The study, published in 2021, describes BBL as a non-ablative, non-invasive skin tightening treatment that has shown positive results for many skin conditions in various studies. However, analyzing how well BBL shrinks pore size has rarely been done and has not been reported at all in peer-reviewed journals. The authors set out to determine both the efficacy and safety of BBL treatments for large pores using a measuring technique.

Results are In for BBL

The relatively small study included 25 patients. Each received five BBL treatments every two weeks. It is not uncommon for lasers to require multiple rounds of treatments for optimal results regardless of what issue is being treated. For each participant, half of their face was treated with BBL and the other half was not, serving as the control side. Quantitative information was gathered via pore measurement using a VISIA-CR imaging system. Additionally, evaluation of skin sebum, skin surface hydration, elasticity, and trans-epidermal water loss were measured using various standard devices.

Before treatment, the average number of pores on the face was just over 835. This reduced to 801 after full treatment. However, it is important to note that no treatment actually removes pores. Instead, the pores had shrunk such a degree that they were no longer measurable. The researchers conclude that BBL is safe and “mildly effective” for reducing detectable pores.

Maximizing Results

Pores are enlarged for various reasons, most often due to debris lodging within them. BBL is not going to actually remove debris from the pores, but rather works to tighten the skin. If you want to tackle enlarged pores, routine treatments that include extractions are going to be helpful. This can be combined with BBL to further tighten the skin (and, in turn, shrink the appearance of pores). Those with excess sebum may also benefit from procedures that control oil production, which is prone to clogging the pores. Finally, using medical-grade skin care products at home can help improve the quality of skin including pore size.

Combining in-office treatments like extractions with at-home regimens while undergoing routine laser skin rejuvenation every few months is a popular approach for many clients. One of the best things about BBL is that it is safe for men and women with all skin tones and types. Considering it helps with various conditions, you will also benefit from results beyond “just” shrunken pores. It is especially popular for treating hyperpigmentation, in which the brown spots literally flake away like coffee grounds a few days after each treatment.

Caring for the Skin You’re In

Our skin is our largest organ and it is always changing—this means your treatments should keep up and adjust, too. This is especially true with changing seasons. What worked a few months ago may no longer work and that’s why you deserve to have experts in your corner.

Combination therapies that include BBL will help you get better results faster. Thanks to the design of BBL technology, you can also undergo other therapies during the same treatment in many cases. For example, microneedling can also help with enlarged pores (and works best with ongoing sessions every 4 – 6 weeks). We can work together to create a customized plan just for you that takes your skin’s needs and your goals into account. To find out more and schedule a consultation or appointment for BBL, get in touch with us today. Call Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care or complete the online contact form.

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Thermage FLX

The right treatment—or treatments—for loose skin depends on severity, location, and cause. One of the best treatments for loose skin is Thermage FLX, which uses radiofrequency (RF) to heat the deep layers of tissue below the skin’s surface as a form of collagen induction therapy while leaving the top layer intact. Results are astonishing and typically just one treatment per site is needed for results that last up to two years. One of the best perks about Thermage FLX is that it can be used on larger areas such as the stomach. The outcome is so impressive that many clients find it an excellent alternative to more aggressive, invasive procedures such as cosmetic surgery.

While Thermage FLX is a popular solution for treating loose skin in many areas, it’s not the only option—especially if you’re concerned about small and precise areas like around the eyes.

Fillers and Botox for Skin “Tightening”

Sometimes “loose skin” is actually areas of hollowness, particularly in the face. As we get older, we lose not only collagen but also volume. You might notice a hollowness in the cheeks, under the eyes, and of course in the lips. Simply “tightening” the skin through a method like Thermage FLX isn’t going to give you the results you want because what’s needed is a restoration of volume. That’s where dermal fillers and boosters come in.

Dermal fillers are typically made of synthetic hyaluronic acid (HA) and literally “fill” the areas where volume is missing. Results are instantaneous, though some redness, swelling, and bruising may be visible for a few days. HA fillers can last anywhere from 6 – 18 months, depending on the treatment site, units, and type of fillers. “Boosters” are a filler that is not made with HA and depends on collagen induction. It’s a subtler, slower approach that may be desired by some clients in some areas (such as the tops of the hands).

