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