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THE EXPERTS
January 7, 2015
tria BEAUTY | Michiko Fujiwara Directly Interviews the Developer of the 'tria SKIN AGE-DEFYING LASER'
tria BEAUTY
Revolutionary Light-Based Skincare Device "tria SKIN Age-Defying Laser" Finally Launches in Japan!
Michiko Fujiwara Directly Interviews the Developer (Part 1)
in her essay this past February, "formulated with retinol/retinoic acid"Michiko Fujiwara, who wrote about her fascination with cosmetics, encounters the facial laser beauty device "tria SKIN Age-Defying Laser"!—Like retinoic acid, this innovative new product for home use promotes skin turnover with its unique light technology, awakening the skin's natural vitality. Michiko Fujiwara interviewed Dr. Tobin C. Island, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Tria Beauty.
Text by KAJII Makoto (OPENERS)Photographs by SUZUKI Kenta
The Background of "tria SKIN Age-Defying Laser" Development
FujiwaraDr. Island, it's a pleasure to meet you. Tria Beauty is well-known for the "tria PERSONAL LASER HAIR REMOVAL," but what was the purpose behind developing the "tria SKIN Age-Defying Laser" (hereinafter referred to as "tria SKIN")?
Dr. IslandThe core idea was, "Can we adapt the fractional laser light technology, proven and used in beauty clinics and dermatology, for home use?" In the United States, lasers for anti-aging are more popular than those for hair removal. However, beauty lasers are very expensive, and unfortunately, data shows that only about 1% of all American women have experienced them. "tria SKIN" applies technology proven safe in clinics for easy home use.
FujiwaraI've started using it myself, but who can expect results from it?
Dr. IslandIndeed, it's ideal for those who feel that creams and serums for anti-aging are not effective enough. "tria SKIN" delivers laser energy deep into the skin, so the results you can feel are different. If you're not satisfied with skincare that only works on the skin's surface, please pay attention to this.
FujiwaraIt's said to have been developed for home use, but what are the benefits for us?
Dr. IslandFirst, treatments at clinics or with specialists take time and are expensive. With "tria SKIN," you can easily and safely care for your skin at home whenever you like, expect results, gain confidence, and foster a desire to become even more beautiful and stylish.
FujiwaraThat's a very encouraging message. So, care that was previously performed by specialists can now be done by ourselves on a daily basis.
Dr. IslandThat's right. To put it simply, the laser reaches the inner layers of the skin, promoting turnover and aiding in the generation of new skin. It's often misunderstood, but it doesn't damage the skin's surface. Also, when you hear "anti-aging," you might think of people in their 30s or 40s and above, but a key point of this device is that it can be used regardless of age, depending on your skin concerns. I believe those experiencing issues like dark spots, uneven texture, or loss of firmness will find it particularly effective. It has already been launched in Canada and the UK and is well-received as a groundbreaking home-use device.
tria BEAUTY
Revolutionary Light-Based Skincare Device "tria SKIN Age-Defying Laser" Finally Launches in Japan!
Michiko Fujiwara Directly Interviews the Developer (Part 2)
Launching in Japan on Wednesday, April 24th. So, what is the correct way to use it?
Tria Beauty, the developer of the "tria SKIN Age-Defying Laser" (hereinafter referred to as "tria SKIN"), was founded in California, USA, in 2003 by engineers who were at the core of the research team behind the world's most widely used professional diode laser hair removal machines. They recognized the future potential in "light-based beauty care that can be done at home." In 2005, they launched the "tria PERSONAL LASER HAIR REMOVAL," the world's first home-use laser hair removal device, in Japan, generating significant buzz and receiving extensive media coverage as a bestseller.
FujiwaraI understand the background of "tria SKIN's" creation, but please tell me about its usage.
Dr. IslandWe recommend using it on bare skin, so nighttime is best. Remove makeup, wash your face, and pat it dry so there's no moisture left. Then, place the "laser emission port" on the top side of the device against your skin. Since the skin will feel a slight stimulation, please be sure to select the "Low" setting out of the three treatment levels when using it for the first time. Increase the level only after your skin has become accustomed to the stimulation.
FujiwaraWhat kind of "stimulation" are you referring to, Doctor?
Dr. Island"tria SKIN" is a specially developed laser device that emits laser spots by reacting with the moisture within the skin. It's designed to emit approximately 180 spots per second, but it covers only about 1% of the entire facial skin in one day.
FujiwaraOnly 1% after one day of use?
Dr. IslandYes. If we consider a treatment at a beauty clinic as 100%, "tria SKIN" achieves approximately 60% coverage over 8 weeks (56 days). We have verified that covering 60% is sufficient for the entire face. Since 60% coverage is adequate, we consider 8 weeks as one cycle.
