There are many things we miss about the summer when the cooler months eventually come around, but getting beauty treatments in the hot weather isn’t always one of them. Love or hate winter, there’s no denying that it’s the perfect time to try out some aesthetic treatments that, for one reason or another, just aren’t suitable for summertime. But which to try first?

We called in the help of three skin experts to give you the lowdown on the treatments you should prioritise this autumn/winter if you’re looking to get a refresh.

Resurfacing treatments 

One of the top treatments experts recommend over the winter months is a resurfacing laser treatment. “During this time of year, we can also go deeper with our laser resurfacing treatments when treating signs of ageing such as wrinkles and fine lines, and therefore get a better response,” explains Ridah Syed, Senior Medical Aesthetician at Skinfluencer London.

Since laser resurfacing can be a more intense treatment, there tends to be more downtime. This can cause photosensitivity, which means the skin is more sensitive when exposed to sunlight, of which, we’re naturally going to be exposed to more during the summer. It’s important to stress that although the risk of photosensitivity is lowered in the winter, it’s still crucial to wear sunscreen to protect your skin.

Addressing pigmentation

Treatment protocols that address pigmentation and sun damage concerns are popular during the winter months. “IPL Lumecca is a powerful and effective treatment in reducing and removing sun damage, pigmentation and vascular lesions in the skin. This is a popular anti-aging treatment, which is a quick procedure with visible results,” shares Dr David Jack. “This treatment requires a minimal sun exposure for a few days post treatment, so is the perfect procedure for the winter months,” he adds.

Hard-working facials 

One of the quickest and most effective ways to give your complexion a general pick-me-up is with an expertly-created, does-it-all facial. Dr David Jack’s Mesotite Facial is just the ticket. It incorporates lifting and sculpting radio frequency with a deep cleansing micropeel and dermaplaning to remove build up and promote cell turnover. The facial is finished off with a treatment of mesotherapy, “a cocktail of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, plant extracts, hyaluronic acid and collagen to restore hydration, nourish and deliver natural skin glow,” explains Jack.

Laser hair removal

Laser hair removal is an ideal winter treatment. That’s because it requires patients to limit sun exposure both before and after the procedure. It’s recommended to avoid sunbathing and tanning beds (though we’d advise you to always steer clear of the latter) at least two weeks before your laser hair removal session and then again 2-3 weeks after your appointment.

“As the laser enters the skin, it can be a little bit more sensitive, and it makes it more likely to become photosensitive and more susceptible to sun damage,” says Dr Ahmed El Muntasar, GP and Aesthetician. “If you get laser hair removal in the summertime, there's a lot more UV rays and risk of damage which can also lead to things like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation,” he adds.

With sessions being 4-6 weeks apart and most people needing an average of 6-8 treatments, it’s not a quick process. That’s why many people like to get started as soon as autumn comes around, ready for those upcoming summer months the following year.

Morpheus8

According to Jack, Morpheus8 is one of the “gold standard” post-summer treatments as it has a relatively short downtime and impressive results. “It is a radio frequency (RF) microneedling  device, meaning it combines the properties and benefits of both radio frequency technology and microneedling procedures,” he says.

“During a Morpheus8 treatment, ultra-thin needles that emit radio frequency energy are stamped into skin to create a controlled injury that prompts collagen and elastin production, which are the two key proteins responsible for skin firmness, tightness, and smoothness.” Although he notes other devices work the same, Morpheus8 is different in that it penetrates deeper into the skin and has a “burst” mode that allows the practitioner to treat multiple skin layers for a more robust stimulation of collagen.

Profhilo 

“Deeply hydrating and bio-stimulating, Profhilo is an incredibly effective injectable treatment consisting of a high concentration of thermally-crosslinked hyaluronic acid,” explains Dr Jack. With the ability to stimulate collagen and elastin, "the result is a thickened and healthier dermis with a reduction in fine lines and an overall healthier, more hydrated appearance, which gives a beautiful refreshed feel during the harsh winter months."