Lasers, peels, hydrafacial: an overview of dermatological treatments.

Lack of radiance, hormonal acne scars, or imperfections due to "maskne," which we've unfortunately had to live with for over a year: the least we can say is that the period of successive lockdowns hasn't been the most favorable for the beauty and health of our skin. And while dermatological solutions abound, along with their promises, it's sometimes difficult to sort through the many options available.

It's no secret that the vast majority of skin imperfections stem from an unbalanced or unsuitable diet. Before treating your skin with high-tech solutions, make sure you get your diet in order, cut back on sugar, and eliminate lactose or gluten if necessary.

We also review our skincare routine, in order to show off clear skin again before tackling any traces of pimples and other scars.

Other gentle solutions to try before venturing into more radical dermatological options: natural remedies based on rebalancing plants (chamomile, tea tree or astringent and purifying lavender), or suitable food supplements.

Let's talk timing first: since almost all laser and dermatological treatments require avoiding sun exposure to prevent photosensitivity, it's best to book your appointments now so you can (reasonably) get some sun when summer arrives. And don't forget to religiously apply SPF 50 sunscreen, just to be on the safe side!

The Hydrafacial, a deep skin cleansing

Tempted by the hottest skin treatment of the moment? A favorite of Beyoncé, Hailey Bieber, Kate Winslet, and a plethora of other fashion and film celebrities, the Hydrafacial is the number one beauty treatment across the Atlantic. An ideal option for those wary of overly radical solutions, this gentle, three-step protocol deeply cleanses the skin using suction devices, followed by the application of active ingredients tailored to your specific needs. Salicylic and glycolic acids dislodge blackheads and embedded impurities, while an infusion of peptide and hyaluronic acid serums helps prevent the first signs of aging. Our verdict? Judging by the rave reviews, like many, we thought it was just a passing fad, but not at all: the nose is rid of blackheads, and the skin is showing off its glow, which had faded in recent months.

"It's an excellent 'shower' for the skin that should be done regularly for optimal results," explains Dr. Bernard Sillam, founder of the Lazeo aesthetic medicine centers. "It's suitable for all skin types and there are no contraindications, except for pregnant or breastfeeding women."

Microneedling combined with LEDs

A solution for improving skin tone imperfections and enlarged pores , microneedling involves using a pen equipped with tiny needles to gently stimulate the skin. These micro-impacts, invisible to the naked eye, awaken the skin's self-healing processes, allowing it to better absorb the serums applied afterward . Another option for those who want to treat imperfections without traumatizing their skin is to combine it with targeted LED light therapy sessions, tailored to specific skin concerns. Blue light, with its antiseptic properties, treats acne and blemishes, while red light accelerates healing thanks to its anti-inflammatory action. Yellow LED light, known for its regenerative properties, is more commonly used to treat signs of aging.

Fractional laser sessions for smoother skin

Self-conscious about acne scars from adolescence, post-pregnancy dark spots, sunspots, or enlarged pores ? Opt for Fraxel, the most essential non-ablative fractional laser. Thanks to its dual technology, it treats both the superficial and deeper layers of the epidermis, all without anesthesia or downtime. This concept boosts the skin's natural healing mechanisms and simultaneously stimulates collagen production in response to the treatment.

We won't lie to you: despite the numbing cream applied before the session, it's not exactly a walk in the park. But once the redness subsides and the small dots from the procedure disappear, the results are immediate: the skin is smoothed and illuminated, like a beautifying Instagram filter that intensifies with each session. The best part? No need to stay home for days; you can apply makeup just a few hours after the treatment. As with Hydrafacial, this treatment is not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, undergoing photosensitizing medical treatment, or suffer from hives.

This is a solution whose pros and cons should be carefully weighed before attempting it: by "burning" the superficial layers of the epidermis, one can not only weaken the tissues but also make them more vulnerable to external attacks (UV rays, oxidative stress, pollution). Extreme caution is therefore advised!

Regenerating peels of varying intensities

Dull complexion, enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation, or loss of firmness ? To revive our tired skin, which has suffered from being confined at home, we're treating ourselves to a peel. This powerful exfoliation technique helps reduce imperfections thanks to a synergy of active ingredients whose concentration is formulated according to skin type and the specific issue being addressed, harnessing the benefits of glycolic, salicylic, lactic, and trichloroacetic acids.

Depending on the severity of the concerns being addressed, a superficial or medium peel will be chosen, with one to three sessions spaced one month apart. The after-effects vary from person to person, although it is not uncommon to experience redness for a few days followed by peeling as the skin sheds dead cells , replaced by a new, fresher layer of skin that is also more sensitive to light and external aggressors.

Caution, however…

While every skin type requires a unique combination of treatments that only a dermatologist or skin specialist can prescribe, there's no miracle cure! The cutting-edge techniques that are so popular on Instagram can be harsh on the skin, sensitizing it while simultaneously accelerating its natural regeneration process. Therefore, it's essential to space out your sessions, protect your skin from UV rays more than ever, and address any skin concerns with a suitable diet and natural remedies—the cornerstones of radiant skin!

Before considering these treatments with a dermatologist, here is the checklist:

✓ Ask for recommendations about the dermatologist from your relatives before making an appointment.

✓ Try a 3-month course of natural supplements tailored to your specific issue :

For acne-prone skin:

- The Skin Detox duo , which combines two treatments specifically formulated to combat hormonal acne

For skin lacking radiance:

- The capsules: We want pretty cheekbones which plump the skin and deeply hydrate.
-The capsules: We want the ultimate glow which activate skin radiance and prevent pigment spots.
- Bone Broths , broths rich in collagen that plump the skin and improve its elasticity