Botox and other neuromodulators can also help in some areas where “skin tightening” is required. These injectables stop wrinkles and lines in their tracks by temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause them. Skin might not be necessarily “loose,” but rather muscles may have fallen into the habit of creating wrinkles—and in turn the appearance of loose skin.

Laser Skin Rejuvenation

You can also tone and tighten skin while improving texture with laser skin treatments. We have a wide range of lasers and energy-based therapies available, many of which are touted with the ability to reduce lines and wrinkles while tightening the skin. Lasers work in different ways, but all “tell” the body to produce more collagen at the needed site. Collagen is our body’s natural fountain of youth and a necessity for treating “loose” skin.

Of course, there is a point where surgery may be necessary to get the results you want. However, for many clients, that is actually farther down the road than they think. Many times, you can achieve incredible results with non-invasive and minimally-invasive treatments and procedures. We can work together to establish your goals, consider your current skin condition, and create a realistic plan to help you love the skin you’re in. A combination of treatments is often best to help you get the look that you want quickly and safely.

More than a medical day spa, staff members are personally trained and supervised by Zuzana Likar to the highest of standards. We offer complimentary consultations on all treatments so you know you’re getting the best expert care for the most outstanding results. To learn more about these treatments and other offers at Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care, schedule a complimentary consultation today by calling the office or filling out the online form.

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Clear + Brilliant

Clear + Brilliant laser is very popular for those in their twenties who want “pre-juvenation” and treatment of superficial concerns (such as mild skin dullness). Clear + Brilliant is suitable for all skin tones and types and has such a light touch that many clients opt for monthly treatments. There is no downtime and although your skin may look a bit sun-kissed after your treatment, most people immediately get back to their day. This laser is an excellent “entry” technology for those new to laser skin rejuvenation and will leave skin brighter and clearer with every treatment. However, it is not capable of tackling more advanced skin issues like signs of aging and moderate sun damage.

Broadband light (BBL)

BBL is the second generation of intense pulsed light (IPL) lasers and is popular for being able to treat over a dozen skin conditions ranging from lines and wrinkles to rosacea, melasma, sun damage, skin laxity, and even spider veins. BBL is also suitable for every skin tone and type, and is beloved by clients of all ages. If you are using BBL to get rid of unwanted hyperpigmentation like sun damage, you can expect the spots to get darker in the days following the treatment before they slough away like coffee grounds. Skin can look pink or red for up to 48 hours after your treatment, but this is often not intense enough to warrant “downtime.” However, you will need between 4 – 6 treatments on average, each spaced 2 – 4 weeks apart, to achieve optimal results in most cases. After this series, maintenance sessions every six months are recommended.

Morpheus8 Fractional RF Microneedling

Morpheus8 isn’t exactly a laser skin treatment, but rather a form of microneedling that takes results above and beyond anything you’ve experienced before. Since it’s much more than microneedling—and uses RF—Morpheus8 is often clumped in with the laser category. This is one of the latest technologies and has quickly become a client favorite. Unlike traditional microneedling, which causes micro-channels in the skin by expertly-applied needles, Morpheus8 uses specialized gold-plated needles that deliver RF directly into the skin. RF is a fantastic form of collagen induction therapy and is one of the best energies available to treat a wide variety of skin conditions. This hybrid approach is really two treatments in one. Some redness is common for a day or two post-treatment but, again, this typically doesn’t interfere with most daily tasks.

Fraxel Dual

Fraxel Dual is the gold standard in non-ablative fractional lasers, treating every zone of the skin while leaving nearby skin untouched. The name says it all: it treats a “fraction” of the skin, which means damage is minimized and downtime is shortened. Fraxel Dual is one of the most powerful lasers available and reserved for those who want to treat more advanced signs of aging or severe damage. Some downtime is to be expected, but most clients feel confident going back to daily tasks after a few days and special events after 7 – 10 days.

More lasers are available, and you can maximize results by pairing laser skin rejuvenation with other treatments like dermal fillers and Botox. To find out more and create your customized skin care regimen, connect with Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care today. Give us a call during business hours or, for the quickest response, complete the online form.

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Let’s take a look at four of the most popular lasers and light therapies. Every technology is different, sometimes suitable for different skin tones and often tackle different skin issues.

