Photos: Cleo Skin + Laser
Efficacy, transparency and accessibility are at the forefront of Cleo Skin + Laser.
Managing editor Hailey Almsted shares her experience at Cleo Skin + Laser, where she learned about the benefits of laser facials and other services.
Walking into Cleo Skin + Laser, I’m greeted by a warm and welcoming atmosphere. I sit with co-founder and co-CEO Amber McMillan to discuss how to work through my skin problems. McMillan, who has been in the wellness, fitness and nutrition space for two decades, is reassuring in treating my concerns.
Located at 50th and France, Cleo Skin + Laser offers several laser-based services, including the Glass Skin and Skin Shield laser facials, Radio Frequency (RF) Microneedling, and laser hair and tattoo removal. Co-founders and co-CEOs McMillan and Brian DeRosa founded Cleo out of frustration with the lack of accessibility and validation in the skin care world. “Laser treatments are the gold standard for addressing a wide variety of skin concerns, ranging from acne, wrinkles and rosacea to unwanted body hair,” DeRosa says. “We started Cleo to make these treatments more accessible and take the stress out of advanced skin care.”
As a consumer, I approach the Glass Skin Laser Facial with a bit of trepidation—I’ve never had any laser services before—but I’m easily relieved when the service starts. The therapeutic heat dissipates into the deep layers of my skin, and I walk out of Cleo no more than 20 minutes later with no irritation or redness. In the following days, my skin is noticeably smoother and clearer. “It’s 10 times better than any topical facial you’ll get,” McMillan says of this service. “It’s going to help get to those deep layers of the skin to help create collagen production [while] vaporizing dirt and bacteria in your pores [and] helping to just overall enhance the appearance of your skin over time.”
Areas of concern may include acne, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, scarring, wrinkles or other skin conditions, and the laser facial treatments utilize premier Candela Gentlemax Pro Plus and Candela Picoway Resolve lasers to deliver high-quality results. The Candela Matrix Device, used for RF microneedling, is a more intensive treatment, utilizing radio frequency energy and microneedling to refine texture and tone. For both services, McMillan recommends at least three to four treatments to achieve the desired results. “That’s going to be the best. Then, you can kind of go on maintenance,” she says.
McMillan notes that Cleo’s services are ideal for those preparing for big events—such as bridal showers, bachelorette or bachelor parties and wedding days—and adds that it’s for everyone, regardless of age or gender. “We would love … anyone in the wedding party that are thinking, ‘I know I’m going to be going to something special,’” she says. “We can definitely get your skin ready for your event.”
Although Cleo offers a Red Carpet Facial, which utilizes red light and radio frequency therapy typically done on the day of your event, most services are needed in the months leading up to your special day. “It’s not a one-and-done,” McMillan says. “You’re going to feel better and glow after one, but I liken this to working out or strength training. It’s not ‘go to the gym one time.’ We are going to create changes in the deep layers of your skin … As a part of your monthly routine, you will change your skin.”
Cleo Skin + Laser
3913 Market St.; 952.666.1105
Instagram: @cleoskinandlaser
