How Do Laser Skin Treatments Work? The Science (AD)

Laser treatments for skin? Let's talk the science of how they work, what they're good for, whether you can use them on darker skin tones and whether they hurt.

This video is sponsored by Cynosure, the makers of the Picosure laser used on me - but as always, this is all based on my independent research and honest opinions.

In this video:
0:00 Intro to lasers
1:11 How do laser skin treatments work? Ablative, fractionated, pigmentation, resurfacing etc.
5:28 Pulse length and picosecond lasers
8:02 My Picosure laser treatment and results

🙋🏻 I'm Michelle, a chemistry PhD, cosmetic chemist and science educator, here to explain how beauty products work, debunk myths, and help you make smarter decisions about your skincare, hair and makeup!

📺 RELATED POSTS AND VIDEOS

[fakecupcake]

I was one of the first child patients to get a birthmark laser removed off my cheek/eye area 20 years ago. That was an extremely painful experience. after the laser, it looked like I scrapped my face against the floor, lots of blood, scabbing and itchiness. Anyways after 9 treatments, 90% of my birthmark gone and I haven't needed a top up since. Although I think I may do it soon and it's good to know the tech has changed and you don't need that terrible downtime.

[PianoGirl]

I had 3 EXTREMELY intense pulsed dye laser treatments a few years ago for my rosacea. I bruised a lot, and it took weeks for it all to go away, but it really did do wonders for the redness and veins in my face, something no cream or cleanser could ever do. Lasers rock, but they're SO expensive. Thanks for this video!

[mikromue]

Recent studies show that lasers can lead to the increase of Granzyme B which is associated with fat loss and premature aging. This is why lasers look good for a while but often times it backfires (months/ years after that). Doctors often only see the results from days/ weeks after the treatment. (I am not sure if I am allowed to post the studies here?)

[heylookitsnana]

Some laser treatment centers have cold air blow from the laser apparatus itself with every pulse, reducing the pain as well.

[khalilahd.]

I’ve been wanting to do laser hair removal but as a black woman I know it can be hit or miss. Thanks for this video!! 🙏🏽

[claraelizabeth]

I’m a native South Korean, and I had this done last week. The nurses gave me a rich cooling mask afterwards. During the week, my hyperpigmentation got darker and it peeled off. There was some pain, but it was tolerable. The doctor signed me up for ten treatments for my acne scaring, and asked me to come every two weeks. One session has done more for my skin than any expensive skincare routine could have done. The cost for 10 treatments was a bit staggering, but it cost less than a years worth of my skincare, so I just bit the bullet. I was hesitant at first because of the horror stories I heard about people being sensitive to the treatment. Thank goodness my skin could tolerate it though.

[beckyc.]

Congratulations in conquering your laser fear. I’m glad you’re happy with the brightening results!

[rplmhzrk]

It did for me. I always sturggled with acne. It started around the age 16 and got progressively worse in my early twenties. Having thyroid disorder and then PCOS made things even worse. Then they turned into cystic acne. It was not just horrible to look at my face and even my eyes were in pain because I had painfull acne near my temples and eyebrows too. I went to see a dermatologist in Agust. He only prescribed me antibiotics and a supplement for one month ( I can't remember the name. I can only remember selenium now. But I don't think it was selenium. But something sounding like that, ending in ium) The doctor did laser treatments on my skin to break the cysts and also for skin resurfacing. I did 4 treatments, one every month. And by January my acne had cleared up, the scars ( not just mark but the unevenness) had also improved a lot. It's been 2.5 years since then. I take good care of my skin, I found products that work for me. I worry about a potential acne flare again someday but it has not happened yet. Sometimes I get one or two breakouts before my periods start. But other than that so far my skin has been doing alright. The laser treatments saved not just my skin but also my life. Acne ( especially well into adulthood) ruins your life. ( I am brown-indian in ethncity. My doctor said laser is safer than chemical peeling for me because in chemical peeling there were risks of skin discoloration and scarring for me)

[goosebump]

Such a great video! It makes me feel hopeful. As someone with pale olive Asian skin with tons of sunspots, it's good to know I can resort to the pico laser to treat them now

[podpoe]

the pico laser blasts melanin with sound waves?? holy moly thats so cool!!

[ProBeautyWriter]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm having a fractionated erbium laser treatment next month (face, neck, and dec) because I've had skin cancer multiple times (including Mohs surgery on my face last November). My surgeon believes this will lessen my odds of another skin cancer, so even though it's an ablative procedure, I'm willing to give it a try. I had a Pico treatment to remove remaining pigmentation after a facial mole was removed, and your description of "rubber band snapping" is spot on. Love your channel and blog (and have been a lurker for at least five years). Just wanted to say thanks!

[two_Lucky]

I would love to see you do a video on the safety or efficacy of at home laser hair removal!

[oxfordnoi]

Hey, this was just so brilliant!
You talked about 'rebound pigmentation', can this happen to ur skin if u had used any of the follwoing: acid? x

[BriseisMusic]

If lasers weren't so expensive, I'd love to get them done! I wonder how they compare to hydroquinone. Just curious if one works faster than the other.

[eyiapandora]

I've just realised that your plant is lego! :) I love your videos. You are so good at explaining and breaking down chemistry information and terminology in a meaningful and engaging way. The visual of lighting up each part of complex names as you go was really good as well as linking back to everyday examples. Your students are lucky to have you.

[kawint]

Hi Michelle! Thanks so much for this video, I’m in Thailand and most practitioners tell you to avoid exfoliation and sun for two weeks after the non-ablative treatments, but my skin really needs regular exfoliation, including retinoid to keep my pores from clogging up turning quickly into acne. After my pico treatment my skin also looked really normal and only felt slightly warm so I was speculating that it wouldn’t be like stronger types of laser treatments. Your video reassured me that it should be fine to return to regular routine after a couple days pause. Many thanks!

[alexandragrace]

Michelle, you are PSYCHIC! Yesterday I saw Dr Nina Wines in North Sydney and had my first round of laser treatments (for scarring). As I drove home I thought to myself “I wonder if Lab Muffin Beauty has a video about lasers and how they work? 🤔 I don’t think so, but I hope so.” Then today I woke up to this video! 🤩 Thank you for the wonderful explainer once again. Love your work!
Sidenote I have Mediterranean-Polynesian skin.

[ThereAreLights]

If there's anyone I trust an ad from it's you! Very awesome and informative video as always :)

[brodietaym]

have had laser hair removal treatments for 10 years now with the Alexandrite as well as the nd yag lasers. As the hair becomes finer with every treatment the pain Factor becomes almost barely noticeable. Haven't had any adverse side effects either. I've also had laser treatment for sunspots and that was not painful at all.

[barbiec]

I had Vbeam laser treatment in Thailand 2 weeks ago for a few areas redness on my cheeks and sides of nose. Gone! My brother who has rosacea also has had numerous Vbeam treatments with very good success. I also had Pico laser treatments for firming and brightening my entire face. I only had one 2 step treatment but I notice a different two weeks later. I had minimal bruising and expect to see more improvements as time goes by. Thailand is a good place to go for these services and they have many large hospitals that do medical and cosmetic procedures. So, while you’re on vacation, consider a laser treatment.