Has Anyone Had Success Reversing Damage Caused by Lasers? Costa Mesa, CA

Wow! I must say it is helping! And at least my face isnt burning anymore. That was aweful having 24/7 fire face!:( So, Maybe it's because I caught it right away that I'm seeing improvement? It's been only a month post treatment and the lady from psoria gold said it works best when you catch it on the earlier side before the inflamation goes down. But she also said you must be patient to see results. She said a similar thing happened to her with ipl and it was a year before her skin got completely better. So, I don't know. I'm really trying to stay positive and change my Outlook on this crappy situation. I've been through all the emotions of severe depression, self loathe for doing this to myself, obsessing over my "before" ipl disaster photos, hate for the medical community. ..All of it! I spend HOURS googling stuff. I need to stop it already. I can say that my nueroticism has driven me to become even more strict in my eating habits.

I think I was over a month and a half out before I began. Hopefully starting early will help. Good luck. I'm about a year out and still have a lot of damage.

Hi sweetie! I am too. Thank goodness. I was terrified when this first happened but I think I'm healing nicely.

What is helping you heal??

Hi Sheba. If you have inflammation right now get some psoria gold. It brought down the inflamation for me. It's what causes all the texture changes and nasty open pores. Make sure you are drinking lots of water. Eat lots of fruit n veggies. Take vitamins n supplements like fish oil. Get a good mineral sunscreen. DO NOT use anything harsh on your skin. No retinols, glycolic acid. No exfoliants! It will keep you from healing trust me I had a set back). be gentle and wash your face w glycerine soap and bottled water. Use cerave lotion. That w the psoria gold will help. Give yourself time. It takes time but you will improve. Dont panic and don't worry. You'll be ok.

Ok I will do all of what U said but I had a peel done yesterday and I hope that wasn't a bad idea!!! I'm so desperate to alleviate this situation!!! My last treatment was 11/14/14 .. Is it terrible that I did the peel??

I don't think I have any inflammation right now . How would I know??

I think if you had inflamation you would know. Is your skin irritated and red with large open pores aka "orange peel texture"? Right now you just want to baby your skin. I would hold off on any peels and protect your skin barrier. Before I knew what was going on I used an exfoliant thinking I could slough off the nasty texture but it made it worse and prolonged the healing. I'm to where I can relax about my skin a bit but I know I have several months of slow healing left to go. I think it takes 9 months to a year. The biggest and hardest thing is trying not to stress. That alone is horrible for your skin and collagen. I'm sure you are going to be just fine.

It's not red and inflamed (never was) but I did get the Orange peel texture . I'm peeling just a little at this point .. Praying for decent results. Have U tried nerium ad? Once my skin heals from this peel I'm going to try that as I've heard it's wonderful for texture but can take up to 90 days to see results.

Also I I've been using raw honey and emu oil up to this point so was Babying my skin right before the peerl. This is all so frusturating :(

I know it sure is frustrating and sad. I tried nerium about a yr ago. I think it was good. But i had great skin to begin with (before I sabotaged it with ipl) now I've developed some rosacea from all this. I'm VERY sensitive to anything it seems.

Thank you! I'm looking 80% better! The fat loss is what sucks but hopefully will come back in a yr or two. Xo

Did you have fat loss? This IPL machine sunk my eyes and caused my cheeks to drop. I'm at a complete loss on how to fix this

Yes:( melts the fat. I'm sorry

So far loss is coming too? When did it start for you ? How long after the laser ?

Hi! Well my face stopped burning constantly. I had a burning sensation all the time for like over a year. I also had uncontrollable inflammation. i am happy to say the burning sensation is gone. I only have inflammation if I try a product and my skin doesn't like it (problem in which I never had pre ipl). The texture has improved some but still fluctuates. But my main and only real concern is that the ipl pretty much murdered by oil glands. My face just stays dry no matter what I slather on it. I have heard by some that they do start working again after a few years. Hang in there! It does get better I promise.

