Why fall is the best time to treat sun damage
7 hours ago
2 min read
Every fall, many clients, even those who wear sunscreen religiously, point out sun damage that wasn’t visible in June.
By fall, pigmentation, dullness and fine lines can stand out more clearly. As a summer tan fades, underlying sun damage that was once masked becomes easier to notice. That makes fall an ideal time to start treating it.
Why fall is the right time for resurfacing treatments
Chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and IPL create controlled changes in the skin, making it temporarily more sensitive to UV exposure while it heals.
A lower UV index and shorter days make fall and winter the safest window for these treatments. This is why fall is sometimes called “laser season.” Less sun exposure during healing lowers the risk of rebound pigmentation — the very concern these treatments often aim to correct.
What can these treatments address?
My clients come in this time of year for several common concerns:
• Sunspots and uneven pigmentation
• Dull or rough texture
• Fine lines and early sun damage
• General tone and clarity
For sun damage specifically, I often reach for our “Wrinkle Buster,” a dual-wavelength fractionated laser.
One wavelength resurfaces the outer layer of skin, and the other penetrates deeper to target both the epidermal and dermal layers. Most clients see optimal results after a series of three treatments, though many are happy after just one or two.
For clients who want less downtime, a photofacial (IPL) is a great alternative. It treats sunspots, freckles and broken capillaries with minimal recovery.
What’s a realistic timeline?
If you want to be glowing during the holiday season, start a treatment plan now.
Fractionated laser treatments involve about 7 days of downtime. You can expect swelling and redness the first couple of days, followed by flaking and peeling through day 7.
Results build over the following weeks, so a treatment series needs time to show its full effect.
For a deep dive into the different types of treatments, check out Which laser treatment is right for your skin?
What about Botox and filler?
Botox and filler aren’t seasonal. You can book them any time of year. However, I usually recommend addressing pigment and texture first. Treating the skin’s surface before adding volume or softening movement often creates a more balanced, natural-looking result. It will also help prolong the results from your Botox and filler.
Book a Consult
As always, I am here to help. Not sure which treatment is right for your skin? Book a consult with me so we can create a customized plan to help you achieve your skincare goals.
