Glacial Skin

Glacial Rx is a revolutionary non-invasive skin rejuvenation device that eliminates benign facial lesions, discoloration, and mild edema using controlled cooling therapy. Specifically, it utilizes cryomodulation, a technology that impedes inflammation and melanin overproduction, promoting a more even and bright skin tone. 

The device constricts blood vessels to help reduce and eliminate vascular lesions. It also incorporates microdermabrasion to remove the unwanted layer of dead skin cells, further encouraging regeneration in the deeper layers of the skin. Since this treatment does not apply any form of light-based energy, patients of all skin tones can benefit from it. Studies have shown that it is extremely versatile and safe for use in any area of the body. Most commonly, patients choose to undergo a Glacial Rx treatment after experiencing hyperpigmentation and irritation after laser rejuvenation. 

If you are concerned about the appearance of mottled or reddened skin, learn more about Glacial Rx, a gentle solution offered at 17Medspa. At our high-quality medspas, you can receive individualized care that will take into account your unique skin concerns and type. Our clinicians stay updated on the latest research, allowing them to provide service that stands out from the rest. 

To request a consultation or ask a question about how you can achieve Glacial Skin, fill out our contact form, or call one of our locations nearest to you, and a medspa professional will get back to you as soon as possible. 

Before and After Photos

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How Does Glacial Rx Work? 

Glacial Rx is an FDA-cleared device that relies on the anti-inflammatory effects of cryomodulation, a first-of-its-kind technology. Cryomodulation primarily works by inhibiting melanocytes, the cells deep within the skin that create melanin pigment. By deactivating these cells, unwanted melanin does not reach the surface of the skin, the epidermis. As a result, the device can significantly reduce age-related discoloration and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) which often gets worse upon exposure to the sun. Since Glacial Rx is a cooling device, it also serves to calm inflammation that causes rosacea and other conditions characterized by vascular ruptures of tiny blood vessels. Studies have also shown cooling technologies are also a means to treat hyperpigmentation that results from acne vulgaris. ⁽¹⁾ 

Glacial Rx only freezes the topmost layer of the skin, the epidermis, making it a technology that promotes the least amount of downtime and discomfort.

Glacial Rx offers customizable treatment options based on individual patient needs. A unique setting called FREEZE mode on the Glacial Rx device resolves pigmentation caused by previous inflammation and sun damage. It is not for all types of pigmentation, but an experienced provider will be able to tell whether FREEZE mode is safe to proceed with on a certain type of pigment.

The Benefits of Glacial Rx 

With the modality of cryomodulation, you can resolve an array of aesthetic and skin health issues. With Glacial Rx, you can: 

Candidates 

Glacial Rx is suitable for just about anyone who wants to eliminate unwanted pigmentation and mottled skin. Those with significant signs of aging may benefit from a more comprehensive treatment, like the PicoWay laser. However, if you have unwanted side effects from a laser procedure, you can take advantage of the relaxing, rejuvenating, and refreshing effects of Glacial Rx. Those with other types of inflammation that have not responded well to other topical approaches might benefit from cryomodulation. 

Personal Consultation

During your consultation, your clinician at 17Medspa will evaluate the quality of your skin and the irregularities in discoloration and inflammation. They may ask you about your history of skin treatments, your daily skincare routine, and any history of sun damage. If they attribute your condition to inflammation and melanin overproduction, they will go over the details of the Glacial Rx procedure, including the results you can expect over time. Glacial Rx is a gentle, soothing treatment, so your clinician will be sure to review more comprehensive alternative treatments for hyperpigmentation as well. You will have the opportunity to ask your skincare specialist more questions about the device itself and what you can do to maximize your results post-procedure. 

To schedule your appointment today, call our Buena Park office at (714) 332-7009 or (714) 224-9010 or get in touch with our Cupertino location at (408) 663-8701. For your convenience, you can also submit a question or request your consultation online. We look forward to helping you achieve a more glowy, even complexion with Glacial Rx. 

