The Ultimate Guide to Laser and Light Treatments at SkinSpirit

While lasers may seem like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, they can be powerful tools to elevate your skin's appearance. Laser and light treatments are revolutionizing how we address skin concerns — without the need for surgery, these therapies deliver natural-looking and long-lasting results.

Read on to learn more about the laser skincare options available at SkinSpirit and how our expert providers can help you choose the right treatment.

What Are Laser and Light Treatments?

Laser and light treatments are noninvasive procedures that use focused light energy to treat sun damage, wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, uneven skin tones, unwanted hair and more.

These treatments can promote collagen production, remove damaged skin cells and encourage the growth of healthy cells. The results? A youthful complexion, glowing skin and the ultimate confidence boost. While there are many types of laser treatments suited to various skin conditions, some of the benefits include:

• Reducing the signs of aging.
• Fading acne or other scars.
• Evening out pigmentation.
• Diminishing texture.
• Tightening and lifting the skin.
• Promoting a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance.

Because laser and light therapies involve the use of powerful beams, they are medical-grade treatments that must be performed by qualified professionals. Skincare clinics like SkinSpirit provide access to certified experts and medically proven procedures in an inviting environment. The ultra-luxurious feel of each SkinSpirit location is one of the many factors that make us unique — you deserve to feel as good as you look. Besides delivering natural-looking results, we pride ourselves on our best-in-class providers, who are the heart and soul of what we do.

Laser and Light Treatments Offered at SkinSpirit

At SkinSpirit, you can choose from a variety of laser skincare therapies. Each procedure treats specific skin conditions, so you will find one suited to your needs and aesthetic goals.

1. Laser Hair Reduction

Laser treatment for hair removal reduces unwanted body hair using pulses of laser light to destroy the hairs at the follicles. With multiple sessions (8-10), the damaged follicles produce finer and fewer hairs over time. Laser therapies offer longer-lasting results than other hair removal methods. This treatment can also improve ingrown hairs, a painful and irritating side effect often caused by shaving, tweezing or waxing.

With laser hair removal, you can target the following areas:

• Arms, underarms and legs
• Bikini area
• Back and neck
• Stomach
• Face, including above the lip, sideburns, the chin and eyebrows

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2. Morpheus8

Morpheus8 combines the power of microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) technology to tighten, smooth and lift the skin. This treatment uses tiny needles that emit RF energy to reach the skin's deepest layers, revitalizing collagen and elastin production.

With customizable needle lengths, Morpheus8 can treat your face, neck and chest, as well as your abdomen, arms, legs and buttocks. This process is also safe for all skin tones and types and can address the following conditions:

• Wrinkles and crepey skin
• Acne scarring and skin texture
• Stretch marks and cellulite
• Mild fat reduction
• Skin laxity
• Skin tone
• Enlarged pores
• Rosacea

After this procedure, you'll likely instantly notice that your skin looks brighter and feels firmer. At around the three-week mark, you should start to see significant changes. As with all therapies that stimulate collagen production, optimal results will usually become visible after multiple sessions.

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3. Laser Skin Resurfacing

We offer various laser skin resurfacing procedures that address many skin concerns, including helping to treat sun damage, smooth wrinkles, calm redness and rosacea, and reduce blemishes.

Beyond being used on the face, these treatments can target the neck, chest and arms by delivering heat to the skin, which boosts collagen. As their name suggests, most laser resurfacing therapies resurface the top layer of skin. They also tackle imperfections in the deeper layers and spark a healing reaction by removing damaged skin cells.

While the type of laser resurfacing treatments available varies based on the SkinSpirit in your area, a firm favorite among our clients is HALO®. MOXI® is another common choice, and some clinics offer carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers. Let's take a closer look at these three options.

