Laser skin treatment can sound like a simple way to improve your skin, but there is more to it than choosing a machine and booking a session. Different treatments are designed to work on different concerns, and the results you can expect will depend on how the treatment interacts with your skin. Knowing what you want to change is therefore a useful place to start.
It is also worth thinking beyond the treatment room, as your skin type, how much time you have for recovery, and what you are comfortable with can all affect which option makes sense. Some treatments may involve more downtime than others, while results can also develop at different rates. Getting a clear picture of these differences can give you an idea of what to expect before your first session.
Working out what you want your skin treatment to achieve
There is no single “best” laser skin treatment for everyone. A useful place to start is by thinking about what you would actually like to change, rather than choosing a treatment simply because it is popular. Different treatments are designed to address different concerns, so being clear about the problem you want to tackle can help narrow things down.
If your main concern is skin tone and pigmentation, you may be looking to reduce uneven colouring, sun damage or age spots. These are different from texture concerns, which can include roughness, enlarged pores, acne scarring, or an uneven skin surface.
Alternatively, you might be more concerned about visible signs of ageing, such as fine lines, wrinkles, or skin that no longer feels as smooth. Redness and visible blood vessels are another common concern, where the aim will be to reduce their appearance rather than change the texture or pigmentation of the skin. Unwanted hair also requires a different type of laser because the treatment is designed to target the hair itself.
Knowing what is affecting your skin and having a realistic idea of what you would like your skin to look or feel like gives a practitioner something specific to work with. They can then think about your concerns and explain which treatments you could choose, helping set sensible expectations about the type of improvement that may be possible and the treatment itself.
The effect of your skin type
Your skin type can make a difference to which laser technology and settings are suitable. This is because laser energy does not affect every person’s skin in exactly the same way. Your skin tone, how easily it becomes irritated, and its condition at the time of treatment can all be taken.
Skin tone is particularly important because the amount of melanin in your skin affects how it absorbs laser energy. For some skin tones, certain treatments can carry a greater risk of pigmentation changes, which may leave areas of skin darker or lighter than before. The laser and its settings therefore need to be chosen carefully.
Your skin may also need extra consideration if it is particularly sensitive or you have an existing skin condition. A recent tan can be another reason to wait before you get any treatment, as the increased pigmentation can impact how your skin reacts to the laser. Your practitioner can advise whether it is safe to proceed or whether it would be better to wait.
A consultation should look at your actual skin rather than relying on a standard recommendation. It is also helpful to separate skin type from skin concern, as your skin type helps determine how it may respond to treatment, while your skin concern is what you are wanting the laser to address, but both can influence the treatment that is considered the most suitable for you.
Common laser skin treatments
Laser skin treatment is a broad term, and it can mean quite different things depending on the technology being used. Some lasers are aimed at changing the appearance or texture of the skin, while others are designed to target pigment, blood vessels or hair. The main types include:
- Laser resurfacing: This is generally used to improve the overall appearance and texture of the skin. Depending on the treatment, it may help with acne scarring, fine lines, uneven texture, and skin that looks less smooth than it once did.
- Fractional laser resurfacing: Rather than treating the whole surface of the skin at once, fractional treatment focuses on selected target areas, creating small zones of treatment while leaving the surrounding skin untouched.
- Pigmentation lasers: These are used to target unwanted pigmentation in the skin. They may be suitable for certain sun spots and areas of pigmentation, helping to make them appear less visible.
- Vascular lasers: These are designed to target certain visible blood vessels and types of redness. They work differently from treatments aimed at pigmentation or skin texture, as the target is the blood vessel rather than the surface of the skin.
- Laser hair removal: This uses laser energy to target hair follicles and reduce unwanted hair growth. It is a separate treatment goal from improving the appearance of the skin, even though both involve laser technology.
It’s also worth remembering that these treatments are not interchangeable, as the same technology will not work for every concern. Clinics may also use different names for their treatments, so asking which laser technology is being used and what it is designed to treat can give you a clearer understanding of what you are being offered.
Recovery and maintenance
How quickly your skin settles after laser treatment can vary considerably. It depends on the type of laser used and how much treatment the skin has received. You might have some redness, sensitivity or swelling for a short time, while more intensive resurfacing can mean a longer period of visible recovery.
