My Skincare Journey – Lasers For Anti-Aging
Aging sucks. It’s as simple as that. Being in my mid-thirties, I can see that my skin is starting to noticeably change and it’s really starting to freak me out. Those dreaded fine lines and wrinkles are not only starting to appear but it looks like they are trying to settle in for a nice long stay. I’ve tried every cream, serum, and potion under the sun but nothing has ever lived it up to its promises. And thanks to my pure ignorance and disregard for taking care of my skin when I was younger (read more about that here), here we are. So instead of taking the backseat and continuing to complain about my new trouble spots, I’ve decided to do something about it.
The Problem:
After hearing rave reviews from a friend about her laser treatments with Sandra Oulmas, I gave her a call to set up my first consultation. During my first appointment, Sandra asked me what I liked about my skin, what I wished was different and what I was looking to achieve during my treatments with her. I told her that I was looking to get rid of my dark spots on my cheeks, smooth the lines and wrinkles coming in and give my skin the glow that it’s been missing in the last few years. She made me feel super comfortable that she had the perfect solution for me and I felt right at home in her office with it’s relaxing and spa-like setting.
The Solution:
After Sandra listened to all of my qualms about my skin and the goals I was looking to achieve, she was able to put together a custom skin program just for me. First, she got me on an entirely new skin regimen, which I will go over shortly, and then she recommended that I try doing a combination of the PicoSure and the Clear & Brilliant lasers with her. She said that by using these lasers together, along with her prescribed skin care regimen that my skin would be looking like it did in my late 20s with no downtime! Sign me up!
Skin Regimen:
Like I said before, I have tried pretty much every beauty product out there claiming to do it all with little to no results. But one thing I hadn’t religiously stuck to was retinol. Sandra told me that was the ONE thing that I had to be on, no matter what. Retinoids are a vitamin A derivative that unclogs pores, boost collagen production to reduce fine lines, and speed cell turnover to even out discoloration and smooth the skin. It’s truly amazing! It’s on the expensive side but it’s well worth it since there’s tons of proof that it works! They say that Retinol takes around 4 weeks to see any noticeable changes, I have been on it for 8 weeks and am really seeing some of the fine lines starting to soften. If you want to invest in your skin, this is the one thing I recommend for you to start today. I recommend trying Sandra’s Retinelle.
She also put me on a new serum that I love called Luminance, it’s ideal for those concerned with dark spots, uneven tone, and loss of collagen. I use it morning and night before I apply the rest of my skincare.
Another favorite of mine from her line are her Exfoliating Crystals. This super luxe exfoliant is made up of Sapphire micro crystals to polish your skin to reveal a poreless, silky smooth and glowing complexion. I used these crystals at least twice a week during the winter months for a glow booster!
I also use her Purifiant cleanser, Volumissant lotion, Neurogenique eye lift and lip plumper! I know this sounds like a ton of product but I am using them all so that I can share the true Sandra Oulmas experience. You certainly don’t need to use all of these products to see great results but I do recommend if you are looking for two products to add to your arsenal, to think about the Retinol and The Crystals. All of her products are top notch, with high-quality ingredients and the prettiest packaging! All available for sale at her office and online here.
The Lasers
Now let’s get to the good stuff, the lasers. I’m not going to lie, I was a little nervous when I set foot in the door for my first appointment. The laser machines looked large and intense but after I sat down in her gorgeous treatment room, I felt way more relaxed. They applied numbing cream to my entire face and then I waited for about 15 minutes for everything to kick in. She then came back in the room and described what we would be doing and went over everything in depth. And I felt much more comfortable!
PicoSure
We first got started with the PicoSure laser. This laser is designed to treat various signs of aging, to remove dark spots, reduce the appearance of acne scarring, and is even used to remove tattoos! PicoSure activates your body’s natural skin cell processes for healthy, more youthful-looking skin. Focus treatments lighten unwanted pigmentation and uniquely stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin. Which is the key to younger-looking skin, without the pain or downtime of other laser treatments. Unlike other lasers with similar results, PicoSure doesn’t rely on heat to burn away and destroy skin to force the body to heal.
Sandra just focused on the dark spots and a few of my lines with this laser, not the entire face as she didn’t think it was needed. The treatment didn’t take long at all and was mildly uncomfortable. It felt like my skin was being zapped a bit but there was no pain. I had on eye protection, so I couldn’t see what was happening but I have some pretty cool videos that I will share with you guys!
Clear & Brilliant
After we were done with the PicoSure we moved on to Clear & Brilliant which was my favorite treatment. It’s super gentle and is used to help fight and prevent the effects of aging to produce glowing, youthful looking skin. Uh yes, please!! It only takes about 15 minutes to do your entire face and leaves your skin feeling smoother, younger and gives you that radiant glow. Plus, its pretty affordable too!
We did this treatment on my entire face and neck and I felt no pain. You can feel the laser working but it’s not painful. I was a bit red after the combination of both laser treatments but it only lasted a few hours. But the glow showed up immediately, glowing pink skin that is!
Results:
Ok so I know you all want to know, what kind of results did I see and what can you expect if you get these treatments! I currently am 2 treatments in (photo was taken after treatment 1) and am loving how my skin looks and feels. Clear & Brilliant has definitely brought back the glow to my skin, which was looking a bit dull before. I’m noticing that my skin is looking much more even and my pores are less visible. I also see a noticeable difference in my dark spots that used to be on my cheeks, they are barely visible anymore. My lines are softening a bit but nothing dramatic has changed there yet. I go in for my third treatment next week, so I will keep you posted after the third treatment. I have been getting these treatments done every 6 weeks and have been using the entire skincare regimen in between treatments. After my third treatment PicoSure, I may try another laser with Sandra as well but I will be keeping up with Clear & Brilliant on a regular basis. I just love the results and you can do it as often as you want. Think of it as a facial that actually turns back time.
I go in for my third treatment next week and will do another update after my final combo laser treatment with before and after photos. I have been getting these treatments done every 6 weeks and have been using the entire skincare regimen in between treatments. After my third treatment PicoSure, I may try another laser with Sandra as well but I will be keeping up with Clear & Brilliant on a regular basis. I just love the results and you can do it as often as you want. Think of it like a laser facial that is actually turning back time!
Have any questions for me? Post them below or feel free to send me an email so I can answer you personally. Also be sure to follow along on our IG stories because I always share my real life experiences there as the treatments are happening!
Give Sandra Oulmas a call to schedule your consultation today! Tell her 52 Thursdays sent you!
Sandra Oulmas Medical Aesthetics
8100 Boone Boulevard #430
Tysons Corner, VA, 22182
(703) 448-3800
This post is not sponsored by Sandra Oulmas but I am receiving free treatments in exchange for my honest review and opinions. All thoughts and photos taken are my own and untouched.
xo
Sarah
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