Cosmetic Services · Burien & Bellevue, WA
SmoothGlo Skin Rejuvenation
SmoothGlo pairs IPL light therapy with Sublative radiofrequency in a single sequential session — targeting surface pigmentation and deep structural collagen in one comprehensive treatment protocol. Clearer skin. Firmer texture. Lasting results.
Schedule a ConsultationWhat Is SmoothGlo?
SmoothGlo is an innovative skin rejuvenation protocol that sequentially combines two proven energy-based technologies — Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Sublative Radiofrequency (RF) — in a single treatment session. This sequential approach is what makes SmoothGlo distinctive: each technology is deployed where it works best, at the layer of skin it most effectively targets.
The IPL step addresses the surface — clearing discoloration, reducing redness, and evening tone. The Sublative RF step works deeper — heating the dermis to stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin, improving firmness, texture, and skin quality from within. Together, they address photoaging comprehensively in a way that neither could accomplish alone.
At Dermatology of Seattle, SmoothGlo treatments are performed by our board-certified dermatologists who customize IPL wavelength filters and RF energy levels to your specific skin type, concerns, and treatment goals.
The Two-Step SmoothGlo Protocol
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
Surface — Tone & ColorIPL delivers broad-spectrum light pulses through precisely selected wavelength filters to target chromophores in the skin — the melanin in brown spots and the hemoglobin in red blood vessels. Melanin absorbs the light energy and the pigmented cells break down, rising to the surface and shedding over the following week. Hemoglobin absorbs the energy and damaged vessels collapse, reducing visible redness and flushing.
Addresses:
- Sun spots and age spots
- Freckles
- Redness and flushing
- Rosacea
- Broken capillaries
- Uneven skin tone
Sublative RF (Radiofrequency)
Deep — Structure & FirmnessSublative RF uses a fractionated array of electrodes to deliver bipolar radiofrequency energy into the skin in a controlled grid pattern. The RF energy heats both the epidermis and upper dermis, triggering collagen contraction for immediate tightening and a prolonged fibroblast response that generates new collagen and elastin over the following months. The fractional delivery ensures faster healing and lower risk compared to ablative resurfacing.
Addresses:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Mild skin laxity
- Uneven texture and roughness
- Dullness and loss of radiance
- Early crepiness
The Synergy: Why Combining IPL + RF Works
Photoaging — the cumulative skin damage caused by years of sun exposure — affects the skin at multiple levels simultaneously. Surface pigmentation and vascular changes are visible signs of UV damage in the upper layers. Deeper in the dermis, UV radiation has degraded collagen and elastin, leading to fine lines, laxity, and loss of firmness.
Treating only the surface addresses the look of the skin today, but doesn't rebuild the structural foundation that determines how your skin ages going forward. Treating only the deep tissue ignores the discoloration and redness that affects overall tone and clarity.
SmoothGlo addresses both layers in one visit — making each session more comprehensive and effective than two separate single-technology treatments would typically achieve.
Conditions SmoothGlo Addresses
- Sun damage and age spots (solar lentigines)
- Redness and rosacea
- Broken capillaries and spider veins
- Uneven skin tone and texture
- Fine lines and early wrinkles
- Mild skin laxity and loss of firmness
- Dull, tired complexion
- Photoaging (cumulative UV damage)
What to Expect During a SmoothGlo Session
Preparation
Arrive with clean, product-free skin. A topical numbing cream may be applied for comfort. Your provider will assess your skin and adjust settings for your skin type and current concerns.
IPL Phase (20–25 Minutes)
Cool gel is applied to the skin. The IPL handpiece delivers rapid pulses of light across the treatment area. Each pulse feels like a brief, warm rubber band snap — the cooling integrated into the handpiece minimizes discomfort. Pigmented areas may appear slightly darker immediately after.
Sublative RF Phase (20–25 Minutes)
A different handpiece is used for the RF step. The matrix of electrodes contacts the skin and delivers a brief burst of RF energy — felt as a warm, prickling sensation. The fractionated delivery creates a grid of treated zones surrounded by untreated skin, enabling faster healing.
Immediately After
The skin will appear pink to red — similar to a mild sunburn. Pigmented areas treated with IPL may look temporarily darker (this is expected and normal). The treated area will feel warm for a few hours.
