First time for laser hair removal and not sure how to prepare? That’s totally fine!. By the time you read our blog you will be a laser hair pro!.

If you are tired of shaving, waxing and epilating and fed up of the time consuming, major hassle factor, inconvenience and (not to mention the cost), and you want wear skirts or to go to the beach without having to think about leg hair or your chest hair.

…..whatever your reason for choosing laser hair removal – like millions of others you’ve definitely made the right choice.

Your first time

However, if this is your first time having laser hair removal treatment, you might have some questions.

• What happens during your laser consultation and patch test?
• How do you get ready for your laser treatment?
• What happens during your laser session?
• What to expect from your laser hair removal session?
• How to do laser hair removal aftercare.

We’ve answered all these questions for you.

Laser hair removal consultation

Before getting your first ever laser hair removal treatment on any areas of your body, you need to have a full consultation and a patch test.

During your consultation, our laser experts listen to your needs and goals. Ask you questions about your background, medical condition and lifestyle.

Hair growth explained

The growth and strength of the hair follicles are mainly determined by genetics. Your clinician will explain to you the whole process and will give you an estimated number of sessions you would need to attend. They will explain the hair growth cycles, how laser works, the technology, overall process, pricing and payment options, most suitable time for you to start your treatment and why you are in the most capable hands at Premier Laser & Skin.

What is a laser hair removal patch test?

If your consultation determines that you are a suitable candidate for laser hair removal, and if you’re not currently tanned, your clinician will perform a patch test. Patch tests must take place at least 24hrs before your first session. We apply the laser to a small part of the target area and monitor.

Do I still need a patch test if I’ve had one before?

Please note that even if you had laser hair removal on some other areas of your body, for each and every new area, we need to perform a new patch test.

This is because your skin may be more sensitive in some areas, and to prevent any possible side effects. Also, even if you had laser treatment somewhere else before, we still need to make a patch test, as the technology, circumstances, and your condition might be changed since then. If your skin is suitable for laser treatment, we will create your personal treatment plan and book you in for your first laser appointment.

How to get ready for your laser treatment

For the best results and most comfortable treatment, it is important to follow your practitioners advice. This way you can get ready for your laser treatment in the best way possible.

Your practitioner will advise you to:

• Avoid any tanning. Suntan, fake tan and sunbeds are equally dangerous if you allow your skin to tan before your laser treatment or apply a fake tan. If your skin is tanned, the laser can burn the surface. If all traces of your fake tan are not removed this also can put you at risk.
• Leave at least 4 weeks before getting you laser treatment if your skin is tanned.
• Avoid waxing or plucking before laser hair removal. As these options change the hair growth cycle, the laser will not be able to catch the hair follicles on the right stage and it will not be able to reduce the hair.
• Do not bleach your hair. The darker the hair follicles, it is easier for the laser to see them
• Clean the treatment area before your session. Don’t use any cosmetic creams before your session. You can ask for sanitary towels from your practitioner at the beginning of your session to clean the area as well.
•  Make sure that you have between 4-6 weeks full hair growth before your first session.
• Shave 24 hours before your laser appointment. NOT on the treatment day. To read more about how to shave correctly, you can visit our blog
• Choose a non-perfumed shaving/ cleansing product for your bikini area. Otherwise, it might cause irritations.
• Use a pH-balanced feminine cleanser wash afterwards to make sure all the shaving foam has been removed. For more tips on how to shave click here
• Gently exfoliate your bikini area 3-4 days before your session. Don’t leave it to the last day or after you shaved. Otherwise, it might irritate your skin.
• Make sure all the excess hair from the labia and perianal area has been removed
• Wear loose clothes for your treatment. Make sure your underwear is not too tight.
• Prefer cotton underwear
• Avoid caffeine. It can increase your sensitivity.
• If you have a low pain threshold, you can take a mild pain reliever before your session (not Ibuprofen)
• Some of our clients find chewing gum during the treatment helpful
• Try to schedule the treatment the week before of the week after your period
• Most importantly, relax, you’re in safe hands.

