Everyone Swears by This Painful Beauty Treatment to Fade Skin Texture
We tested the Kim Kardashian-approved Sofwave Laser Skin Treatment.
There’s an age-old saying that beauty is pain, and the overwhelming popularity of beauty procedures and tweakments is proof. Beyond just face masks and serums, there are an endless number of new treatments popping up for practically every skin concern. While I typically shy away from needles, I’m no stranger to a non-surgical treatment, especially if it’ll give my skin the extra boost it needs amid my busy schedule.
Thankfully, most of my trips to the dermatologist and spa have consisted of painless facials and slightly uncomfortable lasers — that is, until I tried the Sofwave Laser Skin Treatment. Loved by both Kim Kardashian and Khloé Kardashian, the non-invasive treatment stimulates collagen in order to target fine lines and texture. While I’m not yet concerned with wrinkles, my skin was craving a refresh and it definitely tested my pain tolerance more than I expected.
Dear Diary, Meet the Sofwave Laser Skin Treatment
Best for: Fading wrinkles, sculpting the face and smoothing texture
Price: Varies, find a provider on the brand’s website
Grade: A-
Notes From an Expert
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jessica Weiser, Sofwave is an ultrasound-based technology that uses seven parallel beams of heat to target the the skin’s second layer. “That heat is going to help stimulate your body to produce new collagen, new elastin and new hyaluronic acid,” she tells Hypebae, “resulting in both a lifting and plumping effect that improves the skin in tightness and quality.” Dr. Weiser notes that because the treatment can work across many skin types and concerns — from lifting the eyebrow and lower face to improving texture, treating acne scars and smoothing fine lines — nearly all patients are good candidates.
However, Dr. Weiser says what really sets Sofwave apart is its recovery time. “There’s no healing or recovery required after treatment,” she says, “since the ultrasound energy passes through the top layer of skin without treating it directly, some patients may experience mild redness that lasts 15 to 20 minutes, but most walk away with no downtime and no need to alter their routine.” Plus, Dr. Weiser says you can go right back to your normal skincare regimen, and that makeup can be applied immediately after treatment.
Diary Entry
Admittedly, Sofwave was a lot more painful than I expected. I thought it might be on par with Laser Genesis, which feels warm on the skin but is nothing past uncomfortable, but it definitely exceeded all of the treatments I’ve gotten previously. I got the treatment on the inner parts of both of my cheeks, which is said to be a less sensitive compared to thinner areas like the forehead, but it still left my jaw clenching at times.
However, the treatment itself only lasts around 30 minutes, and I realized that certain passes hurt less than others. Pain aside, my skin was left a little red and irritated immediately after, but I wasn’t too concerned after Dr. Weiser noted that was a normal reaction. I did notice that my skin felt a little sensitive to the touch, and although I was able to resume my usual nighttime routine, I decided to ditch my active products and stick to just moisturizer, as an extra precaution to avoid a sensitive skin flare up.
My Findings
Results gradually develop for a few months after getting the treatment, but I did notice a positive change in my skin after only a week. My cheeks are often where texture is most visible on my face, and I can confidently say that the area Sofwave treated looks and feels much smoother. I noticed that makeup applies more seamlessly, plus small bumps and lines are far less prominent than they once were.
At 26 years old, I am constantly prepping my skin for the future, so being able to regenerate collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid is a major plus, even if the results aren’t as outright as someone with more visual concerns like wrinkles or loose skin. Given its pain level, It certainly feels like the Sofwave penetrated my skin in ways past treatments were unable to, and I’m excited to see the results it delivers in three months.
Sincerely, Hypebae
If you have a low pain tolerance or get medical anxiety, the Sofwave Laser Skin Treatment might be one to reconsider. It takes you by surprise, but it can yield real results if you need help beyond just topical products. For those that deal with fine lines and textured skin, its temporary sting might be a small price to pay for your desired results.
