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.
- Part 2 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.
- 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?
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?
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.
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.
For more beauty tips and advice, check out the Skincare section on Inspirations & Celebrations.
Beauty Contributor: Stacy Strength Rohrbough
A graduate of California State University, Fresno, Stacy Strength Rohrbough is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner of Family Practice and Aesthetics. She served many years as an emergency room nurse at Kaiser, Kaweah Delta and Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula in California. After 11 years, Stacy left to pursue her love of aesthetic medicine on a full-time basis. She is Co-Owner of Face First Laser Clinic – a boutique medical aesthetics practice that has evolved into a successful anti-aging medical practice located in Monterey, CA. She has received extensive training in Medical Aesthetics through Allergan, Medicis, Merz, Nova Thread, and Cynosure. She is certified in basic and advanced techniques by Aesthetic Advancements and Duet. As a beauty contributor to Inspirations & Celebrations, Stacy shares information about skincare and esthetic treatments.
[Disclosure: Complimentary treatments provided for the purpose of this series. All opinions are my own. Some affiliate links included.]
Marlene V says:
I would love to try some new products! What a treat it would be to win this.
Laurie Nykaza says:
At 61 i could really use a skin lift like this sounds amazing to use.
Paula S. says:
My skin could use some help with the signs of aging as I ease into my 60’s. I need a change!
JoKing says:
I am always looking for better products to help my skin.
Judith Geiger says:
I would love to win because my aging skin (sigh) could use the help!
Elizabeth Geiger says:
My face would be very happy if I won 🙂
Sarah says:
I have acne plus I’m starting to see signs of aging and this sounds like it would be a great quality skincare routine to help with those issues.
Antoinette M says:
I would love to win quality products to help with fine lines and dark spots.
Doreen Lamoureux says:
I would love to win this giveaway because these products sound amazing. I totally believe in spoiling your skin and helping it out.
Cynthia Richardson says:
My 60-year-old face could really use this!
Christy Peeples DuBois says:
I have read several articles about these products being medical grade and much more effective than the usual products at skincare stores and websites. I follow my skincare routine faithfully and think how my results would be so much more if I were using these products.
Sandy Bonesteel says:
I would love to win this because I have not heard of this brand and also because I love trying new products.
Jason Kinnin says:
Good luck all
Ina Fowler says:
Would make my face happy for my 5/4 B’day Year!
Eileen Boyce says:
My skin needs help. I’ve been sick for years and use oxygen and a cpap night and day and my eyes are puffy and wrinkled. I also have redness and swelling. I’d love to try this.
Jennifer Pickett says:
I’d like to win this because I’m looking for some great products for my face and skin.
Cassandra A says:
Best solutions for problem areas on my face – this kit seems to address all of my needs.
Natalie Schilla says:
I would love the daily power defense.
gloria patterson says:
I am a senior that would no way be able to buy all this stuff…………… so yes I would love to have
Pri c says:
I want to treat myself post surgery so would love this
Susan Ashcraft says:
what a great contest. would be great for my skin
Myra Ball says:
I would like to win because I’m in my late 40s and could use the help. The Daily Power Defense sounds like it would be good for my fine lines and skin damage. All the products sound useful.
LILLIAN BROWN says:
this senior needs help and all these products sound wonderful for my skin. i really am interested in the Daily Power Defense: An antioxidant serum that reduces the appearance of fine lines and skin damage.
Erin N says:
I would absolutely love to win this skin care package! It looks amazing and the results are drastic! I am starting to show signs of aging and I would love to be able to look a little younger and refreshed! Thank you 🙂
Linda Fast says:
This would be a useful gift for my aging skin.
Joyce McDaniel says:
What an amazing giveaway that I would love to win. Shared with friends and family. Happy Mother’s Day to all of the incredible moms.
Karley Moore says:
I would love to win this because I am always looking for new high quality skin care. I’ve really started to pay more attention to my skin recently.
Susan Campbell says:
What a great contest. I would love to find some products that actually work on my aging skin.
Susan Campbell says:
What a great giveaway. I would like some products that actually help with my aging skin.
Charlotte W. says:
I need to win because I really need to use the best skin care possible. I am seeing advanced age problems and need some help.
Rita Sheppard says:
I’d love to win this giveaway because my skin needs help to smooth out lines and bags and make my face look fresh again.
Kathleen Marrese says:
I would love to win this beauty skin care package for my face. It would be a great gift for Mothers Day.
Denise Low says:
I want to win this giveaway because I think that this product would be great.
Tina Mitchell says:
This would be a dream come true. Hope to win so I can start to feel younger .
Jennifer says:
I’d love to win this package because I’ve got wrinkles and skin issues that really bother me…..id like to look as young as I feel. 🙂
Mary Lou MacKenzie says:
I would love to win these products as my skin is dull and I need to start taking better care of it. As I am on a fixed income, to win would be wonderful as I do not have extra money to spend on beauty products. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
Shawn Cosson says:
this would be amazing for my skin! I’m 53, wear no make up…however uneven skin tone now; want my face to glow…thank you very much for chance to enter
Taylor Campbell says:
I’d love to try these products!
Paula D says:
I’d love to win because these products sound amazing and I am in need of a skincare regime.
Calvin says:
Would be a gift for my mom.
Kayte CookWatts says:
How cool of you to share your experience in such an in depth way! My sister in law had a laser treatment was fantastic!
Susan Smith says:
I would love to win this giveaway so I can try out these products!
