When I studied for my electrical engineering undergrad, lasers were the sh*t. I had a part time job at UBC where we were developing a product that uses laser technology to detect nano particles in the air. Recently, I’ve been interested in using laser for beauty purposes as I just recently started doing laser hair removal.
Apart from taking my driving test, one of the ‘riskiest’ things I’ve probably done is the Clear + Brilliant laser treatment at Project Skin. I was invited to try the Clear + Brilliant treatment last month, and I wasn’t feeling too confident about my skin that time, so why not? I’ve been hearing many things how laser can improve the skin so I thought it would be worth a go! In a nutshell, the Clear + Brilliant treatment is a non-invasive resurfacing laser treatment that helps even skin tone, minimize pores, increase radiance, and targets areas of the skin with sun damage.
Project Skin is located in Vancouver, tucked into a corner on West 11th and Granville St. It is a centre for dermatology, laser and anti-aging and uses technology to treat skin problems. it also home to the SkinCeuticals Advanced Clinical Spa where customers can discuss skincare goals, and also treat their skin with clinical peels, medical facials and dermaplaning.
Clear + Brilliant uses fractional laser technology uses laser energy to create millions of microscopic treatment zone on the skin to replaced damaged skin with healthy tissue. This treatment is best for the first signs of signs of aging, as well with those who may have dull skin or enlarged pores. The treatment results in softening of fine lines, reduction in pore size, radiant and smooth skin, and fix irregular pigments.
Prior to the treatment, I met with Dr. Bill McGillivray (read more about him here) and he walked me through the process and gave me an explanation of the Clear + Brilliant treatment. Him and the laser esthetician, Christine, were very thorough and they noticed on my waiver form that I’ve had cold sores in the past. Laser treatments can induce cold sores, so I was given a prescription for Valtrex if I feel one coming (oh I wish I knew the existence of these five years ago, could’ve saved me the embarrassment during final exam time.) I also noted that one of my major skin concerns was acne on my forehead and he also prescribed me some acne treatment. Luckily I didn’t get a cold sore after the laser treatment! Both Christine and Dr. McGillivray made me feel more at ease, because inside I was quite nervous about what I was getting myself into!!
I had an option to use numbing cream before the treatment, but I decided to fool myself that I could handle pain (I was half right/half wrong.) During the process, Christine used the laser wand and ran it across my face; covering each area around 4 times (excluding the under eye area.) I found the most painful was the forehead. I was given a little cooling fan and I could blow it on my face when the laser was being used. Even after the treatment, I continued blowing my face with the fan. It felt like really hot rubber bands were flicking over my face. Supposedly, the area above the lips is the most sensitive. Possibly because I used to wax my upper lip so much I’ve become numb to the pain!
The treatment took around an hour; since Christine used a few Skinceuticals products on me before I left. She used the Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum, followed by a sheet mask that cooled down my face. She also used the Phyto Corrective Gel (has a green colour which helped to combat the redness and calm the skin.) She finished off with the Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50. (Definitely don’t do a laser treatment when it’s extremely sunny outside, luckily it was a cloudy day when I did the Clear + Brilliant!)
Post treatment, I could’ve sworn I looked like Deadpool, unmasked.
For the first few hours, my face was on fire and I could feel the heat even washing my face at night. Christine warned me that the first 5-7 days, my skin will be peeling off and then I’ll have buttery soft skin afterwards. My skin was never drier than before after and it literally felt like fine sandpaper when I rubbed my fingers across the skin. I could legit hear a scratchy sound when lightly scratched my face. My skin was pretty pink for the first 24 hours; I asked my coworkers what they think and they said it looked like my skin was in cold weather for a few hours.
I looked less like Deadpool after 48 hours but my skin was still dry. Even applying moisturizer every 30 minutes didn’t do much. By day 5, my skin was pretty much back to normal and it was very, very smooth. All that exfoliation my skin went under counted for something! My pores do look a bit less visible and I looked less sallow? I can’t say if my skin got younger since I’m in my mid 20’s (I guess that’s a good thing still!) The differences in my skin weren’t huge though and after a few weeks my skin seemed to be back to normal. A few more treatments is probably needed to get more visible results from Clear + Brilliant.
Overall, the Clear + Brilliant laser resurfacing treatment was an interesting experience; I had no idea what to expect and the people at Project Skin were very knowledgeable. The first few days after the treatment had me living in fear of my skin never going back to normal, but my face was in good hands! I’m not sure if laser technology is my thing but I hope I gave some insight to those who are curious about it and always wanted to try it!
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Disclaimer: Complimentary service was given in exchange for a blog post. Opinions are my own and the review is 100% honest.
