Why Now Is The Best Time to Start Laser Hair Removal Treatment
Mar 02, 2026
Laser hair removal remains one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States, with nearly 500,000 procedures performed annually. You likely don’t begin thinking about smooth skin until the first days of summer. However, now is when you need to start. The cooler months offer significant clinical and practical advantages.
At Missouri Dermatology Laser & Vein Center, with offices in Fenton, Chesterfield, and O'Fallon, MO, our aesthetic medical experts recommend the winter season to ensure patients achieve optimal results safely. Here’s why.
One of the most critical requirements for safe laser treatment is avoiding sun exposure before and after sessions. Laser hair removal works by targeting the melanin, or pigment, in the hair follicle. When skin is tanned, the laser can inadvertently target the skin's pigment rather than the hair, increasing the risk of side effects such as blistering, skin discoloration, or burns. Winter naturally reduces UV exposure, as people spend more time indoors and wear clothing that covers treated areas such as the legs, back, and arms.
Laser hair removal is not a single-session treatment. Most patients require between six and eight sessions to achieve ideal, long-term results. These sessions must be spaced four to six weeks apart to target hair during the anagen, or active growth, phase. Starting a regimen now allows patients to complete the full cycle of treatments before swimsuit season.
First, the treatment area is cleaned, and a topical anesthetic can be applied for maximum comfort. As the laser device moves across the skin, it emits highly concentrated light that is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicles. This light energy converts to heat, damaging the follicles and inhibiting future growth.
Patients often describe the sensation as a series of quick, sharp snaps, similar to a rubber band being flicked against the skin.
Laser hair removal can be performed on almost any part of the body. Women most commonly seek treatment for the legs, underarms, face, and bikini area. For men, the most popular treatment zones include the back, chest, and shoulders.
Post-treatment care is more manageable during colder months. After a session, the skin often appears slightly red or feels like a mild sunburn. In winter, patients do not have to worry about missing out on pool days or outdoor summer activities while their skin heals.
If you are ready to enjoy smooth skin by next summer, now is the time to begin your treatment plan. Contact Missouri Dermatology Laser & Vein Center today to schedule your consultation. Call our office closest to you to request an appointment.