Laser Genesis and other 1064 nm Nd:YAG lasers bypass that first layer of skin to target the dermis, rather than heating up the epidermis. “This type of laser doesn’t heat up the [water] in the epidermis like fractional or ablative laser skin resurfacing, so it’s not likely to cause a lot of injury to the surface layer of the skin,” says Dr. Yagerman. “Because of that, it’s safer for all skin tones.”
According to Dr. Kobets, Laser Genesis uses rapid pulses (approximately 0.3 milliseconds) between the laser and your face, leading to minimal direct heat on the skin. “When the Laser Genesis pulse hits the skin, it’s a very short pulse, so the skin cools down very quickly,” Dr. Obayan says. “That’s important for skin of color, because the quicker the skin cools down, the less thermal damage to the melanin.”
Although Laser Genesis is suitable for almost all skin types, Dr. Obayan says that it shouldn’t be used on skin that’s injured or compromised in any way. Dr. Kobets says it’s better to avoid the treatment until a week or two after getting neurotoxins like Botox injected, so the laser treatment doesn’t affect their efficacy.
Additionally, those who have flushed, irritated, or burnt skin from prolonged time in the sun should wait at least two weeks before getting Laser Genesis. “Don’t do it after a long vacation in Mexico,” says Dr. Obayan.
What are some downsides to Laser Genesis?
If you’re looking to Laser Genesis to produce drastic changes to your skin (like eradicating acne or clearing prolonged pigmentation issues), you’ll probably be a little disappointed—at least after your first treatment.
Dr. Friedmann says that while Laser Genesis is more effective than gentler exfoliation treatments (like microdermabrasion and hydrofacials), it’s less effective than more intense methods like CO2 or Erbium lasers, which typically yield quicker, more dramatic results. “If you want a procedure that’s going to give the best possible results in one session, Laser Genesis would be at the bottom of the list,” says Dr. Friedmann.
Plus, as previously mentioned, Laser Genesis is considered less effective than its other 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser counterparts at treating more complex skin issues like cystic acne, folliculitis barbae, or melasma. It’s a gentler laser treatment that’s designed for an overall glow boost.
What can I expect from a Laser Genesis treatment?
At most laser treatment appointments, your dermatologist will begin by cleansing your skin—the same goes for Laser Genesis. Then, the real fun begins.
“Once your skin is dry, you’ll have a shield applied to your eyes to protect them from the harsh light of the laser,” says Dr. Obayan. “Then the laser is going to hover about a centimeter over your skin.” The device should not be making direct contact with your face.
From there, your provider will sweep the device across your face in horizontal and vertical motions. These passes are quick but plentiful. “I’m talking 8,000 plus passes on your entire face,” says Dr. Kobets, adding that the experience itself is virtually painless since the laser doesn’t actually remove the top layer of the skin like other laser treatments do.
Pain tolerance is, of course, subjective, but Dr. Obayan describes the sensation to her patients in this way: “It’s like sticking your arm out of a window on a really warm day. There’s no zapping or stinging sensation. It just feels like heat.”
