The Truth About Lasers
The energy-based skin treatments I trust, the ones I regret, and what to know before you book anything.
Every season there's a new treatment everyone is talking about. Morpheus8, Moxi, BBL, Sofwave, XERF. Each one promises tighter skin, fewer lines, and a glow with no downtime.
I've tried a lot of them myself. Some gave me results I loved. Others left me with side effects I'm still aware of years later. Over time I've become much more selective about what I'll put my skin through, and I want to share what I've learned, including the parts I got wrong.
Morpheus8: the one I wouldn't do again
When Morpheus8 was everywhere, I booked a series of three sessions. It was being called the ultimate tightening and collagen treatment, and I was curious.
Honestly? It hurt a lot, and it did very little for me. I saw minimal improvement, the downtime was longer than I expected, and looking back, it wasn't worth it.
Some surgeons have since raised concerns that repeated radiofrequency treatments may affect fat and tissue quality over time, which could matter if you're considering surgery later. The research is still limited, but it's a question worth raising with your provider and surgeon before committing to a series. I wish I'd known to ask it sooner.
Why I still chose Sofwave
Despite that experience, I recently tried Sofwave, an ultrasound-based treatment for tightening and collagen. I'd had Ultherapy about five years earlier. It gave me a great lift, but it also left parts of my face looking a bit hollow, so I went in cautiously.
Sofwave felt different. The pain was manageable, and I saw a visible difference after one session, especially along my jawline and cheeks. It works on a similar idea to Ultherapy, but in a gentler, more targeted way.
It's the only energy treatment I've chosen to repeat in recent years. That said, I know plenty of people who felt it did nothing for them, so results clearly vary.
XERF: the new one everyone is talking about
I've also tried XERF, the radiofrequency tightening treatment that's getting a lot of attention right now. The good news: it didn't hurt at all. No numbing, and I was comfortable the whole time.
The catch is that you'll likely need more than two or three sessions to see a real difference. For me, Sofwave still gave better results. And because XERF is also radiofrequency, the same question I raised about Morpheus8 applies here: if you're planning a series, talk it through with your provider first.
Moxi: my favorite low-risk option
If there's one laser I'll keep in my rotation, it's Moxi by Sciton. It's a fractional, non-ablative laser, which means it works without removing the top layer of skin. It helps with brightness, texture, and pigmentation, and it's gentle.
I've had it twice, and both times my skin looked smoother and more even within a few days. The downtime is minimal, and it doesn't wreck your skin barrier, which is rarer than it should be.
What about BBL, CO2, and the rest?
BBL (broadband light) isn't technically a laser, but it's very effective for sun spots, redness, and pigmentation, especially on lighter skin tones. A lot of people with rosacea get great results from it.
CO2, Fraxel, Contour TRL, and other ablative treatments go much deeper. They're used for scars, wrinkles, and more dramatic resurfacing, but they come with serious recovery time and a real risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or melasma flare-ups, especially if you're prone to pigment issues.
I learned this firsthand. Years ago I developed PIH and melasma after a HALO laser treatment. Nothing was done wrong. The timing, settings, and prep were all right, and my skin still reacted. Once pigment problems start, they're hard to reverse. That's why I always say: popular doesn't mean right for you.
How I support my skin before and after
What I do believe in is caring for your skin before and after any treatment. Always follow your provider's aftercare instructions first. On top of that, here's what I do personally:
Red light therapy to help calm my skin
Lymphatic drainage: gua sha on my face, wood therapy on my body
Pearl powder and castor oil masks at night, only once my skin has fully healed with no open areas
Tremella mushroom for hydration
Plenty of water and simple, hydrating skincare to rebuild my barrier
No alcohol, and very little caffeine, for 48 hours before and after
Protein at every meal while I'm healing
If I don't have an appetite, a protein smoothie with MCT oil and Cultivate Elevate's mushroom blend, dragon's blood, and pearl powder
The bottom line: plan, don't just book
I'm not trying to scare anyone away from lasers. I just don't think you should go into them casually. They're an investment, financially and for your skin, and a lot of the result depends on what you do around the treatment, not just the device itself.
Keep reading: Skin Alchemy, What Your Skin Is Telling You, and How to Prepare for Surgery and Recover Well
If you're considering a treatment, or you've booked one and want to recover well, I offer private consultations to help you think it through and plan your recovery. If surgery is on your calendar, start with my surgery prep and recovery checklist.
→ The products I use: Cultivate Elevate's pearl powder, tremella, and mushroom blend. Use code SYDNEY10 at checkout. (I earn a commission when you use my code.)