Over the Following Days
IPL-treated pigment spots will darken, rise to the surface, and shed over 7–14 days — revealing clearer skin underneath. RF-related surface texture normalizes within 3–5 days. Most patients are comfortable in public within 1–2 days.
Treatment Protocol & Results
SmoothGlo is designed as a 3-session series, with each session spaced 3–4 weeks apart. This protocol allows:
- Session 1: initial improvement in tone and early collagen stimulation
- Session 2: continued clearing of pigmentation; RF collagen building accumulates
- Session 3: maximum photoclearing and deepest collagen remodeling response
- Months 1–3 post-series: collagen matures and firms; full results evident
- Maintenance: 1–2 sessions per year sustain and extend results
Skin Tone Consideration: The IPL component of SmoothGlo works best on Fitzpatrick skin types I–IV. Patients with very dark skin tones (Fitzpatrick V–VI) may not be ideal candidates for SmoothGlo due to the risk of IPL-induced hyperpigmentation. Our dermatologists will assess your skin tone and recommend the safest protocol — which may include RF microneedling or alternative treatments — to ensure the best possible outcome.
Book a Consultation
Find out if SmoothGlo is right for your skin. Our dermatologists assess your tone, concerns, and goals to build the ideal treatment plan.
Schedule NowQuick Facts
- Dual-technology: IPL + Sublative RF
- 3-session protocol (3–4 weeks apart)
- 45–60 minutes per session
- Addresses surface + deep skin layers
- Minimal downtime
- Treats pigmentation, redness & laxity
- Best for Fitzpatrick I–IV skin tones
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is SmoothGlo one treatment or two separate treatments?
SmoothGlo is a single, sequential treatment session that combines two technologies in a specific order: first IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), then Sublative RF (radiofrequency). Both steps are performed in the same appointment, typically 45–60 minutes total. The sequencing is intentional — IPL addresses the surface first, then RF works on the deeper structural layer. You receive the benefit of both in one sitting.
How much downtime does SmoothGlo require?
SmoothGlo is designed as a minimal-downtime treatment. Most patients experience mild redness and warmth for a few hours after the IPL step, and possible light pinpoint marks from the Sublative RF (similar to tiny red dots) that resolve within 2–5 days. Some patients return to work the next day with light makeup. Pigmented spots targeted by IPL may temporarily darken and shed over 1–2 weeks — a normal part of the clearing process.
How many SmoothGlo sessions do I need?
The standard SmoothGlo protocol is a series of 3 treatments spaced 3–4 weeks apart. Each session builds on the previous one — the IPL progressively addresses pigmentation and vascular concerns while the Sublative RF accumulates collagen-building effects. After the initial series, many patients choose one or two maintenance treatments per year to sustain and extend their results.
How does SmoothGlo compare to HydraFacial?
HydraFacial is a hydration and extraction treatment — it delivers immediate glow by deeply cleansing and infusing the skin with serums. SmoothGlo is a corrective, regenerative treatment that addresses pigmentation, vascular lesions, and deep structural collagen using light and energy. They serve different purposes and actually complement each other well: HydraFacial is ideal for maintenance and glow; SmoothGlo is for correcting sun damage and restoring firmness. Many patients incorporate both into their skincare routines.
How does SmoothGlo compare to RF microneedling?
Both SmoothGlo and RF microneedling use radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen, but they do so through different mechanisms. SmoothGlo's Sublative RF delivers energy through the surface using a grid pattern, targeting both the epidermis and superficial dermis — making it excellent for tone, texture, and mild laxity. RF microneedling penetrates to a deeper dermis level, making it more effective for significant skin laxity, acne scars, and deep structural remodeling. SmoothGlo also adds IPL for pigment and vascular correction, which RF microneedling does not address.
Who is a good candidate for SmoothGlo?
SmoothGlo is best suited for adults with light to medium skin tones (Fitzpatrick I–IV) showing early to moderate signs of photoaging: sun spots, redness, uneven tone, fine lines, and mild skin laxity. The IPL component has limitations for very dark skin tones due to the risk of hyperpigmentation from broad-spectrum light. During your consultation, your dermatologist will assess your skin type and determine whether SmoothGlo or an alternative treatment protocol is safest and most effective for you.
Clearer Skin. Firmer Texture. One Protocol.
Schedule your SmoothGlo consultation at our Burien or Bellevue office. Dual-technology rejuvenation performed by board-certified dermatologists.