An 8-Week Treatment Cycle Followed by a 4-Week Break is Optimal
FujiwaraI see. Please tell me about the frequency of use.
Dr. IslandFor the first 8 weeks, use it once a day, every night after washing your face. Depending on individual results, you may start to notice effects as early as the second week. After 8 weeks of use, take a 4-week break. Then, after the 4-week rest period, you can restart the 8-week treatment cycle as needed.
FujiwaraWhat is the significance of this 8-week treatment, 4-week break cycle?
Dr. IslandYes. Normally, the skin regeneration cycle is said to be 28 to 30 days. "tria SKIN" is a device that promotes this renewal cycle. According to our development data, it covers about 60% of the skin in 8 weeks, leading to a complete renewal of the face. This optimal state is maintained for about 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, the effects begin to diminish, so that's when you restart usage. This is the cycle.
FujiwaraAre there any tips for using it?
Dr. IslandDivide your face into four zones: right cheek, left cheek, forehead, and around the mouth. For each zone, the recommended treatment time is approximately 30 seconds on the "Low" level, 2 minutes on "Medium," and 3 minutes on "High." After using the device, be sure to moisturize thoroughly. With your initial purchase, you'll receive a complimentary 2-week trial set of our quasi-drug Skin Repair series: "tria SKIN Repair Lotion" (60mL) and "tria SKIN Repair Serum" (15mL). Please use them.
FujiwaraWhat precautions should I take during use?
Dr. IslandThe device itself is equipped with robust safety features. Its effectiveness has also been verified through extensive clinical testing. However, one thing to be mindful of is that after using the device at night, you must remember to apply sunscreen before going out the next day.
FujiwaraThat's right. As I wrote in my series for OPENERS, when using new retinoic acid, the skin becomes more susceptible to sunburn than usual. The skin itself becomes more prone to absorbing UV rays.
tria BEAUTY
Revolutionary Light-Based Skincare Device "tria SKIN Age-Defying Laser" Finally Launches in Japan!
Michiko Fujiwara Directly Interviews the Developer (Part 3)
Michiko Fujiwara Appears in Advertisements as the "Brand Spokesperson"!
The term "laser" might cause some apprehension, but the "tria SKIN Age-Defying Laser" (hereinafter referred to as "tria SKIN") allows you to select from three treatment levels based on your skin's condition. It also features a safety lock function to prevent accidental operation. Furthermore, it is equipped with an automatic lock sensor and position sensor that ensure the laser only emits when the device is in proper contact with the skin. It lights up purple while you slide it across the skin, indicating it's working. The fact that it's rechargeable and cordless is also a welcome feature.
FujiwaraThere's one more thing I'd like to ask. Recently, I've been using cosmetics containing retinol/retinoic acid frequently. Listening to your explanation, Doctor, I feel that the effects of retinol/retinoic acid—promoting skin renewal, shedding old, excess keratin, increasing collagen production to smooth texture, and normalizing turnover—are very similar to what "tria SKIN" does. Is it safe to use the device and cosmetics together?
Dr. IslandYes, it's safe. But as I mentioned earlier, please be careful about sun exposure.
FujiwaraAlso, people who have experienced redness after laser treatments at clinics might feel apprehensive about lasers, but...
Dr. IslandOf course, the output is lower than the lasers used in beauty clinics or dermatology. For example, a single treatment at a clinic covers about 30% of the face, whereas "tria SKIN" covers about 1% per day. So, the roles are fundamentally different.
FujiwaraI see. Knowing that makes me feel more comfortable using it.
FujiwaraExcuse me, but how old are you, Doctor?
Dr. IslandMe? I'll be 45 this year.
FujiwaraYour skin is beautiful. Is it thanks to this laser, perhaps? (laughs) For this launch in Japan, I have been honored to serve as the "Brand Spokesperson." Thank you.
Dr. IslandWhen I heard that Ms. Fujiwara would be the Brand Spokesperson, I was truly delighted. We understand she is the perfect person to convey the effectiveness of our ambitious beauty device to a wider audience.
FujiwaraThank you. Lastly, how do you perceive the characteristics of Japanese women's skin?
Dr. IslandI find Japanese women's skin to be very fine-textured and beautiful. I hope you will get to know "tria SKIN" well, use it effectively, and strive for even more beautiful skin.
FujiwaraI'll do my best!
tria SKIN Age-Defying Laser
Price | ¥69,800
Set Contents | 1 tria SKIN Age-Defying Laser unit
※ 2-week trial set of Skin Repair Series
tria SKIN Repair Lotion 60mL (Quasi-drug)
tria SKIN Repair Serum 15mL (Quasi-drug)
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