I'm going to keep this simple, go get dmk enzyme therapy treatments! After ONE session and one month on the skincare I was prescribed has totally saved my moisture barrier! She said I'm really reactive/sensitive because of water loss, a damaged moisture barrier. Call me or text me if you like to know more. 6613715593:)

I made an appointment for tomorrow:)

Did you have this done? Where is it available? I have similar damage due to a retinoid and am desperate to heal

It' definitely helped with hydration.

I read about the masks and they seem to "tighten" and I'm in the exact same boat you were in at the time of your post . Which one did you get? Our stories are identical in terms of damage but I only had 1 treatment . I'm deveststed and honestly don't want to live anymore . I have the squares and little lines inside like I'm 90 , my texture is repulsive now and my barrier is gone, I can't even tolerate cereve for babies and my once regular skin is very dry . I hsve hypopigmentation and squiggly lines in the squares . I went to another derm and he asked if I had CO2 and I said no, broadband light, ipl. He said the squares were obvious and I may need to do those tanning boxes later . But the texture is runined , it's like I've been branded . All the stories I read , everyone still has the grid marks . When I look at your hypopigmentation in one photo , it could be my cheek , that's same waxy skin texture with those dots and lines , it's clearly the laser!
Did you ever heal from it?

I promise you it gets better in time! I still have some of the texture damage but no one notices but me! I have had some set backs though. I just do the enzyme masks. Nothing more for now. Still gun shy. I just moved from Cali to Virginia. I found a DMK therapist here. She did a great job and was very gentle but the next appt another lady did it and was NOT gentle and left my face a mess. Still so resentful about it. Laser damaged skin is a whole different beast. So always tell them NOT to do extractions anywhere but nose and chin and not to rub the mask off with a cloth but instead soak it off. Also for you I would recommend getting the betagen cream. Something in it calms my skin. Probably the beta glucans. Xo

Thanks for your reply. I can't use any cream , I guess my face is worse ! I tried vanicream that another derm told me to use and I itched all night and got a rash , I tried cerave for babies , aveeno eczema , forget my regular light water based cream , I tried oils like jojoba and Argan , massive inflammation . I have to take prescription antihistamines 3 x daily . Sometimes after I splash water I get red dots on my chin but that's the biafine getting unsettled by water and sinking in again . I can use biafine , sort of , I do get red . My face is so dry and there is nothing I can use , my skin comes off , thrn returns , over and over . I just want to use any cream , anything! I'm glad you're got better but mine won't . You had photos that were labeled 2 years post but I am confused because the one that reads 2 years has the squares and lines and hypopigmentation , did it go away year 3? I can't wait 3 years for a number of reasons . I lost the past 5 weeks of my life crying and being deveststed , I stayed home on my bday, Christmas and New Years and don't want to be seen . I've never worn foundation into life and I'm not piling on that nasty , ugly stuff on plus the kicker is that it wouldn't work ! I have texture changes , color changes and bizarre patterns , like I've been branded or someone took an exacto knife to my face . I hate that I did this to myself . And I went to a top Manhattan derm , and she literally burned me then wouldn't lift a finger when I tried asking for advice . I never had cooking gel or aftercare instructions , I went business as usual. Had I know I would have used a gentle cleanser and bland cream not gel washes and hot showers , she just denied it . I went to another derm and he said yes you hsve hypopigmented squares , pointed at them and said he didn't need me to point thrn out . Then he touched a few because the texture on some are like plastic and he made a puzzled face . I'm burned . Every story I read on here peoole said they still have the hypo and squares and lines , I don't see anyone better , they all claim
They got progressively worse and their photos look pretty bad .

Hi I know this is a old post ,but how are you liking the dmk enzyme masks ? I had a few but worry about the exfoliants they use before the mask . Do you get the exfoliants ? Also how is your skin now ? I’m a year out and feel like my skin finally turned a corner for the better . Do you have any new discovers that have been working for you ?

I do like the masks. At the beginning I didn’t get them . You have to work up to them.

Yes! Same here! If I get overheated from working out it looks awful which I read is similar people with rosacea. It's hard to figure out which products I can use because sometimes a product will have no reaction and then the same product will. Who knows anymore. Yes, my texture damage is only noticeable to me as well. I have to point it out if I want someone to really notice it. That's why I don't worry about it so much. It's only when it gets all red people notice. I think at the beginning it was healing but I tried to introduce products too soon and caused more problems. Maybe a couple more years it will get better! Fingers crossed!

