Are you looking for a way to improve your skin? Are you tired of hearing about all the things that are wrong with your skin, but don’t know where to start? Do you find yourself constantly wondering how long it will be before people stop asking if you’re sick or tired because they think something is wrong with your face? If any of these statements sound familiar, then it’s time to put an end to them!
Laser for facial skin tissue removal is definitely an exciting technology that has the ability to give sufferers of the above conditions a new lease on life. This blog will explore, in thorough detail, what causes skin tags, their prevalence today and then explore the reasons why laser procedures should be considered an important component of any successful treatment regime.
Laser treatment for facial skin is a relatively new procedure in the United States, but has been for many years other places around the world. Laser treatment for face is done at clinics, in the doctor office, or the spa to help skin look younger and fresher. Read on to learn more Types Of Laser Treatments For Face/ Side Effects Of Laser Treatment On Face.
Laser For Facial Skin
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Once upon a time, I didn’t care for fancy facials. Cleansing and moisturizing was all I needed to keep acne at bay. Then, the stress of work assignments, planning my future, boyfriend and friend drama, and lack of sleep began to manifest little by little on my once-clear skin. Now, I’m at a spa almost once a month (twice if I’m feeling really generous).
On a mission to whip my skin back in shape, I’ve tried it all: classic European, 24K gold treatments, and Dermalinfusion facials. Then, I heard of Skin Laundry’s signature Laser + Light laser facial, which claims to clean deep into the pores, brighten skin, and improve your skin’s texture for under $100. Bonus: The treatment only lasts 15 minutes. It seemed too good to be true.
Skin Laundry launched in 2013 with laser facials that use a combination of nd:YAG laser and IPL to “reduce acne, wrinkles, and improve skin texture.” I walked into Skin Laundry’s Midtown branch thinking of the laser facial befores and afters I spent hours researching before my appointment. The women in those photos look refreshed, bright, and lifted. But, most of my search didn’t yield a single face that looked like mine. It made me wonder: Would a laser facial help or hurt my deeply pigmented skin?
The process is pretty simple: I signed in on an iPad-esque machine at the front desk, then my esthetician handed me cleansing wipes to clean my skin and led me to the room where the procedure would take place. I lied down on the bed in a little room and explained my skincare concerns before my esthetician gave me a step-by-step breakdown of my specific treatment.
“The first part is the YAG laser, which targets underneath the surface of the skin so bacteria, dirt, oil, decreases pore size, stimulates collagen and also helps with hyper-pigmentation,” she said. Ah, the H-word. I winced at the thought of the laser potentially making the hyper-pigmentation-prone parts of skin (around the mouth and along the sides of my cheeks) even worse. “The second part is the IPL light, which works on everything on the surface of the skin including redness, inflammation. Essentially, it’ll help to even out your skin tone. Since you have more pigment in your skin, we’re going to omit the IPL portion and instead, add the hydration boost, a serum made of hyaluronic acid.”
I walked the esthetician through my skincare routine as she zapped the laser on my skin, making sure not to do too many passes in one area. The treatment was as painful as toddler’s pinch and had a slight burning smell (it’s normal), which subsided once the hydration boost was applied. Then, it was over and while my skin felt a bit sensitive (again, normal), I looked radiant, which was later confirmed by a chorus of compliments from co-workers and friends.
How long will my glowy skin last? How often can I do the treatment? Ahead, NYC dermatologist and Skin Laundry Global Medical Director Dr. Adam Geyer explains everything you need to know about laser facials.
What is a laser facial?
“It’s a treatment that elevates the basic facial, providing a safe and effective means of stimulating collagen and evening skin tone. At Skin Laundry, the laser and light facial provides the benefits that one might typically associate with going to a dermatologist, but given in a more accessible setting.”
What types of lasers are used for the treatment?
“There is no one single agreed-upon laser that’s used for a laser facial. Non-ablative lasers are a resurfacing device that stimulates your collagen and improves the skin’s appearance without damaging the surface. Ablative lasers, which are more aggressive and typically burn the skin, are not going to be associated with the word ‘facial,’ because a facial is implying gentleness and safety.
Then there are IPL devices, intense pulse light devices, what have also been called “photo facials.” So when people talk about what a photo facial is, it’s a treatment with an IPL, or an intense pulse light device. That’s now been expanded to include other layered treatments with other low energy, high impact, non-ablative resurfacing agents, such as an Nd:YAG laser. At Skin Laundry, when we refer to a laser and light facial, we are pairing an IPL treatment with a longer wavelength, collagen-stimulating Nd:YAG laser treatment.”
What types of skin concerns does a laser facial treat?
