Say Hello to HALO
Over the years, sun exposure and the wear and tear of everyday living results in visible signs of skin aging, including wrinkles, dull skin, enlarged pores, acne scars, and discoloration. If your skin has lost that healthy glow, then say hello to HALO!
What is Halo?
HALO® is a state-of-the-art fractionated hybrid laser treatment that eliminates years of damage by triggering your skin’s natural healing response. This means that both ablative and non-ablative energy is delivered to your skin simultaneously to create microscopic treatment zones that stimulate healthy new collagen to form. It’s a complete skin revitalization treatment that helps to restore your skin’s youthful glow. You can even customize your HALO treatment plan according to your lifestyle needs.
Choose to have one, two, or more treatments depending on your goals to make your skin radiant and healthy, with minimal downtime. Anti-aging benefits are numerous and lasting, and you will often notice an immediate difference once your skin has healed.
Skin also improves gradually over the following months, with the best results at around 3 months. Other benefits of Halo skin treatment may be less well known. Because this is a safe, effective treatment for all skin types, Melasma, deep facial lines, acne scarring or pitting, as well as rough and uneven texture can be improved.
Getting ready for your treatment
When preparing for your HALO laser treatment, there are a few things to consider. As with any laser treatment, telling your provider which medications and supplements you take, and informing them of any autoimmune disorders, allergies, or health concerns you have is essential. Also discuss any recent and past sun exposure, or plans for special events or vacations coming up.
Do you have about 3-5 days to recover from the swelling and redness that will occur? You will need to avoid sun exposure for about 3 weeks pre and post-treatment. SPF use is a must to protect your skin and achieve your best results. Are you prone to cold sores? If so, let your provider know several days prior to your appointment so an antiviral can be called in.
Before and After Treatment
On the day of your appointment, plan to arrive well hydrated, with clean skin, free of makeup and lotion or SPF. Consider bringing a hat for the trip home. You may want to pay for your appointment and schedule your 4-week follow-up appointment when you arrive, so that you may leave immediately afterwards.
Dress up for the treatment.
Photos will be taken, and you may be instructed to change into a spa wrap, and numb with a topical anesthetic for about an hour. You can choose to rest or work during this time. Massage chairs are available for your relaxation.
After numbing, your provider will completely remove the topical numbing, and go over your treatment plan with you. The treatment area will be measured and you can see and feel how the HALO laser handpiece glides over your skin. Eye shields will be applied and the treatment will begin.
The treatment feels warm, and some liken it to hot sprinkles on the skin. It generally takes less than 30 minutes. Once the treatment is over, your skin will feel very hot, similar to a bad sunburn.
Use ice packs for the swelling.
You will notice swelling and heat, which will subside in intensity over the next hour, and continue to subside. We offer a cooling antibacterial mist that you get to take with you, and cold, chilled air to help you cool immediately. We recommend that you plan to use ice packs, cold compresses, and misting spray, as long as needed.
You will be given instructions on how to care for your skin, and before bed, you may wash your face with Cleansing Gel and lukewarm water, pat dry, and apply the Aquafor ointment we provide. This should be your only HALO facial skincare for the next 3-4 days. You may wear SPF beginning the day after treatment.
Important to note: swelling is actually your body trying to heal and repair itself. Be patient with your healing process, the outcome will be worth it.
Be patient and wait.
Tiny microscopic epidermal necrotic debris (MENDS) will emerge in 1-3 days, and you should not pick at them, or try to scrub them off. Let them flake off on their own, typically 4-7 days after treatment.
After day 3, you may switch to a nice gentle moisturizer instead of Aquafor. By days 5-7, you might start to notice your skin is smoother, clearer, and brighter. This will continue to improve!
Once your skin has healed, is no longer flaking, or feeling sensitive you may resume your normal skincare routine. Continue to wear your SPF to maintain your healthy glow.
HALO treatments leave you with beautiful skin that will last for years to come! Try HALO! Your skin will love you for it! For more information or to book an appointment, visit us online at www.columbiashoreRH.com
Written by: Summer Knowton, Master Esthetician at Columbia Shores Regenerative Health
