Tag Archives: atlanta laser treatment

Transitional Skin Care: How to Take Care of Your Skin during the In-Between Months

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With plenty of information out there on how to take care of your skin during particular seasons, people often don’t know what to do during the transitional months when the weather is changing and their skin is trying to keep up.

As we approach autumn, it’s important to recognize that the temperature isn’t the only change that comes with a new season (although it may be the most comfortable).  As summer turns to fall, the nights become longer and the air becomes drier. In fact, according to the National Weather Service, September and October are some of the driest months in Georgia. While this makes for great hay bales and corn mazes, the weather and climate of Atlanta can take a toll on your skin.

While the heat may be winding down, it’s still important to wear sunscreen every day. Wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 can protect your skin against melasma, or dark spots caused by the sun, skin cancer, and wrinkles in sun-damaged areas. Just because the weather’s cool, doesn’t mean the sun’s damaging rays are taking a break!

For those who have forgotten to protect themselves in the past, Continue reading →

Using Sunscreen and Skin Treatments to Heal Winter Skin

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We’ve all heard about the harmful effects of the sun and the importance of regularly wearing sunscreen.  However, it’s easy to forget to apply that SPF 30 (or higher) everyday, especially when the gloomy, grey winter weather is anything but sunny.  The trained estheticians at Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center remind us however, that the UV rays present during overcast weather can be even more damaging than those we’re used to feeling during the warmer months.

Both types of rays emitted by the sun (UVA and UVB) are potentially damaging to your skin.  UVA rays produce premature aging by penetrating deep into the layers of the skin and slowing the body’s ability to produce collagen- eventually resulting in wrinkles.  UVB rays are responsible for burning the skin.  Because sunburn typically (depending on your skin tone and type) makes one more susceptible to developing skin cancer, cumulative UVB damage is also very dangerous.  Unlike the highly specialized light from laser resurfacing equipment, whose penetration and reach can be mechanically controlled, light from the sun’s rays can unpredictably impede future skin cell development.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) report on sun protection, certain mineral components of broad spectrum sunscreen are not only useful in preventing sun damage, but also useful in healing certain skin conditions.  Zinc oxide, a physical compound within sunscreen that protects skin from UV harm by reflecting light, is also helpful in soothing minor skin irritation (wind burn and chapping) and aggravated, dry skin patches.  Used for years as an active ingredient in healing compounds like diaper rash creams, zinc oxide might be just the healing mineral your winter skin craves.

The estheticians at Laser Lights use sunscreen as part of many after care regimens following microdermabrasion and other skin procedures.  In addition to zinc oxide, Laser Lights private label sunscreen contains other soothing ingredients like green tea and vitamin A to maximize the healing benefits of each application.

To learn more about the anti-aging skin treatments and skin care products available at Laser Lights visit call our center at (770) 495-9322 and continue to read our blog for more information.

Can I Have Laser Hair Removal Over An Area With A Tattoo?

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Laser hair removal is a growing trend, but what happens when a laser touches a tattoo? Tattoos, like body hair, are also removed by lasers, so having laser hair removal over a tattoo naturally seems like a bad combination. It is important to note that these treatments utilize two different lasers. Laser hair removal actually requires a stronger laser than tattoo removal, so if the hair removal laser touches the tattoo, it may not only remove or disfigure the tattoo, but can also severely burn the skin.

Lasers are attracted to pigment; therefore, tattoo ink, which is darker than skin, will easily absorb the laser’s beams. Many laser centers will not allow hair removal within a certain distance of a tattoo to protect you and your tattoo. The internet is filled with horror stories of under-educated technicians who went over tattoos resulting in burning, fading, blackening, and distorted tattoos.

Hair removal patients should not be alarmed; laser hair removal is a safe, effective procedure when performed by a properly trained professional.  You should also remain honest with your doctor/ hair removal specialist and inform them of any existing tattoos ahead of time. Also, face the facts. If you have a large tattoo in an area where you want laser hair removal, you may not be a good candidate.  However, if you have a small tattoo on your ankle and want the hair removed on your leg, you should consider having the hair removed around it and shaving over the tattoo. Even if only performed in a specific region, laser hair removal will still cut down your shaving time.

Please contact Laser Lights at 770-495-9322 or email info@atlaserlights.com with any questions or concerns about this subject. If you are not sure if you are a good candidate for hair removal, feel free to schedule a consultation. Also, keep reading our blog to learn more about laser therapy.