Posted on January 16, 2018 by Paul A. Boulos If you’re considering getting laser skin rejuvenation, then you might also be considering buying an at-home laser that claims to do the same thing. They might be marketed in a way that will make you think they’ll provide you with the same results, but the truth is that they’re two significantly different kinds of technology.
Depending on what kind of skin imperfections you’re looking to eliminate, as well as the degree of aging your skin has already experienced, you might be satisfied with a small at-home laser device. However, before making your decision, it’s important to understand the difference between them and professional laser skin rejuvenation.
They Use Different Technology
The technology used for laser skin rejuvenation and skin tightening isn’t safe for at-home use, especially by those who aren’t medically trained to use them. It’s for this reason that any device you bring home claiming to do the same thing won’t have the same strength or technology as the laser treatments you get in the office. Most at-home devices use IPL technology, as it’s safer to use and relatively cheaper. Both IPL and laser devices produce energy and light that sends wavelengths into the layers of the skin to eliminate signs of aging, but they differ in the number of wavelengths used.
A laser will use a single wavelength, which produces more heat and makes it the stronger option. This allows the laser to target specific areas of the skin so that it’s easier to eliminate imperfections. IPL devices aren’t actually lasers but resemble more of the technology associated with lightbulbs. By emitting several wavelengths at once, IPL devices can’t focus on a singular area, making it more difficult to get results.
They Have Different Results
Professional laser skin rejuvenation provides better results since at-home devices need to be safe for everyone to use, so they’re not nearly as strong as the lasers used by professionals. This leads to longer sessions required with at-home devices. Even the smallest areas can take a significant amount of time to treat.
With professional laser skin rejuvenation, on the other hand, each laser pulse takes just a fraction of a second and can treat multiple skin cells at once. Treatments rarely take more than 20 minutes, and results will be seen after just one laser session. Several laser treatments will likely be required to completely eliminate certain skin imperfections or to eliminate wrinkles, but the average is three sessions. It will take many more treatments to see results using an at-home IPL device.
They Have Different Customization Levels
You can count on professionally licensed medical laser technicians to customize the experience for each of their clients. They will take into consideration your skin color, sensitivity level, any medical or skin conditions, what imperfections you’d like eliminated, and so much more. This allows them to adjust the setting of their lasers so that you receive a high-quality treatment.
Devices that can be used at home, however, only offer one general treatment that doesn’t take any of these things into consideration. It needs to work with all skin types and colors, which may or may not be a benefit for you.
They Treat Different Problems
While many skin imperfections lay closer to the skin’s surface, some also reside in the deeper layers of the skin. This includes many pigmentation issues such as scars, sun spots, acne marks, age spots, and overall skin discoloration. Laser skin rejuvenation can eliminate the appearance of any of these imperfections, as today’s advanced laser technology allows lasers to penetrate the layers of the skin and target these problem areas, all without causing damage to the skin’s surface.
Any at-home device won’t have the technology needed to reach these layers of skin and can only focus on fine lines and wrinkles that rest near the surface.
They Have Different Costs
There’s a wide difference in the cost of IPL devices and other at-home gadgets, which is what attracts many people to them. With a one-time charge of a few hundred dollars on average, it might seem like the more appealing option. It’s often a big risk buying them, though, as it takes months to see if they’re working, often long after the return period has ended.
Laser skin rejuvenation performed by a licensed medical laser technician will run you a little over $1,000, but at least you’ll know for sure that you’ll see results. Also, most laser clinics offer package deal prices that will significantly lower your overall cost.
Now that you’ve learned a few important differences between professional laser services and using an at-home device, you might be wondering if laser skin rejuvenation is right for you. If you suffer from skin imperfections that over-the-counter products simply haven’t been able to treat, then likely this noninvasive laser procedure is an option you need to consider.
A professional can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, age spots, large pores, sun damage, scars, freckles, birthmarks, and overall skin discoloration. Laser skin rejuvenation can also help to restore your skin’s elasticity and bring back its youthful appearance.
Learn how taking care of your skin after laser skin rejuvenation can help extend your results and keep you looking younger longer in this video:
