Why is winter often considered the best season for more aggressive skin treatments like CO2 laser resurfacing?
Winter is the best treatment time due to shorter days and lower UV exposure. It is especially important after laser treatments to avoid sun exposure and heat and with the darker, cooler winter months this is much easier to do. Some laser treatments like laser hair removal, IPL and vasculaze also require that you are tan free to maximize treatment results and minimize complications.
For those looking to address scarring or deeper wrinkles, how do CO2 laser treatments compare to other lasers or microneedling this time of year?
CO2 lasers are great to help reset your skin. IPL is a quick treatment for pigmentation and redness but has minimal improvement to texture and skin resurfacing while, microneedling can do a great job with texture and pore size but is less effective at treating pigmentation concerns. CO2 really is a treatment that combines the goal of targeting texture and pigmentation. Additionally it is better for lines and wrinkles by delivering energy deeper into the dermal layer that is needed for collagen remodeling.
What benefits can patients expect from microneedling in the colder months, and are there any special pre- or post-care steps you recommend?
Microneedling is a fantastic treatment to help with overall skin health and texture by stimulating collagen and heating the tissue. What is even better is it has minimal downtime. It is also the treatment that will have people commenting on how good your skin looks and can easily be done as a refresh. I actually recommend microneedling year round and not just during the winter months. I really love using skin nectar by alastin a week prior to treatment and then during recovery to help shorten healing time.
How do you decide whether a chemical peel or a laser treatment is the right choice for someone seeking winter skin rejuvenation?
This usually comes down to skin type when I’m helping someone choose between an IPL or peel. IPL’s are not suited for tan or darker skin and can result in healing complications if used on those skin types. Patients that also struggle with melasma are better suited for peels as the heat from the IPL can trigger their melasma to darken. Peels are a safer and effective choice for anyone that may be on the fence with how their skin will respond to the IPL. IPLs are however great at treating pigmentation and people who have vessels or redness in their skin.
Which at-home skincare products (cleansers, serums, moisturizers) do you suggest pairing with in-office treatments like CO2, microneedling, or peels to maintain results?
My go to product currently is alastin nectar. It can safely be used before and after any of the treatments no matter their downtime. For some of the peels and CO2 lasers, I do sometimes put my patients on specialized regimens to prep their skin for treatments ranging from use of hydroquinone to retinols. I also like to be sure that after treatments have been completed, patients are compliant with vitamin c’s, appropriate moisturizers, and sunblock to maintain their results.
What are your top tips for combating the increased dryness and sensitivity that can accompany winter weather and these more intensive procedures?
The key here is to layer as needed to provide or lock in the extra moisture. After choosing the appropriate moisturizer for your specific skin type, there can still sometimes be residual dryness. In these circumstances pairing your moisturizer with a good Hyluraonic acid can boost the level of hydration needed in your skin.
How important is sun protection after CO2, microneedling, or peel treatments during the winter months, and what SPF level do you recommend?
SPF is imperative after any treatment no matter the time of year. We do not want additional damage to occur to any newly treated skin or to promote the return of old damage with excessive sun exposure. 50 SPF is ideal to get the coverage needed to protect skin, but in addition to SPF, skin coverage is also recommended with a wide brimmed hat or clothing to further decrease the risk of exposure.
Can you walk us through the typical downtime and recovery process following a CO2 laser or medium-depth chemical peel, especially with winter conditions in mind?
The average CO2 to the face has approximately a 7-10 day downtime. The first 3 days involves lots of swelling, and can sometimes have pinpoint bleeding or weeping of the skin. During this time frame your skin is very fragile and our skincare regimen focuses on repair and infection prevention. After day 3, dry skin and itchiness is common, and the skin can have a sandpaper like texture with underlying redness. Most of your care from this time on will focus on repairing the skin barrier and providing the appropriate amount of moisture to prevent dryness. After day 10, most of the skin will have healed closed although some sandpaper texture may still remain. It is also common for redness to linger for some time after treatment but most people start resuming normal activities at about this time. If neck, chest, arms or hands are treated, expect the recovery for those areas to be a greater amount of time, with a minimum recovery period of about 14 days.
For those hesitant about more invasive procedures, which mild or moderate options do you suggest as a stepping stone during the winter?
IPLs are absolutely one of my favorite treatments for people with sun damage who are looking for a quick glowing refresh. Great for targeting sun damage, pigmentation and redness in the skin. Most common areas treat are face, neck, chest and hands.
What’s the best way for someone to maintain their post-treatment glow and healthy skin once spring rolls around?
Above all things I recommend maintaining with medical grade skincare. The proper skin care can help maintain your results far beyond the summer. Not every regimen is the same, so I do recommend you come in for a consult or make a plan for skincare post procedure that is curated for your skin specifically.
