Your skin is a beautiful and important part of your body. It’s one of your most visible features, and it’s your body’s largest organ. Some of its main jobs include: holding your internal organs in place, protecting your body from disease, and regulating temperature. Skin is also a key contributor to one of our five senses: touch. It’s the reason we can enjoy holding hands and connecting with others through our facial expressions.
The skin is also one of the first parts of the body to show signs of aging. Some of it has to do with genetics, but a lot of it is because your face and neck are constantly exposed to the elements. 90% of skin aging is caused by sun exposure. (Intense right? Makes you think twice about skipping that SPF!)
At LIV Wellness Lounge, we understand that changes in our skin can often make us feel older than we are. If you’re looking to reverse signs of aging and sun damage, you’re looking for a laser skin treatment near you in LaSalle and Ottawa, IL.
Ok, but what is a laser skin treatment near me?
Here we’re using the term “laser skin treatment” to encompass multiple types of skincare treatments that use both laser and light. We can use the laser and lights independently or as a dream team to treat a variety of skin conditions.
What we can treat
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Melasma/Hyperpigmentation
- Texture issues
- Uneven skin tone
- Sun damage
- Age spots
- Freckles
- Acne
- Hair removal
LIV Wellness Lounge uses Broadband Light (BBL) and HALO laser skin resurfacing to provide our clients with optimal skincare results. These treatments work in different ways to transform and renew your skin, leaving you looking refreshed and glowing. What’s not to love about that?
How can lasers and lights help my skin?
Laser skin treatments help your skin by inducing your body’s natural healing process to produce more collagen and elastin—the two proteins that give your skin its shape.
It connects to how our skin ages.
Collagen and elastin are two proteins that make the foundation of your skin. Your skin gets its plump volume from collagen, whereas elastin provides the elasticity that allows your skin to bounce back into shape. As we grow older, our skin produces less of these proteins, which leads to sagging and wrinkles.
By causing your body to produce more collagen and elastin, a laser skin treatment leads to younger, healthier-looking skin. Depending on your specific concerns, we might recommend BBL, HALO, or a combination light and laser skin treatment.
BBL VS HALO: which one is right for you?
The BBL HERO and HALO laser are two technologies produced by Sciton. While they treat similar conditions, each treatment shines in its own way. Let’s break it down and explore each one:
BBL HERO
The BBL HERO is a photofacial that went to the gym. BBL stands for “broadband light” and uses a series of intense pulsed lights to gently heat the skin’s surface. The heat encourages your body’s natural healing process, which produces more collagen and elastin.
How it works
The BBL HERO (High Energy Rapid Output) is a state-of-the-art device. It uses multiple light filters to treat different types of skin concerns. The in-motion technique keeps the device moving once applied to the skin, making it one of the most versatile light treatments around.
Because it stays in motion, BBL can also treat your entire body in minutes! With no downtime, it’s a very quick treatment compared to more intense laser procedures. Plus, we can use it for both corrective and ongoing skin care.
HALO Laser
Also by Sciton, the HALO laser is the world’s first hybrid fractional laser that uses dual wavelengths in a revolutionary technique. The HALO laser uses both ablative and non-ablative wavelengths to resurface the skin.
What are ablative and nonablative wavelengths?
Ablative wavelengths work by removing the top layer of your skin, while non-ablative lasers gently heat the deeper layers. Using both wavelengths at the same time allows us to treat both surface-level and underlying skin issues.
The HALO handpiece utilizes skin mapping and measuring to better deliver precise heat treatment. The size and position of the laser are adjustable to provide unmatched results customized to your skin’s specific needs.
When would you choose HALO instead of BBL?
If you’re looking for faster treatment and more dramatic results, then you should choose a HALO laser skin treatment. HALO treats the deeper layers of your skin, providing instant results that improve over time.
Your skin is constantly shedding its layers, but your body slows this process down as you age. By removing the topmost layer of skin, HALO reveals the newer, younger skin beneath. Because HALO is able to treat both the surface and the underlying layers, your results will improve over time, even after just 1 treatment. For BBL you’ll receive cumulative results over the course of your treatment series.
When would you use BBL instead of HALO?
BBL is a great choice for those who are only worried about pigmentation, acne, and other surface-level skin issues. BBL, because it’s an intense pulsed light device, can also be used for hair removal!
How can HALO and BBL work together?
We sometimes use HALO and BBL treatments together, depending on your specific skincare concerns. The two treatments can even be performed on the same day to provide enhanced results. In that instance, BBL would be completed first, followed by HALO.
Plus, after receiving your initial HALO treatment, BBL can be used throughout the year to help maintain your results!
What can I expect from a laser skin treatment near me?
At LIV Wellness Lounge, we pride ourselves on developing an individualized treatment plan for each of our clients. Your skin is as unique as you are, so your treatment should reflect your individual concerns and needs. The first step to any skincare treatment is getting yourself a consultation from a professional aesthetician or skin care specialist.
Consultation
Before scheduling a laser skin treatment near you, we invite you to visit with one of our skin professionals for a complimentary consultation. During this conversation, we’ll get to know you, your goals, and provide treatment recommendations for achieving the skin of your dreams. After examining your skin, we’ll be able to determine whether BBL, HALO, or a combination of the two will be the best strategy for your treatment.
Treatment
Because HALO and BBL are different technologies, your treatment will look a little different for each. In both instances, we’ll prep your skin and provide you with protective eyewear. Your trained provider will set the device settings based on your individually tailored plan and then begin your treatment.
Note: because HALO is a more potent treatment, we do actually apply numbing cream prior to using the device. After your treatment, we provide you with cool compresses and detailed instructions for your aftercare.
BBL has no downtime and you can get right back to your daily routine after your session! We space BBL treatments about 2 to 4 weeks apart.
Results
You’ll start to notice improvements in your skin in the weeks and months following your treatment. HALO results, in particular, can be expected to last for years, especially with a regular at-home skincare routine.
How can I extend the results of my laser skin treatment?
Alright, so you’ve gotten your laser skin treatment and now you’re wondering how you can prolong the awesome results. Remember, the benefits of cosmetic care are directly affected by your lifestyle and how you care for your skin in between your treatments.
Avoid the sun
Wearing your daily SPF and avoiding excessive sun exposure are two of the most beneficial things you can do for your skin’s overall health. Yes, even on cloudy days! Don’t skip it. If you get a combination moisturizer and daily SPF, that’s what we call a win-win.
Regular Skin Care
Speaking of moisturizer, a regular skincare regimen is important on its own and can also help enhance or extend the results of aesthetics treatments. At the bare minimum you should be cleansing and moisturizing your skin daily, if not twice!
Healthy lifestyle choices
Just like the rest of your body, your skin is affected by your regular routines. Eating well, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep can support your skin’s health, too. You’ll look and feel better, which is the whole point of investing in your wellness.
Looking for a laser skin treatment near you in Ottawa or LaSalle?
Reach out to schedule your complimentary consultation with one of our skincare experts. We’re ready to partner with you in finding the right treatment plan for your needs. It’s ok if you don’t know the best approach for a specific condition! Our providers can determine the best options for you based on your desired results.
As a luxury medical spa in LaSalle and Ottawa, LIV Wellness Lounge has a distinct philosophy on what a “med spa” can be. We pride ourselves on providing the latest technology in face, body, and wellness treatments. Our team’s goal is to make you feel welcome and always leave you feeling better than ever.
Not ready for an in-person visit? Try our virtual consultation tool. You can self-select your areas of concern or interest and then receive personalized recommendations via email!