Winter wellness

It's that time of the year when we love to serenade the sun. Unlike the rest of the year when it shines at its harshest best, these days it feels so sweet! A reason why opting for skin fixes - even though the sun feels like a friend - works better. Yes, skin aestheticians and dermatologists strongly recommend this time of year to get your skin fixes done. Add to it the fact that winter makes you wear layers and you can be reassured that side effects, if any, such as redness, blisters, crusts, swelling and bruising can be kept under wraps. "It is especially a good idea to get laser treatments done at this time of the year because it takes about three months for the real results to start showing," says Natasha Bennett, aesthetician and operations manager, Dermalase Clinic, Dubai.

"So by the time summer arrives, you'll be happy to step outdoors with a new, glowing skin. Most of these treatments come with advice to avoid the sun before and after. This is because you may develop scars, discolouration of the skin, swelling, blisters and patches on the treated areas. It takes a few weeks for these marks to fade away."

So if you plan to have clear skin by early summer, visit your dermatologist now.

Laser hair removal

What is it: This is a procedure in which a laser (pulsating beam of light) is used to remove unwanted hair. The intense heat of the laser beam, which when penetrated into the skin, burns hair follicles thus inhibiting future hair growth. The easiest areas to remove unwanted hair by this method are the underarms and the bikini areas because the hair here is coarse.

The difficult areas are the upper lips and chin due to the fineness of the hair follicles in these areas. This treatment is most effective for people who have light skin and dark hair as the laser beam targets the pigment (melanin) in the hair. It is ineffective on people with blonde, white or grey hair. For people with dark skin, the laser beam may affect the melanin in the skin.

Treatment time: A minimum of six to eight sittings may be required to get rid of unwanted hair. Hair and skin renew every 28 days, so there should be a gap of no longer than four to six weeks between each session.

Restrictions imposed: Your doctor or dermatologist will ask you to stay indoors and avoid the sun. A suntan will cause side effects like blistering and discolouration of the skin. In addition, any skin cream containing hydroquinone will not be allowed for at least six months. Other medication like Accutane (for the treatment of acne) or some other prescribed pills will not be allowed (check with your doctor.)

Why do it in winter: If you step out in the sun after laser hair removal treatment, your skin will react because it will be unable to differentiate between the sun's rays and the laser beam's light. You will, therefore, be discouraged to go out in the sun. The UAE's winter sun is not as harsh as its summer. Also, there are more chances of wearing layers in this season. This helps your skin stay protected and heal better. So by summer, you will be ready to flaunt your newly smooth skin without a problem.

Skin resurfacing treatment

What is it: This is a laser procedure to help clear photo-damaged skin. It also smoothes fine lines, wrinkles and rhytides (facial wrinkles). There is a visible reduction in the appearance of scars, melasma, deep-rooted pigmentation and pores. Even acne-related scars seem to get filled with this treatment, and uneven pigmentation tends to blend. The laser beam passes through optics to penetrate the skin with tiny thermal channels. Depending on the skin's condition and type, a laser, through a micro-channel technology, ablates (destroys) the epidermis with heat.

In some cases where carbon dioxide is used, resurfacing causes traumatic side effects to the skin. However, there is a remarkable improvement noticed in the tone and texture of the skin with just one treatment, and one can resume normal activities within three to four days. People with sensitive skin are usually discouraged from having this. It is best to seek expert advice before you make a decision.

Treatment time: It entirely depends on the patient's requirement. For instance, treatment to diminish dermal pigmentation will take three to five sessions.

Restrictions imposed: Stay indoors as much as possible and wear sunscreen at all times. You have to also stay away from any photosensitive medications.

Why do it in winter: It is the perfect time for this treatment, as your skin will be very sore for the initial few days. Your skin may also look sunburnt. This treatment is not recommended for people with sensitive skin or for those with broken capillaries.

Isolaz acne treatment

What is it: This is a new type of laser technique, also known as ‘Photopneumatics'. It is a new method of treating acne. In this, a laser beam kills the acne-causing bacteria by creating a vacuum around the infected area and sucks out bacteria, thereby cleaning the pores and skin. Since this technique makes use of both light (photo) and air (pneumatic), it has been termed, Photopneumatics.

Treatment time: One sitting of 30 minutes. Although, you may need up to five sessions, once every fortnight. Since acne is very temperamental, you cannot expect to get rid of it in one go. Therefore, patience is of importance here.

Restrictions imposed: Sunscreen has to be applied even when indoors. Also, one needs to wear a hat and protective clothing when stepping out.

Why do it in winter: The treated area will remain sore for a few days so cooler weather will not aggravate the redness.

Q-Switched Nd:Yag laser treatment

What is it: This is a laser technique used to remove permanent make-up, tattoos and age-related brown spots. Tattoos are created by injecting coloured pigment into small deep holes made in the skin. At a specific wavelength, a laser beam, when applied to the skin, gets absorbed by the pigments in the area. It thus breaks the pigments. Then after a few weeks, the body's macrophages discard the pigmented cells.

Treatment time: Although it depends on the area to be treated, it takes a minimum of four to five sittings to remove permanent make-up.

Restrictions imposed: The patient is discouraged from stepping out in the sun. Should there be a need, sunscreen and dark clothing is a must. Otherwise, there is a danger of getting blisters and crusting on the skin.

Why do it in winter: The sun is less harsh and you can avoid direct exposure by wearing layers of clothes. The skin gets red and crusty after the treatment, and takes about a fortnight to heal.

Thread vein removal treatment

What is it: Most women in their 40s start noticing veins on their cheeks, legs and on other parts of the body. These are known as "thread veins" and are usually thread-like in blue, purple and red colours. With age, a woman's skin becomes thinner and so these veins show through. This treatment tackles broken veins, spider veins and capillary veins. These should not be confused with varicose veins, which require an expert's intervention. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment uses heat to destroy abnormal veins in the affected area. This is a non-invasive treatment, but you may experience redness and soreness in the treated area. It may take a fortnight to heal. In some cases, blisters, scars and discolouration can also occur on the skin.

Treatment time: Depends on the type of vein being treated. On average, five to six sessions of 30 minutes each may be required at least once in three weeks.

Restrictions imposed: There will be redness and irritation to the skin so keep away from the sun.

Why do it in winter: In some cases, there is discomfort and soreness in the treated area. It is therefore, advised that the patient stay indoors and keep away from any exposure, direct or indirect to the sun.

Peels

What are they: Peels are getting increasingly popular as they promise to deliver results in brightening the skin, diminishing age spots and getting rid of fine lines. The most popular ones are ‘chemical' and ‘glycolic' peels. In most cases, acids of different type and potency (lactic acid, mandalic acid, and citric acid) are used to create a burn on the skin. This treatment takes off the first layer of the skin to reveal the new skin underneath. This procedure must only be done by an experienced doctor or dermatologist, so be extra careful when choosing the professional.

Treatment time: One session of 30 minutes may take four to six weeks to heal the skin.

Restrictions imposed: Not recommended for pregnant women or lactating mothers. Women with sensitive skin are also not advised to go for a peel. Photosensitivity increases after a session. So, one must keep away from direct sunlight.

Why do it in winter: New skin is very sensitive to heat and light. The sun's unprotected or direct exposure will cause blisters, redness and other complications, including pigmentation. If you are planning to go to cooler climates after the treatment, your skin will heal faster and better.