Laser Skincare in the Winter: Why It’s the Best Time for Treatments

December 4, 2024 at 8:00 AM

Sun damage, fine lines and an uneven skin tone don’t take a break just because the temperatures have dropped. Yet those cooler winter months — when you’re spending less time outdoors and more time planning your next summer adventure— are ideal for transforming your appearance with advanced laser skin treatments.

At Wink Medical Aesthetics in Lakeway, Texas, we have perfected the art of timing laser treatments to align with seasonal changes. Whether you’re looking to eliminate sun damage from days at Lake Travis or smooth away fine lines to start the new year fresh, winter provides unique benefits that can enhance your treatment experience.

Why Is Winter the Best Time for Laser Treatments?

Winter’s shorter days and cooler temperatures create the perfect conditions for undergoing laser skin treatments. While you might think the seasonal shift only affects your wardrobe choices and coffee order, it also offers distinct advantages for your skin’s response to laser therapy.

Your skin’s exposure to sunlight naturally decreases during winter months, reducing the risk of side effects and post-treatment complications. UV exposure before and after laser procedures can lead to pigmentation issues that compromise your final outcome, but the sun isn’t always easy to avoid when the beach, park and farmers market are calling your name. In the winter, the sun sits lower in the sky, the UV index declines, and you’re already spending more time indoors, creating an ideal scenario for achieving safe and reliable results.

The cooler temperatures also play a crucial role in your skin’s healing. Lasers target specific chromophores (light-absorbing molecules) to create controlled damage that stimulates the production of new collagen, but this process also causes temporary redness, swelling and inflammation — the body’s natural response to injury. Research shows that colder temperatures can help reduce inflammation during this healing phase, potentially leading to a more comfortable recovery and optimized results.

The Best Winter Laser Treatments

At Wink Medical Aesthetics, we offer several advanced laser treatments that deliver exceptional results during the winter months. Each technology targets specific concerns, from sun damage to textural issues, making the cooler season perfect for rejuvenating your appearance.

Reverse Sun Damage With BBL® HERO™

BBL HERO is an advanced photofacial device that uses BroadBand Light technology to refresh your appearance. During treatment, rapid pulses of broad spectrum of light are delivered into the skin, targeting everything from freckles and age spots to facial redness and broken capillaries. The winter is especially ideal for BBL photofacials since your skin hasn’t experienced recent sun exposure, allowing for more precise and accurate targeting of existing damage.

Get Your Glow On With HALO®

HALO is a hybrid fractional laser treatment that combines ablative and nonablative wavelengths to resurface, rejuvenate and refresh your skin. Its dual-action approach provides the best of both worlds, targeting surface-level concerns like textural issues and pore size while improving the deeper signs of aging or sun damage for comprehensive results. During the winter, your skin can focus entirely on the healing and renewal processes with a lower risk of UV damage.

Experience Gentle Yet Effective Rejuvenation With Moxi®

For those seeking noticeable improvement with minimal downtime, Moxi offers the perfect solution. This gentle laser treatment prevents and corrects the initial signs of aging and sun damage while improving overall skin quality. Winter sessions with Moxi allow for gradual improvements, ensuring your skin looks refreshed and radiant by the time spring arrives.

Renew Your Skin With Contour TRL™

Contour TRL is a tunable resurfacing laser that goes beyond surface-level imperfections to rejuvenate your skin on a deeper level. This advanced laser gives you the flexibility to target the concerns that bother you most — like scars, wrinkles or an uneven texture — with precision and at an intensity that works for you. Many of our patients notice a huge difference after a single session, making it a favorite for both light treatments and those wanting more dramatic results.

Say Goodbye to Vascular Lesions With ClearV®

Vascular lesions — like broken capillaries, blotches of discoloration or spider veins — can be both stubborn and persistent. ClearV is a gentle and precise laser that reduces the appearance of vascular concerns to help you reclaim flawlessly beautiful skin. It can be used anywhere on the face or body and performed year-round, making it a popular choice during the winter and summer months.

Custom Combination Treatments

Winter allows us to combine different laser technologies for enhanced results. Our experienced providers often pair BBL HERO with Moxi or HALO to address multiple skin concerns simultaneously. This combination approach maximizes your treatment benefits while taking advantage of winter’s indoor-focused lifestyle for recovery.

Jane, our lead laser technician and certified Laser Safety Officer at Wink, notes that winter patients consistently achieve superior results, particularly when combining treatments. “The cooler months give us the flexibility to create more aggressive treatment plans since we don’t have to worry about sun exposure interfering with the healing process as much,” she explains.

This means you’ll see enhanced results from your chosen treatment, whether you opt for BBL HERO photofacials, the comprehensive HALO laser or maintenance-focused Moxi sessions.

Recovery During the Winter Season

Scheduling your laser treatments during the winter months aligns perfectly with most people’s natural rhythms and social calendars. As the weather turns cooler and the days grow shorter, you’re already spending more time indoors — making it the ideal time for skin rejuvenation.

Winter’s typical wardrobe provides built-in protection for your healing skin. Cozy sweaters and layers naturally shield treated areas from sun exposure without drawing attention to any temporary redness or swelling. This practical advantage makes the recovery period significantly more manageable compared to summer months when lightweight clothing offers less coverage.