Fraxel Dual

Fraxel Dual is the first non-ablative fractional skin resurfacing treatment. “Fractional” means it offers a scattered targeting to minimize surface damage and downtime. This technology is designed to optimize the tone, texture, and radiance of the skin, turning back the clock and reducing signs of aging. One of the main draws of Fraxel is that just one treatment is typically needed for optimal results. It has a built-in, integrated cooling technology for optimal comfort. Fraxel Dual is best for those who want to look younger without dramatic results or a recovery period.

Use Fraxel Dual for fine lines and wrinkles (such as crow’s feet), surface scarring, and some unwanted pigmentation like age spots, sun damage, and even actinic keratosis. This 1550/1927 nm laser treatment uses tiny laser columns that penetrate deep into the skin in order to stimulate and remodel collagen. With this treatment, you can stimulate healthy, new cell growth from the inside out.

Morpheus8

Morpheus8 is one of the newest technologies on the market and marries the power of radiofrequency (RF) with microneedling. Suitable for all skin tones and usable on the face and body, it reaches new depths—8 mm to be exact. It is the only FDA-cleared device to offer such deep remodeling of subdermal adipose tissue. With “burst” technology, it addresses three levels of the skin and minimizes skin injury with a full body fractional procedure.

Morpheus8 is considered minimally invasive because of its hybrid RF/microneedling approach. However, this combination provides a double dose of collagen production and restructuring. Like the Fraxel Dual, it offers little downtime. You can use Morpheus8 to treat fine lines and wrinkles, laxity, hyperpigmentation, and scarring. Just one treatment yields results that last one year on average.

Clear + Brilliant

Clear + Brilliant is one of the gentlest lasers available, often used for “pre-juvenation.” Ideal for enhancing skin tone, it is often one of the first lasers clients try—although it is a favorite of those from their 20s – 50s. These treatment is quick and gentle with no downtime, making it a perfect choice for a day-of treatment (they are so soft you can get a Clear + Brilliant treatment in the morning and look your best that night). This minimally invasive fractional laser builds upon its own results, and many clients book routine sessions every 4 – 6 weeks.

Enhance tone, improve texture, and optimize skin permeability with this laser treatment that creates millions of micro-zones in the upper layers of the skin. This encourages the body to replace the treated area with more youthful, bright, healthy skin below the surface.

Broadband light therapy (BBL)

Broadband light therapy (BBL) has long been a client-favorite. It uses light-based energy and is the second generation of the equally beloved intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment. It is especially useful for those wanting to vanquish hyperpigmentation, but can be used to treat a variety of issues. BBL uses regenerating technology for skin that is more youthful and smoother. The therapeutic light energy heats up the skin (mildly) to promote collagen production.

Target rosacea, freckles, sun damage, broken blood vessels, and more. A few days after BBL, you will notice targeted dark spots get darker before they slough away. A series of sessions are usually recommended for initial ideal results followed by maintenance sessions every six months.

Every provider is trained by Zuzana Likar, so you can rest easy knowing you are in the best hands. Are you ready to see which laser is for you? Schedule a complimentary consultation at Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care today. Call the office or, for the fastest reply, complete the online form.

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Ultimately, during your consultation, we’ll work with you to match you with the best laser (or lasers) for your skin and goals. Some lasers do not work well with skin that has a lot of melanin. A lot of the time, the best results come from mixing and matching lasers since it’s common to have more than one skin issue (there are, after all, over 3,000 unique skin disorders). Let’s take a look at our top 3 so you can find out more about what everybody is raving about.

Clear + Brilliant

Clear + Brilliant is one of the mildest, gentlest lasers available and is often recommended for those in their 20s as a “pre-juvenation” treatment, but can also be an effective tool for skin that is a little more seasoned. This diode laser treatment might be for you if you’re starting to notice light lines around the eyes and mouth, typically the first place you’ll see them. Have lines on the cheeks? Notice that your skin texture feels rough? Been sporting some light “age spots?” These are all problems that Clear + Brilliant can treat.

Even though this is a gentle treatment, skin will be pink right after the treatment. You can expect this with any laser treatment. It usually goes away in a few hours. In the days following your treatment, skin might feel rougher and gritty while the superficial layer heals. However, just one week later, you’ll see that skin is brighter, more youthful, and softer. Most people opt for ongoing Clear + Brilliant treatments to keep those results as well as delay other signs of aging.