4. HALO®

The HALO® laser treatment involves ablative and nonablative laser technologies. The former works to remove damaged skin cells and encourage new skin growth in the outermost layer of the skin, and the latter goes deep into underlying layers to promote collagen production. This dual-action approach allows this procedure to be customized for each client, with adjustable depth and intensity to improve the appearance of:

• Uneven skin tone and texture.
• Discoloration, like red or brown spots.
• Pigmented lesions.
• Sun damage.
• Fine lines and wrinkles.
• Acne scarring.
• Large pores.

Your skin may peel a few days after treatment, revealing a smoother texture and fewer dark spots. As your skin regenerates over the following weeks and months, you'll likely see more significant changes in pigmentation, texture and tone. Eventually, you'll be left with a youthful and radiant glow that lasts.

5. CO2 Laser

CO2 laser treatments only use ablative laser technologies, removing damaged skin cells in the top layer of the skin to target concerns such as hyperpigmentation, uneven texture, fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, CO2 is a great laser treatment for acne scars, as it can effectively break down scar tissue and promote the production of collagen, leading to a much smoother complexion.

You can also achieve tighter skin with CO2 laser therapies — by heating the collagen beneath the deeper layers, the skin contracts. Along with a tightening effect, your skin's elasticity may improve, resulting in a firmer look and feel.

Like the HALO® treatment, your skin will most likely peel in the days following your procedure. Your new skin will appear pink and will lighten up over the next two to three months. Fine lines, sun spots and acne scars should start to fade, with pigmentation becoming less noticeable.

6. MOXI®

MOXI® is a type of fractional laser resurfacing treatment that delivers laser energy in pixels to target a specific percentage of skin tissue, boosting collagen production and enhancing skin tone and texture. This process triggers the body's natural healing process to promote the growth of new, tighter and healthier skin tissue to replace damaged cells. Plus, by treating only a highly targeted area, the skin may heal much faster than treating the entire area at once.

The MOXI® procedure can improve the appearance of:

• Fine lines and wrinkles, such as crow's feet.
• Surface scarring, such as acne or surgical scars.
• Pigmentation from age spots.
• Sun-damaged skin.

Following this treatment, you can expect your skin to peel for a couple of days, and the results will get better with time and multiple sessions. You'll see the most noticeable improvement in two to three months — fresher, more youthful-looking skin that feels smoother.

7. IPL and BBL Photofacial

A broadband light (BBL) photofacial is a noninvasive but powerful procedure for minimizing hyperpigmentation, redness and signs of discoloration from sun damage. With broad-spectrum light, this treatment targets skin concerns right at the source, achieving quicker and more effective results than many other treatments. As this light therapy leaves the skin unharmed, you'll likely experience minimal downtime.

BBL is an advanced intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment. Both photofacials can treat a variety of areas that are regularly exposed to the sun, from the face, neck and chest to the arms and hands. Along with being highly effective at tackling sun damage, IPL and BBL can help you reduce:

• Age spots and wrinkles.
• Redness and rosacea.
• Broken facial vessels.
• Dull skin.

You'll typically see improvements after your first treatment, such as a more even skin tone and an overall radiant and refreshed complexion. We always recommend up to five sessions for best results. With multiple procedures, your skin should look clearer, younger and tighter.

How Our Providers Choose a Laser and Light Treatment That Suits You

With so many laser and light therapies offering incredible results and some addressing overlapping concerns, choosing a treatment can be tricky. Luckily, you don't have to make this decision — your provider will determine which option will be best for you. A personalized consultation with a skilled professional is an absolute must.

At SkinSpirit, our expert providers will examine your skin and individual needs, discuss the potential outcomes of the different therapies and recommend the most suitable treatment plan. They will also let you know what you can expect during or after the treatment, how much it will cost, the number of sessions you'll need and directions for pre- and post-care.

