From OTC skin care products to facials and advanced in-office treatments, a proactive approach to our skin is essential if we want healthy, beautiful skin.

As a beauty blogger since 2011, I’ve had the opportunity to test and review a lot of skin care products and treatments. Over time, I’ve learned first-hand how skin reacts to different ingredients and technology, and the importance of boosting our skin’s collagen production.

To get smoother, brighter, more radiant skin, most recently, I’ve been curious about the efficacy of laser skin care treatments. Having heard rave reviews from blogger pals, celebrities, and magazine editors, I decided to reach out to one of my favorite skincare specialists in my area.

As a result, Inspirations & Celebrations created a 4-part beauty series called “Face First Laser Skincare Series”.

Face First Laser Skincare Series: The Guide To Laser Skincare

In collaboration with Stacy Strength Rohrbough (Co-owner of Face First Laser Clinic in Monterey, California), over the past several weeks, we’ve been sharing information, tips, and my real results from laser skincare treatments.

Part 1 outlined the benefits of laser skin care treatments and how they work.

outlined the benefits of laser skin care treatments and how they work. Part 2 explained what to expect and how to prepare for laser resurfacing treatments.

explained what to expect and how to prepare for laser resurfacing treatments. Part 3 shared an update on my progress (after 3 treatments) and skincare advice from the pro.

shared an update on my progress (after 3 treatments) and skincare advice from the pro. Part 4 shares the results of my first 5 monthly treatments, plus tips on how to get optimal results.

Part 4: Real Results from Laser Resurfacing

To learn how to get the best results from laser resurfacing treatments, Stacy shares the following tips and recommendations on which beauty products can boost the efficacy, and what you can expect from laser sessions.

How often does someone come in for maintenance treatments?

Stacy says, “This depends on their primary concern. Melasma patients typically come in monthly until their melasma is controlled and then about every 3 months. Skin rejuvenation patients can go a little bit longer in between sessions.” She informed me that I could expect to come in every 3-6 months, following my initial treatments. Since I’ve had 5 treatments thus far, my plan is to come back again in 4 months.

What type of skin care products do you suggest that people use daily or weekly for optimum benefits? “For sun damaged, thick or hyperpigmented skin I like to include more aggressive products like glycolic or higher dose retinol. I also think alpha hydroxy acids and glycolic are nice to use occasionally to help exfoliate dead skin cells from the surface and help increase cell turnover.” It’s important to remind you (as Stacy mentioned in Part 2 of the series), “Stop using any Retin A/Retinol products 3-days prior to your laser skin care treatment. After the laser treatment, hold off on using Retinol, Glycolic, or other acid-based products for 3-days. You can then resume your normal skin care regimen.” What are the long-term benefits or risks? “Long-term benefits are tighter, more collagen-rich skin that appears healthier and more youthful. Potential risks would be a possible burn from a laser , which is why you want to make sure that you go to an experienced provider.”

Real Results from Laser Resurfacing

As seen in the before and after photos, the real results from 5 initial monthly laser treatments include:

reduced pore size

smoother skin texture

a brighter complexion

a glowing appearance

Plus, dark spots and acne scars are starting to fade, giving the skin a fresher, more radiant look.

An Overview of My Skincare Routine

Since Stacy recommends doing a skincare regimen while getting laser treatments, I continued with my routine.

Currently, I use daily facial wipes and a nightly face cleanser, a toner with witch hazel and salicylic acid, essential oil (like argan oil and jojoba oil), a hyaluronic acid cream, and a Vitamin C serum and sunscreen (during the daytime). I recently re-introduced retinol into my routine too. Each week, I use an at-home skin mask, depending on what my skin needs that week (detoxifying, hydrating, exfoliating, etc.). Periodically I switch up products, as my skin continues to undergo changes. Plus, I’m always open to discovering great new products!

I’ve also learned that my skin is sensitive to my diet, hormonal fluctuations, topical products, and stress. So I’m very proactive in taking care of it. As a result, I’ve reduced my sugar and dairy intake over the past few months, which seems to also help clear up congestion and minimize future breakouts.

How To Make Laser Treatments More Effective

Combining laser skincare treatments with an effective daily skincare routine and good lifestyle habits is the ideal way to get the most noticeable improvements. I plan to continue to do laser skincare treatments every 3-6 months, as I’ve been happy with the results I’ve seen thus far.

Whether you have minor imperfections or major skin problems that bother you, laser skin care treatments can help improve the look and feel of your skin. While the Revlite Si laser (which was used on me) is suitable for mild to moderate skin issues, Face First Laser Clinic also has deeper-penetrating lasers, which are used on skin with more damaged skin.

Special 20% Off Promotion

If you’re interested to learn more or to schedule a session, contact Stacy at Face First Laser Clinic. If you live in or visit the Monterey Bay area, Face First Laser Clinic is offering I&C readers 20% off any skin rejuvenation laser (excluding Ultherapy; this offer is valid through 12/31/19). To book a consultation or treatment, contact Face First Laser Clinic and mention Inspirations & Celebrations.

Face First Skincare Giveaway

In thanks for following along on my skincare journey, Stacy and I are excited to share a new giveaway with you! To inspire you to care for your skin, Inspirations & Celebrations presents the Face First Skincare Giveaway.

Enter to win a deluxe skincare package (valued at $400) featuring ZO Skin Health by Zein Obagi products:

Gentle Cleanser: Designed for all skin types, it removes impurities and leaves skin feeling refreshed and clean.

Exfoliating Polish: Magnesium crystals exfoliate dead skin cells to give the skin a healthy, dewy glow.

Sulfur Masque: This natural clay-based mask treats and prevents acne by purifying pores.

Daily Power Defense: An antioxidant serum that reduces the appearance of fine lines and skin damage.

Sunscreen Primer: This non-greasy, quick-drying sunscreen provides a silky matte finish while minimizing the look of imperfections (due to its universal tint).

The Face First Skincare Giveaway runs from May 1 – May 6, 2019. To enter, follow the easy instructions listed in the Gleam-powered giveaway widget shown below.

To be eligible to win, entrants must be age 18+. This giveaway is open to USA/Canada residents. ‪

A random winner will be chosen on May 7, 2019, and contacted via email. The winner must reply by email within48-hours by providing their mailing address and contact information. Failure to reply within this time period will result in automatic forfeiture of the prize. In that situation, another random winner will be chosen.

Face First Skincare Giveaway



For more beauty tips and advice, check out the Skincare section on Inspirations & Celebrations.