not to say this treatment doesn’t work on naturally darker skin tones. ‘While laser hair removal is suitable for all skin types, treatment efficacy depends on a number of factors, including hair colour, hair texture and area to be treated’. It just means darker skin and thicker hair types are harder to treat, but not impossible.
Facial Peel
Nothing beats a facial to perk up the skin’s appearance, but if you’re looking for something a little harder-working, a facial peel - also known as a chemical peel - is the perfect option to consider in tandem with colder months.
A facial peel is a cosmetic chemical treatment that helps lessen the appearance of freckles, blemishes, age spots, light scarring and any number of other skin irregularities on the face. They can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and give new life to sun-damaged skin.
Depending on your desired outcome, there are various peel depths - Glycolic peel (mild), TCA peel (medium) and ZO Three Step Peel (max – skin takes 7 – 10 days to heal). Each one works underneath the skin to achieve amazing results. After treatment your skin will be more sensitive to the sun ‘even in the winter sun, it is essential you use a high factor 30 or above UVA/UVB sunscreen,’ explains Dr Joney de Souza. ‘In fact, using a sunscreen everyday should already be part of your usual daily skin routine.’ After the treatment you can expect smoother skin which will gradually improve as new skin cells form.
Laser skin treatments
While there are miracle foundations that cover a multitude of sins, there are days when we want to forgo foundation and not be conscious of our sun damaged, late night, why did I have another glass of red wine, skin.
Laser treatments work by directing a beam of light to target the area of concern and are more affective when your skin tone is at its lightest. The treatment removes the abnormality without scarring or damage, resulting in improved skin texture and reduced signs of aging.
And as your skin’s sensitivity will dramatically increase, this means that you’ll want to avoid sun exposure and prevent the exact things your laser treatment is fighting against, including freckles, rosacea or sun-related hyperpigmentation. However, Dr Joney de Souza explains: ‘today’s advances in laser technology have kept pace with our busy lifestyles and have resulted in more effective laser treatments, with outstanding results and less downtime. We all want treatments that actually work and which don’t disrupt our daily routine too much.’
Dermapen Skin Needling
Micro-needling is great for women feeling the effects of central heating, plummeting temperatures and lack of Vitamin D, as well as those with fine lines and wrinkles.
The procedure relies on the body’s self-heal mechanism – producing tiny puncture wounds in the skin, which stimulates the body to produce more collagen to compensate and in turn gives the skin a plumper skin and a healthy glow. It can also be used to treat blemishes such as scars, stretch marks and even cellulite. Downtime is minimal and you can immediately hide any redness with mineral makeup and head back to the office without anyone knowing you just stepped out of the skin clinic.
For an appointment or 15 minute free consulation with Dr Joney De Souza Skin and Laser Clinic, call 0207 043 0748 or email info@drjoneydesouza.com