Hi. It's almost two years since I had a treatment called Resurfxx which is IPL in conjunction with a fraxel-type laser. My oil glands and protective barrier were destroyed and my smooth skin was replaced by the orange peel texture. Just this past month I have noticed my skin isn't getting so dry during the day. I previously had to apply moisturiser halfway through the day and I even noticed I had a slightly oily forehead. I didn't think I would ever get excited about that!! I have had massive fat/collagen loss and I am just having to adjust to the change. I'm scared to try fillers. My skin is still really reactive and I've found the best way is to just baby it. It does get better - it just needs time but skin is extremely resilient. My skin will never be the same as before but after almost two years I can see a big improvement.

I'm so glad to hear your oils glands are starting to function ! I was losing hope with that. My skin doesn't produce oil yet but so glad to hear they can start working again. I know what you mean by the mid day dryness. It's awful what those machines do to our previously healthy skin. Yes I agree babying has been best. Anytime I try to speed up the cellular turnover process I have problems. Ahhh...so hard to have patience with this. I'm glad we are all on here to help each other since most think we are crazy;).

I just read your review. Did the LED help you at all?

Thank you! You too ! I guess it's fat loss or collagen loss. I think more collagen loss. It used to be soft and seamless and fluffy and now it's got a burnt crinkly porous look. So yes what your aesthetician says sounds right! I'm so glad to hear you are having good results with the microneedling with prp! I didn't know it caused peeling. I'm not sure my skin can handle peeling. I tried this Aquagold fine touch thing. You can read my review. It was a total bust. No results and down $650. Please keep me updated! Im very happy for you! Xo

What is PRP please?

Yes oct 2014. My under eyes are also hollow but I'm too scared to fill them. Terrified actually. But I do get my lips done now since this all occurred. I love them. Makes me feel better;) I'm just too afraid right now to fill anywhere else. I want to though! Maybe I should try LED. I'd also like to do some type of prp. I just think for another year I should leave it alone. I'm sorry about the fat loss! I know some people have fat grafts?

I think I would be too scared to try fat grafts. I enquired about PRP but was told that I might not see any difference and it was going to cost about AU$800 so I didn't want to waste any more money. My main concern with cheek fillers us how they will react with my lasered skin. That's good that you like your lips

I fille dmine and it was supposed to last 24mhs - it didnt even last a year. waste of money. It was voluma

Hi Amber. Did the fillers look good even though they didn't last? I have booked for next week but nervous due to my lasered skin.

I know exactly how you feel. I am going through the same experience right now. I went out at new year which was the last time I looked remotely like my usual as if I kept a smile on my face I was ok. But by the 12th this year my just gave up and collapsed. I am trying prp injections to begin with. Truly life changing and devasting experience!

I had just one syringe of Voluma last week divided between both cheeks. I was too nervous to have any more and wanted to see if I had s bad reaction. It is subtle but it's made me feel a lot better as my cheeks are a little more lifted and defined. She told me to give it three weeks to see the full effect and to decide whether I want any more.

Awesome! I'm glad it seems to be helping so far!

Have you healed? I need help! My undereyes are awful! Big bags and dark circles! Never had before the BBL! I’ll do anything! I don’t care about my dry skin or burning, but I can’t even leave the house my under eyes are horrible! My husband even asked why I had black circles!!! Please help!

Yes I go in the sun sometimes but try to always wear a hat. To be honest I try not to wear makeup because it's irritating and hard to get off with a gentle cleaner. I sometimes use "bye bye pores" by IT Cosmetics. It helps conceal the uglies and it's easy to get off and non irritating.

I can't leave the house without makeup. My skin is so burned looking. Have you seen any texture improvement at all?

Yes it has! Just still really really dry.

That's great. I'm so glad to hear that

I use Rodan and Fields Soothe regimen and it helps rosacea, eczema, and sensitive skin, along with dry chapped skin. i used for for several months soi could build up the lipid barriers in my skin so it could withstand the higher efficacy products regimens like Reverse for sun damage. check it out at amberunsworth.myrandf.com I cant get you 10-50% off of the price you see and show you my b/a pic. The only thing i cant get rid of is the broken capilaries under my eyes -which is what brought me to your post.

