With the arrival of spring, it's time to shed your winter clothes and show some skin.

There are a number of special treatments recommended to create the perfect sun-ready skin: spray tanning, laser hair removal, laser vein removal and Thermage or Velashape (to tighten and contour the skin). 

The most troublesome skin treatment during the bikini season is hair removal. The best solution? Laser. There are many advantages to laser hair removal compared with waxing, shaving or electrolysis. First, laser is less painful than wax and electrolysis; second, it's permanent; third, it's quick – a treatment usually takes an hour and you see results within two to three treatments; and fourth, which can be the most surprising advantage, it actually costs less than the accumulation of years spent on wax treatments, shaving supplies and electrolysis treatments. The outcome is smooth stubble/ingrown hair-free skin.

Laser hair removal is a process in which a laser emits energy wavelengths directed at the hair follicle, which prevents the hair’s ability to grow. Hair growth has three phases – active, dormant and a shedding stage so the laser is administered in a series of five to eight treatments.

The ideal candidate would have dark, coarse hair and light skin. However, with new laser technology almost anyone, even those with tanned skin, can get this treatment. In preparation, a patient should discuss any sunburns or current medications with the aesthetician before making an appointment. No waxing, tweezing or bleaching should be done three to four weeks prior to the procedure. One day before your appointment make sure to shave the treatment area. 

Glisten’s laser hair removal treatment is administered by a certified, licensed aesthetician. They use the elõs technology, which is a highly controlled energy source, enabling the aesthetician to customize the amount of energy used on any patient based on skin and hair color. The patient’s best accessory during the procedure is SynerCool, which blasts continuous cool air to help numb any discomfort. The most common discomfort has been described as a rubber band snapping against the skin. After my experience, I would have to agree. 

The procedure takes from 10 to 60 minutes depending on the area. With the spa experience it felt it was over as soon as it started. The aesthetician provides a customized treatment in the comfort and luxury of a spa setting, with tranquil music and a lounge chair. 

The area is initially slightly red and swollen, but that goes away within an hour. After a day or two of the first treatment, I found a significant amount of hair loss and the area felt smooth. The aesthetician advised a post-treatment regimen of only shaving the area and avoiding sun exposure and harsh cleaners, and recommended a cooling cream if needed. 

Along with sun-ready treatments, Glisten Medspa also provides skin rejuvenating spa treatments such as Matric wrinkle reduction, Referme skin tightening, Botox and Juvederm injectables, massages, facials, microdermabrasions, Jane Iredale makeovers, a lash lounge and a brow bar. Also available is Dr. Greenberg’s revamped anti-aging skincare line, Cosmetic Surgeon in a Jar. The medical-grade product line exfoliates, buffs, smoothes, brightens, lifts and heals the skin to create that flawless youthful look every woman wants. 

Have some fun before the sun and throw yourself and some girlfriends a spa party at Glisten Medspa. Packages include complexion analyses, facials, massages and makeup applications. 

Dr. Greenberg’s Glisten Medspa is the spa “truly dedicated to meeting the needs of every client.” For more information or to set up an appointment, call 516-367-SKIN or visit www.glistenmedspa.com.