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The skin we’re in

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Friday, 30 August 2013 | Tags: , , , ,
By: Anna & Kristina

Like many women, beauty products and procedures may very well be our favourite things to test. Are we looking for hope in a bottle? Perhaps. All we know is, whenever one of us or any of our friends has a beauty tip or product to share, everyone wants the scoop. And there are few things we loathe more than being duped by a promise that doesn't deliver. (We're talkin to you Nanoblur)

So it was with great excitement that we agreed to take part in a test of a procedure called Clear & Brilliant at Anna’s laser clinic, Project Skin.

Clear & Brilliant is a non-surgical, low level laser skin care treatment, designed to fight the signs of aging. That means sun spots, texture and pore size. The idea is to do multiple treatments along with your regular skin care regime.

We each did 4 sessions, lasting about 30 minutes each. The technician moves a laser wand back and forth across your face. The laser creates microscopic lesions which are surrounded by larger areas of healthy skin. The healthy skin then helps the tiny lesions heal, revealing fresher skin.

Does it hurt? (That was Kristina’s first question before we tried the treatment.) Well, a tiny bit. There is definitely a heat sensation during the treatment. It almost feels like they’re dragging a hot pin across your face. But as long as they give you a cool fan to direct at your face during the treatment, any discomfort is pretty low level and doesn’t last long. At the end of the session the technician applies a vitamin C serum along with a cooling masque.

The day of the treatment we both experienced a bit of redness, but in a good way. A few people commented that we looked tanned! The next morning, Kristina noticed some puffiness around the eyes but it was subtle. Redness was gone after a day and while skin felt a bit like sandpaper for the following 7 days, it didn’t LOOK rough. Go figure. So it didn’t affect our work or social lives.

After each treatment, we didn’t notice a significant difference. However after 4 treatments we do indeed think our skin looks more even and with a healthier glow. The procedure didn’t appear to address sun spots, but the overall appearance of our skin was improved. But you be the judge. Before and after photos are below!

BEFORE        |        AFTER

Wallner, Anna (20130108141846569) 20130626154959815

kristina-before-after-sidev

 

 

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  • Erin Frew

    Hi Anna and Kristina! I would love to know which product is best for getting rid of dis-colouration and creating an even skin tone. I have some hyperpigmentation left over from some breakouts (nothing too severe, but something I have to cover up until they’re gone). Could you recommend something? It’s hard to know what really works, and I don’t think my husband would like it very much if I tested a bunch on my own :)

    • Jennifer Mitsuk

      I tried the Garnier dark spot remover ($15) with no change…my dermatologist also prescribed me a vichy product which was at the pharmacy counter and cost me $70 and that did very little as well. Both unfortunately were a waste of money. So I would also love to know of a product/treatment that will even skin tone. Thanks A&K

      • annaandkristina

        Hi Erin & Jennifer,

        I haven’t seen any creams or topical lotions that do a good job but Intense Pulsed Light therapy (IPL) does. It’s also a laser treatment that you have done at the dermatologists office. It did a great job of getting rid of dark spots and freckles on my chest area. We tested it on Beauty Call: http://www.annaandkristina.com/intense-pulsed-light-ipl-therapy/
        -Kristina

    • annaandkristina

      There are lots of topical products that make some difference, but it takes a long time. Of these I recommend SkinCeuticals. It doesn’t completely take them away, but after a few months of use they are minimized. In the laser department, Fraxel is by far the most effective. But it is also the most aggressive and if you’re having it on your face it requires a couple of days of downtime. That’s why they call them “Fraxel Fridays”.
      -Anna

  • Kathy Lawrence

    Can you give the cost? I checked their website, no prices.

    • annaandkristina

      Hi Kathy, treatments range from $300-$500 depending on the area(s) being treated – face, neck, chest. The clinic says they recommend a custom series per skin type and goal.

  • Tracy Dawn

    Maybe those with more skin dis-colorations would see a dramatic difference. For the money I think the IPL is the one I’d try first. I currently use exfoliants (BHA) for reducing any dark spots & it works great, thanks ladies!