Treatment day arrives!

On the day of your treatment, it is important that you are at the clinic on time so your session can be completed on time.

Your clinician will welcome you to the treatment room. Here you will have full privacy whilst getting ready for your session.

Undressing

You will need to undress the parts that you are having the laser treatment at. Your clinician will provide you with towels to you can cover yourself where and when necessary.

If you are having laser treatment on more than one area, or the full-body, you might prefer to get undress partially for each area for more comfort.

Your clinician will check if the growth of hair is suitable for the treatment. And then clean the treatment area.

Markings with a white pen

They will mark the area with a white pen to make sure no parts are missed. Cover up the spots and beauty marks to prevent any negative effects. And if you have any tattoos, they will cover the sides so the laser doesn’t get over it.

Numbing cream, if required

Some areas of the body are more sensitive than others. Before your treatment, you will also be offered numbing cream. But even if you don’t want to use it, you will still be fine. As our laser experts have many years of experience and they know how to make you feel most comfortable.

Goggles

Before starting the treatment, you will be asked to wear special goggles to protect your eyes. You can also lie back and close your eyes if you prefer. It is important that you never look at the laser with the naked eye as it is highly dangerous.

Making sure you are comfortable

Your clinician may stop or pause during your treatment to make sure you are comfortable. They can use the cold air function of the laser to give your skin the extra soothing help before and after treating the area. If you have sensitive skin, they make sure to treat the area in small patches to make the treatment go easier.

They regularly clean the area with a sanitised napkin in every couple of minutes.

Correct settings

Your clinician may change the settings of the machine during your treatment. This is to adapt the best power and consistency to the area treated. Your expert will make sure to treat the area with the most appropriate and necessary settings. Which can differ from area to area due to the number of sessions completed, amount of hair follicles or the sensitivity of the skin.

Your feedback is important

Your clinician may also need your help in some areas. They might ask you to stay in a specific position or help them out whilst treating some areas for example during the perianal.

You can always ask all your questions to your clinicians during the treatment. They will make sure you are as comfortable and ready as possible.

Respecting your privacy

While having your laser treatment, your clinician will always respect your privacy. Even when you are having laser treatment on your bikini area, you will always be covered with towels. And your practitioner will only uncover the areas that are being treated at the time.

Immediately after and aloe vera gel

After your treatment, they will apply aloe Vera gel to the treated areas. Or if you prefer to apply yourself they will provide you with the gel.

They will ask how you are feeling and how was your session. Will always make sure you were pleased with your session and you don’t have any discomfort afterwards. And will give you your privacy to get clothed on.

Monitoring progress

Your clinician will also take photos of the treatment areas to follow and record the process. Don’t worry these images are for treatment purposes only and they won’t be published or shared anywhere without your consent.

After recording your treatment details, they will assist you in the reception area to book your next appointment. And advice on the aftercare.

How does laser feel

The sensations of the laser vary from person to person and the treatment area. While some experience a slight sting, some people don’t even feel the laser unless they hear its beeping sound.

Different factors affect how the laser would feel on the sensitive skin. Such as hair colour, density, skin type and pain threshold. But you can make sure that the feeling of laser decreases after each treatment as the hair follicles get finer and lighter, and your body is getting used to the feeling over time.

Laser cooling technology

To minimise the sensation, our lasers work with a built-in cooling system. This is to reduce the possible pain from the laser. Some clients may feel cold during the treatment. In that case, please let your practitioner know and they will take small breaks to make you feel more comfortable.

Laser hair removal aftercare

Laser only targets the hair follicle and leaves the surrounding skin unharmed. But there are still some rules you would need to follow to not to harm your skin and to keep your comfort levels to the maximum.

Right after your session, your clinician will apply to the treatment area some Aloe Vera gel.

First 24 hours

It is recommended you to keep using the gel for the following 2-3 days. Make sure to use it as much as necessary.

