Cryogenics is a term you probably first heard back in your high school physics class. It’s a science that addresses the production and effects of extremely cold temperatures. But you also may have heard the term in recent years—think: cryochambers, cryotherapy, cryosurgery, etc.—as cryogenic technology has evolved with time. Cryosurgery, also known as cryotherapy, is the destruction of unwanted tissue using extreme cold. For superficial cosmetic lesions, the process involves using a substance (typically liquid nitrogen or nitrous oxide) to produce a cold temperature that is applied directly to the imperfection. This innovative use of cryogens has become a common solution for early cancer—and now, anti-aging benefits. SKINCEUTICALS CRYOCORRECT PRECISIONSkinCeuticals developed a new anti-aging solution in the form of a handheld device, CryoCorrect Precision, with a similar technology in mind. Instead of utilizing liquid nitrogen or nitrous oxide as cyrogens, the CryoCorrect Treatment delivers a precise micro-fine jet of carbon dioxide (CO2) with millimeter accuracy to help remove age spots, sun spots, and skin tags on highly visible areas like the face, hands, and chest. SkinCeuticals offered the Skincare.com team the opportunity to experience the CryoCorrect Treatment. Read on for our editor’s full experience, including how it felt during the in-office procedure to the recovery process.Step 1: The Skin Check The most important step before the SkinCeuticals CryoCorrect Treatment is a skin check by a dermatologist. Every patient must receive a full-body skin check prior to a specialist performing the procedure. Why? Because the CryoCorrect Treatment cannot be used on any type of skin cancer or mole. Once your skincare professional has determined which spots are safe to address, you are able to proceed. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Julie Karen gave me a very thorough full-body skin check immediately before my CryoCorrect Precision procedure. This involved exposing all areas of my skin to her, which she examined with a special magnifying tool. If you’ve never received a skin check before, you should schedule one ASAP. Being aware of the spots on your body and determining whether they are considered safe or at-risk is important regardless of whether or not you are receiving an in-office procedure.After Dr. Karen examined my skin from head to toe, we determined a few safe sun spots on my arm that were perfect candidates for the CryoCorrect Treatment.Step 2: CryoCorrect Precision ProcedureBefore jumping in, Dr. Karen took the time to explain a bit more about the treatment and why she is so excited to offer it to her patients. The tool itself is small and ultra-portable—it fit right into her lab coat pocket—making it easy to treat difficult-to-reach areas of the body. “CryoCorrect Precision delivers a micro-fine jet of CO2 at -156°F with millimeter accuracy, which is less likely to damage healthy tissue surrounding the unwanted spot,” Dr. Karen explained. The precision-tip allows her to address spots of all shapes and sizes in any area, all in less than a minute. I must admit that I was a bit nervous before the procedure, but Dr. Karen assured me that the experience is gentle and relatively painless. Once I felt comfortable, she marked the two spots on my arm she wanted to target and got started. Dr. Karen treated each spot twice for about 5 seconds, letting the treatment area thaw before the second application. I’m not sure if I would opt to have my skin blasted with CO2 every day, but I have to agree with Dr. Karen that the process was not too painful. It felt exactly how I imagined it would…cold. I can only describe it as feeling like a cold ice cube resting on the skin for a few moments. What’s more, the skin freezes over with carbonic ice during the process which was certainly a thrill to watch.Editor’s note: Since my sun spots were relatively small, Dr. Karen only applied CO2 for about five seconds. If the spot you wish to remove is larger, the application may last a few more seconds, but no longer than eight to 10 seconds at a time.Step 3: Post-Procedure Recovery Immediately after my CryoCorrect Treatment, the two sun spots on my arm looked a little raw, but did not hurt. Dr. Karen explained that the recovery process will last anywhere from 7-14 days, during which a scab will form and eventually shed. Depending on patient response, healthy skin appears in week 4-12. I scheduled an appointment to visit Dr. Karen two months later so she could ensure my spots were resolved completely.Like most procedures, there is some after-care involved. Dr. Karen recommends using two SkinCeuticals products for 30 days post-procedure, Phloretin CF and Sheer Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 which are a vitamin c antioxidant serum and Broad Spectrum sunscreen respectively. These were provided to me complimentary before leaving the office.Before leaving, Dr. Karen reminded me how crucial it is to keep the targeted spots out of the sun during the entire healing process. SkinCeuticals’ Sheer Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 provides a line of defense from UV damage without weighing your skin down. I was so impressed by how lightweight and non-greasy this formula was, especially on my combination skin. Even if you aren’t planning on receiving a CryoCorrect Treatment, I’d recommend using this sunscreen in tandem with an antioxidant serum daily. To learn more about why antioxidants and sunscreen are the ultimate anti-aging duo, read here.One last thing: Even though the CryoCorrect Treatment was a quick, simple procedure, you can only receive the treatment from a licensed skin care professional. Before booking your appointment, keep the required healing time in mind. If you have plans to jet off to a sunny destination, t’s probably smart to wait until you’ve returned to receive the procedure. Staying out of the sun and allowing your skin to properly recover is a major step in ensuring the best result.SkinCeuticals CryoCorrect Treatment is available at select dermatologist and plastic surgery offices
