NoPlasticFlower

Saturday, I completely agree with you but never thought to put a name to it, Thermal Aging. That really is what lasers seem to do. I, too, feel that I have ruined my complexion with these devices. (CO2, Smoothbeam, Fraxel). It has been one year since my last treatment... my skin has gotten worse and there are now areas of orange peel. Has your skin gotten better at all in the 3 years since your treatment?

Saturday, I completely agree with you but never thought to put a name to it, Thermal Aging. That really is what lasers seem to do. I, too, feel that I have ruined my complexion with these devices. (CO2, Smoothbeam, Fraxel). It has been one year since my last treatment... my skin has gotten worse and there are now areas of orange peel. Has your skin gotten better at all in the 3 years since your treatment?

Personally, I would stay away from chemical peels for these conditions. They are harsh and seemed to be more effective on sun damaged skin. If you are prone to broken capillaries, it will probably make the condition worse. Any improvement you see to the pores will likely be from exfoliation (which can be accomplished with gentler methods) and inflammation that superficially shrinks the pores for a short period. Inflammation is one of the major causes of aging throughout the body and with harsh procedures like chemical peels, inflammation can last up to two year depending on how sensitive your skin is and how fast you heal. In my experience, there is usually a trade off for these kind of procedures. It is best to take a slower, more methodical approach to correcting problems, such as dietary and lifestyle changes. Most of these cosmetic procedures are quick fixes that don't hold up over time. You end up trading one problem for another. In terms of diet, you can start adding supplements that strengthen capillaries. Andrew Lessman (HSN) makes a Circulation & Vein Support capsule that contains many ingredients proven to strengthen capillaries and veins such as Diosmin, Hesperidin, Rutin, Grapeseed Extract, and Quercetin. Other herbs and minerals that help are Silica, Horsetail, and Vitamin C. Some people claim that these supplements fade or eradicate capillaries throughout the body. Topically, Vitamin K helps reduce redness. I use a Vitamin K cream by Donell. Another product line that is really effective is Rosacea Care. Their Willowherb Serum with Vitamin K is amazing. You can actually see the redness dissipate within seconds after application. One of the doctors mentions electrodessication (ED). This procedure can leave depressed, pore-like marks on the skin or hypopigmentation. I have also read that the results are not usually permanent and the capillaries reoccur after a few years. Anyway, be thorough in your research because doctors have conflicting views on the various methods available, as you probably noticed. It is a good idea to read a little in the biology of skin in order to understand exactly what is happening with these lasers and peels. It also helps to understand a little about the science of aging so you can decide if any of the procedures will actually provide real change versus superficial quick fixes.

I suspect that multiple treatments do more harm than good, personally. I don't think a doctor would answer this question truthfully since it is their business to sell expensive procedures.

I did not return to that particular doctor. He denies, as most seem to, the negative effect of the laser. I do not believe additional lasers will help alleviate the problem and therefore have not sought additional cosmetic treatment.