After your session, you might experience some redness. It should go away within 24 hours to a few days.

For comfort purposes, you can put an icepack covered with a clean cloth on your skin.

• Avoid sunlight – even if it is not very likely to do anyway. 
• Prevent the use of any lubricants or chemical products for 24 hours. 
• Avoid hot showers, baths and saunas. 

It usually takes 4-6 weeks for the hair follicles to get back to the appropriate stage for your next laser treatment. Tell your clinician with any holidays you are planning to attend, any sun exposure you had or may have, and your period where it is relevant. At Premier Laser & Skin clinics we use the latest medical degree lasers for the best results and the highest comfort. All our clinicians are highly experienced in the field. So, you can be sure that you are in safe hands.

Blackheads are a type of acne. They appear from blocked hair follicles and pores. They are a mild type of acne and mainly caused by pollution, dirt, and oil on the skin. Hydrafacial clears up the pores. The patented vortex vacuum suction removes dirt and bacteria. It empties the dirt in pores and gets rid of blackheads.

Why you shouldn’t squeeze your blackheads

Many people squeeze their blackheads to get rid of them. But blackheads don’t usually respond to squeezing. There is not much movement from under the skin’s surface and it is harder to get a grip or good squeeze them out. You really need micro equipment to squeeze the blackhead acne, like tweezers or acne poppers. Pushing and squeezing with nails or metal acne poppers may damage the skin. Plus spread the under skin bacteria and acne formation over a wider area.

Also, most fingertips are a breeding ground for bacteria so you could be causing more problems than solving.

Blackhead removal strips

Blackhead removal strips are not as effective as a Hydrafacial either. When you apply them wet and leave to dry, the strips stick on the top layer of your skin. When taking it off, it will only grab the top layer of the blackheads and leave most of the bacteria, sebum and oil behind. But it will scrape off the top layer of your skin. Exfoliation is good for your skin. However only when it is done evenly and safely.

The blackhead strips are usually 2-4 inch wide. And they only exfoliate certain areas on the skin. which can cause your skin to look uneven. Lastly, the blackheads are usually formed on the nose and chin areas. Which are the hardest places to apply the blackhead strips. The strips are very thick for the crease and they usually don’t sit properly on the top of the nostrils or the chin crease.

Hydrafacial is the most effective treatment for blackheads

Hydrafacial provides an even and deep skin cleanse. It clears off the pores fully. Reaches the hardest areas and gives you the best results for blackheads. You can see our Hydrafacial before and after photos here.

Not only can you have the blackhead removed the skin will then be hydrated with nutrient-dense serums. If you want results, it is much easier to get your skin properly cleansed in a clinic.

If you live in London and are looking for Hydrafacial treatments why not contact us today for a free consultation. We have 9 clinics across London for you to choose from.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Hydrafacial is a highly-effective, non-invasive treatment which benefits a range of skin conditions.

These days it seems every celebrity and social media influencer is talking about the Hydrafacial. Adoring fans get to see their post Hydrafacial glow pictures and hear about its benefits.

Over 2 million Hydrafacials were carried out last year and its popularity continues to grow.

Hydradermabrasion

The medical-grade hydradermabrasion treatment performs a 4 to 6 step routine. It is specifically designed to:

• Cleanse
• Exfoliate
• Peel
• Extract
• Infuse & Hydrate your skin with a range of nutrient-dense serums.

Like most skin treatments, best results are achieved with regular Hydrafacials. This allows your skin to really benefit and build on your results. Benefits can be seen from your very first session.

Top 13 benefits of Hydrafaical

We have listed the 13 most important benefits for your skin if you are thinking about getting a Hydrafacial. We hope it will help you make up your mind to see if Hydrafacial is the right facial for you.

1.Super fast

Express Hydrafacials take 30 minutes and the full 6 steps Hydrafacial takes an hour, so you will be in and out of your clinic in no time.

