Resources and Education

At Elevate, we believe confidence begins with understanding your skin. This page was designed to give you clear, evidence-based education, so you can make empowered decisions about your treatments, your skincare, and your long-term results.

CO₂ vs SkinPen Microneedling Comparison

 Choosing the right treatment depends on your goals, skin history, and desired downtime. Here’s a simple breakdown to help guide your decision.

Helix CO₂ Laser

• Advanced resurfacing for wrinkles, texture irregularities, sun damage, and scarring

• More intensive correction with measurable collagen remodeling

• Ideal for deeper lines, laxity, and advanced skin concerns

• Designed for transformative results with structured downtime

SkinPen Microneedling

• Collagen stimulation for tone, texture, and early signs of aging

• Minimal downtime with progressive, buildable improvement

• Refines pores, softens acne scars, and enhances overall skin quality

• Ideal for maintenance, prevention, and consistent skin renewal

SkinBetter Clinical Trial Evidence

Skinbetter Science is known for dermatologist-developed, clinically tested formulations designed to deliver visible, measurable results. Their award-winning products like AlphaRet, InterFuse, and Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment, have been evaluated in multiple independent and company-sponsored trials.

SkinBetter’s published clinical findings:

Alpharet Overnight Cream:

AlphaRet was evaluated in a randomized, controlled clinical trial published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Over 12 weeks in adults with photoaged skin, AlphaRet demonstrated significant improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, and overall skin texture compared with baseline. Notably, AlphaRet showed comparable efficacy to traditional tretinoin with improved tolerability.

Alto Advanced Defense & Repair Serum:

Alto Advanced Defense & Repair Serum has been evaluated in clinical testing conducted by board-certified physicians. In a 12-week, twice-daily study with participants of varying skin tones, consistent use of Alto was associated with improvements in the appearance of skin dullness, redness, uneven tone, and overall texture, and was well-tolerated across diverse skin types.

Additional clinical studies indexed on Skinbetter Science’s research page demonstrate broad antioxidant activity, including inhibition of oxidative stress from blue light, cigarette smoke, and environmental exposure such as UVA/UVB and ozone — underscoring Alto’s environmental defense capabilities. These findings reflect data published and reported by Skinbetter Science.  

InterFuse Clinical Evidence: 

A peer-reviewed clinical study (PMID: 35426967) evaluated twice-daily use of a hyaluronic acid-based serum and peptide-rich cream formulated with InterFuse technology in adults with photodamaged skin. After 12 weeks, participants showed meaningful improvements in skin texture, tone, and lines/wrinkles on both the face and neck, with high rates of satisfaction and no product-related adverse events. These findings support the role of InterFuse- based formulations in enhancing skin quality and visual signs of aging.

FALL — Correct + Rebuild

FOCUS: Pigment Correction, Collagen Remodeling + Post-Summer Recovery

TREATMENTS: Helix Advanced CO2, SkinPen Microneedling Packages, The Perfect Derma Peel, B12 Injections, Sculptra, Hydrating facials, etc

SKINCARE:

Retinoid Therapy — Skinbetter AlphaRet, Hydrinity Retaxome

Exfoliation + Renewal — Skinbetter AlphaRet Peel Pads, Neova 5 Second Daily Peel Pads

Pigment Correction — Skinbetter Even Intensive, Hydrinity Vivid Brightening

FALL= is the reset season to reverse summer exposure and begin deeper corrective treatments.

FALL

SUMMER — Protect + Maintain

FOCUS: Sun Protection, Prevention, + Barrier Support

TREATMENTS: Hydrafacials, Dermaplane Facials, Maintenance SkinPen Microneedling, Neurotoxin Touch-Ups, Subtle Dermal Filler Refinement

SKINCARE:

Post-Sun + Skin Recovery — Hydrinity Hyacyn Active

Mineral SPF Protection — Skinbetter Tone Smart, Neova Silc Sheer, Epicutis Lipid Shield

Antioxidant + Vitamin C Support — Skinbetter Alto Advanced Defense + Repair, Hydrinity Hydri-C

Gentle Cleansing — Skinbetter Cleansing Gel, Epicutis Oil Cleanser

WARM WEATHER= protection, prevention, and maintaining results achieved during corrective months.

