The Truth About Lasers

Inside the energy-based skin treatments I trust, the ones I regret, and what every woman should know before booking anything

There’s a new “miracle” treatment every season.

One month it’s Morpheus8. The next it’s Moxi, BBL, or SoftWave. And each one promises tighter skin, fewer lines, and effortless radiance — all without downtime.

But here’s what I’ve learned after trying many of them myself:
skin doesn’t operate on trends.
It remembers everything — especially what you do to it in the name of beauty.

I’ve had amazing results with some treatments.
I’ve also had long-term side effects from others.
And over time, I’ve developed a much more strategic, selective approach to what’s worth doing — and what’s not.

Morpheus8: The One I Wouldn’t Do Again

When Morpheus8 was trending hard, I booked a series — three sessions total. It was everywhere, billed as the ultimate tightening and collagen-stimulating protocol. I was intrigued and open. But in the end, here’s my honest take:

It hurt — deeply — and did very little.

There was minimal visible improvement and a lot of discomfort. The downtime was longer than expected, and in hindsight, the payoff just wasn’t there.

But here’s the part no one was talking about at the time:
Repeated use of high-frequency energy devices like Morpheus8 may cause subtle scarring or fat loss over time, especially if combined with fillers. And while the effects might not be immediate, they can absolutely affect future facial procedures — including facelifts.

Many surgeons are now speaking openly about how these devices can complicate surgeries later on by creating tougher, less flexible tissue. I wish I had known that before.

Why I Still Chose SoftWave

Despite that experience, I recently tried SoftWave — a newer ultrasound-based collagen stimulator that’s being called a more refined alternative to Ultherapy. I had done Ultherapy five years ago and saw great lifting results, though it left parts of my face a bit hollowed out — something I wouldn’t repeat lightly.

SoftWave felt different. The pain was tolerable. The results after just one session were visible — especially around the jawline and cheeks. It uses similar tech to Ultherapy, but in a more targeted, lower-intensity way.

This is the only energy treatment I’ve chosen to repeat in recent years.
It’s not aggressive — but it’s effective. At least for me anyway. I have also heard many people say it did nothing for them and they didn’t think it was worth it.

Moxi: My Favorite Low-Risk Skin Booster

If there’s one laser I’ll keep in my rotation, it’s Moxi. By Sciton

It’s a fractional, non-ablative laser — meaning it doesn’t destroy the top layers of skin. It brightens, refines texture, helps with pigmentation, and is exceptionally gentle. I’ve done it twice now, and both times my skin looked smoother, more even, and refreshed within days.

There’s minimal risk, very little downtime, and it respects your barrier. That’s rare.

What About BBL, CO2, and the Rest?

Let’s break a few things down:

• BBL (Broadband Light) is great for pigmentation, sun spots, and redness — especially on lighter skin tones. It’s not a laser but still powerful when used wisely. Many people get amazing results from BBL specially if they suffer from rosacea.

• CO2 lasers, Fraxel, Countour TRL, and other ablative devices go deep. They’re often used for scars, wrinkles, or more dramatic resurfacing. But they also come with serious recovery and a real risk of triggering post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) — or melasma flare-ups — especially in those prone to it.

Years ago, I experienced PIH and melasma after a deeper HALO laser treatment.
It wasn’t because anything was done incorrectly.
Sometimes, even when everything is right — the timing, the settings, the skin prep — your skin can still react.

And once those pigment issues are triggered, they’re tough to reverse.

That’s why I always stress: just because something is popular doesn’t mean it’s right for you.

How I Heal Smarter — Not Just Faster

One thing I do believe in? Supporting the skin before and after any treatment.

Here’s a small glimpse of what I include in my personal protocol — and share with clients:

• Red light therapy to reduce inflammation and stimulate repair

• Lymphatic drainage (Gua Sha for face, wood therapy for body)

• Pearl powder + castor oil masks at night (once skin has healed no open wounds)

• Tremella mushroom internally for hydration and elasticity

• Shilajit for cellular energy and mineral replenishment

• Hydration layering to rebuild the barrier

• No caffeine or alcohol for 48 hours post or pre-treatment

• Protein-forward meals to support tissue regeneration

• And if I don’t have an appetite post-treatment, I’ll do my signature protein smoothie with MCT oil and Cultivate Elevate’s 6mix-mushroom, dragons blood, and pearl powder

Bottom Line: Don’t Just Book — Plan

I’m not here to scare you away from lasers.
But I am here to say: don’t go into them casually.

Skin treatments are an investment — not just financially, but biologically.
And the best results don’t come from the device — they come from what you do around it.

If you’re considering a treatment, or you’ve booked one and want to heal optimally, I offer 1:1 consults to walk you through exactly what your skin needs.

Because nothing looks better than a face that’s been treated intelligently — and recovered intentionally.

→ Book a skin-focused consultation with me to build your personal post-laser protocol.
→ Want product recs? I use Cultivate Elevate’s pearl powder, tremella, and 6-mushroom blend — use code SYDNEY10 at checkout.