2.No downtime

There is no downtime as it is non-invasive. You don’t have to plan around having one. There is no hiding away with embarrassing peeling, flaky skin for days afterwards and you can get back to everyday life right away. You can even put on make-up immediately afterwards.

3. No discomfort

Unlike other facials or ablative laser treatments like Dermapen or Dermaroller, Hydrafacial is super-gentle and feels like a light massage.

4.Immediate results

Experience fantastic results after just one treatment of HydraFacial. Regular sessions are recommended for best on-going results

5.Beautiful skin

Skin really glows and looks its best after treatment. This last for many weeks afterwards.

6.Suitable for all skin types

From dark to light, dry to oily skin, treatment can be tailored to your unique skin needs.

7.Registered with hydrafacial MD

Clinics must be registered with Hydrafacial to perform treatments. This ensures consistency of treatment and high standards are met.

8.Red carpet event & special occasion ready

It is perfect if you want to look your best and boost your confidence at a red carpet event or special occasion, like weddings, birthdays or anniversary celebrations.

9.Proven and Tested treatment

It has been extensively researched with studies proving its effectiveness to address many skin issues.

10.Hydradermabrasion

Hydradermabrasion is gentler on the skin then the tradition dermabrasion which blasts skin with grit and is more invasive.

11.suitable for all ages from teenagers upwards

It can be used on teenagers with acne or used to  tackle the signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles

12.it is not technician-dependent

You are guaranteed to get consistent results. Results are not dependent on the skill or experience of the practitioner. With other treatments, results can vary greatly depending on the practitioner’s expertise.

13.Can be tailored for specific conditions

Specific issues such as:

• fine lines & wrinkles,
• elasticity & firmness
• tone evenness & vibrancy,
• uneven skin texture
• sun-damage
• dry, combination and oily skin
• congested skin
• enlarged pores
• acne scarring

Continue reading to find out which conditions can benefit from Hydrafacial.

hydrafacial benefits for acne

Hydrafacial clears the built-up sebum, oil and dirt on the skin which are the main causes of acne formation.

The cleansing and detoxifying parts get rid of the dirt and bacteria, emptying the congested pores. Exfoliation gets rid of the dead skin.

hydrafacial benefits for acne scars

Hydrafacial provides skin exfoliation which “helps” getting rid of the acne scars. (but for scar removal, there are better treatments like Dermapen or peels).

Acne scars form when acne formation, the bacteria and the pus, penetrates a large area on the dermis (the bottom part of the skin).

When you empty the pus (which consists of dirt, oil and dead white blood cells) a hole remains where it previously was.

Also when the pus forms, it affects the skin around it. Which also causes the pigmentation.

This is where the acne scars come from.

The sebum slowly toxifying and squeezing the skin around and making it look bad.

The exfoliation factor of Hydrafacial benefits the appearance of acne scars but for the removal consider treatments mentioned earlier.

hydrafacial benefits for dry skin

Hydrafacial will hydrate your skin. It is full of powerful antioxidants. The painless vortex suction clears out pores and overall skin. It simultaneously delivers hydrating antioxidant skin solutions and boosts the hydration of the skin, refreshing the dull skin.

hydrafacial benefits for melasma

Hydrafacial improves skin hydration and glowing effect as well as clearing the skin. It reduces the size of the pores, improves the appearance of the wrinkles and skin quality.

But it is not for proper pigmentation treatment. However, it does give an exfoliation effect and clears the skin. The appearance of melasma may reduce. (Although this is not the best treatment for it)

Next Steps if you live in London

If you live in London and are looking to pamper yourself with a luxurious Hydrafacial, contact us today for a free consultation. We have 9 clinics across London for your convenience.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Why Staying indoors is affecting your skin health

Think of your skin as a mirror. It reflects everything about your life.

Your ups

Your downs

Your good  (and bad!)  daily routines and habits.

Not drinking enough water?…..you will see it on your skin.

