WHAT IS THE BEST SEASON TO START LASER HAIR REMOVAL?

Laser hair removal is a method that uses the melanin present in the hair to target and destroy hair follicles. However, the skin also contains melanin, the concentration of which varies depending on sun exposure and the seasons. These variations directly influence the effectiveness and safety of the treatment, as the laser can also target the melanin in the skin if its concentration is high. This is why certain times of the year, such as fall, are more favorable to begin a laser hair removal protocol. To understand this choice, it is essential to understand how melanin and sun exposure affect the treatment.

Melanin is the pigment that gives skin and hair its color. In laser hair removal treatment, it is this pigment that is targeted by the light beam to destroy hair follicles at the root. However, the concentration of melanin in the skin varies depending on several factors, including the season.

Melanin levels are highly dependent on sun exposure. When exposed to UV rays, the skin reacts by producing more melanin to protect itself, resulting in a tan. This is a natural defense mechanism of the skin against UV damage. Thus, the factors that influence the level of melanin in the skin are:

• Sun exposure : Tanned skin contains more melanin, which complicates laser treatment. In fact, the laser may target not only the hair, but also the tanned skin, increasing the risk of burns or depigmentation.
• Skin phototypes : Individuals with naturally darker skin (high phototypes) have a higher concentration of melanin, even without sun exposure. However, laser hair removal remains entirely possible, it requires special attention and adjusted parameters during laser sessions.

Now that the link between melanin and laser hair removal is clarified, it makes sense to understand why autumn is a good time to start this type of treatment. After the summer, the skin has had time to regain its natural colour, thus decreasing the concentration of melanin in the superficial layers.

As we have seen, tanned skin increases the risk of burns during laser treatment. In the fall, with reduced exposure to the sun, the skin is lighter, allowing the laser to target the hair exclusively without interfering with the melanin present in the skin. This makes the treatment not only safer but also more effective.

Laser hair removal requires several sessions spaced a few weeks or even months apart to treat hair at different stages of growth. By starting in the fall, it is possible to reach an advanced stage of the protocol before the return of the good weather. Thus, as summer approaches, the skin will be both smooth and free of the majority of treated hair.

After each session, it is advisable to avoid sun exposure for several days to protect sensitive skin. The cooler temperatures of autumn make this precaution easier. In addition, sweating, which can irritate the skin after a session, is less frequent, which allows for better post-treatment recovery.

Starting a laser hair removal protocol in the fall allows you to take advantage of optimal conditions to obtain the best results. However, it is important to follow certain recommendations to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment:

• Protect your skin between sessions : Using a sunscreen with a high protection factor is essential, even in autumn and winter, to avoid any accidental pigmentation between sessions.
• Avoid hair removal methods that pull out the hair : Since the laser targets the hair root, it is essential not to use wax or tweezers between sessions. Shaving is the only method compatible with a laser hair removal protocol.
• Follow your practitioner's advice : Each skin reacts differently. Your practitioner at Studio Fauve will adapt the laser settings according to your phototype and your specific needs.

In conclusion, fall is the best season to start laser hair removal due to the decreased sun exposure, reduced risk of burns, and the time needed to follow a complete protocol before summer. This approach allows for optimal results, in complete safety. Studio Fauve offers a personalized experience to ensure a tailor-made laser hair removal experience , adapted to each skin type.