Jamie L Grimes says:
I turned 41 this year and I’m starting to notice lines forming.
ae minx says:
This would be wonderful for my skin
Amber Kolb says:
I’ve been searching to find a new skin care routine and this one sounds like it’s amazing!
Sherry B Russell says:
My skin is definitely needing some TLC after a rough winter.
Natallie Miller says:
Nice giveaway! I sure could use this skincare set.
Vilma Pacheco says:
My mother needs this!!!
Lindsey says:
This would make a great mother’s day gift!
Jacqueline Gould says:
Sounds like a great line of products and as someone in her 70’s, anything to help the facial skin is very welcome.
Laurie Brown says:
Would love to try and see if the products will remove age spots
Stacey Grantham says:
My 47th bday is coming up and I would love to freshen up my skin. This would be great to do just that.
Barbara Lima says:
I am older. I need my skin refreshed and these wrinkles disapeared!
Jan Isaacs-Wade says:
I am using different products for my skincare and would love to try a product line where all my items come from one line. I think that employing this idea would be great as the products are designed to work together! Thanks for your generosity.
Evelyn Louise Frierson says:
I love your giveaways because of the great products you offer as giveaways!
Deborah Vink says:
I like to try new products and have aging skin.
Ashley Mains says:
I would like to win this so I can try out some new products!
Nancy says:
My skin needs a serious makeover. Thanks for the opportunity.
Seleena says:
Love good products to take care of my skin
Sydney85 says:
My daughter is getting married this year and will have lots of family visiting from all over the USA. I would love to have the very best products to help me looking as good as possible.
Brenda Williamson says:
What a lovrly giveaway. I am sure it would help reduce all the signs of aging.
Rose Reeder says:
I would love but have no money. My skin is old, wrinkled and sun damaged.
Pat S says:
I would love to win bc it would be great to be able to try a whole routine from one brand. It is usually very expensive to buy many products from one brand, so I end up with lots of products from lots of different brands. Thanks for the chance!!!
Gabrielle says:
Skincare is of paramount importance to me, so winning this giveaway would be a great way for me to add some wonderful products to my daily regimen and keep my skin looking its best.
tung ton says:
i would love to win this giveaway to try out these products!
Lisa says:
I’d love to win because this looks so wonderful and high quality.
CATHY TICKELL says:
I’m 65 years old and would love to improve my skin.
Liz Leonard says:
I would love to win this giveaway because I am a skincare fanatic!! I love trying out new products especially ones that actually work!!
VICKI RAINS says:
My face and skin are really aging and I would love to try new products to help me. I cant afford high end products. So I am hoping to win some.
Mican Hadley says:
I’ ve been looking into laser resurfacing! thanks for all the helpful information!
Mi Webber says:
I’m getting older and my skin craves quality products.
Mary Jo Krause says:
I am 57 and my face needs help, help me please!!!
Lindsay says:
I’d love to win this for my mom for Mother’s Day:)
Donna L Holder says:
my skin has wrinkles and iam tired of looking at them
bernardina sims says:
My skin is so bad and I am always on the hunt for a face product that actually work! This product sound great and hopeful!
Shirley says:
This product sounds awesome
Patricia Castillo says:
cpcastillo999@yahoo.com
Maelyn Diaz says:
I will be 48 on the 7th. I need a skin care regimen like this if I want to keep looking like I’m still in my early 30’s ???? thank you for the chance to win!
liz kilcher says:
I might have to try this!!!
Becky Depiano says:
I would love to win all of these great skincare products as they would greatly improve my skincare routine.
sophie lapierre says:
I would Loove to win this giveaway because I’m a single mother , 41 years old and cannot work since a car crash that happened in 2005.
while I was studying psychoeducation at the university at that time, I had to stop my classes and never return to the job market when I wanted to have a better quality of life in a profession than I had chosen and I loved; the helping relationship. So having few means, these products would be greatly appreciated because I love above all take care of me and especially my face and I am sure that your products could help me a lot on this level! Thank you for this very beautiful and generous contest!
cheryl wong says:
have always wanted to try the ZO line for my aging skin
cheryl wong says:
I have always wanted to try the ZO line for my aging skin
Cher Garman says:
I have had melasma and hyper-pigmentation for a few years and I would be so grateful to try these awesome products!
Suzanne Giroux says:
I would love to try these products as I have not had access to a Dr developed skincare line and as a dermatologist he would know what works and what doesn’t to make your skin look amazing.
Darla Peduzzi says:
I would love to try. I really could use a good skin exfoliation.
Freya says:
I’ve been eye-ing these products for a while so I’d love to win this giveaway!
Silvia D says:
look like fantastic products and my skin can really use some TLC
Rachel Mertz says:
I have had problems with my skin for a very long time. Moles and cysts that have had to be removed from my face and stitches that left small scars. I don’t feel confident with the way my skin looks and am always trying to find a product that will work and give me my confidence back. Face First Laser Skincare Series looks absolutely amazing; I would be elated to be chosen to receive this prize!
gail bartels says:
great win
Brenda Cremer says:
I am getting at the age where the lines are starting and I have always taken care of my skin so this would be my next step to keep me looking good. Thank you for the opportunity to win!
Monica Mount says:
This would be fabulous for my mature skin ☺️
Sarah Smith says:
My skin gets so dry and as I age it’s making it much harder to tame the wrinkles I would love to learn the best way to care for my skin and keep it well hydrated.
Heather Swanson says:
I like to try new products!
Barb Carlson says:
I would love to have some real help with my aging skin.
rhianna laverell says:
I would love to win this because I have redness that nothing seems to help. I spend too much money trying things that don’t work.