There are some key differences between a laser facial and a topical facial. A topical facial uses cleansers, exfoliants and creams to provide skin suppleness and smoothness. A laser facial, by contrast, uses energy to stimulate skin cells while also removing the top layer of dull, dry skin cells.
The main difference between a laser facial and a topical facial is the mode of treatment, but then, importantly, results.
At ENRICH Clinic in Melbourne, we prefer laser facials because we get much better results both in the short and long term.
A laser facial gets to the core of skin rejuvenation.
When you consider that no ingredient in a topical cream can penetrate very deeply into the skin, you see that topical treatments can only do so much. It might feel and smell delightful – which is all part of the experience of pampering – but if you want your skin to look and feel better for more than a day, a laser facial is a better choice.
What’s so great about lasers?
When the energy from a laser hits the skin, it vaporises the top layer or dry, dull skin cells, while also triggering the cells underneath to ramp up collagen and elastin production.
Skin cells naturally produce some collagen and elastin to keep skin firm and supple, but without a little encouragement, new collagen and elastin aren’t produced in any skin-rejuvenating or visible quantities. The laser facial sends a clear message to the skin via thermal energy that cells should ramp up collagen and elastin production.
Because this process of new collagen production takes several months, after a laser facial, first, you’ll see fresher, brighter skin. Then with regular treatments, you’ll see the anti-ageing benefits too.
Understanding a topical facial
While a topical facial is a lovely experience, it is not designed to offer any lasting benefit to skin. Additionally, topical facial ingredients may ultimately block pores or be of questionable quality.
We do a number of effective one-off facial treatments at ENRICH, but we rarely ever just use a topical cream treatment: we have too many fantastic state-of-the-art skin rejuvenation devices!
Our HydroActive Facial, for example, is a non-invasive hydrating treatment that will get skin looking plump and well hydrated almost immediately. This treatment uses a gentle skin resurfacing element to get these great results as well as high-quality topicals. Many of the ingredients we use in the HydroActive Facial are nourishing, hydrating antioxidants and peptides, with deep penetration facilitated by the special resurfacing handpiece.
Resurfacing as part of the laser facial
One of the main benefits of laser facials is the removal of the topmost layer of dry, dull skin cells, with all laser facial treatments achieving some level of resurfacing as a core strategy. Each specialised laser facial has its own benefits and systems, for example, the China Doll Facial.
The China Doll laser facial
The China Doll Facial is a standout laser facial and one of our favourites. This non-invasive laser treatment uses our state-of-the-art picosecond laser, the PiQ04, on a mask of carbon serum.
The serum strongly attracts the laser energy, which intensifies the effect on the top layer of skin, removing debris and vaporising dull, dry skin cells. The results are immediately apparent – a fresher, brighter complexion, with a little drama from the (pain-free) carbon fireworks as the laser hits it.
Anti-ageing benefits of the laser facial
Improving the appearance of skin when you walk out the door is one of the goals of a facial, but what a topical facial can’t ever hope to achieve is an anti-ageing effect. A laser stimulates the fibroblasts, special skin cells that produce collagen, to increase their activities.
Laser treatments vary in strength, depending on what is required for the individual. For example, a young person with plenty of collagen and supple skin doesn’t need anti-ageing benefits but can expect a refreshed complexion from a laser facial. Anyone whose skin is starting to sag or crinkle can enjoy both a fresher complexion and, with regular treatments, anti-ageing benefits.
Laser facials are best repeated at regular intervals and can be combined with other targeted cosmetic treatments to get the best out of your skin. Laser facials pair well with anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers, but almost any combination is possible to achieve your aesthetic goals.
Getting the most out of your laser facials
One of the things we do best at ENRICH is laser facials, with some of the most advanced skin rejuvenation techniques and equipment in Australia. When you visit our clinic, we’ll make you a complete and comprehensive treatment plan to get your skin looking and feeling fresh now and into the future.
Contact us for a consultation at ENRICH Clinic
