The same settings are used on the IPL and YAG laser for every patient, regardless of skin type. It's a setting so low that it won't harm skin or cause the kind of redness and peeling associated with lasers that might require downtime. When I went to the location in Santa Monica, the assistant, who had very dark skin, told me that she actually is only approved for the first treatment with the YAG laser, because the IPL causes hypopigmentation -- white spots -- on skin as dark as hers.

Of course, a low setting begs the question: Is it so low that it's not doing anything? Skin Laundry's lead R.N. told me that Skin Laundry has not conducted any studies or clinical trials, but relies on the proven technology of the two devices they (and many other dermatologists) use and anecdotal evidence as proof that Skin Laundry does make a difference. It's worth saying that every employee I came across had glowing skin. Not just good makeup application, either. Their skin looked like the kind you get after waking up at dawn for daily yoga and regularly dry brushing for proper lymph node drainage.

Image via Skin Laundry

After both parts of the process are over, an assistant with the touch of a flittering angel comes in and lightly wipes away the goo and applies toner and sunscreen. This is really the only portion of the treatment that feels like the pampering part of a typical facial.

While you can expect to see short-term results after one treatment (clearer, brighter skin temporarily), Skin Laundry recommends two different approaches for long-term treatment to clients, based on skin concerns. For someone who just wants to prevent aging and breakouts, a maintenance routine of one to four treatments per month is recommended. For someone with serious issues like hyperpigmentation or existing acne who is looking to correct a skin issue, Shelger says she would recommend a "boot camp for your skin" approach, with treatments as often as two to three times per week.

At $65 per treatment, that can get pricey. That's why Skin Laundry has packages for frequent visitors aiming to correct issues. The cheapest is 10 treatments in one month for $400, making each treatment $40 each.

At any rate, the first treatment is free at any Skin Laundry clinic for new clients.

Image via Emily Woodruff

Considering I live in Los Angeles, one of the most polluted, sunny cities in the world, it does ease my mind that my pores are being cleaned with more than just my beloved Skinfix Clay Cleanser and my sun damage is being faded with something more powerful than SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal B3. As much as I swear by my products, there was something about that burning smell that made me think a little laser might be capable doing heavier lifting than a cleanser and serum.

I don't think this is a replacement for a regular facial, though. As someone who knows how to wield a blackhead extractor, there was still plenty of extractable content waiting in my pores, even an hour after getting a Skin Laundry treatment. I would get it in conjunction with a facial, but my blackheads weren't *poofed* away by the IPL or laser.

Image via Emily Woodruff

The benefits I noticed from this treatment were both short- and long-term. In the few hours after getting a Skin Laundry treatment, my face looked clearer and more even-toned and, dare I say, even glowy. While I don't have terrible skin days that often (anymore -- thank you, retinoids), I did notice a drop-off in the occasional hormonal, under-the-skin bump I get like clockwork on the week of my period. The technician and Shelgar both told me that the treatment can temporarily halt oil production, which might explain the decrease in hormonal breakouts.

This treatment did feel like it adds something that can't be replicated with regular extractions or a stringent skin-care regimen. After five treatments spaced over a month and half, I did notice that I felt more comfortable without makeup. I think more dramatic results would be noticeable for someone trying to correct scarring or more prominent sun damage. (Though looking at these up-close, no-makeup selfies makes me want to wear sunscreen and a hat in my sleep.)

Image via Emily Woodruff