BBL

BBL, otherwise known as broadband light therapy, is a type of energy-based treatment that can brighten and enhance the skin while also stimulating collagen production. Collagen is what makes our skin youthful and plump in the first place, but we lose the ability to produce as much of it as we age. BBL is most often used on the face, neck, chest, arms, and hands, though it can actually be used anywhere. You can use BBL to treat sun damage, pollution damage, and even acne, rosacea, and vascular lesions. Minimize lines, wrinkles, scars, dullness, melasma, and skin laxity with this preferred treatment.

If you’re using BBL for hyperpigmentation, you’ll see dark spots (moles, etc.) get darker in the days following the treatment. Don’t be concerned. This is part of the process and the lesion will soon slough away (looking similar to coffee grounds). If you see that hyperpigmentation after your treatment, that’s a sign that it’s working. Recovery is similar to Clear + Brilliant, with some redness but it does not last long.

Fraxel

Fraxel lasers might be the name you most recognize. It treats a wide variety of skin woes, working to peel the superficial layer of skin away to reveal younger-looking, clearer, glowing skin. From severe acne scarring to more substantial lines and wrinkles, Fraxel is the most powerful of this trio. The treatment sites can be just about anywhere, but like with BBL the most commonly treated areas are the most visible. This laser comes with two wavelengths in one. The first targets texture, scarring, and wrinkles while the other takes care of hyperpigmentation and sun damage. The Fraxel family has a few different options, each designed for different issues.

However, all Fraxel lasers work in the same way: the energy creates tiny columns of destruction within the skin to stimulate the formation of new, healthier skin cells. Working from the inside out, Fraxel can help you undo years of damage.

Find out which laser is best for you by getting in touch with Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care today. Call our office or, for immediate help, complete our online contact form now.

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Hyperpigmentation and poor skin quality happen to everyone as they get older, especially on the face, neck, and top of the hands—areas that are routinely exposed to UV rays. Broadband light therapy, also known as BBL or a photofacial, tackles these common signs of sun damage. It is the most powerful pulsed-light treatment in the world, and yet is gentle enough to require little to no downtime. Although skin will look a little pink after your treatment, this goes away in a day or two. Depending on the type of issue you are treating, results can take 1 – 2 weeks to show in earnest.

How BBL Works

BBL stimulates skin cell growth while encouraging faster regeneration. The faster the cells regenerate, the quicker more youthful skin will appear. The goal of BBL is a glowing complexion that is clearer, brighter, and more radiant after just one treatment (though multiple treatments are often recommended for optimal results). After your initial series of BBL treatments, maintenance sessions with Forever Young BBL every few months can help you sustain those results.

BBL also helps stimulate collagen production, which our bodies make less of as we get older. Collagen is the secret weapon for youthful skin, ensuring that skin is soft, supple, and clear. With BBL, you’re not just telling your body to produce more collagen, but also where to do so. However, collagen production takes time. You will see results of BBL continue to improve for 4 – 6 weeks after each treatment.

What BBL Treats

BBL treats a variety of skin conditions, and when it comes to brown spots the process is a bit unique. The light is absorbed by the pigmented areas. Next, you will see these spots get darker in the days right after the treatment, but don’t worry. This is part of the process. Soon, they will flake or peel away and you will be left with a clear complexion. Many clients quite enjoy this part of BBL because it is very visible representation of how well BBL is working.

However, for those who are not addressing hyperpigmentation and are instead focused on rough skin, poor texture, or visible blood vessels, you might not notice much peeling or flaking at all. BBL is not like the aggressive lasers of yore that caused immense discomfort and required days of downtime. BBL is designed to fit with your life, improving your complexion without getting in the way of your busy life.

Combining BBL with Other Treatments

BBL is gentle enough to complement other treatments so you can maximize results. From in-office facials to microneedling and injectables, depending on your goals you might be able to undergo BBL alongside other treatments during the same appointment. If this isn’t possible, as some treatments do not “play well” together so close in succession, scheduling separate appointments can still take your BBL results to the next level.

BBL is a popular tool to turn back the clock, but there is no minimum age requirement. It can also be a great option for pre-juvenation and addressing signs of aging early. The sooner you start taking care of your skin, the quicker it will return the favor.

