TRIED +TESTED
The latest and greatest in the aesthetics industry, tested by the SPA+CLINIC team. For this issue, SPA+CLINIC’s Advertising Manager Kym Cowper tried three different device treatments. Read about her experience below. Alma Dye-SR PRO Pigment & Vascular I had the pleasure of visiting Alma’s showroom in Alexandria to explore their huge range of devices first-hand. Thanks to many years of irresponsible sun exposure, I have more than enough pigmentation, sun spots and vascular lesions to keep any laser operator busy for days. After consulting with Tiarnna, Alma’s incredible clinical trainer, she recommended Alma’s Dye-SR handpiece, as its 550-650nm spectrum (she tells me) is really effectively absorbed by hemoglobin, oxyhemoglobin, and pigment. It’s an in-motion handpiece, so after applying glide gel to my arms, which we decided was the best treatment zone to work on for that day, we started with the treatment. The Dye-SR has a cooling tip, which made the treatment super comfortable. For just a few minutes, Tiarnna glided the handpiece backwards and forwards quickly across my skin, which accumulated a slight warming sensation. The treatment was over before I knew it! I was a little pink for several hours following, which had died down the next day. Immediately following, my pigmentation was noticeably darker, and continued to darken for around 4-5 days before it began to slough off. I was pleasantly surprised with the quickness and comfort of the treatment, and the very tolerable post-treatment experience. alma-lasers.com.au
Lutronic Spectra XT - Hollywood Facial The Hollywood Facial, also known as the Carbon Facial or the China Doll Facial, has gained a lot of popularity due to its fast, noticeable results and almost no downtime. I was invited to experience one for myself at Sydney Dermal Lounge, where they perform the treatment using Lutronic’s Spectra XT Nd:YAG. After a thorough cleanse, a thin layer of carbon cream was applied to my skin. This is designed to adhere to surface congestion and pore blockages. Once I had my protective goggles placed on, the first pass was conducted, which felt like a pleasant warming sensation. My practitioner explained that this first component would create bulk heating in the tissue which would stimulate collagen production, and help to collapse some of the tiny blood vessels responsible for diffuse redness. The next pass was carried out immediately after, which ablated the carbon as well as the congestion it had clung to. The laser emitted loud snapping sounds as it ablated the carbon, coupled with the feeling of a very slight rubber band flicking sensation. This component was not a relaxing one but it definitely wasn’t unpleasant. Once the carbon was completely removed and soothing topical aftercare applied, I was free to go. My skin was slightly warm and pink for several hours following, with some slight swelling but no pain. This had completely subsided by the following morning and I was left with a much brighter, smoother complexion that was visibly clearer and very smooth to the touch. I did also notice these elements continue to improve over the next several weeks. lutronic.com.au
Cynosure Potenza Introducing Potenza by Cynosure – the first FDA cleared four-mode RF microneedling treatment. RF is not new to the aesthetic space but Potenza is a trailblazer bringing versatility giving the clinician monopolar and biopolar RF at the same time, along with its unique fusion Tiger Tip technology that will truly maximise your clients’ results with minimum pain and downtime. Potenza can be used anywhere on the body, I chose face and neck. My therapist, Sandrine, applied pre-treatment numbing cream and while I waited the typical 20-30 min recommended time till it kicked in, Sandrine explained she would customise the needle depth for my treatment between 1.2mm and 1.5mm to generate the best results for my skin concerns, tightening and stimulating collagen and elastin. Potenza was the most comfortable RF treatment I have ever experienced, and while there were areas on my face that were more sensitive than others, like above the lip and neck, overall it was extremely pleasant and quick – basically painless with no downtime. I had a little redness and swelling right after, but in the morning the redness was completely gone and I awoke with plumped glowing skin. I have followed the post-care protocol and am excited to continue the process with two more appointments to come. cynosureaustralia.com 14 | SPA+CLINIC
