Aesthetic Treatments

7 People Share Why They Finally Tried Injectable Wrinkle Reducers

Recently, I’ve decided to buckle down and really take care of my skin. I’ve been a beauty editor for a couple of years now, and have definitely sharpened my makeup skills over this time, but my skin — specifically its texture — could use some work. That’s not for lack of trying: I have dabbled with a variety of resurfacing serums, aggressive AHAs, powerful BHAs, and monthly facials. Unfortunately, nothing has seemed to make a difference in my resilient yet ultra-sensitive complexion. After my last failed skincare experiment, I decided it was time to bring out the “big guns” and book an aesthetic treatment that could get this daunting job done. 

After telling a handful of colleagues in the industry about my skin struggles, a celebrity nail tech recommended I visit BeautyFix MedSpa℠ (conveniently located near my apartment on the Upper East Side!) for a consultation. I booked my appointment, and on the big day was greeted by their knowledgeable owner and licensed aesthetician, Audrey Matney. Matney gave it to me straight: My skin was dull, my pores were congested, and overall, my face had a rough texture. Her recommendation for helping to combat my skin issues was a series of DiamondGlowTM treatments. 

JOSLYN BLAIR

JOSLYN BLAIR

“DiamondGlow is like bootcamp for your skin,” explained Matney. “You will leave glowing, dewy, and fresh-faced every time.” Skin bootcamp was exactly what my face and I needed, so I agreed to give DiamondGlow a shot. She set me up for a treatment with Cindy Tran, one of the team’s licensed estheticians — I was so astounded by the healthy, glowing results of my first session that I ended up booking three more appointments with Tran over the course of two months to see what DiamondGlow could do for me. Here, I not only document my experience with DiamondGlow, but also breakdown what the treatment does, how it works, and (of course!) before and after pictures. Keep reading to learn more about this transformational treatment.

JOSLYN BLAIR

JOSLYN BLAIR

What is DiamondGlow?

DiamondGlow is a three-in-one treatment that simultaneously performs exfoliation, extractions, and serum infusion, and does so via the device’s skin-resurfacing wand, which boasts an exfoliating diamond tip (hence the name). While I booked my treatments to address my clogged pores, rough texture, and dull complexion, DiamondGlow also has a recommended post-treatment regimen to help improve the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines and wrinkles. “It’s completely customizable,” explains Tran, because your esthetician hand-selects the best professional-grade serums from SkinMedica® for your complexion’s needs (more on this later). 

In addition to being customizable, the DiamondGlow treatment is highly efficient: “While your skin is being exfoliated, the SkinMedica serums are getting [infused] into your skin and its high-powered suction is cleaning the skin’s surface [and pores] at the same time,” Tran notes. This all happens within a 30-minute window! Finally, all of the gunk that’s sucked out of your skin during your appointment goes into a “waste jar,” which your esthetician will show you post-procedure.

JOSLYN BLAIR

JOSLYN BLAIR

What is it like to get a DiamondGlow treatment?

Before each treatment, I sat for about three minutes under clouds of steam to help open up my clogged pores and facilitate my treatment. Once Tran cleansed my face and wiped it clean with cotton pads, she flipped on the DiamondGlow device and it started to hum as the white wand buzzed in her gloved hands. She then selected two SkinMedica Pro-Infusion serums for my treatment.

There are four available to choose from: the SkinMedica Pore Clarifying serum (to address skin imperfections and promote clarity), the SkinMedica Brightening serum (which improves the appearance of uneven pigmentation), the SkinMedica Hydrating serum (to help moisturize), and the SkinMedica Vitamin C serum (to provide free radical defense). Your esthetician can customize your treatment to feature just one or a combination of two, depending on your needs. For my sessions, Tran opted for a combination of Pore Clarifying and Vitamin C.

JOSLYN BLAIR

JOSLYN BLAIR

It’s been about a month since my last DiamondGlow treatment and I already miss that diamond tip dearly. My skin and pores are still thanking me for doing those four treatments spaced two weeks apart and the SkinMedica aftercare. The overall texture of my skin is better than I ever could have imagined. My dark spots have cleared up, and the dullness and congestion on my cheeks have faded. I have gone to work without any makeup on and even had some makeup-free weekends. Tran told me that now that I’ve gotten my skin to a good place, I can book monthly DiamondGlow appointments for maintenance, which I’ll certainly be doing. These treatments really took my overall skin appearance to the next level, and for that, I am glowy and grateful!

JOSLYN BLAIR

JOSLYN BLAIR

Complimentary treatment was provided to the author for the purpose of writing this article.

 

Madisen Theobald is an Allergan® employee.

 

DiamondGlowTM is an Allergan®-owned treatment.

 

SkinMedica® is an Allergan®-owned skincare line.

 

Dr. Brian Lee is a paid Allergan® consultant.

DiamondGlowTM Uses

The DiamondGlowTM device is a general dermabrasion device that gently removes the top layer of skin and delivers topical cosmetic serums onto the skin.

Important Safety Information

The DiamondGlowTM treatment is not for everyone. You should not have a DiamondGlowTM treatment if you have compromised skin quality. Tell your provider if you are pregnant or lactating, or if you have any medical conditions, including allergies, and if you are using topical medications on the area to be treated.

Typical side effects include a scratchy, stinging sensation during the treatment and temporary tightness, redness or slight swelling after the treatment. Rare serious side effects may also occur and include severe skin irritation and allergic reactions.

SkinMedica® Pro-Infusion Serums Disclaimer

SkinMedica® Pro-Infusion Serums are intended to meet the FDA’s definition of a cosmetic product, an article applied to the human body to cleanse, beautify, promote attractiveness, and alter appearances. These products are not intended to be drugs that diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. These products have not been approved by the FDA and the statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

Please talk to your provider for additional information.