Treatment Steps 

First, your clinician will have you relax in a position where they have easy access to the treatment area. They will first cleanse the area, but they will withhold using topical anesthesia since the device does not cause any discomfort. Depending on your desires, your clinician may pair the Glacial Rx treatment with a range of skin products, amplifying the cryomodulating effects. They may apply a peel solution, exfoliator, or another moisturizing serum catered to your skin needs. After applying the chosen serum to your face, your skincare specialist will apply the sub-freezing tip of the Glacial Rx device around the treatment area, moving it in long strokes to ensure the product is distributed evenly. They will use one of three settings to provide a customized level of precision cooling. For exfoliating purposes, your specialist may apply a rougher exfoliating tip to the device so that it removes the top layer of dead skin cells and allows skincare products to penetrate more efficiently. 

The length of the procedure will depend on the extent of your inflammation, puffiness, and hyperpigmentation, but, on average, a session with Glacial Rx takes about 45 minutes. For a targeted reduction of dark spots, your specialist will apply the device’s tip onto each area for 15 to 20 seconds, ensuring that the cryomodulating effects take place. 

Recovery and Results 

After treatment, patients can continue with their day as usual without needing to take any downtime. In some studies, participants experienced minor side effects such as micro-crusting, and temporary darkening and/or redness. Specialists typically send patients home with topical products to further protect their skin and prolong the results. The results, however, take time to settle in. 

Many patients will notice their final outcome 1 to 2 months after their treatment with Glacial Rx. This is because it takes time for new epidermal cells with less melanin to rise to the skin’s surface. Some patients with redness will see their results within a shorter amount of time. 

As your skin rejuvenates, you should refrain from picking at your skin and using harsh products (exfoliants, retinol, retinoids) for at least the first few weeks. You should invest in a high-quality, antioxidant-rich, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Applying sunscreen on a daily basis can help prevent hyperpigmentation and chronic inflammation from worsening. 

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures 

Spectrum IPL 

IPL (intense pulsed light) is a gentler form of light therapy that breaks down melanin pigment and eliminates superficial blood vessels to reduce redness. With IPL, you can effectively eliminate issues such as liver spots and spider veins while also benefiting from its anti-aging effects. It has also been shown to reduce hyperpigmentation related to acne scarring. It is a non-ablative treatment, meaning that it leaves the surface of the skin unharmed while treating the second layer, the dermis. This aspect of the device promotes an easier recovery with little downtime, if at all. While it is a versatile technology, it is only suitable for patients with fair or medium skin tones. ⁽³⁾ 

Excel V 

Excel V is a non-ablative laser that treats over 20 types of hyperpigmentation and vascular lesions utilizing two wavelengths of light, 532 nm and 1064 nm. In just 15 to 30-minute sessions, patients of all skin types can benefit from this treatment. Just like Glacial Rx, it is suitable for all areas of the body that could use rejuvenation. Many patients report seeing significant improvements after just one session, but maintaining results may require a touch-up session every 1 to 3 years or so. 

Cost of Glacial Rx in Buena Park 

The cost of your Glacial Rx treatment will depend on the size of the treatment area, the skincare products utilized during the treatment, and the number of sessions you wish to undergo. During your consultation, your 17Medspa specialist will evaluate your needs and provide you with a total cost estimate to help you decide if the treatment is right for you. If you are interested in 17Medspa, we invite you to visit our specials page, where you can find our monthly promotions. 

You can begin your journey toward brighter, healthier skin today by calling (714) 332-7009 or (714) 224-9010 (Buena Park) or (408) 663-8701 (Cupertino), and we will be happy to set up your consultation appointment with a qualified professional. You can also inquire using our online form, and a staff member will get back to you promptly.

References

1. Rho NK. Revisiting the Role of Local Cryotherapy for Acne Treatment: A Review and Update. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2022;12(1):26. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12010026 
2. Zhang S, Duan E. Fighting against Skin Aging. Cell Transplantation. 2018;27(5):729-738. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/0963689717725755 
3. Goldberg DJ. Current Trends in Intense Pulsed Light. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2012;5(6):45-53. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3390232/