Deborah Tosline wrote and published “Skin Remodeling DIY: An Introduction to the Underground World of Do-It-Yourself Skincare” in 2015. Her approach to skin care is based on a scientific background, love of research and over 30 years of DIY skincare experience.

Last month, I completed a series of four Coolpeel™ and two Vivace™ facial treatments at a local med spa. I experienced good results so far and collagen production will continue over the next three-months to a year.

I typically practice Do-It-Yourself (DIY) skin care to save money, control the ingredients that I apply to my skin, and to promote sustainability and reduce waste. I’ve completed a series of DIY microneedling treatments annually from 2008.

I scheduled my first Coolpeel™ treatment in 2021 after I fainted and acquired a scar in 2020 that runs down the center of my forehead from my hairline to my eyebrows. I had spent decades trying to prevent the “1” or “11” lines that can develop between the eyebrows only to develop a permanent line after my fainting spell. I am grateful that the damage was not worse. In 2021, I decided to try a series of Coolpeel™ treatments to minimize the scar.

The Coolpeel™ treatments brightened and tightened my skin and improved the appearance of the scar. People say that they cannot see the scar, but to me it still looks like a long “1” line. My aesthetician candidly shared that my skin responded well to the Coolpeel™ treatments and that many people do not experience visible improvements. We determined that my consistent DIY skin care practice and healthy lifestyle helps to maintain healthy skin that is responsive to advanced skin care treatments.

In 2022, I returned to my normal DIY advanced skin care regimen and completed a series of six, one-millimeter micro-needling treatments in 5 weeks.

In late 2022, I received an email offer from my local med spa for Coolpeel™ and Vivace™ treatments. I was ready to try again. I put down a payment on a series of Coolpeel™ treatments and decided to try a couple Vivace™ treatments as well.

CoolPeel™ is a CO2 (carbon dioxide) fractional ablative laser treatment that provides a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment that targets the outermost epidermis layer of skin. There is minimal risk of hyperpigmentation, demarcation or infection.

CoolPeel™ fractional laser treats a fraction of the skin leaving the remaining skin intact which provides the benefits of the CO2 treatment with faster recovery times. CoolPeel™ may result in smoother, healthier, skin while promoting an even skin tone and texture.

 CoolPeel™ may reduce:

• sun damage

• fine lines

• wrinkles

• acne scars

• rosacea

• large pores

• blemishes

Vivace™ Fractional Radio Frequency (RF) Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that combines the benefits of three powerful skin treatments in one device: microneedling and radio frequency with Light Emitting Diodes (LED) to initiate a healing process that boosts collagen and elastin production resulting in a brighter, healthier complexion. Vivace™ results may be immediate and improvements can continue for months.

Vivace™ may improve:

• wrinkles and fine lines

• acne scars

• large pore size

• uneven skin tone and texture

• crepey skin

• stretch marks

• mild skin laxity

Vivace™ stimulates the deeper skin layers initiating a biochemical healing cascade that supports collagen and elastin production and regenerates soft tissue.

My Experiences

Photos. To be honest, I feel uncomfortable taking photos or I would share more! My unretouched before and after photos definitely show improvements. I have physical sunblock on in the after photo. Amateur facial photographs are difficult to replicate for comparison unless a special photographic system is consistently used. Photos are impacted by posture, daily health, lighting, and camera angles.

No lie, Coolpeel™ and Vivace™ treatments are pricy. Costs vary by location. My local med spa was flexible and allowed me to purchase my recent series by making payments over time prior to starting my series. I calculated the cost per treatment and paid the aesthetician cash tips after each session.

Pre-Treatments

When I plan an advanced skin care treatment, I pre-treat my skin during the preceding two weeks using Retin-A, Tretinoin or retinol at night and niacinamide and glucosamine serum and vitamin C serum mornings. These practices nourish the skin and support collagen and elastin production during recovery. I stop using Retin-A, Tretinoin, retinol and aggressive skin care products 48 hours prior to any advanced skin care treatment. The skin must be calm prior to a treatment to prevent over-irritation and potential complications.

Treatments

I get to know my aestheticians and we collaborate to plan my treatments. I draw diagrams showing the face and neck areas of concern. I send photos of my speedy recovery following my treatments and my aestheticians are comfortable increasing the strength of my treatments over time. Numbing cream is used prior to the treatments.

I schedule my Coolpeel™ treatments on Friday’s, stay home all weekend to heal and am recovered by Monday for work. Vivace™ treatments require little recovery time and for me there is no down time.

Post-Treatments

The first night following a Coolpeel™ treatment is tolerable but uncomfortable; I sleep uncharacteristically upright propped on pillows to limit swelling. I do the same following a Vivace™ treatment. I use my DIY Near-Infrared Light (NIR) the first night and every day thereafter for about a week to enhance collagen production and reduce inflammation. I wear physical sunscreen and sun-protective clothing whenever I am exposed to the sun. My favorite healing products include natural Aloe Vera gel, organic raw carrier oils, and my DIY skin cream that contains a blend of about 10 essential oils. Yum.

Bottom line: periodically adding an advanced skin care treatment refreshes skin health and stimulates collagen production which promotes thicker skin. To get the most out of med spa treatments, maintain skin health which begins with good personal health and a daily skin routine including cleansing, nourishing and moisturizing.

If you need more information, check out the local library, search the Internet, or check out my past Blog articles. It would be an honor to me if you purchased my facial care book. Thank you!

Take good care of yourselves!

XO Deborah

This article is intended to be used as general information only and is in no way intended to replace medical advice, be used as a medical treatment program, diagnosis, or cure of any disease or medical condition. There are no warranties, expressed or implied, regarding the effectiveness of the practices described in this article. Products or substances discussed herein are for educational purposes only and are not intended as recommendations of the author.