Cleo Skin + Laser’s services include laser facials, radio frequency microneedling, and laser hair and tattoo removal. Photos: Cleo Skin + Laser
Accessibility, efficacy and transparency are at the forefront of Cleo Skin + Laser.
Editor Hailey Almsted shares her experience at Cleo Skin + Laser, where she learns 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 needs. McMillan, who has been in the wellness, fitness and nutrition space for two decades, is reassuring in treating my concerns.
Located in The Fountains at Arbor Lakes, 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 quickly 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. “Unlike typical facials you will find at most spas, [it] has extensive clinical validation from the FDA for a wide variety of skin concerns,” 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 overall enhance the appearance of your skin over time.”
Areas of concern may include acne, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, scarring, skin conditions or wrinkles, and the laser facial treatments utilize premier lasers to deliver high-quality results. The 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 to see brides, grooms … anyone in the wedding party that are thinking, ‘Hey, 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 a combination of infrared 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. That, if we can stick to that ongoing as a part of your monthly routine, you will change your skin.”
Cleo Skin + Laser
11626 Fountains Drive; 763.496.6385
Instagram: @cleoskinandlaser
TikTok: @cleoskinandlaser
