When you think of lasers, you probably imagine beams of light being used in aerospace and aeronautics. Lasers are, however, often used to treat an array of medical conditions.
Typically performed by a doctor, nurse of esthetician, laser treatments are utilized for a range of skin-specific issues, such as hyperpigmentation, rosacea and acne. Laser hair removal to eliminate unwanted hair growth is another popular treatment.
Here's how it works: the professional directs a laser beam of intense light on the specific area to be treated. By focusing on an exact location, the light from the laser addresses the pigment, tissue or hair follicles without affecting the surrounding body tissue.
To learn how to prepare before a treatment and what to do speed the healing process post-treatment, we spoke with Sarah Longton Pajaro, a licensed esthetician and executive training director for LIFTLAB.
First things first: schedule a consultation to discuss goals and expectations for the treatment.
"Most laser professionals will be happy to schedule this before you are ready to book your appointments, as it typically takes a series or multiple appointments to achieve maximum results," says Longton Pajaro.
Be sure the professional performing your treatment is a board-certified dermatologist, licensed esthetician or certified professional qualified to give laser treatments.The office should be equipped with the laser device specific to your needs. For example, you may want to fade freckles or dark spots, smooth away rough skin or diminish the appearance of fine lines. Or you may want a hair removal treatment. Make sure the equipment meets the specificity of that treatment.
Longton Pajaro recommends inquiring about risks and complications prior to treatment, and also asking how many patients with the same issue have been treated by that doctor. Be sure to request before-and-after photos belonging to the practice, not to the company who manufactured the laser device.
"Depending on the laser, you may have some redness that lasts for a few hours. Deeper resurfacing may result in up to 8 weeks of redness. This makes it imperative to care for your skin both before and after your laser treatment," says Longton Pajaro.
For optimum results, she recommends that you avoid tanning – including spray tans – before a laser treatment. Lasers destroy dark targets such as the pigment in a tattoo or dark spots and freckles.
"The higher contrast there is between the problem area and the surrounding skin, the better the results," she says, "and the less risk there is for injuring the surrounding area."
Your skin should be in prime condition before any laser treatment. Use a facial wash that cleanses thoroughly but gently, without stripping skin of its protective natural oils. Moisture is key — in order to maintain hydrated skin, try a moisturizer like LIFTLAB Skin Regeneration Lift & Moisturize Daily Cream.
According to Longton Pajaro, LIFTLAB skincare is ideal for protecting and soothing skin before and after technologically advanced skin treatments such as in-office laser treatments, as it features an exclusive cell protection protein.
"Cell protection protein was first discovered as the key to health and survival in plants and marine life that thrive in the extreme icy conditions of the Arctic," she says. "So imagine what CPP can do for your skin!"
Remember, taking the time to properly prepare your skin, face or body will go a long way in preventing the possibility of redness or irritation from occurring after the treatment.
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