From the The RAKUS Clinic, Knightsbridge
Autumn often changes what we notice about our skin. After months of stronger UV exposure, pigmentation may appear darker, redness more noticeable and changes in texture easier to see. Shorter days and reduced UV exposure can also make autumn and winter a useful time to consider certain laser and light treatments.
However, there is no single “winter laser”. Different technologies target different structures within the skin, which is why a treatment suited to sun spots or redness may not be the right choice for acne scarring, uneven texture or more established sun damage.
In this guide, we look at IPL, UltraClear, Secret PRO and ADVATx, including how each technology works, the concerns it can address, how much downtime may be involved and when we might choose one approach over another.
At RAKUS Clinic in Knightsbridge, treatment planning starts with identifying what is actually causing the visible concern. Understanding these differences can help you make sense of the options and decide when it may be appropriate to start treatment for the winter months.
When Should You Start Laser Treatments for Winter?
For many patients, early to mid-autumn is a useful time to start planning laser treatment, particularly once recent tanning and significant sun exposure have reduced.
Many laser and light treatments require careful sun protection, especially when targeting pigmentation, sun damage or resurfacing the skin. The cooler months can make this easier to manage while also providing enough time to space a course of treatments or plan deeper resurfacing around the necessary recovery.
Autumn is also when post-summer concerns such as sun spots, uneven pigmentation, redness, rough texture and scarring may become more noticeable. This makes it a useful point to assess the skin and decide what, if anything, needs treating.
The exact time to begin depends on the treatment, your skin and your plans over the coming months. Recent tanning and upcoming winter sun holidays are particularly important, so these should always be discussed during consultation.
Not every energy-based treatment needs to be reserved for winter. We explore some of the alternatives in our guide to sun-safe skin tightening and summer treatments.
Which Laser Treatment Is Best for Pigmentation and Redness?
A brown mark or patch of redness does not automatically tell us which treatment to use. We need to consider what is causing the colour, how widespread it is and whether texture or other concerns are present too.
When Would You Choose IPL?
At RAKUS Clinic, IPL uses Syneron Aurora and Polaris platforms with ELOS® technology, combining intense pulsed light with radiofrequency.
It can be particularly useful when visible colour is the main concern, including sun spots, freckles, pigmentation, facial redness, visible vessels and uneven skin tone.
The light energy targets chromophores associated with pigment and blood vessels, while radiofrequency delivers additional energy into the tissue.
After IPL, pigmented areas may temporarily darken before clearing, while some redness or warmth can occur. There is generally relatively little interruption to everyday life.
When Would ADVATx Be More Appropriate?
ADVATx Laser becomes particularly relevant when redness, visible vessels, acne or inflammation are more prominent.
It uses 589 nm and 1319 nm wavelengths. The 589 nm wavelength is particularly relevant to vascular concerns, while the 1319 nm wavelength works differently within the skin and can support dermal remodelling.
In practice, this gives ADVATx a different role from a resurfacing laser. We may consider it when the complexion looks persistently red or acne is part of the picture, rather than when deeper textural damage is the primary concern.
It also involves minimal discomfort and virtually no downtime, which can make it easier to incorporate into a treatment plan.
When Is UltraClear Better for Skin Texture and Sun Damage?
If pigmentation sits alongside rough texture, enlarged pores, fine lines or acne scarring, resurfacing may become more relevant.
UltraClear is a cold fibre laser that can be adjusted from relatively light resurfacing to more intensive skin rejuvenation.
Rather than focusing only on visible colour, UltraClear removes controlled layers of damaged skin while delivering energy at depth to encourage renewal and collagen production. This makes it useful when we want to improve several aspects of skin quality rather than isolate one area of pigmentation.
Its adjustable intensity is important. Someone with early textural change does not necessarily need the same treatment as a patient with more established photodamage or scarring.
Lighter treatments can involve relatively little downtime, while deeper UltraClear resurfacing requires a longer recovery period.
When Would Secret PRO Be Considered for Acne Scars?
Secret PRO can be useful when scarring or textural damage exists at different levels within the skin. It combines fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing with radiofrequency microneedling. The CO₂ component works at the surface to improve texture, fine lines, pigmentation and sun damage, while RF microneedling delivers controlled energy beneath the surface to stimulate collagen.
This can be particularly relevant for acne scarring, where the concern may involve indentations, enlarged pores, uneven texture and changes within the underlying dermis rather than colour alone.
Secret PRO can be adjusted from lighter fractional resurfacing to treatment combining CO₂ and RF microneedling. For milder concerns, we would not automatically choose the most intensive option. More established scarring may justify a deeper approach.
Do You Still Need SPF After Winter Laser Treatment?
Yes. UV exposure does not disappear in winter, and sun protection remains important before and after laser and light treatments.
Your practitioner will advise you on skincare and SPF according to the procedure you have had. Upcoming sunny holidays should also be discussed during consultation so treatment can be scheduled safely.
How Do We Plan Winter Laser Treatments at RAKUS Clinic?
At our Knightsbridge clinic, we assess the concern, its severity, the surrounding skin and what you realistically want to improve. Recent sun exposure, previous treatments, downtime and upcoming travel also influence the plan.
For milder concerns, a lighter treatment or course may be sufficient. More established scarring or photodamage may justify resurfacing, while overlapping concerns can be treated in stages.
Winter is therefore less about having a particular “winter laser” and more about using the cooler months to treat the right concern at the right intensity.
FAQs About Winter Laser Treatments
Can I have laser treatment if I have recently been on holiday?
Recent tanning or significant sun exposure can affect when certain treatments should be performed. Tell your practitioner about recent travel and any tanning so they can advise on appropriate timing.
Should I stop retinol before laser treatment?
You may be advised to alter active skincare temporarily. Instructions vary according to the treatment and products you use, so follow the preparation advice given by your practitioner rather than stopping prescription products without guidance.
Can laser treatments be used on the neck and décolletage?
Depending on the technology and your assessment, areas beyond the face can also be treated. The appropriate option will depend on whether the concern is pigmentation, redness, texture, scarring or photodamage.
Can I wear make-up after laser treatment?
It depends on the treatment and its intensity. Some lighter procedures allow a relatively quick return to normal routines, while resurfacing treatments require more careful skincare during healing.
Is one laser session enough before Christmas?
Sometimes, but concerns such as pigmentation, vascular changes or acne scarring may require a course or staged treatment plan. If you are working towards a particular event, arrange your consultation early enough to allow for both treatment and recovery.
When Should You Book Your Winter Laser Consultation?
If you are considering IPL, UltraClear, Secret PRO or ADVATx this winter, it is worth planning before you have a particular deadline in mind. The right treatment depends on whether the priority is pigmentation, redness, acne, scarring or broader changes in skin texture.
At RAKUS Clinic, Knightsbridge, we can assess your skin and determine whether a single treatment, course or staged winter programme is appropriate.
Book a consultation with RAKUS Clinic to discuss your skin and the most appropriate time to begin treatment.