Do you have laser damage?

I was wondering the same. Please let us know @ amber

I haven't used a laser yet. The only thing the Rodan + Fields skincare can't fix is the Broken capilaries under my eyes, which is what led me to come here to read these posts. I wanted to get laser done for it. I read your posts about burns and redness - and the Rf Soothe regimen will help with all of that. I would love to show you a b/a pic of myself so you can see how amazing the products are. You can also email me at amberunsworth@gmail.com and I will send you my before and after pic. I used to not be able to withstand retinol or any products on my face as it made it burn, itch, and turn red. The issue was bcuz I had sensitive skin and didnt know it. I now am able to use the sun damage regimen (w/retinol) and dont have any sensistivity issues and the redness has disappeared. You can message me at my email address and leave me a # to contact you at and I will call you and help you with your skin. Soothe is so gentle yet effective that i use it on my 1 yo son who gets eczema on his cheeks occasionally.

I am not too sure I want to use a laser now - seeming there are a vast aount of issues with the aftermath of it. I have worked so ard on getting my skin teh way it is now and i get complimented all the time and look half my age - I aged backwards with RF products. Did i mention they ALL come with a 60 day guarantee - even if empty bottles? They are amazing!!

I would highly advise to NOT ever use a laser on your skin. The risk is not worth it I promise you with every ounce of my being. I would like to see your pictures though, I will email you

Yes. Do not do lasers, ipl, etc. Not worth the risk. In my opinion.

Thank you guys for your feedback - I really appreciate it. Since I am in the skincare business and have learned how your skins strength is so important, I t leads me to wonder if you had built up the lipid barriers in your skin (for instance using SOOTHE regimen with Rodan + Fields) for several months before using a laser , if you would not have had the bad outcome of it burning your skin and issues???? I used to burn and turn red and itch as well when i used certain high efficacy products on my skin prior to using the Soother regimen from RF, and now that i have built up my strength (lipid barriers) I do not burn, itch or turn red at all with any products i use on my face. Just a thought - What do you ladies think?

Any things possible I suppose. I had very sensitive skin and the doctor clearly did not take that into consideration. I fully blame him for what happened. He should have had a better understanding and taken more precaution.

Lasers are not to be taken lightly ESPECIALLY on someone's face.

I also don't think products and lasers can be compared honestly. Lasers we are talking heat damage that goes down deep in the layers of you skin not just the top epidermis as in with products

I can say with 100% certainty that my skin prior to Ipl was healthy and strong and normal functioning.

I think that can be exactly what the deal is! I had sensitive skin and the laser damaged it. Now I'm having dmk treatments to try and reverse it...so far it's really helping! 6613715593. It's easier if you just text or call me:)

Hi Becky! I haven't tried it. You can maybe message and ask @ whatamistake

That's awesome! I will try these. Yes vit c and most everything cause irritation. I have found a couple products that my skin don't react to.

I just had a nano peel laser a week ago, and I am using Avene Cicalfate. Miracle indeed!!

Yes Avene Cicalfate works great for skin recovery! Fantastic stuff. Now my skin can tolerate Vit C, but stay away from Perricone. I use Skinceuticals Ferulic C E Serum now, but always Avene products otherwise.

Thank you! It's just REALLY dry and sensitive still after two years from the ipl.

Oh gosh I'm so sorry! Yes during the first year maybe longer just baby your skin! It may heal! I recommend buying skinmedica HA5 and Paula's choice skin recovery moisturizer. The skin recover line is good. Xo

Would you mind telling us how old you are/ were when you got your first laser treatment? 20s? 30s? 40s? I'm curious because you say that it took 2-3 years before your skin got better - but I'm in my mid-40s and getting older! If you were in your 20s when you got your laser - then of course it's OK to wait and do nothing for 2-3 years. Again, being in my mid-40s, not quite sure I have the same timeline. Although not sure what to do to reverse the damage...

I was 34, now I'm 39....