I’m Fascinated by Anti-Aging Laser Treatments

Anti-aging laser products and spa services seem to be popping up everywhere I look lately, and I confess that I’m absolutely fascinated by it. In the past, I’ve written about how I’ve dabbled in light therapy for skin.  Laser is a whole new level though. I’m not certain I’d go that far. I’m just not that obsessed with my wrinkles, fine lines and the rest to want to do much more than great skin care and home treatments as well as the occasional splurge on a facial at a day spa.

I’ve Fallen Down the Anti-Aging Laser Rabbit Hole

As much as I tell myself that signs that I’m getting older don’t bother me, I can’t say that I’m not completely curious about new anti-aging laser treatments that are popping up everywhere.  I’m fascinated with the thought that something like light zapping could make a real difference in a person’s appearance.

Here’s what I’ve learned so far. Certainly, I’m not an expert, but this is what I’ve come to understand based on regularly googling.

What are Anti-Aging Laser Treatments?

Anti-aging laser treatments are also known by several other names. Spas often call them laser skin resurfacing.  Unlike LED-based treatments, these are done by dermatologists or doctors with experience and equipment appropriate to this type of work. They use light just like LED does, but in this case it’s far more intense.

Anti-aging laser treatments can:

• Reduce various aging signs such as dark spots, wrinkles and fine lines
• Remove unwanted hairs and several other types of unwanted marks
• Improve the overall texture of the skin and complexion as a whole.

There Are Two Main Types of Treatment

There are two kinds of anti-aging laser treatment that you could get.  These are used for different reasons, so it’s important to make sure you’re pursuing the right type if you’re considering getting a treatment. These types are:

• Ablative lasers
• Non-ablative lasers

Ablative lasers use CO2 or erbium tools. They work by burning or peeling away the entire top layer of your skin (which sounds far gorier than it is. One layer is exceptionally thin, and we naturally shed layers all the time). This removes the superficial skin issues on that outer layer, exposing a fresh layer underneath.

Non-ablative lasers use intense pulsed laser light (sometimes known as IPL) for treating a spectrum of different types of skin condition. What you might want depends on the outcome you’re looking for.

Does Anti-Aging Laser Treatment Hurt?

I’ve never tried it myself, but from what I can see, depending on the method you use, it can hurt a bit.  It’s not anything powerful, but it’s uncomfortable. That’s how I understand it. Unlike LED treatments, there is some downtime, but as I understand it, it’s short. Depending on the type you get, it would be a day or a few days of healing at most.

The most common side effects are bumps, rashes and mild burning in the specific area that was lasered. They’re usually gone within a few hours to a day. Other issues can occur though, so it’s important to do your research and ask a lot of questions before you get started. Fascinating though!