This laser treats a wide variety of skin concerns, and considering there are over 3,000 unique skin conditions that says a lot. This means you can enjoy multiple benefits and address a number of concerns during one quick visit. Most BBL appointments take less than an hour, but it does depend on how many areas you treat and the size. Find out if BBL is the right choice for you during a consultation. Contact Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care today by calling the office or complete the online form.

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Everyone is different, and every person with rosacea has their own triggers. However, some of the most common triggers include wind, cold, makeup, and alcohol (especially red wine). If that sounds like a list of things you deal with during the holidays, you’re not alone. ‘Tis the season of rosacea, but that doesn’t mean you have to look like Rudolph this time around. We have the tools to help you better understand why rosacea is rearing its ugly head and the laser therapy to get it in check.

Why Rosacea Right Now?

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes visible blood vessels and redness. It most often presents on the face, but can also be on the neck, chest, ears, and head. You might see patches of dry skin, enlarged pores, nose swelling, bumps that look like acne, and feel like the skin is burning or stinging. Such symptoms can persist for weeks when untreated, especially in the winter.

Nobody knows exactly what causes this condition, but we do know that it’s important to identify triggers and that the redness is caused by increased blood flow. During winter months when the air is cold and dry, rosacea is more common. The skin is already irritated by environmental factors. Add in holiday cheer with happy hours and mulled wine, and it’s a recipe for disaster. Fortunately, even though rosacea isn’t curable, it is certainly manageable. BBL is the gold standard for getting rosacea under control.

BBL and Rosacea

Rosacea can be tough to treat because a lot of so-called therapies actually make flare-ups worse. BBL bypasses the skin’s surface to treat the actual root of the flare-up, which means additional stress is kept to a minimum. The BBL therapeutic light soothes dilated blood vessels that are causing the redness. Sometimes there are no avoiding triggers entirely. Winter is here, and you shouldn’t have to completely opt-out of holiday cheer.

If you want to actually treat the source of rosacea symptoms instead of just covering it up, BBL can help make this happen. BBL not only treats actively dilated blood vessels, but prevents them from flaring up again in the future. At the same time, BBL offers restorative perks, such as new cell growth. This cutting-edge light-based technology actually shrinks blood vessels, which means you enjoy skin that is calmer and more evenly toned.

What to Expect with BBL

BBL is a favorite laser treatment for a variety of skin conditions, not just rosacea. One reason is because it is so quick and comfortable. It is often described as feeling like a rubber band snapping against the skin’s surface, and topical numbing creams are available for sensitive clients. Most BBL sessions for rosacea take only 15 minutes and there’s little to no downtime. Any redness from the treatments will subside quickly, and patients can immediately apply sunscreen, makeup, and other typical topicals. You can immediately return to work or daily tasks after a BBL session. However, to be certain there is no lingering redness, you may want to schedule BBL treatments the week before a big event.

Your exact healing time from BBL will vary, but most people see any redness dissipate 2 – 5 days after their session. It is common to see freckles and age spots darken before they “flake off” within one week of the treatment. Note that if you are opting for BBL for rosacea, you might also experience a side effect of unwanted brown spots disappearing after your treatment, but be aware that they can look darker first so plan your holiday partying accordingly.

Are you ready to regain control of your rosacea this holiday season? Schedule your complimentary consultation or appointment with Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care today. Call the office or, for a faster response, complete the online form.

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Clear + Brilliant is a favorite for both reversing signs of aging and sun damage as well as a pre-juvenation treatment. It improves the overall look and quality of the skin with little to no downtime. This therapy is typically recommended for those who want to minimize the look of fine lines, reduce the size of pores, and generally enjoy a rejuvenated appearance. Clear + Brilliant can be used on all skin tones and sessions are just 30 minutes.

This is considered one of the gentlest devices, but those with very sensitive skin can opt for a numbing cream for added comfort. The Intelligent Optical Tracking technology makes sure there is always optimized contact with the skin for a uniform outcome. Clear + Brilliant also comes with Perméa® treatments as an option, which maximizes any topical skin care treatment that follow a laser session. You can even add Clear + Brilliant onto other treatments, including some laser treatments, to further enhance results.