“Someone wouldn’t come in for a laser treatment for hydration, because lasers in general are focusing on targeting structures in the skin like pigmentation, decreasing red and brown spots. These treatments can certainly provide suppleness to the skin but if someone has severely dry skin, I wouldn’t recommend this as a direct treatment for dryness. Steps can be added to provide a hydration boost, but in general lasers are more focused on pores, wrinkles, texture, tone, and firming of the skin rather than hydration.”
Are there products that you should stop using in the days leading up to a laser facial?
“When you’re going in for a facial, it’s best to keep your skin as hydrated as possible. I do usually recommend stopping retinoids, like Retin-A, or Retinol, at least three days before the treatment (ideally up to a week). It’s not a mandate, but if someone has very sensitive skin, it’s a good idea to stop the retinoid before going in for a laser treatment.
In addition, treatments that contain glycolic acid or anything that might make your skin more flaky or more irritated than usual should be stopped a few days ahead of time. Skin Laundry gives each client a visual exam before each treatment to make sure that someone’s skin is intact and not irritated enough to be able to safely proceed with the laser treatment.”
Has there ever been an instance where you had to tell someone, “Maybe this treatment isn’t what you should be doing?”
“Laser facials really can provide great results to those looking for prevention, correction, those with sensitive skin and more acneic skin. I don’t think that there’s anyone that should stay away, but if the chart and photographs are reviewed and there are conditions like an active cold sore outbreak, or if there is a medication that’s photosensitizing, or if there are clear areas where the skin is broken and inflamed, then it is advised to come back when either the patient or client is not on that medication, or when the cold sore is resolved, or when the skin barrier is intact. So, there are times when a treatment either has to be deferred or declined, because there are times when people can’t come off of medications that are necessary that they have to be on. It’s rare.
For those who have dark skin but suffer from acne, dark spots, would a laser facial be beneficial?
“If you are at all blemish prone, the Carbon Facial could be excellent for you. It is deep pore cleansing, collagen-stimulating, and accelerates renewal, but we would skip the IPL treatment. For anyone with darker skin tones, we have to be very careful with IPL, intense pulse light because it’s the energy in the settings and the number of passes that have to be modified in order to make sure we protect the amount of melanin that’s in the skin. So, for the standard laser and light facial, we remove the IPL treatment so as to not overheat the epidermal melanin, and we another pass of the Nd:YAG laser.”
What does the after-care look like?
“The beauty of the standard laser and light treatment is that you walk out looking better than when you walk in. Your skin looks dewy, it glows, it looks supple. The added hydration from the application of the products afterwards really makes any temporary or transient heat from the laser treatment diminish right away. Added sun protection for a few days and bumping up your hydrators and your SPF can be very helpful, but there’s no specific products you have to use afterwards. Your skin is more amenable to the penetration of active ingredients after a laser treatment. So, it’s a great time to focus on utilizing antioxidants and non-irritating anti-aging ingredients. Definitely avoid retinoids or glycolic acid for maybe 48 hours afterwards.
Types Of Laser Treatments For Face
What do skincare and James Bond have in common? Besides being timeless, both know how to handle close encounters with lasers. Strike that. Skincare might handle lasers far more adeptly than 007.
Laser skin treatments are one of the many types of facials that can help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and acne. Lasers can also brighten skin tone, smooth skin texture, and restore elasticity and plumpness to your face.
This guide will cover how lasers work when it comes to skincare, types of laser treatment for the face, and the best way to enhance the effects of any laser treatment.
How Do Laser Treatments Work? A Crash Course in Lasers
A little knowledge goes a long way when it comes to figuring out which laser treatment will be right for you.
What Exactly Is A Laser?
The answer to this question lies in the word itself. “Laser” is an acronym:
Light
Amplification by
Stimulated
Emission of
Radiation
To really understand what a laser does, let’s take a trip back to science class and understand light.
All light travels in waves, and the distance between each wave’s peak is called a wavelength. The light we see each glowing from lightbulbs or shining on our skin as we lounge by the pool contains a mix of different light colors, and each color has its own wavelength. For example, red light has a longer wavelength than blue light. All of these different wavelengths together create a “white” or neutral light—this is the light we see from the sun and our light bulbs.
Think of each light color like a different instrument, each playing a song at their own tempo. Kind of noisy and unfocused, but is it music? In the general sense, sure—this is natural light.
A laser is technically a light, but it’s a little different than our day-to-day light sources. Lasers produce light of similar wavelengths, creating a narrow beam of concentrated light. These artificially created lights are like a brass band playing the same tune at the same tempo—focused, precise, and powerful 1.
What is a Laser Facial Procedure?
Lasers and skincare are a match made in dermatological heaven. Lasers permeate through the layers of skin to help promote collagen and elastin growth. Did you know that collagen production starts to decline around age 25, and continues on this downward trend, picking up steam in women after menopause? This is why many women have turned to laser treatments.
