How I got the best skin of my life in just 30 minutes

It felt like I was being flicked all over my face with burning rubber bands from the gates of hell, but it was absolutely worth it.

If you have sun damage or pigmentation, this treatment is a game-changer. Picture: Clinica Lase.

When I met Crystal Patel, the owner of the Clinica Lase skin and laser clinic I gave her a challenge.

Would it be possible to give my skin a complete overhaul in eight weeks?

See I have always been a bit blase about skincare. In my teens and 20s my skincare regimen consisted of washing my face (if I wasn’t too drunk) and maybe slapping on some moisturiser if I was feeling fancy.

But as I trudged through my 30s all of a sudden I realised — possibly too late — that you need to put a little bit of effort if you want to extend your skin’s quality years (turns out mum was right … how thoroughly annoying).

You have to hand it to Crystal — there was no judgment about my ordinary approach to skincare over the years — she just came up with an eight-week “boot camp” to rejuvenate my skin.

(Why eight weeks, you ask? I have a short attention span and can’t focus on anything for much longer than that).

Crystal prescribed a combo of three half-hour laser treatments that I have described as “hectic” to my friends, and some new products that have now become my staples.

The laser treatments

I’d never had laser on my face. A few sporadic peels and a bit of microdermabrasion was about as much as I had done.

To be honest I was a bit scared.

So Crystal talked me through this particular laser and showed me some rather convincing before and after photos of her other clients:

One of Crystal’s clients, before and after treatment.

“Pico Genesis is a revolutionary treatment for pigmentation removal. Unlike most other laser devices it uses photomechanical technology rather than heat to treat pigmentation,” she explains.

“It can also target different depths of the skin by using different wavelengths and pulse durations resulting in a much clearer complexion with less number of treatments.”

It’s not just pigmentation and sun damage that it treats either.

It is also effective at treating open pores, reducing the severity of fine lines and wrinkles and softening the appearance of acne scarring.

She did warn that the more hard core treatment (which used a special MLA attachment that fractionated the laser) would be painful, but the results would be worth it.

So I decided to pluck up the courage and go for it, because: YOLO.

Another of Crystal’s clients, before and after the laser treatment.

I’m not going to lie, it felt as if my face was being flicked all over with rubber bands. Burning hot rubber bands from the gates of hell, if you want to be specific.

But it was quick (over in a matter of minutes … the whole appointment lasted just 30 minutes), and if you took a Panadol an hour before your treatment it’s completely bearable. Just prepare yourself for it mentally. I went through my Christmas shopping list as I was having it done and that helped me take my mind off it.

The other thing to acknowledge is the downtime that is required after this treatment. The session with the MLA attachment left my face bruised and red and frankly unsightly for about three days. I had it done late on a Friday afternoon, lived like a hermit at home watching Netflix until Monday and then reintroduced myself into society fresher than ever, baby (by this point makeup covered up the slight residual bruising).

Crystal explained that the full benefits of this treatment won’t be seen until about 6-8 weeks after the procedure, as this is when the collagen really ramps up, giving a youthful glow.

My skin is already feeling better than it has in years just two weeks on, and by Crystal’s calculations I am going to look radiant as hell by Christmas Day … so I hope my extended family really appreciates my efforts.

The products

To complement the laser treatments a separate morning and evening routine was laid out for me, but these have been the standout products that I am now spruiking to anyone who will listen.

Cosmedix Hydrate + Daily Moisturiser (RRP $75. Stockists 1300 513 913)

As someone who has tried an awful lot of sun protection products, this one is magnificent. It sinks into your skin, is a physical sunscreen (which is widely acknowledged as being better than a chemical sunscreen) and doesn’t give you that weird ghostly look.

Aspect Fruit Enzyme Mask (RRP $59. Stockist 1300 513 913)

The Aspect Fruit Enzyme Mask is a game-changer. Don’t think of it as a traditional mask — you put a thin layer on, then keep rubbing it with your fingers until it ‘balls’. Then you can delight in the fact that these are actually balls of dead skin that you have effectively removed from your face. Think of it as a weekly exfoliation treatment.

Societe Refinishing Complex (RRP $110. Stockist 1300 513 913)

If you are over 30 and haven't introduced a retinol product into your regimen, you don't know what you're missing. Pop it on at night before bed and wake up looking magical. It really is the business. Just don’t forget to use sunscreen religiously each day, as it can make your skin more prone to sun damage.

PCA Skin Hydrating Serum (RRP $120. Stockist 1300 513 913)

This hydrating serum goes on morning and night and is wonderful as it’s super light, moisturising and makeup goes on really well over the top, unlike some other serums.

Colorescience Sunforgettable SPF 50 (RRP $80. Stockists 1300 513 913)

The colourscience product is a game changer.

This one is the product that clinic owner Crystal can’t live without. “It’s a tinted, powder based, water resistant sunscreen that you apply on top of your makeup,” explains Crystal.

“The thing that makes this product so special is that you can reapply it throughout the day without ruining your makeup ensuring you look your best while keeping the damaging UV rays at bay and to top it off it contains no nasties.”

Simone Mitchell was a guest of Clinica Lase.