Review of Fractional Laser Palomar 1540 - Brisbane, AU

I decided to go for a series of treatments at Irena Morgenstern Skin Management in Brisbane, Australia. I previously had a bad experience with a DMK alkaline wash from a paramedical skin therapist (Complexion Code at Albion), following which I decided to see a dermatologist who prescribed me Roaccutane. My issue has always been my oily skin and the fact that I have huge pores.

The alkaline wash scarred my skin even more, if anything my theory is that it got into the pores of my skin, burned the scar around it and consequently stretched the pores even larger. I think the pores are still there but now there are big scars around the pores that makes it look massive. I now have scars and large pores in areas of my skin that were never "problematic" in the first place - places like just underneath the eye where people don't normally find large pores.

Panicked, I turned to a dermatologist who told me that my main problem is to solve my problem of excess sebum first before attempting any laser procedure to smooth out those scars. I went on Roaccutane for like a year and when I finished, my skin looked great. Hardly noticed the pores, though they were still there. However after some time, my skin started showing pores again. I suppose the effects of Roaccutane were that they reduced my oil production but they do not reduce my pore size.

My dermatologist, Davin Lim from Westside Dermatology, I found slightly arrogant and uncaring. So I decided to try my laser options elsewhere. I went to Irena Morgenstern Skin Management in Brisbane. She suggested I go for the Palomar 1540 Fractional Laser. The cost is AUD$3000 for 4 full-face sessions plus 3 extra touch ups.

So far I have finished the course of the full-face sessions and I am yet to go for the 3 touch ups in smaller areas.

My verdict: I think the laser has made my skin more even, in that there used to be lots of pigmentation because of the pores. While my pores are still large, my general skin texture has improved.

What I have found works for my skin is buying some raw Vitamin e, which I mix one drop with DMK Herb & Mineral mist to form a very slippery mix (because oil and water don't mix). After washing with my cleanser, I put that mix all over my face. For my moisturiser, I use Avene Soothing moisture mask. I don't know if it is the laser, but I found that since using this mix of Vit e + spritz + mask, my skin has improved much faster. My skin is more supple. I find also that when I drink a lot of water or when I sweat a lot, my skin complexion also gets better - I think because the skin is more hydrated. I follow this routine at night. In the morning, I cleanse my face and use either a vitamin c or b serum (both DMK), a DMK solar damage gel, the spritz plus a DMK biogen c creme, and top off with spf 50+ sunblock.

Would I recommend the laser? I think it depends on how people's skin react. Mine, thankfully, is okay so far although I wished there was a much bigger improvement.
I still have the orange peel complexion. I try to stay positive. I suppose if I can't get better skin, I am going to try to get the best I can given my situation.

I'm also eating healthier now to help my skin. I force myself to have a piece of fruit after every meal so that I get some nutrients. I try to eat more veggies. I avoid unhealthy food and milk, which tends to give me blackheads. It's not perfect, but it's getting there...