The seasonal pace also works in your favor. While summer often brings a whirlwind of outdoor activities and impromptu plans, winter tends to have a more predictable social rhythm. This makes it easier to plan your treatments around specific events and allow proper time for recovery. You can strategically schedule your laser sessions between holiday gatherings or work events, ensuring your skin looks its best when it matters most.

Additionally, the timing aligns well with seasonal skincare habits. Your skin requires extra attention after laser treatments, and winter naturally calls for more intensive moisturizing creams or serums, making it easier to incorporate post-treatment care into your daily regimen.

Planning your laser treatments during winter sets you up for success when warmer weather returns. By starting now, your skin has time to fully heal and reveal its renewed glow just as spring comes back around. This strategic timing means you’ll be ready to face the increased sun exposure and outdoor activities with stronger, healthier skin.

“Jane is awesome. She is very professional and never leaves me waiting. I have had 3 BBL treatments and I have seen significant improvement. I can’t wait to see her again.”

Cathy T.

Planning Your Treatment Timeline

Strategic timing helps you achieve optimal results while accommodating your winter schedule. Most laser treatments work best in a series, with each session building the last for optimal and long-lasting results.

Start by identifying key events in your winter calendar. Whether you’re planning for holiday gatherings, winter weddings or professional commitments, work backward to determine ideal treatment dates. For example, if you’re considering BBL HERO treatments, schedule your first session early in the season to allow time for multiple treatments before major events.

A typical winter treatment timeline might look like this:

Early Winter (November-December): Begin initial treatments, allowing time for skin adjustment and healing.
Mid-Winter (January-February): Schedule follow-up treatments or more intensive procedures when social calendars typically quiet down.
Late Winter (March): Focus on maintenance treatments and preparing skin for increased spring sun exposure.

Jane — Wink’s resident “laser queen” — recommends spacing treatments appropriately based on the specific procedure (or combination of procedures) and your skin’s response. “We customize treatment intervals for each patient,” she explains. “Some might benefit from treatments every four weeks, while others might need six to eight weeks between sessions.”

Consider combining different laser treatments throughout the season. For instance, starting with HALO for deep rejuvenation, followed by maintenance treatments with Moxi, leads to comprehensive results. Our providers can help you develop a personalized treatment schedule to ensure your skin looks its best for the spring and summer.

Remember that consistency yields the best outcomes. Regular treatments, combined with proper skin care and sun protection, help maintain and enhance your results throughout the season. Planning ahead also allows you to take advantage of any special treatment packages or membership benefits offered through our Wink Club Elite program.

Other Winter-Specific Considerations

Laser treatments during winter require thoughtful attention to your skin’s changing needs. While reduced UV exposure is a huge win, the season’s harsh conditions — from biting winter winds to dry indoor heating — also create unique challenges for healing skin.

Your skincare routine needs careful adjustment during this time. While your skin naturally produces less oil in winter, laser treatments can temporarily compromise your moisture barrier. Consider switching to richer, more nourishing products specifically formulated for post-procedure care. SkinMedica’s HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator proves particularly effective for maintaining hydration without irritating sensitive, post-treatment skin.

Some of our favorite post-treatment hydrating products include:

We carry a wide selection of medical-grade skincare products designed to enhance the outcome of treatment and reduce recovery time. During your appointment, our team can provide personalized product recommendations based on your specific procedure and skin type.

Another important consideration for this time of year is not to underestimate winter sun exposure. Yes, the risk of sun damage is lower, but don’t fall into the trap of thinking there is no risk. If you’re outside, UV rays can harm your skin, penetrating through clouds and reflecting off surfaces like ice, sand and water. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, regardless of weather conditions. If you enjoy winter sports or outdoor activities, reapply throughout the day.

Maximizing Your Investment & Results

When it comes to lasers, success depends on more than just ideal seasonal timing. At Wink Medical Aesthetics, we’ve developed a comprehensive approach to ensure you get the most out of your procedure, no matter what time of year you schedule it.

Your skin’s condition before treatment matters. Our providers recommend booking a consultation at least two weeks before your first visit so we can analyze your skin, understand your needs and develop a pre-treatment protocol just for you. This might include adjusting your current routine or introducing specific products to prep your skin for treatment.

The days immediately following your treatment are crucial for optimal results. While winter’s cooler temperatures help reduce inflammation, your skin needs extra attention during this time. Many patients find that scheduling treatments later in the week allows them to take advantage of weekend recovery time, especially for more intensive procedures like HALO.

Treatment frequency also plays an important role in achieving your desired outcome. While individual needs vary from person to person, we find that winter’s predictable schedule allows for more consistent treatment spacing. This leads to better results compared to booking more sporadic treatments throughout busier seasons.

“I just had my first visit at Wink with Michele and it was amazing! I love how she cares about her clients and schedules extra time to get to know them. Will be back!”

Marilou W.

Transform Your Skin This Winter at Wink Medical Aesthetics

Don’t wait until spring to transform your skin. Now is the perfect time to experience the benefits of advanced laser treatments at Wink Medical Aesthetics. Whether you’re interested in BBL HERO photofacials, HALO’s dual-action approach or Moxi for gentle maintenance, our team will create a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your unique needs and goals.

Take advantage of the winter season and schedule your consultation today. Get started by calling our office in Lakeway, Texas, at 512-263-2400 or booking your appointment online. Winter appointments fill quickly, especially as we kick off the new year, so reserve your spot today! Start your journey now to reveal refreshed, radiant skin just in time for spring.

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