SmoothGlo: What You Need to Know
What it is
Pros & cons
Pros & cons
Fast facts
SmoothGlo is a nonsurgical treatment that rejuvenates the skin by improving its texture, tone, and volume. It also reduces excess pigmentation, laxity, acne scars, fine lines, and wrinkles. Â
While it’s usually done on the face, SmoothGlo can also be performed on the neck, chest, arms, the back of hands, and elsewhere on the body.
The treatment uses two complementary technologies developed by Lumenis, allowing you to reap multiple benefits in a single office visit:Â
- An intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment with the Stellar M22, a versatile procedure that can treat more than 30 common skin concerns, including rosacea, broken capillaries, hyperpigmentation, and photodamage. An IPL (aka photofacial) uses broadband light to target brown and red pigment in the skin. It also stimulates new collagen production, to help firm skin and smooth fine lines and wrinkles.Â
- VoluDerm radiofrequency (RF) microneedling from the Legend Pro platform, in which tiny needles penetrate the skin’s surface to deliver RF energy into the dermis. This stimulates a healing response that ramps up new collagen production. Clinical studies conducted by Lumenis showed that this also results in three times as much naturally occurring hyaluronic acid—a sugar molecule in the skin that binds water to collagen—for skin that’s more hydrated and plump.Â
When performed in sequence, this two-step treatment provides a greater benefit than the two would alone, leaving skin smoother, brighter, and firmer over time.
Pros
- IPL technology removes unwanted pigmentation, while VoluDerm stimulates regeneration of collagen and hyaluronic acid for smoother, tighter, more radiant skin.Â
- Multiple skin concerns can be addressed with a relatively quick treatment (about 30 minutes), with minimal downtime.Â
- The treatment is safe for a variety of skin tones, including tanned and brown skin (types I-V on the Fitzpatrick scale).Â
- When it’s performed properly by an experienced provider, the risk of side effects is low.Â
- Most patients experience minimal pain—IPL feels like the snap of a rubber band—during and after treatment. It doesn’t require a numbing cream, but you can request it, if you’re concerned about mild discomfort or have sensitive skin.Â
Cons
- Post-treatment, your skin may be red and swollen (especially if you have sensitive skin), requiring a day or two of social downtime. During this time, your skin may be sensitive and need gentle care.Â
- While you’ll see some benefits after your skin calms down, it takes several weeks for the full skin rejuvenation benefits to appear, as new collagen firms skin and the photofacial smooths and evens out skin tone.
- A series of three treatments, spaced a month apart, is typically recommended for optimal results. You’ll also need annual follow-up sessions to maintain them.
- This treatment is relatively new, so RealSelf members haven’t yet weighed in on whether it’s Worth It—and it may not yet be available in your area.
Updated June 13, 2023