The last time we spoke {you never call me anymorrrre?} I told you all about a Hot Laser sesh I had recently—one that was extremely effective albeit slightly painful with around 3 days of downtime.

On the flip side, for months I had been hearing about Cold Laser technology from various sources and magazine articles. Many made exalted claims that the treatments could rival hot/thermal laser, while others were making a case for its safer approach with zero pain and downtime.

My quest for perfect skin—the kind that glows with luminosity and transparency finally lead me to The Freeze Clinic in Toronto’s cozy Danforth neighborhood. Owned by skin-savvy partners Sachi  Morris + Jessica Biegel, these stunning gals temper any falsehoods about what Cold Laser is and what it isn’t with the truth, and nothing but the truth.

“Were not claiming that cold laser does everything a thermal laser (IPL, Photo Facial, etc) can do,” says Morris who got her start in skin-care in California and Vancouver. “Cold Laser is a totally different approach and will give you exceptional results for keeping your skin fresh and youthful. One of the great things about our Cold Laser Facials is that they are so gentle and can be used in conjunction with other skin treatment plans, and other lasers.” 

While I loved the idea that Cold Laser was devoid of pain or downtime, I appreciated that The Freeze Clinic duo didn’t spread the fear-mongering caveat against the ‘damaging heat lasers’ like many of their contemporaries were. 

N.B. Find a reputable dermatologist and its a non-issue, people!

***

Upon entering the gorgeous 2nd floor studio of The Freeze Clinic, I am greeted by Sachi Morris and am introduced to Jessica Biegel who will be administering my Signature Treatment Facial aka a First Freeze

Biegel whose massive blue eyes take up three-quarters of her tiny face, completed her Cold Light certification with the trainer who was taught under the guide of Lea Eigardas—a world-renowned celebrity skin expert to stars like Eva Longoria and Jessica Simpson.  Both Morris and Biegel have skin so effervescent and dewy I’m tempted to screen films off of their foreheads—and no, it’s NOT the effect of Botox.

“This is what healthy skin looks like,” says Biegel matter-of-factly as she escorts me to the treatment room as I await my first ever Cold Laser Facial!

First up in this potpourri of offerings is a gentle cleansing of my make-up detritus courtesy of Canadian made organic skin-care co. Consonant.

Biegel starts me off with a Diamond Microdermabrasion, the ‘Bentley’ of all Microdermabrasion machines, passing over my face twice. She is remarkably able to get into where no aesthetician has ever gone before; the fragile crepey under-eye area (on a lower setting) that neither hurts nor causes any redness. Eureka!

Next up is the famed Cold Laser which I’ve heard so much about and get a first hand indoctrination on the entire process. Cold Laser is a low-level laser wand that uses healing light and micro-current stimulation to activate actual biological change below the skin’s surface. This treatment stimulates muscle toning, lymphatic drainage and increases cell production resulting in contour lift, tightened skin and a glowing complexion.

What follows is a Micro-Current session whereby I can actually feel my deep tissues being lifted and stimulated. It’s a very sci-fi vibrational sensation that Biegel assures me I will get used to and even eventually “crave”—as the results are highly visible afterwards, yet ephemeral long-term. The good news is, that Micro-Current is progressive and results last longer the more you do it.

Like a sorbet in-between meals, I am now treated to a Rose Water Boost with an oxygen blast (not just blowing stale air I’m told) before I am put under a LED Cold Laser panel while I steep in a cooling Collagen Mask. There is even more oxygen being blasted into my general direction and I feel like I’m enjoying the freshest air of the rainforest.  

This panel system is what truly sets The Freeze Clinic apart from their competition as they are the only spa in Toronto that offer this multi-beam Cold Laser technology (1st part wand, 2nd part under panel). In both cases, I’m given a customized treatment setting based on my unique needs but here is a basic legend on what each color of light does.

♦ Red Light: Enhances collagen production, improving texture, elasticity, tone and texture                                                                

♦ Blue Light: Beneficial for acne and rosacea

♦ Yellow Light: Increases lymphatic flow, detoxifies skin resulting in reduced puffiness and inflammation

♦ Green Light: Inhabits melanin production, reduces inflammation and irritation, improving overall complexion and skin-tone.

We end off this hour and fifteen minute treatments with a cocktail of ampoules and serums as I exclaim “Is that it?” with a wink and a smile!

***

Mirror mirror on the wall…um, I look TWELVE? My skin is glistening and glossy—this isn’t just a facial it’s a frickin’ time machine! Best of all no redness, marks, or any kind of discomfort. I can’t even imagine why anyone would try anything else?! It may take a little longer to achieve the results that you can get quickly from thermal lasers, but if you are like me and don’t have any major skin issues, it a win/win!

Just incasies there’s any doubt on how amaze-cakes I look, here is a before and after of….Jessica!

Pfffffft, you should know I don’t take photos unless there’s full hair, makeup, wardrobe and some twinkly soft-focus lighting on hand? Ya know like Liz Taylor White Diamonds lighting!

Jessica, who was a former sun worshipper and suffered from severe acne, treated herself via Cold Laser over time to the ultimate in diaphanously creamy white skin. It repaired years of sun damage and built up new collagen over time—something only hot lasers could formerly boast!  

Most of all what I admire about The Freeze Clinic is how they only offer one treatment that they have mastered, instead of trying to be an all you-can-eat-buffet-of-sorts.

For first time clients your First Freeze (Cold Laser Facial Signature Treatment) is offered at a discount of $175 reg. $199.                                           

A week later they suggest a Cold Blast ‘tune-up’ for $75 which features Cold Laser, Micro-Current + Oxygen & Rose Water for maximum brightening results!

In closing I wouldn’t be The Pop Culture Rainman™ if I failed to add in this CLASSIC Debbie Gibson video over-flowing with ahead-of-its-time-white-person-choreography-game! I even spot lasers!

Stay Cool {or cold…or hot},

XOXO