Not eating a healthy balanced diet, stressed or lacking sleep?…..your skin will give you away. 

Fixing your skin problems starts with the basics. 

You are what you eat

You have heard it a million times before, but you really are what you eat.

During the lockdown, we have all put a few extra pounds on. (Except if you’ve put yourself into a lockdown Bootcamp).

Not having our regular daily activities, such as doing the school run, working, commuting, gym or yoga classes has thrown our normal routine out the window.

Meal times don’t have to be at the exact time anymore. Kids can be in bed an hour later than usual. Not a big problem. You too can have your dinner a bit later. 

Bad habits like snacking on the wrong things have increased for many as those good habits built up over time have taken a hit with the new normal.

The constant snacking to escape from boredom along with those evening treats to keep your spirits up. A couple of bars of chocolate or the second glass of wine. 

These unnatural eating habits affect your skin’s appearance and health. 

More junk food means more breakouts…

More fatty snacks mean more acne…

Stress is your biggest enemy on skin health

Our daily lives are stressful enough. 

The everyday chaos, morning news, kids’ school, work, bills…

On top of that we are now worried about our loved ones’ health and safety. Then there is the uncertainty about the future and the new normal we are all facing.

Stress is one of the biggest enemies of your skin.

Stress causes changes in the brain and it affects all your body including your skin. While your body feels under pressure and feeling anxiety, it produces more cortisol which is also known as the ‘ stress hormone’. And it causes more oil and sebum on your skin. Leaving you with spots, rash, and other skin problems. 

Our ways of fighting stress also might affect our skin health and appearance. While under stress, many people eat or drink more and some might also pick at their skin without even realising it. Constant picking at your skin may cause irritations and skin problems. 

How often do you get fresh air?

Spending most of our times indoors means we are lacking fresh air and sunshine which our bodies are in constant need of, taking away what our bodies have been used to for thousands of years.

Regardless of the season, the air inside is usually drier than the air outside. The heaters in the wintertime and the cool air conditioning in the summer only gets the current air circulated. If you are not constantly airing your home, the carbon-heavy air indoors will get drier and may start irritating your skin.

Yes, staying indoors has its benefits. Some of them are also for your skin. For example, avoiding skin-damaging pollutants and photo-ageing UV exposure.

However, lacking Vitamin D from the sun and missing the health benefits of fresh air on your skin might come at a cost.

Getting away from your skin beauty routines

They say one should look good for themselves not for others. But let’s be honest. None of us spends 20 minutes in the morning getting our hair and makeup done to work from home. 

Spending most of your time at home might make you abandon your daily skincare routines as well. You may feel like there isn’t a reason for you to drag yourself in front of the mirror. 

For example, if your evening beauty routine starts with taking your make up off, you might find it a bit difficult to find the motivation to put your toner on now.

Or you can think now that you are not going out and seeing other people as often, you don’t need to have face mask twice a week.

When your daily actions change, they become habits. And when your beauty habits change, your skin may not be as spotless anymore.

If visiting a beauty clinic is part of your skin health routine you can’t pop out for a quick hydrfacial or dermapen to keep your skin glowing which makes things difficult.

Negative effects of more screen time on your skin

Have your screen times increased rapidly since the beginning of the lockdown?

Many of us are working in front of laptops constantly. Changing social connections is also affecting our lives. Spending time with friends means even more looking at your screen. Free time entertainment… looking at your screen. Even having a date might be through looking at your screen nowadays!

But did you know that every second you are spending on your phone or laptops, your skin gets exposed to blue light. This high energy visible light, causes elastin and collagen damage on your skin, leading to pigment changes and photo-ageing.

Our phones are probably one of the most unsanitised belongings we have. We take them everywhere. They are always in our hands even when nature calls we can’t put them down ! We are sure not you! But some people!

While our phones are a public care home for bacteria, keeping it close to our face for hours every day can unsurprisingly cause oil glands and spots on the skin.