SUMMER

SPRING — Brighten + Renew

FOCUS: Tone, Clarity, + Pre-Summer Rejuvenation

TREATMENTS: Helix Coolpeel, Light Chemical peel, Customized facials, Skinvive, etc.

SKINCARE:

Post- Coolpeel Care

Neova Post Laser Kits (Included with all Helix treatment purchases)

Brighten + Protect your Investment —

Antioxidant + Vitamin C Support — Hydrinity Hydri-C, Skinbetter Alto Advanced Defense + Repair

Brightening + Pigment Correction — Skinbetter Even Intensive, Hydrinity Vivid

Barrier Support + Calming — Epicutis Lipid Serum, Hydrinity Restorative HA

Daily Mineral SPF — Skinbetter Tone Smart, Neova Silc Sheer, Epicutis Lipid Shield

 

SPRING TIME= Perfect season to refresh dull winter skin

SPRING

WINTER — Repair + Renew

FOCUS: Advanced Treatments, Hydration,  + Barrier Repair

TREATMENTS: Helix Advanced CO2 Treatment, Microneedling Packages, Sculptra, Hydrafacials, Customized Facials, Etc.

SKINCARE: 

Post- CO2 Laser Care

Neova Post Laser Kits (Included with all Helix treatment purchases)

Barrier Repair + Deep Hydration — Epicutis Hyvia Crème, Epicutis Lipid Serum, Hydrinity Restorative HA

Retinoid + Cellular Renewal — Skinbetter AlphaRet, Hydrinity Retaxome

Intensive Moisture — Skinbetter Trio Luxe + InterFuse Intensive Treatment Lines

COLD WEATHER = Ideal time for Correction, Deeper laser work and Restorative routines

WINTER

PRE-CARE
  • Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning for at least 2–4 weeks before treatment
  • Stop retinoids (Retin-A, tretinoin, adapalene), exfoliating acids, and benzoyl peroxide 3–5 days prior (or as directed)
  • Arrive with clean skin—no makeup or SPF
  • Increase hydration and moisturize twice daily in the week leading up to treatment
  • Notify your provider of any recent medications or procedures
POST-CARE
  • Warmth, redness, and a sunburn-like sensation are normal
  • Deeper treatments may involve peeling, bronzing, or flaking for several days
  • Avoid heat, sweating, and exercise for 24–48 hours
  • Delay retinoids/active ingredients until your provider clears you
  • Strict SPF and sun avoidance is essential during healing
  • Skincare kits provided after every treatment for best results 

Preparing for your Helix treatment

Acne Ingredient Checker

Paste your ingredient list below to check for pore-clogging or acne-triggering components:

Neurotoxins & Dermal Fillers - What You Need to Know

Neurotoxins (Botox & Dysport)

Overview: Purified proteins that soften expression lines by relaxing targeted facial muscles.

Treatment benefits: Relax expression lines, prevent wrinkle progression, and create a smoother, naturally refreshed appearance with minimal downtime.

Ideal for: Softening forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet, enhancing subtle brow lift, and preventing deeper wrinkles from forming.

Recovery & results: Minimal downtime with results beginning in 3–7 days, peaking around two weeks, and lasting approximately 3–4 months.

Dermal Fillers

Overview: Hyaluronic acid–based injectable gels designed to restore lost volume, enhance structure, and create a soft, natural-looking contour.

Treatment Benefits: Rebuilds volume loss and refines facial harmony for a balanced, refreshed look.

Ideal for: Cheeks, lips, chin, jawline, smile lines, and under-eyes—any area needing subtle lift, support, or definition.

Recovery & results: Immediate visible improvement with minimal downtime; mild swelling is possible, and results typically last 6–18+ months depending on area treated.

Ready to learn more about which treatments fit your goals?