To refresh everyone, Tria recommends treating 5 days a week with a 2 day break each week for 12 weeks. I started on treatment level 1 for 1 week which helped my skin get used to the laser (treatment time is 2 minutes on this level - 30 seconds in each zone), then treatment level 2 for 2 weeks (treatment time is 4 minutes - 1 minute in each zone), and then treatment level 3 for 9 weeks (treatment time is 10 minutes - 2 1/2 minutes per zone). This worked really well for gradually getting my face/skin used to the treatments and to building it into my daily routine. On treatment level 3, 10 minutes can sound like a long time, but by that point I was used to it and excited to use it each day. I was already seeing results by that point and so it was a great motivator.
Tria recommends cleansing your skin with their Priming Cleanser right before each treatment to remove any impurities that can block the laser's light, and to also use their Finishing Serum to help sooth, hydrate, and brighten your skin at the end of each treatment. It is also recommended that you apply a facial sunscreen every morning during treatment. Because I wanted to see the best results possible, I followed all of the recommendations. I mentioned in a previous post that I have very fair and sensitive skin. I as really happy to find that the Priming Cleanser worked very well on my skin and I did not notice any sensitvity or reaction to it. I wanted to make sure my skin was properly cleansed because it makes sense that anything on your skin could block your pores and also affect the light of the laser from being as effective. I would also thing that then the laser would pick up more dirt from your skin. It is important that if you feel less sensation from the laser during the treatment that you might want to clean the laser off. I simply wiped mine off with a soft cloth every week or two. While I felt a mild tingling sensation during treatments in each zone, it was not uncomfortable or painful in any way. I would develop some mild redness on my face that within a couple of hours or by the next morning, was gone completely. I loved how the Finishing Serum felt so silky and smooth on my skin. I recently read that you can keep the Finishing Serum in the fridge, so that when you apply it after a treatment, the coolness can also help soothe your skin. I may try this when I start my next 12 weeks of treatments.
I was amazed that within a couple of weeks into my treatment that I could already start to see results. In the side by side above, the picture on the left is right before I started using the Age-Defying Laser, and the picture on the right is 4 weeks after finishing the 12 weeks. The result that surprised me the most, was the fading of my scar (that I also mentioned in a previous post) that I have had for 3 years. I also noticed my skin tone and texture improve, an age spot on the side of my face faded, the wrinkles on my forehead have diminished, and my smile lines on the sides of my mouth have also faded. I have had a few people comment to me how great my skin looks.
Tria recommends taking at least a 4 week break before starting another 12 week cycle. I was torn as to whether to start another treatment cycle or wait until we were through the summer. However, I was excited to start again (after 5 weeks) and so I started a new treatment cycle last night. I have found that using the Age-Defying Laser became a part of my evening routine within a couple of weeks and that I look forward to the treatments. Plus, being able to see the results so soon after beginning treatments is a great motivatorl. I feel that now I can be proactive in decreasing the signs of aging in my face!
I do not believe in buying every product on the market that says that it can improve aging. Let's face it, you can spend a ton of money! I want to get the most bang for my buck. I love that once you purchase this device it is yours. In-office fractonal non-ablative laser treatments, which is the same technology that the Age-Defying Laser uses, can easily run $1000 per session and you'll need 2-3 session. I do not have to take time out of my busy schedule to go to appointments, and quite frankly, I could not afford to do these. I have also heard of the chemical peels that are very pricy, uncomfortable (to put it nicely), and leave your face looking fried while you recuperate. I would not want to go through that level of discomfort and then have down time where I didn't want to show face. With the Age-Defying Laser, I was able to do my treatment every evening and leave the house in the morning without any redness or signs of treatment that would leave people asking me questions. I also like that there has been a study done with evidence-based results, and that it is FDA cleared. This gives me the peace of mind that it is safe and that the majority of users had measurable results. The results from the study show that 92% of users were satisfied with the treatment and results!
I would definitely recommend the Age-Defying Laser as well as following all of the instructions and tips that Tria provides. Right now Tria has a promotion going on that you can take advantage of if you decide you want to purchase one where you get a 2 week skincare starter kit plus Finishing Eye Treatment by using the promo code "SKINCARE".
