My skin looked dull after my summer vacation, so I bought a 10-session Pico Toning package and am about halfway through, so I'm writing a mid-session review lol.

Hi haha. After returning from vacation last summer, my freckles and blemishes flared up significantly, but I neglected them. Recently, however, I looked in the mirror and realized I couldn't let it continue like this, so I ended up signing up for a 10-session Pico Toning package. Even though I thought I was diligent about applying sunscreen, I could still see faint brown pigmentation under my eyes and on my cheekbones ㅠㅠ. It does get covered with makeup, but my skin looks dull when I'm barefaced, so I was stressed about it and decided to get a procedure. I was debating between regular toning and Pico Toning, but I heard that Pico breaks down pigments into smaller particles, so the effects are faster and there is less scabbing or redness. I paid a little extra and decided on Pico.

I have been consistently receiving treatments at one-week intervals up to exactly my 5th session, so I thought I would write an honest review as a mid-term check-up haha. First off, the pain is really minimal! They proceed without applying numbing cream, so it feels just like a rubber band lightly tapping my face. It only stings slightly when passing over the philtrum or hairy areas, and there is a burning squid smell, but it is so comfortable that I can even use my phone during the procedure ㅠㅠ. The procedure also finishes quickly within about 10 minutes, so it is perfect for stopping by briefly after work to get it done.

In terms of effectiveness... honestly, after the first or second session, I wondered, "Is there really any difference?" I even went so far as to whine to the director that I felt like I had wasted my money and that my pigmentation didn't seem to be fading, haha. But the director told me not to be impatient, explaining that toning improves slowly, like getting wet in a drizzle. Surprisingly, however, starting from the fourth session, when I wash my face and look in the mirror, I can definitely feel that my overall skin tone has become clearer! While deep, dark spots haven't been completely erased like a wipe, my complexion has brightened overall, and I can feel that I can cover blemishes even with a much thinner application of makeup base. The edges of the small blemishes around my eyes have also become much more blurred.

I heard that aftercare is even more important than the procedure itself, so I've been slathering on regenerating cream and applying sunscreen like crazy whenever I go out. I also use a Vitamin C ampoule that claims to inhibit melanin, and I think it's creating some synergy, haha. I'm going to keep going diligently, keeping my hopes up that I'll have smooth skin after finishing my remaining 5 sessions. I heard that even after the 10 sessions, you need to continue getting toning treatments once a month for maintenance. Are there any members out there who are sticking to the long-term toning regimen and have any tips? Let's share any good home care methods for preventing hyperpigmentation!