How my skin transformed with Cosmedica

For those with troubled skin, the road to a more radiant and renewed complexion can seem impossible without the guidance and support of dermatologic intervention. I have spent much of the last decade frustrated and insecure of the “bad skin” vicious cycle, where acne-causing inflammation would lead to darkened spots, textured scarring, and a mere few days of “decent skin” before it all started over again. The turning point was after pregnancy, when I noticed melasma developing in the common areas under the eyes, on the forehead and around the lips, and at that point it felt like I could not be seen without putting on makeup.

In an effort to manage the self-scrutiny of my naked skin’s appearance, I cycled through birth control methods to address hormones (which only worsened my skin and mood), naturopaths to address diet, and even went as far as taking Accutane, all while combining endless over-the-counter creams, spot treatments, and face washes. Nothing made a notable or longstanding difference and it was time to see some real results.

I contacted Cosmedica for a complimentary consultation after hearing about Dr. Lupin’s knowledge and expertise within the industry, and seeing the impressive lineup of advanced skin technology available on their website. The office is one of the most visually stunning spaces that I’ve seen in Victoria, and the staff all have an amazing and experienced energy which made me feel very comfortable embarking on this journey. My skincare plan was assessed right away, which was comprised of fractional laser treatments in combination with a strict regime of their pharmaceutical-grade product line.

Half a year later and I am ready and excited to share the results of what investing in your skin can look like. It’s difficult to look at the “before” photo below because it reminds me of an unfortunate shame and embarrassment that I carried for many years. I simply did not want to be seen without covering up the spots.

As a woman in today’s society, it wouldn’t be common to brush off skin struggles as being superficial because it truly does have the ability to impact your confidence and feelings of self-worth. Of course, there is an element of accountability when it comes to practicing self-compassion, and to remember that we are so much more than our outer appearances. Needless to say, as seen in the “after” photo the improvement of my skin tone and texture has been transformative, although it did not happen overnight. Laser technology often requires a series of treatments over several months, but when the results start impacting your quality of life, the investment in your skin truly begins to pay off. The following represents a unique combination of treatments and lifestyle changes that have allowed me to feel my very best from the inside out.

Fraxel

Beginning the treatment plan last winter, we addressed my sun damage (brown spots), scarring, texture and fine lines with Fraxel. It was the best choice of laser technology to get maximum results because we weren’t competing with stronger UV rays in those warmer months. Fraxel Laser Skin Resurfacing is an amazing noninvasive treatment that effectively changes the texture and tone of all skin types and colours. It’s an FDA approved fractional laser that restores skin to its original texture, and creates a smoother tone with smaller pores, all while erasing sun spots and fine lines.

My experience with Fraxel was better than I expected, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for real results in regenerating their original skin. When my treatment day came around, I was made comfortable by the amazing staff who applied a numbing cream to my face an hour before we got started. The actual procedure was comparable to a prickly heat covering off each region of the face. It was completely tolerable and over before I knew it. While there was a week of down time with Fraxel, it was amazing to watch the regeneration of skin transform before my eyes over the days to follow. Brown spots literally purged from beneath the surface and shed off, ultimately leaving my skin with a completely refined tone and texture.

Clear and Brilliant

Clear and Brilliant is a gentle laser sometimes referred to as a “mini-fraxel” because the procedure sensation and results are very similar, however the intensity and downtime of Clear and Brilliant is much less. It essentially creates millions of microscopic treatment zones into skin. The “damaged” areas are then replaced with collagen-filled healthier and younger looking tissue. (Amazing, right?) I absolutely love the results of this procedure, and that because it is less intensive, it can be safely used into the warmer months.

Laser Genesis

Laser genesis is gentle series of treatments that will gradually improve redness, flushing, sun damage and tone of the skin. Ideal for those who want to address symptoms of rosacea, fade signs of sun damage or simply maintain results year round from lasers that penetrate deeper. This has been my favourite of all the procedures because it feels like a warm suntan and there is absolutely no pain or discomfort involved. It works extremely well at stimulating collagen underneath the skin and leaves the face feeling more refined and glowing. I even feel as though I have a bronzed tan a few hours after treatment!

Botox

For many years I was intrigued to try Botox, but reluctant to actually go through with it because I was afraid to alter my appearance in an obvious way that people would notice. However, turning 30 this year and becoming immersed in skincare education, I felt comfortable trying it for my first time because of the trust I felt with the clinic. I let them know that it made me nervous and that the phrase “less is more” really applied to what I was after. My late 20’s showcased forehead lines that were beginning to look more prominent and therefore I was open to trying Botox as a preventative measure before they became increasingly “deep-set” and harder to treat. Regarding the experience itself, I was so happy with how the staff listened to me and treated me with an individualized and conservative approach. I noticed softening of the forehead just days after the treatment, and based on the consultation results we were after, by two weeks there was a slight lift in the eyebrow area that “enhanced” my appearance, but did not “change” it. Botox allowed me to look more rested, and even reduced puffiness underneath my eyes. (All that money spent on de-puffing cream that never worked- yikes!) I absolutely love the results of just the right amount of Botox, and that it can last up to four months!

Laser technology can only go so far on its own. In order to achieve maximum results, incorporating advanced skincare as part of an every day maintenance and protective regime is imperative. Dr. Lupin and the staff at Cosmedica take an individualized approach to providing patients with their pharmaceutical-grade skincare line, with an emphasis on wearing SPF daily regardless of weather.

Lastly and equally as important, I have found that when you invest your time and energy with a dermatologist and quality product, you become more cognizant of the holistic lifestyle changes required to create optimal results. For me, that was paying more attention to diet- especially cutting out dairy, sugar and fried food- as well as being mindful of proper sleep, stress management, and wearing skin-healthy makeup .It’s also knowing the dangers of social media comparison, and that striving for perfect skin is very unrealistic- every celebrity and gorgeous model has skin concerns from time to time. Rather than cutting yourself down for occasional skin challenges, why not celebrate the dedication you’ve placed on your skin’s progression? Practice self-love as often as possible, and when you do- almost magically- your skin appears to love you back all the same.