The more collagen your cells produce, the better your skin looks.
- Redness
- Spider veins
- Hyperpigmentation
- Uneven skin tone
- Fine lines
Because skin isn’t damaged during this process, IPL has almost zero recovery time.
ALASTIN: Helping You Get the Most Out of Your Laser Treatment
Every laser treatment for face concerns gets you closer to revealing your most beautiful and radiant skin. No matter which procedure you choose, you’re on your way to rejuvenation. Understanding how to take care of your face after a laser treatment as well as before a treatment can make the difference between great skin and gorgeous skin.
Preparing your skin before your procedure is similar to clearing your garden of weeds, fertilizing and preparing the soil, before planting your new garden. Helping your skin start clearing out damaged collagen and elastin before the laser procedure will make way for all the great new healthy collagen and elastin you are about to create after the procedure.
Make the most of your laser treatment with our Procedure Enhancement System utilizing patented TriHex Technology®. These unique formulas are backed by science and specifically engineered to help prepare the skin for laser treatments and help reduce the time it takes to recover.
Side Effects Of Laser Treatment On Face
It is one of the most common disadvantages of laser treatment for the skin. It is noticeable in almost every individual going through the process. This might cause the skin to respond, causing redness and irritation in the afflicted areas. In rare situations, it has been observed that the skin feels painful and may even appear to bulge. Some people experience irritation after the therapy, which usually lasts a few hours. Ice packs or a cold water bath might be used to treat it.
If you’re starting to notice age spots, deep wrinkles or a bit of sagging skin on your face, your seeing the effect of structural changes associated with skin damage and aging.
Have you ever wondered why your butt cheeks are smoother and generally unblemished while your face becomes dull and has wrinkles and age spots?
That’s because over time your skin suffers NOT ONLY the effects of aging, but also the effects of the environment on your skin. Particularly, the sun.
Other factors that contribute to skin health are good nutrition, hormone balance and of course, a skin care regimen.
The Science of Skin Care
There have been great advancements in skin care, but the fountain of youth is yet to be discovered. Scientist have uncovered enough data, however, that helps understand how the skin regenerates and what causes it to structurally change.
We won’t go into the scientific details in this article. Suffice is to say, there are things we can do to prevent and repair skin damage.
So let’s get to it. If you’re serious about preventing and restoring a smooth, spotless, youthful glow to your skin, below are a list of things you can do:
Avoid things that damage your skin
Remember, as we age, the ability of our skin to regenerate and heal from damage is compromised. Taking steps to reduce or eliminate things that damage it is imperative for healthy looking skin.
Some of these may be obvious, but a reminder may be due…
- Smoking and second hand smoke
- Excessive sun exposure like sunbathing during the day will take a toll on your skin over time
- Swimming in chlorinated pool
- Wearing too much makeup or sleeping with makeup
- Picking at your skin – don’t do it!
- Long hot showers and steam rooms
- Consuming too much salt
- Waxing too often
- Exfoliating too often
- Squinting and frowning
- Stress
- Sugars
- Dry cleaned clothes
- Too much alcohol
- Avoid chemicals directly on your skin (i.e. cleaning, grease, etc.)
Did you know that many creams, lotions and cosmetic products use harmful chemicals already banned in European countries? Avoid them at all cost!
Develop a plan to protect your skin
Protecting your skin from the inside out has proven to be an effective strategy to prolong a youthful complexion. The goal is to do things the help the skin regenerate and protect it from further harm.
- Apply sunscreen
- Wear clothing that provide UV protection
- Drink sufficient water
- Use skin moisturizers
- Get enough sleep
- Use lip balm
- Use clean sheets and pillow cases
- Exercise (sweat)
- Wear clinically proven healthy makeup
- Eat a balanced diet
- Take supplements if you suffer from any nutritional deficiency
Get professional help
Visit an experienced aesthetician, aesthetics doctor or dermatologist to help you RESTORE your skin’s healthy appearance. Professional help will allow you to get the most dramatic improvement for your specific type of skin.
Remember, your skin does not become dull, dry, wrinkled or spotted overnight.
Understanding the advantages professional help provides can help you get the results you want more effectively, in less time, and often times more affordably.
Experience Matters
Knowing what to look for is imperative to prescribing the right treatment. Getting the results you desire take experience and know how. If you’re fortunate to have a medical doctor assess your skin, he or she can also make recommendations based on your health history or condition.
Treatment Options
Your skin rejuvenation professional will recommend a wide range of options, including facials and treatments for specific concerns and will know which services are best improve the condition of your skin. For example, a hyper-allergenic solution for oily skin suffering from blackheads / whiteheads.