Despite my years working in beauty, I’m still relatively new to the world of laser treatments. Still, I’ve been determined to find a solution for stubborn dark spots. After some research, I was drawn to Laser Genesis, known for its minimal downtime and gentle approach. I thought I’d found the answer to my discoloration concerns, but it turns out there was more to appreciate than I expected.
Treating dark spots often requires higher levels of heat and energy, which can be less than ideal for melanated skin. Laser Genesis takes a gentler approach, making it a more suitable option for deeper complexions while still supporting overall skin smoothing and rejuvenation. Ahead, I’m sharing my full experience with the treatment and why it’s become part of my beauty routine.
What Is Laser Genesis?
Laser Genesis is a noninvasive laser procedure designed to gently resurface the skin. It’s considered a nonablative treatment that uses micro-pulses of energy to heat the dermis (the deeper, second layer of skin) without damaging the epidermis, explains New York dermatologist Alessandra Haskin, MD, who performed my treatment. “Generally, it’s considered more of a preventative or maintenance laser or used as a pre-event treatment to quickly improve skin quality without any downtime,” she adds.
The procedure is spread over a series of three to six treatments, scheduled about 2 to 4 weeks apart. While it doesn’t penetrate enough to reach deep-set wrinkles, it is effective for smoothing texture and fine lines. It’s also one of the few lasers that can reduce both inflammation and redness during a session. The low heat levels also make it a good choice for combined treatments, which, as Dr. Haskin notes, is a convenient aspect for those looking to get multiple things done in a day.
What Are the Benefits of Laser Genesis?
While some lasers can be too aggressive for certain skin types, Laser Genesis is gentle enough for most people, including those with melanated skin and rosacea. Using low levels of heat minimizes risk for deeper complexions while helping to even tone and texture. In patients with rosacea, the laser constricts blood vessels, which may help reduce redness.
Beyond that, Laser Genesis can also support anti-aging goals. The treatment works by stimulating the skin’s natural renewal process and supporting healthy cell turnover. While a series of treatments is typically recommended, many patients begin to notice improvement by the third session. As collagen production increases and new skin cells form, skin often looks smoother, plumper and more refreshed.
My Experience
During my first appointment with Dr. Haskin, I learned that while Laser Genesis wasn’t strong enough to fade my dark spots, it could help with another concern high on my list: tone and texture. She explained that this is where the treatment really shines, particularly for deeper skin tones. Because many lasers target pigment—whether from scarring or natural melanin in Black and brown skin—reaching darker spots often requires higher levels of heat, which can increase the risk of damage. With Laser Genesis, however, the focus stays closer to the skin’s surface, reducing that risk.
The procedure took about 30 minutes and wasn’t painful. It felt more like warm splashes of water than a laser. Afterward, Dr. Haskin used cold packs to cool the skin, which she said can be especially helpful for deeper skin tones that tend to retain heat. Heat levels may increase from session to session, depending on skin tolerance. After my first treatment, I experienced minimal redness and noticed smoother skin by the next day. During my second session, we increased the heat by two levels. While that caused slightly more redness and a longer recovery, my skin also felt noticeably tighter.
As with any treatment, consistency matters. But if you’re looking for a noninvasive way to smooth skin and address texture, Laser Genesis can be a good option.
