The Best Laser Skin Treatments to Try Today

While following a daily skin care regime is an integral part of creating a flawless complexion, sometimes it’s just not enough. No matter how much we cleanse, tone and moisturise, there are always those parts of our skin we wish we could make disappear. You know the ones, the dark spots, acne scars, broken capillaries and pesky wrinkles. Luckily, where regular skin care falls short, lasers step in. Together with Dr Garth Dicker from Cosmetic & Laser Medical Centres, we’ve created your ultimate guide to getting the perfect complexion with the latest laser treatments.

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How Do Lasers Work?

“Essentially a laser works by producing a single and specific wavelength (or colour) of light,” says Dr Dicker. “When this light is concentrated it produces heat which can then be used to specifically target structures in the skin.” Some lasers are made to target melanin (the brown pigment in skin and hair), allowing it to zap dark spots for a clearer complexion and target follicles for laser hair removal. Other wavelengths target red tones to rid the skin of acne scars, rosacea, broken capillaries and blood vessels.

What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

According to Dr Dicker, “Laser skin resurfacing is when a laser device is used to produce a smoother and younger looking skin surface.” The technique, which focuses on skin texture rather than redness and pigmentation, is most commonly used to reduce lines and wrinkles, as well as tighten and smooth skin.

Difference Between Ablative and Non-Ablative Treatments

When it comes to laser skin resurfacing, there are two types. Ablative and non-ablative treatments, which both work to rejuvenate skin, are quite different in the way that they work. “‘Ablative’ refers to removing the surface (epidermal) layer of skin whereas ‘non-ablative’ refers to not removing the surface layer of skin,” says Dr Dicker. “Ablative treatments can give faster results, but the flip side is that there is more downtime and a greater risk of complications.” While it can be hard to choose between the two types, Dr Dicker says that there may be a third option. Fractional ablative procedures have become a recent trend. The procedure limits how much skin is removed during ablative treatments to reduce downtime while still offering quick results.

How Do I Know Which Laser is Best for Me?

Laser treatments can be very effective, but they can also be tricky. Everyone’s skin is different and requires different treatment. To find the best laser for you, consult a professional at a cosmetic or skin care laser centre. The practitioner there will be able to recommend the best treatment for both your skin and the results you want to see. According to Dr Dicker, it’s also important to know that in “most states of Australia there is no regulatory control on either the necessary qualifications of laser practitioners or quality control standards on which laser machines can be used.” To ensure that you’re receiving the best treatment, he recommends doing your research and choosing a medical laser clinic with experienced, University-qualified, practitioners.

The Best Latest Skin Treatments

As technology and science continue to evolve, laser therapies continue to become more efficient and innovative. Leading the way in this innovation, and creating the latest and best skin treatments, is Cynosure. Cynosure is a world leader in the field of laser technology, continuously developing and manufacturing new and improved aesthetic laser and light-based technologies. Known for beautiful results and life changing benefits, Cynosure creates the best new laser therapies for achieving gorgeous skin, such as Picosure Skin Revitalisation and Revlite Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser.

1. Picosure Skin Revitalisation Treatment

Picosure laser is the new gold standard for skin revitalisation and the treatment of wrinkles, acne scars and pigmentation problems. The laser harnesses the power of picosecond technology to deliver ultra-short (trillionths of a second) pulses to the skin to stimulate elastin and collagen production. This revolutionary technology means that patients can achieve the exceptional results of an ablative laser without the same skin damage. The treatment is outstanding for creating rejuvenated, youthful and clear skin with little to no downtime.

How Long Does it Take to Heal?

Downtime for Picosure patients is minimal. Although the treatment is typically followed by a few hours of mild redness and swelling, patients can resume daily activities immediately.

Does It Hurt?

According to Dr Dicker, Picosure treatments are “typically described as feeling like a mild to moderate tingling and heat sensation on the skin.” Despite the minor discomfort, most patients find the procedure easy to tolerate.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of Picosure Skin Revitalisation can vary widely depending on where you visit to receive the procedure and how much treatment your skin requires. At Cosmetic and Laser Medical Centres the cost is around $440 per treatment with four treatments generally recommended. Although Picosure can be pricey, clients often feel that the results outweigh the extra cost.

2. Revlite Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser Treatment

Revlite is a new generation of Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser featuring revolutionary technology that utilises nanosecond pulses to treat a range of skin issues with 60% more power. Treatment with this laser creates outstanding results for those with pigmentation issues, such as dark spots and melasma, as well as acne scars and vascular lesions. Along with creating clearer complexions, this non-ablative laser is an effective method for skin resurfacing and boasts no downtime.

How Long Does it Take to Heal?

Like Picosure, Cynosure’s Revlite Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser has minimal downtime with patients being able to return to daily activities immediately after. Dr Dicker says that it’s “very much a lunchtime procedure.”

Does It Hurt?

Although the Revlite laser doesn’t typically cause pain, patients may experience minimal discomfort from treatments. “The best way to describe the feeling of the Revlite laser on the skin is like little warm sparklers,” explains Dr Dicker.

How Much Does It Cost?

Treatments using a Revlite Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser, although generally cheaper than Picosure, can also vary in price greatly. While it’s always best to ask for a quote from your clinic, patients have been known to pay anywhere between $150 and $400 per treatment. According to Dr Dicker, the cost of laser toning using a Q-Switch Nd:Yag laser at Cosmetic and Laser Medical Centres is $165 per treatment.

Best Laser Skin Products

After receiving laser skin treatment, it’s essential to use the right products to help your skin recover and achieve the best results. When its comes to post-treatment products, it doesn’t get much better than Rationale’s Essential Six range. As luxurious and gentle as they are powerful, these products have revolutionised medical skincare in an incredible way. Featuring three steps in the morning and three at night, this six-product regime offers complete skin protection and repair for all skin types.

1. Immunologist Niacinamide Serum

Rationale’s Immunologist Serum creates skin clarity and calmness by boosting its immune responses. Also featuring ingredients to help normalise melanin production, this potent little serum will have your skin in tip-top shape in no time.

2. Super Antioxidant Ace Rejuvenating Serum

Super Antioxidant Ace uses botanical extracts and antioxidants to protect and rejuvenate damaged skin. Also containing a range of vitamins, this serum is designed to firm skin and reactivate luminosity for a wonderfully radiant complexion.

3. Photodynamic Light Activated Day Cream SPF15

Rationale’s Photodynamic Day Cream SPF15 harnesses the power of light to boost Vitamin D levels and rejuvenate skin. At the same time, this multitasking cream provides a soothing, protective shield against UV, infrared and visible light.

4. Proceramide Emulsion Preparatory Cleanser

Proceramide Emulsion gently cleanses the skin of impurities and makeup while boosting hydration and firmness with nourishing lipids. Unbeatable at creating clear skin, this cleanser is full of powerful antioxidants and ceramides.

5. Catalyst Skin Refining Serum

For reinvigorating skin to look youthful and radiant, nothing beats the Catalyst Skin Refining Serum. The serum, which works to recalibrate the skin’s pH back to a youthful acidity, leaves skin feeling firm and smooth and looking hydrated and luminous.

6. DNA Reactivating Night Cream

The DNA Reactivating Night Cream is a potent repair formula designed to fortify and nourish the skin overnight. Containing three forms of Vitamin A and DNA Repair Enzymes, the cream works to nurture the cellular regeneration process.