This is something to think about when choosing when to have treatment. If your skin is likely to look or feel different for a few days, you may prefer not to book an appointment just before a big work event, night out, or holiday. Knowing what to expect beforehand makes it easier to fit treatment around your normal plans.
Aftercare is also important, and there is no one set of instructions that applies to every laser treatment. Your practitioner should tell you how to look after your skin while it recovers. Protecting it from the sun is particularly important after many treatments, so you may need to take extra care with sun exposure and use suitable protection.
You may not see the finished result immediately, either. Changes can develop gradually as your skin recovers, and some treatments work best when carried out as a course of sessions. Maintenance treatments may also be suggested depending on the concern and how long the results last. Laser treatment can improve a particular concern, but it cannot always prevent it from coming back.
The cost of treatment and ways to pay
The price of laser skin treatment depends on a lot of factors. The technology being used, the size of the area being treated, and how many areas you want to have treated matter. In addition, a single appointment will cost less overall than a treatment plan involving several sessions, while more intensive treatments may cost more because they demand specialist technology, expertise, or a more involved process.
It is therefore worth asking for the likely cost of the full treatment plan rather than focusing on only the price of one single appointment. Check whether the quote includes things like your consultation and any follow-up appointments, as these may be charged separately. You should also ask whether maintenance treatments are likely to be recommended later on, as these could add to the overall cost.
At Medicred, we know that paying for treatment in one go is not always the easiest option, or even an option at all for some, so our healthcare finance allows patients to spread the cost through monthly payments over an agreed period of 3, 6, 9, or 12 months. Our online application form is easy to fill out, and we even have a finance calculator to help you work out how much your monthly payments will be.
The way you choose to pay should fit comfortably alongside the rest of your budget, so taking a little time to compare the available options can help you decide whether paying upfront or spreading the cost is more manageable. Whatever route you choose, having a clear picture of the overall expense can make it easier to move forward with treatment without unexpected financial pressure.
Making your laser skin treatment decision
There is no need to feel like you have to pick a laser treatment on your own. The right option will depend on what you want to change, how your skin is likely to respond and what you are comfortable with in terms of treatment and recovery. Taking the time to talk things through with a qualified practitioner can help you understand your choices and decide what feels right for you.
It is worth thinking about the bigger picture, too. Consider how many appointments you might need, what aftercare could involve and whether the overall cost fits comfortably within your budget. If paying everything upfront is difficult, healthcare finance could be an option for spreading the cost into monthly repayments, subject to eligibility and the terms offered.
FAQs
Can I wear makeup after laser treatment?
It is generally best to give your skin a break from makeup straight after laser treatment. Your skin may feel sensitive, look red or feel slightly swollen, so cosmetics could cause irritation while it settles. Your practitioner will let you know when it is safe to start wearing makeup again, based on your treatment.
With some laser treatments, you may be able to wear makeup again after around 24 hours. More intensive treatments may mean waiting a few days. Once you have the go-ahead, stick to gentle, fragrance-free products and be careful when applying them. Try not to rub, scrub or pick at your skin.
How long does a laser skin treatment session take?
A laser skin treatment session can take anywhere from around 15 minutes to an hour, depending on what you are having done. Treating a small area, such as the upper lip or cheeks, may be fairly quick, while larger areas naturally take longer. Your practitioner can give you a clearer idea beforehand.
It is worth leaving a little extra time for your appointment, rather than expecting to be in and out. Your skin may need preparing before treatment, and your practitioner will usually check the area afterwards. They can also talk you through what to expect and give you any aftercare advice you need before you leave.
Do I need to do anything to prepare before treatment?
There are usually a few simple things you can do to get your skin ready. Your practitioner may ask you to stay out of the sun, avoid sunbeds and skip fake tan for a while beforehand. You might also need to pause certain skincare products, such as retinoids, if they advise you to.
On the day, it is best to arrive with clean skin and leave makeup, creams and other products off the area being treated. Depending on your treatment, you may also need to avoid waxing or plucking beforehand. Your practitioner will talk you through any preparation you need, so you know exactly what to do.