From regular facials at the salon to microneedling, there’s a lot that brides can do to put their best face forward on their wedding days. Among these treatments, lasers are some of the most popular. Lasers, at different wavelengths and speeds, can help with acne, acne scars, broken capillaries, skin laxity and even hair removal. “Lasers have evolved with time, and there are a variety of cutting edge lasers available [that have] minimal downtime and [give] fabulous results, [which can be] noticed as early as the first session,” says Mumbai-based Dr Madhuri Agarwal, founder and medical director, Yavana Aesthetics Clinic.
What are the laser treatments you can try?
When choosing the treatment that is right for your specific concern, it is important to know the differences between the frequencies, downtime, expected results and costs involved. For example, laser treatments for hair removal, one of the most popular treatments, is done using the ND:Yaglaser. “The lasers work by delivering a specific wavelength of light to heat up the hair follicle and terminate it completely,” says Dr Agarwal.
Pigmentation, sun spots, fine facial hair and freckles are treated with the fractionated QswitchND:Yag laser. “The laser delivers high intensity wavelength in rapid, short nanosecond pulses. The laser beam shatters the skin pigmentation and sun spots collected inside the deeper layer of skin,” says Dr Agarwal.
“Acne scars, fine lines, open pores and dull skin can be treated with fractionated CO2 laser and Erbium glass or Erbium YAG lasers. These are also known as ablative lasers, as they resurface the upper layer of skin by creating small micro-thermal zones in the deeper layers. The old skin is replaced by new supple, radiant skin by triggering the new collagen production,” she explains.
When should you begin your skincare treatments?
“Brides should ideally begin their skincare treatments three to six months before their wedding to get visibly appreciable results,” says Dr Agarwal. “The timeline is usually dependent on the type of treatment suggested according to the skin problem. For concerns such as acne, acne scars, blemishes and fine lines, treatments are preferably started at least six months before the wedding. Pigmentation, tan, open pores and skin rejuvenation require three months for treatment. If you’re tackling issues such as pigmentation or patchy skin on the body, you’ll need at least three to four months for treatment. Lasers for hair removal should be planned in advance and would take up to a year for good results,” she suggests.
What downtime should you plan for?
Doctors say that you might notice redness, mild swelling and skin irritation immediately after use. “[With non-ablative lasers], this usually settles down within a couple of hours after the procedure,” says Dr Agarwal. Doing too much to the skin at one point of time can leave it red or peeling, so care must be taken to schedule other treatments with enough time in between. “Ideally, lasers should not be combined with other technologies for the same day. They should be completed in the prescribed sequence without inserting other treatments such as facials and peels in between,” she concludes.
Also read:
Pre-wedding facials: 3 celebrity dermatologists share the dos and don’t
The skincare ingredients you should look for, according to your skin type
Pre-wedding haircare: All you need to know to get healthy locks before the D-Day