Laser Love

Broadband light therapy, or BBL, is also called a photofacial and is the second generation of IPL treatments. It can be used to treat tougher skin conditions including acne, spider veins, and rosacea, but is also phenomenal for reducing signs of sun damage including lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. If you want a brighter complexion and to tackle skin concerns, BBL can be used on the face, neck, hands, chest, and arms.

BBL is most commonly recommended for those with skin that is showing signs of UV damage, pollution, and dermatological conditions—including stubborn melasma. It helps make skin firmer, more elastic, and more even not only via the light therapy but also by encouraging the body’s natural healing processes to regrow healthy skin cells. During your treatment, which usually lasts about 30 minutes, broad-spectrum wavelengths are directed at the underlayers of the skin where the energy is absorbed. This eliminates darker unwanted skin cells (such as brown spots) while encouraging collagen production. Results are seen a few days after the treatment with full results a few weeks later.

Fraxel Dual Laser Technology

Fraxel Dual is the first non-ablative fractional option for skin resurfacing. This treatment can improve tone and texture while amping up radiance and reducing signs of aging, scarring, and sun damage. If you want to look younger without any need for downtime, Fraxel might be for you. One reason many clients love Fraxel because just one treatment yields dramatic results. Plus, with the integrated cooling technology, Fraxel sessions are comfortable and quick.

Fraxel can be used to treat brow lines, crow’s feet, and is effective in minimizing surgical and acne scars. Turn back the clock with Fraxel Dual 1550/1927 laser treatments, which target problem areas with microscopic laser columns that penetrate deep to kick-start collagen production. Since this laser targets a fraction of tissue in quick succession, surrounding tissue remains unharmed—which means minimal downtime.

Your Laser Experience

If you’re interested in laser skin resurfacing, not any medical day spa will do. At Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care, Zuzana Likar personally trains staff members to her unparalleled standards. We offer complimentary consultations on all treatments, including lasers, so you can gauge for yourself the expertise of the professional who will be administering your treatment. Getting matched with the right laser is just part of the equation. You also deserve to only work with leading experts for the best results.

Book your consultation for Clear + Brilliant, BBL, Fraxel, or a combination of lasers today. Contact Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care by calling the office, or for the fastest response complete the online contact form.

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You might have read that virtually no preparation is necessary for laser skin rejuvenation, but the emphasis is on “necessary.” While prep might not be required, it is certainly recommended by laser experts like Likar. In fact, using just a product with Hydroquinone like Obagi Nuderm prior to your appointment can dramatically improve laser results and diminish any downtime.

The Importance of Skin Care with Laser Resurfacing

There’s no denying the importance of good medical-grade skin care no matter what treatments you undertake, but having the right regimen is especially critical before and after laser treatments. Obagi Nuderm is the product recommended by Likar, and is available by prescription only. We are available to provide your prescription following a short consultation. If you want the best results following your laser treatment, Obagi Nuderm is a must.

However, the right skin care is essential even if laser skin resurfacing isn’t part of your plans. A recent study has shown that proper skin care, particularly moisturizing, has been linked to a lower risk of dementia. Considering that the skin is an organ, albeit an external one, it’s not so surprising that its health is connected to your holistic system.

Hydroquinone Skin Care for Better Health

Most people think moisturizing the skin is just to help it from getting dry. However, University of California, San Francisco researchers say there are many more benefits to this Hydroquinone staple product. According to their findings, age-damaged skin may be a factor in age-related health issues including dementia and heart disease. The full report is available in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

Scientists worked with older patients at the San Francisco Veterans Administration Health System and found that “inflamm-aging” was common. This refers to older adults having “chronic, subclinical systemic inflammation,” which is linked to type-2 diabetes and osteoporosis. But why is this happening? It comes down to cytokines, the small proteins your body releases via the immune system to signal damaged skin inflammation.

The Skin and the Aging Process

Cytokines aren’t very harmful in small doses, but if enough accumulates in the circulatory system then “inflamm-aging” occurs. This is a risk everyone faces, but older adults are more vulnerable simply because their skin is more likely to be damaged. However, there is good news. The researchers discovered that seniors using three milliliters of moisturizer twice per day had “significantly fewer cytokines,” which means a lower risk of chronic illnesses and diseases.

