SEE THE LIGHT

Get glowing like never before with a laser treatment

The latest advances in skincare include laser treatments that are less invasive but more effective. Light therapy has become increasingly popular as a cure-all for skin conditions ranging from acne to wrinkles, yet confusion remains as to what the different types of lasers can achieve. Here we shed some light on the options …

LASER

The most powerful type on the market is the Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (LASER), a single wavelength of intense light. Treatments are classified as ablative or non-ablative, but both work by causing controlled damage to the skin, thereby stimulating cellular renewal and the healing process. “Ablative laser is used to resurface the skin micro-layer by micro-layer, removing broken veins, pigment and even birthmarks,” says laser surgeon Dr Patrick Bowler. “Non-ablative laser works by heating up the collagen within the skin to nudge it into producing more.” As non-ablative treatments become increasingly effective, fewer people opt for the more invasive alternative. Different lasers serve different purposes – some work similarly to IPL for pigmentation, while others treat acne by heating up the oil glands to stunt their production by killing bacteria. Celebrity facialist Debbie Thomas says, “Opt for a series of gradual treatments rather than an aggressive one-off session. Pushing the skin too hard too soon will cause an adverse reaction.” As with any treatment involving skin trauma, proper aftercare is a must. “Skin can be hot and red for 24 hours,” says facialist Vaishaly Patel, who treats issues such as thread veins and rosacea with laser. “Apply a sunscreen every day and be gentle, avoiding exfoliating products or acids for around two week afterwards.”