Laser facials treatments - co2 or something else?

[Mightneedencouraged]

I need a mid forties refresher badly and really want to go for the best thing out there. I've read that co2 fractional is the gold standard (and even works as well as blepharoplasty in expert hands?!) but 1. It costs a bomb and 2. The recovery takes a while.

Has anyone tried this or something else? Would you recommend what you went for?

I’m a Skin Therapist and I would recommend the following:

1. polynucleotides
2. microneedling (standalone but ideally with growth factors)
3. A few regular facials - maybe 4 as a course to sort out dullness and any issues - think dryness, sensitivity etc
4. A robust home routine (this is very important)
5. SPF
6. diet - make sure you are eating enough protein/fiber/hydration.

This is called treatment stacking and it’s the future of skincare. The CO2 laser is brilliant- it is like sanding an old table and seeing the smooth surface again, however it does not address the cause of the aging. Polynucleotides, microneedling and growth factors address the underlying issue and rectify that. Then a good peel can polish the surface. It does take time to see the results but they are real. Also good for early skin laxity etc.

With the at home routine, don’t go out and buy lots of actives like retinol/vit c/acids before having the appointment with a decent therapist as I have seen overuse and incorrect use cause big issues for the skin barrier.

I am the same age and not ready for the CO2 facial - might never be.

Good luck and I hope this helps.

Two words: Zein Obagi.

Thank you for this! There's a place near me that's just introduced a new mixed facial thing that includes microneedling, polynucleotides and blue light (and I think something else?) so I might give this a go.

<wonders if @Thecup is her medical facialist…!>

I micro needle with exosomes and have deep peels etc, but unless you’re doing the home care routines too, you won’t get the bang for your buck on these in-clinic treatments

Sorry just spotted this - do you mean the home care or in clinic or both?

I use the ordinary and niod at the moment and tbh I think they're pretty good (and not too harsh on my fairly sensitive skin) but so wonder if something else might firm up my eyelids more.

Ideally both, but certainly for the home care. It’s strong stuff and is “stacking” as a qualified person will tell you what products and in what order and when so the sum is greater than the parts IYSWIM?

It’s not cheap, but cheaper than a facelift!

Additionally, to answer your original question, I had fraxel - Jesus H Christ did it hurt. I had my head out the window on the way home as it was BURNING. Otherwise, downtime wasn’t too bad but, honestly, it didn’t revolutionise my face. So I wouldn’t do that as an alternative to CO2.

You could try the Zein Obagi blue peel instead of C02 perhaps?

Following

No I’m not her facialist - I have recommended what you did and highlighted the importance of a robust home routine that is individualised by a specialist- like myself. Polynucleotides are wonderful however not all brands are equal and like everything in life we get what we pay for.

No, no, no! I meant that in the third person because you sound exactly like my facialist and I couldn't have agreed more with your advice

Achhh my eyelids are so saggy I hate

I'd have a bleph but sorry this won't fix the weird shortness

Maybe I just need to embracing being old

PDO threads?

@Thecup I have micro needling regularly on face, neck and hands - but what are growth factors? I’m sure I don’t get those too …

I was in exactly the same position and honestly went round in circles over whether to have CO2 or not. In the end I just booked a consultation at PHI Clinic in London because I'd already been going there for other treatments and really trust them. They actually talked me out of jumping straight into CO2 and suggested more of a combination approach instead, and I'm so glad I listened!! I've had microneedling, polynucleotides and a few other skin treatments over time, and my skin honestly looks so much better than it did a couple of years ago. I genuinely wouldn't go anywhere else now because they've always been really honest with me about what will actually make a difference, rather than just recommending the biggest or most expensive treatment. I'd definitely have a proper consultation before committing to CO2 :)

I had fractional CO2 laser on my lower face just over a week ago to tackle lip lines mostly and around the chin. Had numbing cream 30 minutes before it was still quite painful but tolerable and the burning smell wasn’t good Felt like severe sunburn on the day of treatment but after that not painful at all. Skin felt very very tight and at times quite itchy over the next few days but not as bad as I thought it might be. Now just have to wait to see what effect it’s had

Can I ask, I had plinest around my eyes three times and didn’t see a difference. Is Plinest one you’d recommend? Or is there something better?

I think the only 3 things that really move the needle with facial rejuvenation are
-Botox : for forehead and crows feet
-CO2 laser: remove fine lines
-Surgery : improve saggy skin
I’ve had CO2 laser at London Skin Clinic on Harley street and the results have been great. Was done by a plastic surgeon Onur Gilleard . Needed about 1 week off work as my face looked v red and swollen for the first 4 days especially. But my skin is definitely 20-30% better in terms of fine lines and texture