This information isn’t entirely new. The lead researcher notes that it has “long been understood that inflammatory markers are associated with pathological changes associated with aging.” However, what is somewhat marvel is the idea that something as accessible and simple as a proper skin care routine can address and reverse it.

Skin Prep Can Help: Hydroquinone

Our skin isn’t just an organ, it’s also the primary barrier between ourselves and the environment. However, our skin is often overlooked—it’s rarely addressed at the GP. As we get older, our skin gets thinner and more delicate. It’s important for everyone of every age to have a skin care routine that involves moisturizing, but it’s especially critical for older adults.

However, moisturizing can be just one part of a proper skin care regimen. Cleansers, exfoliators, and specialized serums can also help keep skin healthy and youthful. And, if you are considering an in-office treatment like laser skin rejuvenation, particular products can help to prep and safeguard the skin through these treatments. No matter your current regimen, upgrading to the right medical-grade products will make all the difference. Schedule your complimentary consultation for a skin care regimen, laser resurfacing, or other treatment today by calling Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care, or simply complete the online contact form.

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We are often asked why we have so many lasers, and the answer is simple: We offer customized results and treatment plans for every client. Lasers aren’t a one-size-fits-all technology, but that is somewhat how they began 120+ years ago. At the turn of the last century, German theoretical physicist Max Plank discovered the link between the frequency of radiation and energy. He found that energy could be absorbed in very discerned “quanta,” somewhat like chunks.

Einstein’s Impact on Lasers

Just five years after Plank’s discovery, in 1905, Albert Einstein offered his theory on how light is delivered in quanta as well, which he claimed was represented by photons-discrete quantum particles. Eleven years later, Einstein offered his concept of stimulated emission in 1916. These were named photons, which worked with excited molecules or atoms, and could kick-start new photon emission of the same polarization, phase, or frequency of the initial photon’s direction.

It wasn’t until the 1960s that a laser with a ruby rod that emitted light energy became available. It was developed by American physicist Theodore Maiman, and in 1963 American surgeon Leon Goldman began using lasers for treating skin conditions. He used Maiman’s laser to destroy targeted pigmented parts of the skin as well as unwanted black hair. After these reports, there were several developments and publications that focused on lasers for rejuvenation. In short time, the ruby lasers and Q-switched lasers were used to treat hyperpigmentation (and tattoo removal). At the same time, argon lasers were being researched for treating vascular lesions while carbon dioxide lasers were being studied for skin lesions.

Modern Laser Usage

Through the 1970s, there were several advancements in photo surgery for dermatological purposes. For example, energy-based devices for wound healing were developed as well as photodynamic therapy. One of the biggest developments happened in 1983 when dermatologists John Parrish and Rox Anderson created the theory of selective photothermolysis. Their findings clarified how tissues and lasers interacted to destroy specific targets (dubbed chromophores). They showed that predetermined wavelengths of lasers were absorbed by those chromophores much more so than nearby tissues (such as healthy skin that did not need to be treated).

By the 1990s, robotic scans were available so that lasers could rove over the treatment site very precisely and in a uniform manner. This minimized the unnecessary tissue injury that can happen when a laser beam is targeting an area for too long. Scanners were also the springboard for the next generation of lasers, called laser surgery-ablative resurfacing. These resurfacing lasers created a controlled wound to stimulate collagen production, lessen wrinkles, and tighten skin. However, at the time, they also posed a big risk of scarring.

Today’s Lasers

The next big development was fractionated lasers, first detailed in 2004. They work by creating patterns of tiny injuries and skipped areas for optimal healing. This leads to less downtime and scarring. Such lasers are still used today, but of course with ample advancements. Although we have come a long way in the world of lasers, there is always newer, better, safer technology being developed. That’s why we are dedicated to keeping a suite of lasers that have been proven to offer optimal results for clients of every skin tone and type.

Today, one of the best ways to get the results you want is by mixing and matching lasers and other non-surgical treatments. Gentle lasers can often be used back-to-back in the same appointment. To determine which laser(s) is right for you, from BBL to Clear + Brilliant, Fraxel Dual, or Thermage FLX, it all starts with a complimentary consultation. Discover our world of lasers and find out exactly how you can turn back the clock to achieve beautiful, clear, bright, youthful skin. Contact Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care today by calling the office at (650) 565-8683 or filling out the contact form.

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