When recommending a procedure, our expert providers consider the following factors:

• Skin tone and types: Some lasers are more suited to specific skin types and tones than others. For example, if you have darker skin, you may be more at risk of burns, hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. However, with the right laser resurfacing treatment and an effective medical-grade skincare routine, individuals can enjoy safe and effective outcomes. Advancements in laser hair removal technology have also created opportunities for clients with dark hair to safely enjoy this treatment.
• Downtime: Providers will consider how much recovery time works for you and your schedule. However, remember that more downtime typically means more significant results. Because they aren't resurfacers, IPL and BBL therapies usually have quick recovery periods with subtle swelling or redness that should go down in a few days. CO2 and HALO® treatments require a longer recovery period but are better for improving textural concerns. While MOXI® requires less downtime and is effective at targeting pigmentation, it is more limited in treating texture.
• Aesthetic goals: As mentioned, treatments using fractional lasers, such as MOXI®, or ablative laser therapies can offer more dramatic results. If you want something more gradual, providers will put IPL and BBL forward as ideal choices. Morpheus8 offers the best of both worlds — an instant glow with results that improve over time.
• Cost: These treatments can be relatively expensive, and you may need several sessions to see the results you want. Providers will keep your budget in mind when recommending a therapy.

It is also important to note that you may not be a good candidate for laser or light therapy if you:

• Are taking medications such as Accutane or blood thinners.
• Are prone to keloids or excessive scarring.
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Have had sun exposure that changed your baseline color within one month of treatment.
• Have active acne.

What You Can Expect During Laser and Light Treatments

Although each laser and light therapy is different, here's what you can generally expect from the treatment process:

• Consultation: The first step of the process should always be a consultation with a professional. Along with assessing your skin and reviewing your medical history, your technician will ask questions about your age, primary skin concerns and desired results. Additionally, they will explain any possible risks, side effects and the necessary downtime. Ensure that you understand the procedure by asking clarifying questions.
• Before: Preparing for treatment is vital and often starts days, weeks or even months before the appointment. Depending on the procedure, you may be asked to stay out of the sun or avoid active ingredients in your skincare products, such as retinoids or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs). You may also need to avoid waxing or plucking the targeted area. A medical-grade skincare program is essential when receiving any laser or light treatment, so your provider will likely prescribe a specific regimen to prep your skin.
• During: Your provider will begin the treatment by cleaning the area and applying a local anesthetic or numbing cream to decrease any discomfort. They will also give you special goggles to protect your eyes from the laser's bright light. You may feel a slight pricking or warm sensation throughout the treatment as they move the device over the targeted area. Your provider may also use techniques like a cooling gel to soothe your skin.
• After: Depending on the laser or light therapy used, you will likely experience some redness, swelling and increased sensitivity immediately after your treatment. Peeling may also occur in the days following your treatment. All side effects should subside in a few days or weeks, and your provider will give you after-care instructions to help with healing. By closely following the pre- and post-care instructions, you can minimize the severity of the side effects.

The Safety of Laser and Light Treatments

Laser and light therapies are widely used and safe when performed by experienced technicians using high-quality devices. The FDA regulates the lasers used in these treatments as prescriptive devices, meaning they can only be sold to licensed medical practitioners. SkinSpirit only uses technology from trusted manufacturers and procedures with proven results and safety.

While the FDA has confirmed that these and other devices used in laser and light therapies are safe, additional peace of mind can come from the expertise and skill of your practitioner. When you book an appointment at one of our many locations, you can be assured that you are in good hands with our team of medical professionals.

All of our providers undergo advanced education through SkinSpirit University. Thanks to our faculty of trainers and educators who are at the forefront of the industry, our team has access to the most up-to-date knowledge on each light and laser service we offer. This aesthetic medicine-focused continuing education goes above and beyond state regulations and the continuing medical education (CME) requirements specific to industry licensing.

Schedule Your Laser Consultation at SkinSprit Today

If you are ready to begin your journey to tighter, brighter and more lifted skin, take the first step by scheduling a free consultation at a SkinSpirit location near you. Our licensed medical providers will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique goals and desired results.

Our med spas offer safe, effective and medically proven treatments to help you feel rejuvenated and comfortable in your skin. Explore our services, or book an appointment today!