If you’ve been thinking about clearing sun spots, calming redness, or finally getting rid of unwanted hair, now is the best time of year to start in Colorado. Fall and winter give light and laser treatments the one thing summer can’t: weeks of low sun exposure between sessions. Here’s why timing matters more at altitude, which treatments benefit most, and how to plan a series that finishes before spring.
Why Colorado skin needs a different calendar
The World Health Organization estimates that UV intensity rises by nearly 10% for every 1,000 meters of elevation. Denver sits at about 1,600 meters and Alamosa at about 2,300 meters, so by that rule of thumb, skin here takes roughly 15–25% more UV than it would at sea level, in a state known for clear, sunny days year-round.
That shows up on your skin as sun spots, uneven tone, broken capillaries, and early texture changes. It also makes summer a harder season for treatments that work with light, because tanned or recently sun-exposed skin raises the risk of burns and pigment changes.
Why fall and winter work best
- Less sun between sessions. Sciton’s BBL post-care guidance calls for avoiding direct sun on treated skin for 14 days after each session. That’s much easier in November than in July.
- Your summer tan has faded. Light-based treatments work best on untanned skin, which lets your provider treat more effectively and safely.
- A full series fits before spring. Starting in November leaves room for a complete series and healing before the strong sun of spring and summer returns.
- Downtime is easier to hide. Any mild redness or temporary darkening of sun spots happens during scarf-and-sweater season.
Skiing this winter? Fresh snow reflects a large share of UV back at your face, so a sunny ski day can count as serious sun exposure. Plan your sessions around ski trips and wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ on the mountain.
Which treatments to schedule now
BBL Hero photofacial — sun spots, redness, and tone
BBL Hero is our broadband light platform for sun damage, age spots, rosacea, redness, and acne. Most patients see their best results from a series of 3–4 sessions spaced 3–4 weeks apart, with 1–2 maintenance sessions a year after that. Sessions take 15–30 minutes with minimal to no downtime. Because BBL works with light, it benefits most from the low-sun months.
Laser hair removal — start now, be ready by summer
Hair removal with BBL typically takes 4–6 sessions spaced weeks apart, and it works best on untanned skin. Starting this fall means you can complete your series before shorts and swimsuit season instead of trying to fit sessions around summer sun.
MOXI laser — texture, tone, and fine lines
MOXI is a non-ablative fractional laser that’s safe for all skin types and can be done year-round, with 1–3 days of mild downtime. You don’t have to wait for winter for MOXI, but it pairs especially well with BBL Hero: BBL targets pigment and redness while MOXI refines texture. Doing them together in the off-season is one of our most popular combinations.
EXION RF microneedling — collagen for texture and laxity
EXION uses radiofrequency microneedling to build collagen for texture, fine lines, and mild laxity. Fall is a convenient time to start a series that pairs with your light treatments.
A sample fall–winter plan
- November: aesthetic consultation, then your first BBL Hero session, or BBL plus MOXI.
- December – January: sessions two and three, spaced 3–4 weeks apart.
- February: a final session if needed, plus your at-home plan for spring.
- Spring onward: daily SPF 30+, medical-grade skincare, and 1–2 BBL maintenance sessions a year.
Your provider adjusts the plan to your skin type, goals, and schedule. If you missed the spring window we covered in BBL Hero before summer, fall is your second chance — and in Colorado, often the better one.
Protect your results through the dry season
Colorado winters are dry, and indoor heat makes it worse. A simple routine helps your skin heal well between sessions and hold onto results:
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every day, even when it’s cloudy or snowing
- A gentle cleanser and a barrier-supporting moisturizer
- Medical-grade products matched to your treatment plan, such as ZO Skin Health
Laser and light treatments in Centennial and Alamosa
We offer BBL Hero, MOXI, and EXION at both locations. Our Centennial clinic serves the south Denver metro, including the Denver Tech Center, Greenwood Village, Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Parker. Our Alamosa clinic serves the San Luis Valley, where the elevation makes sun protection and off-season treatment timing even more important.
Aesthetic consultations are $150 and are applied toward same-day purchases. See pricing for details.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best time of year for BBL or IPL in Colorado?
Fall and winter. Lower sun exposure makes it easier to avoid the sun for two weeks after each session, untanned skin treats more safely, and a full series can be finished before spring.
How many BBL Hero sessions will I need?
Most patients see the best results from 3–4 sessions spaced 3–4 weeks apart, then 1–2 maintenance sessions a year. Acne and hair removal protocols may need 4–6 sessions.
Can I get MOXI laser in summer?
Yes. MOXI is non-ablative, safe for all skin types, and can be done year-round. It pairs well with BBL Hero during the off-season.
Can I go skiing after a BBL treatment?
Avoid direct sun on treated skin for about two weeks after each session. Snow reflects UV, so schedule sessions around ski trips and use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ on the mountain.
When should I start laser hair removal to be ready for summer?
Start in the fall. Hair removal typically takes 4–6 sessions spaced weeks apart and works best on untanned skin, so a fall start lets you finish before summer.
Plan your off-season skin series
Book an aesthetic consultation in Centennial or Alamosa. We’ll match the right treatments to your skin and build a schedule that finishes before spring.
Explore BBL HeroThis article is for education and isn’t medical advice. Results vary, and treatment plans are set by your provider after an in-person assessment. — Defiance Health