Which laser is right for you?


There is a treatment designed to address a particular skin problem

Glowing, youthful, blemish-free skin—isn’t this what we all aim for? With lasers, you can be a step closer to your #skingoals. Maybe you have tried it once, twice, or it is already part of your skin regimen, but lasers have become a common topic when it comes to skin care. With new ones coming along every few years, it can be quite confusing to know which is which, what it can do for your skin, and if it is the right one to address your skin concerns. In this article, let us talk about the top lasers right now, as well as its benefits and what to do post-treatment. 

Creams, serums, and lotions help the skin a whole lot, but lasers can speed up healing and repair. Laser machines use light beams to improve skin imperfections and rejuvenate the skin. What laser does is it deliberately destroys areas of the skin for it to heal by stimulating collagen and eventually reveal new skin. The following lasers are the some of the well-known and proven treatments used around the world that can address issues such as dullness, uneven skin tone, acne, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and more.

• Erbium (Er:YAG) laser is a type of ablative laser that aims to fade pigmentation, acne scars, and fine lines by damaging the top layer of the skin to reveal more youthful, even-toned skin. Ablative lasers destroy the top layer of the skin to stimulate collagen production and produce new skin, but what makes this laser different is its faster downtime resulting from less side effects compared to other ablative lasers. 

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• Clear + Brilliant laser is a type of fractional laser that aims to destroy and stimulate collagen production. Fractional lasers work by targeted only specific areas of the skin. It aims to improve skin texture and pores.

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• Fraxel Dual is another type of fractional laser that also has targeted laser beams through the skin for skin repair and collagen formation. This can address skin aging and fine lines, acne scars, and uneven skin tone not only on the face but can also on the neck, chest, arms, and legs.

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• Picosure is a picosecond laser that not only targets pigmentation such as tattoos and uneven skin tone, but also helps with sun-damaged skin and fine lines. Picosecond lasers use a different kind of technology and mainly targets pigmentation problems and helps even out the skin tone.

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If you are interested to try a laser treatment, remember the following:  

• Be sure you’re in good hands. These lasers are available in a lot of skin clinics, but how do you know which one is the right one to address your skin problems? Make sure you are getting the right recommendation, and the best way to do that is to choose a reputable clinic and a licensed and trained dermatologist.

• Check if you are a candidate for laser treatment. Depending on the type of laser used, there are certain conditions under which a laser treatment is not recommended, such as your current skin condition (active acne, rosacea, eczema) or lifestyle (smoking). Your dermatologist will check your skin and provide the proper assessment and treatment plan for you.

Laser machines use light beams to deliberately destroy areas of the skin for it to heal by stimulating collagen.

• Be prepared. Make sure to ask your dermatologist on the do’s and don’ts before and after the treatment. Going to the beach or using actives may not be allowed a few weeks pre- and post-laser.

• Protect your skin. Sun exposure is definitely not allowed when undergoing laser treatments as it can make your skin extra sensitive. Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply often whether you are in or outside your home. Also, your dermatologist might recommend you avoid acids, toners, and retinoids, and only use a mild cleanser and sunblock for a few weeks pre- and post-treatment.

• Manage your expectations. Remember, lasers will not solve your skin issues overnight, and your skin may react differently. Plus, it takes several sessions to achieve best results. Some may experience dramatic results in a short amount of time, while the others might take a bit more. Be patient, trust your doctor, and follow your treatment plan to get the best results.