A big goal I set for 2019 was to take better care of my skin. I've dreamed of wearing no makeup and having a beautiful, smooth complexion. I literally had no direction or idea how to achieve it but I knew I was on a mission to get that glowing skin that would allow me to walk around confidently.

My Skin Background

My acne growing up wasn't anything crazy--just your normal, occasional (and annoying) bump here and there. My skin tends to breakout with stress or if I'm eating really bad but I'd say that probably goes for most everyone. When I hit my mid-twenties I started getting cystic acne on my jawline and it would. not. go. away! I tried everything: LED lights to kill bacteria, not touching or picking at all (God, that is HARD!), tea tree oil (probably the best of all), cystic acne spot treatment, silk pillow case, icing it, and lots of different recommended skincare items. I was fed up so I finally started back on birth control and my cystic acne magically disappeared. That's when I decided I finally had the chance to get my dream skin I've always wanted.

Who I Trust

If you've been following me, you know my love for Danielle at The Luxe Room. Her passion for what she does is so obvious. She is so knowledgable and educates and guides you EVERY step of the way. I originally went to her to start preventative botox. I realized how talented she was after my initial appointment so I started getting lip fillers. You can read about that here. After botox and fillers, I started LaseMD.

What is LaseMD?

LaseMD is a fractional thulium laser treatment that results in brightening pigment, smaller pores, treating fine lines and general skin resurfacing. It can also help with breakouts. Basically it gives you a GLOW that lasts! The best part? Little downtime.

What is the Treatment Like?

Danielle starts by numbing your face. It takes about 20-30 minutes to kick in so you'll either sit back and relax or knock out some overdue botox. 🙃 Once you're numb, she starts with the laser. It's a constant rolling of the machine (see my IG story highlights labeled 'skincare' to see it in action). It isn't painful. I felt a lot of warmth once we were done. It felt good to hold the cold air blower on my face for a little while after to calm it down. Danielle also did 3 "clicks" of IPL on each cheek to treat my red spots. She's great at customizing a treatment for your needs.

Post LaseMD Treatment

Danielle suggests following the aftercare for 5-7 days after treatment (but SPF should be used always!):

• Aftercare cleanser - could use either

  • LaRoche Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser (good price point for those wanting to spend less, won't irritate skin)

  • iS Clinical Cleasing Complex (better quality and more antioxidants)

• Sente Dermal Repair Cream

• SkinMedica TNS Recovery Complex (pricey but liquid gold!)

• SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield Sunscreen (SPF is a MUST!)

The most important thing I can stress here is WEAR YOUR SUNSCREEN!!

At some point in the days following my second treatment, I must've gone outside without SPF on my face. My skin started to get sunburn bubbles (I forget what they are called) on my nose and it was devastating. Can you tell how upset I am with myself in these photos?! Lol!

The next 24 hours my skin tends to still be pretty red and slightly swollen. If it feels hot, I'll ice it here and there.

Over the next few days, my skin starts to feel rough--almost like a soft sandpaper feel. It slowly peels--but not in the way you'd imagine peeling looks. It's small flakey, dead-looking skin. During this time your face may appear splotchy because the peeling is gradual and some skin will be fresh and renewed while other parts are still going through the process. In the last photo labeled "2 Days After" you can see the texture of my skin is a little rough. If you look closely, you can also see the places that haven't peeled yet. They are slightly darker and splotchy.

You can apply mineral makeup the next day. Try to wait at least 3 days before using normal makeup otherwise they can block the pores and lead to breakouts/milia/irritated skin. I'd suggest holding off on makeup for a week if you can.

After about a week, you'll see how great the results are! I immediately saw a huge reduction in my pore size and had a GLOW like I've never experienced. Most of my scars from cystic acne and sun damaged disappeared.

Once your face heals, makeup goes on like butter. I love how smooth and flawless my skin looks. Here are a few glam looks I did only weeks after my treatment.

Cost

Treatments at The Luxe Room cost $700 each or $1650 for 3 treatments. Danielle also offers monthly specials which sometimes include LaseMD treatments at a discounted price.

You can earn money to use towards future purchases by using a program (email me at hello@thatboujeebohemian.com or DM me on IG for a referral!).

Maintaining My Results

I did the series of three and am THRILLED to say the least. I've received numerous compliments since finishing and had more people tell me they thought I was 23 than ever before so I'm calling that a major win! :)

I've found that using quality skincare products combined with periodical light exfoliation keeps my skin healthy and glowing. More to come on my daily skincare routine in the following weeks!

Before and Afters

I completed a series of three treatments. It is recommended to have them done four weeks apart but I wasn't religious on that schedule. I received my first on July 15, 2019, second on November 20, 2019, and third on January 2020. I still received amazing results! See for yourself: