Why Fall Is the Best Time to Start a Laser Series

At Coco Med Spa, we love laser treatments at any time of year. However, heading into the fall season, it’s undeniable that the service becomes more popular. There are several reasons why, and it’s what we’re here to discuss today! Keep reading to learn why it may be the right time of year for you to finally say yes to those laser treatments you’ve been considering. 

Why Does Fall Weather Make Laser Treatments Safer and More Effective?

After a summer full of sunshine, skin is the first thing to pay the price for things like skipping sunscreen or sun- and heat-induced melasma. Even those of us who are devoted to sun protection still run the risk of some effects from excess sun exposure over time. Fall and/or winter are seen as an ideal time to treat the skin with laser because the end of summer usually cuts down on people’s outdoor exposure. Even in areas like St. Pete, where the weather stays warm for much longer than in other areas, routines like back to school and fewer vacations still bring people inside more often than in the summer months. Lower sun exposure makes laser safer and more effective, as well as more convenient for avoiding the sun during recovery. When you’re ready for laser treatments, we’ll walk you through the process in detail so you know how far in advance of your treatment you should start reducing sun exposure, and how long after you should lay low.

How Many Sessions Are in a Laser Series?

We caught up with Zoey Ledford, a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner here at Coco Med Spa, to get her thoughts based on her experience offering these treatments.

Here’s what Zoey had to say:

Q: How many sessions make up a typical series?

A: Combining BBL HEROic (broadband light) and Moxi (lasers), a standard series includes 3 treatments spaced out 4-6 weeks apart. In order to truly benefit from the cumulative collagen stimulation, being consistent with treatment spacing is most important! Once a series is finished, I recommend maintenance treatments periodically throughout the year. The maintenance frequency often varies from 2-4 times a year depending on the patient's lifestyle and aesthetic goals. 

When Should You Start to Be Holiday-Ready?

Zoey weighed in with her expertise here as well:

Q: How far apart, and when should someone start a laser series in the fall to finish before the holidays?

A: If you want to be holiday-ready by the end of November/December, the time to start your laser series is now! You will see the most impactful results after your second treatment.  

Although this article was written in September, we understand that you may be reading this at any time! Generally, you want to begin laser treatments about 3-4 months before a special event to ensure adequate time for your results to show. However, you should consult with us so we can provide you with a timeline more specific to your needs. 

BBL vs. Moxi: Which Is Right for You This Fall?

All of our laser devices have specific purposes, whether it’s skin type, condition, or a combination of factors. Zoey shared a few of her thoughts with us on which device she recommends for what and why.

Q: Which devices are you recommending for fall, and how does lower sun exposure specifically improve safety/results with those?

A: I make device recommendations based on patients' goals and skin type. For my clients with a lighter skin tone (Fitzpatrick types 1-3), BBL HEROic is my go-to recommendation. This device allows us to target both brown and red pigments and deliver an anti-aging, skin-smoothing effect if you stack a series of treatments. If my client is primarily concerned with hyperpigmentation, has melasma-prone skin, or is someone with a darker skin tone (Fitzpatrick types 4-6), Moxi is my go-to recommendation. With all lasers, it is so important to limit sun exposure both before and after treatment. The skin is much more susceptible to sun damage when you are in a healing stage. By limiting sun exposure pre-treatment, we can safely use higher, more effective settings to get more impactful results. 

No matter what time of year you choose to get laser treatments, the key is a proper avoidance of sun exposure and a commitment to caring for your skin after it’s been treated with adequate sun protection and skincare. Although the fall season makes it much easier for many people to get laser, you should always discuss your lifestyle with our providers so that we can help you make the best decision about a treatment timeline that works for you. 

If you’re ready to give the laser treatments you’ve been considering a try with us at Coco Med Spa in St. Pete, we’re here for you! Contact us today to get started.