Over cleaning your skin 

Since the earlier days of the pandemic, we have been taking extra care of our personal hygiene. Washing our hands more than ever, cleaning and showering more often; we can disrupt the pH levels of our skin. With constant soap and sanitiser use, our skin can also get dry and patchy. 

Also not wearing any makeup or being in public as much, we might touch or pick our hands more than usual – while no one is watching! This can cause our skin to get inflamed, and increase acne and spots. 

How to protect your skin in lockdown

We’ve gathered a handy list for you to follow for healthier skin while spending more time indoors. 

Eat healthy for your skin

It is tempting to finish the pack of crisps in front of the telly. But your skin may not appreciate it. 

Make sure to follow a healthy diet. Preferably away from junk food and unhealthy snacks. 

Sugar also affects your skin’s ageing process. 

Dairy products also are known to promote acne. Keeping your milk or cheese consumption to a minimum will help you to have clean skin. 

Get fresh air for your skin health

For a healthy body, mind, and skin we all need fresh air!

Now that we are not spending much time outside, you should at least air your house often!

Luckily with the warmer weather, we don’t need the heating on at home.  Heaters dry up the air and leave your skin dehydrated. 

If you would still need to put the heating on, place a damp towel on your heater. This way you can decrease the dryness of the air inside. To learn more about how you can help your dry skin with little adjustments at home read our previous blog. 

Create a new daily skincare routine

Your old daily skincare routine should be tweaked to reflect the new normal you find yourself in. Creating a regular beauty regimen will help you maintain healthy skincare. 

As we are mainly at home, most of us don’t wear any makeup at all! Which is a great opportunity for our skin to have a break and recharge. 

You can create a new skincare regimen and challenge yourself to follow it every day! 

If you need help to create your new skincare regimen, our experts are always happy to help! Book your free e-consultation with our skin experts.  

Moisturise your skin after every wash 

Yes, we all want to make sure those germs and viruses keep away from us! But over-washing your hands or body may cause dryness and cracks. And as you can imagine, viruses can enter your body from the cracks on your skin much easier. 

Use a rich moisturiser after every wash to make sure you protect your skin from dryness caused by the acid in soap.

Applying moisturiser while your skin is still damp, increases the absorption. 

When bathing or washing your face, you can choose a milder soap. 

And use cold water while washing your face. If washing your face with cold water is not comfortable, try lukewarm, but make sure to prevent using hot water washing your face as it causes dryness on our skin.

Clean your phone regularly

Wiping down your phone regularly with an antibacterial wipe will dramatically decrease the amount of bacteria your face is being exposed to. 

Wearing headphones or using your phone hands-free is also a great option. 

And if you are working from home on a computer, make sure to clean your keyboard and headsets regularly. Spending most of your day touching to these gadgets causes unwanted lifeforms to create habitats on them. 

Apply SPF regularly

If you are sitting next to your window while working, the sun’s rays may not burn your skin. But it will definitely affect premature ageing. 

Using SPF when you are getting exposed to the sun, is crucial. 

When you go out for your daily exercise, make sure to apply a higher protection SPF.

Follow homemade skincare

Spending more time at home means spending more time in the kitchen. Why not try a new recipe for your skin too?

Our skincare experts shared their homemade face masks and beauty secrets. You can choose from recipes to moisturise, cleanse, brighten, or getting rid of acne. 

Give your skin a good exfoliation

At our clinics, before each skin treatment, we recommend a good exfoliation. 

It gets rid of the dirt and opens the way for your skin masks, moisturisers or other beauty products to penetrate your skin more deeply. Your skin can benefit more from your treatment and skincare products.

Being indoors more than ever now, your skin is less exposed to pollution, which is fantastic! But a good exfoliation will also get rid of the other external dust and dirt your skin is open to and oil and sebum your skin produces. 

We hope that our recommendations help you with your skincare during this time. 

If you would like to speak to our experts and ask any questions, you can to book your free e-consultation here