Tag Archives: laser treatments

How Do Different Sources of Light Impact the Skin?

Cosmetic Treatments

Light and laser cosmetic treatments, such as fractional skin resurfacing, are what Albuquerque patients often use to minimize irregularities and balance or even out their skin tone and quality. Ever wondered why light is used so frequently in the cosmetic world? Exposure to light impacts our bodies in various ways, altering our circadian rhythms, hormone production, and even our mental health. In fact, not getting enough exposure to sunlight during the winter has been linked to a type of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It’s no surprise, therefore, that different wavelengths of light have been found to influence the appearance and health of your skin. The following are some examples of light sources that we are commonly exposed to, as well as a brief explanation of their impact:

Natural Light

The sun is our major source of natural light, although we can also technically see by other stars, volcanoes, firelight, lightning, and various astronomical objects. We have less control over the amount of energy these give off compared to artificial sources of light, so we have to do a little extra work when guarding against the negative effects of the biggest producer of all: the sun.

Small amounts of exposure to sunlight (ideally 5 to 15 minutes of unprotected exposure) have positive health benefits, including strengthening your immune system and encouraging serotonin production. However, prolonged, unprotected exposure to ultraviolet radiation increases the risk of skin cancer and accelerated skin aging. It’s best to avoid exposure by staying indoors during peak hours and wearing sunscreen whenever you go outside.

Artificial Light

When it comes to human-made, artificial light sources, we’re in full control of their intensity and duration.

  • Blue Light

Although the sun is a major source of blue light, we also get plenty of it from the screens on our TVs, laptops, smartphones, tablets, electronic devices, and fluorescent or LED light bulbs. Blue light exposure can lead to photoaging and hyperpigmentation, but it is also used in therapies for some skin conditions like acne and actinic keratosis.

  • Red Light

Red light therapy (RLT) is often used as a type of photodynamic therapy to encourage the generation of new collagen, elastin, and fibroblasts. Deep red light at specific wavelengths is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties and may reduce wrinkles.

Ready to improve wrinkles, blotchy pigmentation, scars, rough patches, or other skin-related irregularities? Browse our website to check out more info on fractional skin resurfacing from our Western Dermatology Consultants team. Call 505-855-9267, or submit a contact form to request a consultation if you’d like to discuss your skin goals—and learn more about what light can do.

4 Cosmetic Treatments to Make Your Beauty Routine Easier

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Everyone has specific areas they obsess over, whether it’s their eyebrows, nose, forehead, or hair. Caring about your physical looks doesn’t make you vain or shallow—it just means you take pride in yourself! In fact, there’s evidence that working on our appearance makes us more confident, and regular self-care can even be therapeutic, keeping depression and anxiety at bay. Self-grooming can, however, take up a lot of our time that could be spent on other tasks and activities. The average women’s beauty routine is 55 minutes each day. We’re not saying that time isn’t well spent, but there are options if you want to cut down on the time you dedicate to clothes, hair, makeup, and personal grooming each day. Professional treatments, such as laser hair removal from our Albuquerque-based team at Western Dermatology Consultants, can reduce the time, energy, and costs involved in achieving your ideal look each day. Here’s a look at four schedule-saving treatments we offer:

Laser Hair Removal

Excessive body hair on areas like the face, legs, back, arms, and bikini line is a dilemma many people face. Shaving and waxing are intensely repetitive chores. Using laser energy, we can damage follicles that absorb the focused light, heat up, and lose their ability to properly grow new hairs. This is a quick, precise, and long-term hair removal method that works for up to a year, reducing the need for razors and plucking.

Permanent Makeup

Microblading creates beautifully arched, waterproof eyebrows that preserve the same shape and style for years. That means you won’t have to spend as much time getting ready each morning. Much like a tattoo, the results do not require significant maintenance. There are also similar options for eyeliner and lip liner.

Latisse®

Full, luscious lashes make eyes brighter and more beautiful. However, it can be difficult to find the right mascara, applying it flawlessly can be a challenge, and eyelash extensions aren’t for everyone. Latisse® makes your lashes grow naturally and is a less high-maintenance treatment option for anyone looking to routinely accentuate their eyes.

Microdermabrasion

Instead of coating your face with concealer to hide dull, dry skin and blemishes each morning, consider booking a microdermabrasion session with us! This treatment abrades away dead cells from the surface to deep clean pores and create a more even tone and texture.

Get more advice on laser hair removal and other aesthetic procedures available from our Western Dermatology Consultants team serving Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Call us today at 505-855-9267, or write to tell us more about your interests.

Three Things to Do for Your Skin This Season

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As autumn transitions into winter, we enter the coldest part of the year, the air becomes frigid, and strong winds can batter the skin. This changeover can lead the skin to become prone to persistent dryness, inflammation, and peeling. It also prompts the T-zone area of your face to produce excess oil. For many people, the holiday season is a time to indulge (perhaps a little too much) in rich meals, sugary snacks, and alcohol, but this doesn’t always bode well for your complexion either. Cosmetic dermatology treatments from Albuquerque’s Western Dermatology Consultants can help save yours skin from the damaging effects of early winter and beyond.

In addition to rushing around to get everything done at work, it can also be stressful having to organize family events, plan dinners, shop for gifts, and put up festive decorations as you try to make everything perfect for the holidays. If you work in retail or hospitality, long shifts, crowds, and difficult interactions with customers can put a damper on your holiday spirit. It’s no surprise that when the seasonal blues set in, post-New Year’s Eve skin is often riddled with breakouts. There are, however, ways of safeguarding your skin!

Stay Hydrated

Alcohol is a diuretic and can cause your skin to quickly become dehydrated. Drink plenty of water and upgrade your moisturizing routine. Choose a richer cream containing hyaluronic acid (a natural gel-like sugar that is able to retain large quantities of water) or ceramides (lipids that maintain the skin’s barrier).

Try Chemical Peels

Chemical peels remove the outer layer of dry, cracked, and damaged skin. A solution is applied to the outer surface, causing it to shed away, and new, healthier skin to take its place. The darker, shorter days and cooler temperatures during this time are less irritating to skin after this treatment, which is more conducive to healing.

Use Laser Treatments

Lasers are great for improving skin damage acquired during the earlier half of the year. Treatments stimulate collagen production and cell turnover for a fresher look. Much like chemical peels, sun exposure is bad for laser results, so the fall and winter are preferred times for this technique.

Want to discover more about your options at Western Dermatology Consultants? For general inquiries or to schedule an appointment for skincare treatments in Albuquerque, call 505-855-5503 or contact us online.