For those looking for a non-invasive and no recovery time solution to treat just about any skin condition, cold laser therapy is a must try. It’s being touted as many celebrities’ secret to glowing skin on the red carpet, and there’s good reason why this treatment might actually work for you.
Cold laser is also known as low-level light therapy, which supplies energy in the form of non-thermal light protons, using light waves that penetrate deeply – but without heating tissue. Most other lasers purposely damage the skin with heat to stimulate collagen production, with the idea that the damage caused is lesser than the benefit of producing the collagen. However, cold laser does none of this damage while still stimulating collagen production. And it has plenty of other benefits too.
Sachi Morris, cofounder of Toronto-based Freeze Clinic (along with Jessica Biegel), explains how the treatment is great for a variety of skin problems, including dullness, rosacea, melasma, and acne. “The treatments particularly work well to firm skin and plump up fine lines,” she adds.
Every clinic will have a different process for performing the cold laser, which is often augmented by a form of microdermabrasion and other masks and serums.
“We focus on the three most important components for cold laser to work effectively,” Sachi explains. “Diamond microdermabrasion (to gently remove dead skin cells), 8-beam multi-coloured cold laser (customized for every client), and an all-natural collagen mask under a 500-beam cold laser/oxygen panel, which helps to plump up the skin and any fine lines. The cold laser we use also has micro-currents which, when used in conjunction with the laser, helps to firm and tighten – particularly the brow and jawline.”
Because of the range of problems the cold laser can treat, clients range in age from teens to the elderly. However, the 30s and 40s crowd are especially embracing the treatment, according to Sachi.
Cold laser therapy prices vary at different clinics, but often fall into the $200 per session range. This might seem like a large number, but other laser treatments can start from $400 and have a much longer recovery time due to peeling skin, redness, and general discomfort. After a cold laser session, you’ll have even less redness than after a traditional facial with extractions. You’ll see an immediately glow, and can apply your makeup as soon as you want.
But how often do you have to undergo the treatment?
“We recommend that most clients come for a minimum of three treatments, spaced every few weeks apart,” says Sachi. “For more dramatic results, six consecutive treatments works best. From there, clients can go into "maintenance mode,” which is once every few months.”
For anyone already spending $100+ on monthly facials, the cold laser therapy can actually work out to be cheaper once you’re in maintenance mode. Of course the only thing that really matters is whether or not it works, and so far the results are looking very good indeed. But since every skin type is different, it’s best to try out a few sessions. The worst that can happen? You’ll leave with glowing skin.
