Common Skin Treatment Myths Debunked

Skin care is one of those areas for which everyone seems to have their own advice. This is especially true in our web-friendly world, and a day hardly goes by when there isn’t at least one blogger or YouTuber slathering a new concoction on their face just to see what it will do. Unfortunately, all this talk can involve quite a bit of misinformation (or in some cases, it’s simply one person sharing their story and others assuming their experience will be the same). That’s why our registered nurse, licensed medical aestheticians, and laser technicians at Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center are here to offer their expertise and put to rest some of the most common myths about skin treatments.

Myth #1: Microdermabrasion is the same thing as using an exfoliating lotion at home.

It’s true that both microdermabrasion and exfoliating products aim to clear away the dead skin cells, but microdermabrasion is a much more precise and effective method. It not only removes debris which can clog your pores and dull your complexion, but it also removes damaged surface skin to lighten certain imperfections and give your skin a radiant glow and a smoother, softer feel. Some treatments even go a step further. At Laser Lights, we use SilkPeel®, a more advanced version of microdermabrasion which also applies a customized topical medication in the process (depending on whether your goal is acne clearing, wrinkle reduction, or a radiant glow). By applying the topical solution alongside the microdermabrasion, the product can reach deeper levels of the skin and be more effective.

Myth #2: There aren’t any skin treatments which truly use natural products.

In past years, you didn’t really have the option of having a skin treatment without some kind of artificial chemical, and this is actually still the case in some facilities. However, Laser Lights is proud to offer an option which can reduce fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and more using the growth factors in your own natural blood. We begin drawing a small vial of blood and processing it to separate the natural growth factors within it. Next, we use microneedling to activate your body’s natural healing process and then apply the growth factors to enhance it further. Because this healing causes the body to produce skin-firming and smoothing collagen, the result is a clearer and more youthful complexion.

Myth #3: The best way to treat acne is by finding the right combination of skincare products.

Don’t get us wrong—using the right products consistently is a crucial part of staying on top of acne-prone skin. But patients who see the best results are typically those who pair a customized home care regimen with intermittent professional treatments, like acne facials or SilkPeel® microdermabrasion, to get a true deep cleansing. When you come in for your acne treatments, you can also have your provider evaluate your skin and recommend the ideal products for your specific skin.

Myth #4: The right diet and exercise will get rid of the fat under my chin.

While a person’s overall weight can certainly contribute to the amount of fat they develop under their chin, this particular area can be tricky. Not only can a “double chin” sometimes be hereditary, but it can also be notoriously difficult to get rid of, even for slender people. While weight loss doesn’t allow you to choose where you lose fat from, there is a non-surgical way to address this unique area. Kybella® is an injection which gradually breaks down fat under the chin, allowing the body to naturally eliminate it. It’s offered at our parent practice, Dr. David Whiteman’s Southern Plastic Surgery, but you can also enhance your results with our Viora Reaction® non-surgical skin tightening treatments, for an even slimmer and more youthful look.

Myth #5: Laser hair removal will leave you permanently hair-free.

While this is possible, it shouldn’t be your expectation, and it isn’t a promise any technician should make. As with any other treatment, each patient’s body responds differently to laser hair removal. After completing a series of six treatments, you can expect a significant reduction in hair in the treated area. Because the laser treatment has impacted the hair follicles, it hinders them from growing hair in the future, although you may have a few particularly stubborn follicles. Depending on any future hair growth you see, you’ll likely want to return for a treatment every year or so to maintain your results long-term.

The tricky thing about skin treatments is that “facts” are not as consistent as they may seem. Everyone’s skin is unique, which means each person responds to a treatment or product in their own way, so it’s not an exact science. The best way to find accurate information about your own skin and the treatments which may benefit you is to schedule a complimentary consultation and skin care analysis at Laser Lights with our licensed and experienced professionals. Plus, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+, and don’t forget to vote for us in Best Self’s Best of Atlanta contest for Best Laser Hair Removal!