What’s an Instant Glow Laser Facial like?
The concept of a “laser facial” is intimidating to many. You hear “laser,” which immediately evokes a wince (ouch!) and the thought of a long recovery. But that’s not the case! Not only has technology evolved better to ensure the patient’s comfort during most procedures, but there is also a diverse array of laser treatments to tackle myriad skincare concerns.
While Fraxel lasers and even “mini-Fraxel” lasers come with some discomfort and a little bit of a recovery time, there are actually laser facials on the market that don’t hurt at all and require zero downtime. Some dub facials like these “red carpet treatments” because they can be done just before a big event without the risk of looking sunburned for your big day. One such treatment is LaserAway’s Instant Glow Laser Facial.
I was recently between two big trips without time to prep and recover from a deeper laser treatment like Clear + Brilliant. But I still wanted to look my best for heading out on vacation. Here’s my experience with LaserAway’s Instant Glow Facial.
How it Works
The very quick (approximately 15-20 minutes) treatment begins with an Nd:YAG laser light treatment that generates heat, which increases collagen production and reduces the appearance of pores. This is the same device that’s used for laser hair removal but at a different frequency. The laser is not as powerful (or hot) as something like Clear + Brilliant or radiofrequency microneedling, but that’s part of the appeal. There’s virtually no discomfort when the laser is based over the skin, and its impact is noticeable.
Once the laser has reached its optimal temperature and the nurse doing the treatment has done the appropriate number of passes across the skin, they apply a cold face mask packed full of vitamin-rich serum. The nurse then blasts cryogenically-forced air across the face. It sounds more intense than it is – it’s not uncomfortable at all, and the air seals in the ingredients of the mask as well as closes the pores that were just opened.
And that’s it. Zero discomfort, no recovery time – only a reminder to wear sunscreen, which is the case whether or not someone had a facial treatment.
My experience with Instant Glow Facial
Because there is a gentle resurfacing component to the procedure, the prep is similar to any time you have a laser facial. You should stay out of direct sunlight for at least a week before the procedure, and you should be religious about your sunscreen usage (whether or not you’re doing a laser treatment, in my opinion). It’s also important to avoid topical prescription products as well as spray tans and self-tanners.
The nurse inspected my skin once I was checked in and taken to my treatment room. Because I have some facial hair, she avoided my upper lip, cheeks, etc. Again, the laser used is the same one used for laser hair removal (though on a different frequency). This didn’t make a difference to me because my problem areas are my t-zone, and especially my nose and forehead.
I put on tiny metal eye shields, and then we kicked off. The nurse performed several passes of the laser on my face, which got increasingly warm but was never painful – she spent extra time on my nose where I could use the pore reduction benefits of the procedure. She applied a cold moisturizing mask once she was done. It felt great on my warm skin. She then began to pass over my masked skin with blasts of cold air. And that was it! I lay back for a few extra minutes after she was done to let the ingredients in the mask really sink in, and then I was done.
When I looked in the mirror, I didn’t look red or sunburned; in fact – I already had a glow about me, and my skin felt incredibly smooth. This was surprising to me: I always say “no pain, no gain,” and I thought that a gentle procedure like this wouldn’t do much in terms of results. I’m also such a Clear + Brilliant evangelist that I felt like a deeper laser would be the only thing that worked for me. That said, my face felt so smooth! But the greatest endorsement of all is that three separate people mentioned how good my skin looked in the three days that followed my Instant Glow Laser Facial. And that’s without me mentioning I did anything! Red carpet ready, indeed.
Want to learn more about what Instant Glow Laser Facials can do for you? Contact LaserAway, the nation’s leading aesthetic dermatological provider, where all treatments are performed by experienced and skilled registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician associates, so you know you’re in good hands!
Khalid El Khatib is a Brooklyn-based writer and marketer who tweets too much.
