First, for those who are not familiar with Fraxel – @fraxel_us is a procedure that uses microscopic laser columns to create tiny injuries in the skin. These injuries signal your body to repair itself with new collagen and healthier skin cells. It is commonly used for fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, large pores, uneven skin tone, and thinning or creping skin. Basically everything that happens as we get older. Fraxel primarily improves skin texture, with the added benefit of possible firming.
Now for the intel. I first did Fraxel about six years ago and it was a nightmare. Not because of the pain, but because of the recovery. Aftercare is the most important part of this treatment. You have to avoid the sun, which is easy because you are hiding out for about a week. You are also instructed to use a thin layer of Aquaphor at all times and to alternate vinegar soaks for the first week of recovery. The first time around I applied too much Aquaphor, skipped the vinegar soaks, and had the worst breakout of my life.
Fast forward to now. The mirror was telling me a refresh was needed. Sun, new freckles, new fine lines. It was time for round two. To clarify, both times I did Fraxel Pearl, sometimes referred to as baby Fraxel. There is a more aggressive version that goes much deeper and involves significant scabbing and downtime. I am not there yet. About the photos: no, the before is not a zoomed in magnified view of my skin but the difference is hugely notable.
This go round, recovery was a breeze because I followed the vinegar soak protocol religiously. I soaked a washcloth with vinegar and draped it over my face for 20 minutes at a time, multiple times a day. Seven days later, the results were exactly what I needed. Thanks to the uber talented (and patient) team at @spachiara I am loving my skin and the almost instant refresh Fraxel gave me! #fraxel #greenwichgirl #greenwichctTips: do this in the fall/ winter, get eyebrows waxed right before you do it because you cannot wax for a while once it heals, you can do @fraxel_us beyond the face, wear SPF daily and keep in mind that the left side of our face gets more sun through the window when we drive!
