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As a beauty editor in Los Angeles, I’ve tried plenty of facials, injectables, and skin treatments that made me question my life choices. After much trial and error, I realized my goal is simple: better skin with less upkeep. I’m over piling on makeup to hide fine lines, pigmentation, and texture that could use some TLC. I want skin that makes life easier — fewer products, less time in front of the mirror. And because I want it all, I was in search of treatments that deliver real results without the usual post-treatment hibernation. I’ve got places to be!
When Secret DUO (a mix of RF microneedling and erbium glass laser) popped up on my radar, I was instantly intrigued: a 2-in-1 treatment targeting everything from fine lines to pigmentation with minimal downtime? Yes, please. With my love for multitasking (I’m a Virgo moon, Capricorn rising after all), it sounded like exactly what I needed. After reading a few online reviews, I booked an appointment with Dr. Arash Moradzadeh’s office, AM Facial Plastics in Beverly Hills, to see if Secret DUO was the skincare magic I’d been waiting for.
We like
- Combo treatment addresses collagen stimulation + surface texture in one fell swoop.
- Minimal downtime means only mild redness and swelling for a couple days.
- The glow starts subtly but continues to improve over time.
We don't like
- If you’re acne-prone, you may experience some purging, but it’s not terrible.
- The erbium laser isn’t painful, though it’s definitely the least comfortable part of the treatment.
What Is Secret DUO, Anyway?
Secret DUO is like the skincare version of a power couple, pairing RF microneedling with an erbium glass laser (yes, it sounds fancy — and it is). Dr. Moradzadeh explains, “It’s an ideal option if you’re looking to address multiple skin concerns in one treatment or boost results.” Together, they target both the surface and deeper layers of your skin, tackling texture, fine lines, and pigmentation for smoother, firmer, more radiant skin.
The treatment kicks off with RF microneedling, which uses radiofrequency (RF) energy for enhanced collagen stimulation and tightening. “This added stimulation delivers energy into the dermis at various depths for more impactful results and collagen induction than traditional microneedling,” says Dr. Moradzadeh. Next, a 1540nm erbium glass laser is used to target pigmentation, ease fine lines, and refine texture. It addresses everything from acne scars to sunspots and is safe for all skin tones — a huge win in the world of lasers.
The number of Secret DUO treatments needed ultimately depends on your skin concerns and aesthetic goals. Dr. Moradzadeh likes to start with one treatment, then assess the results after a few weeks to a month before deciding next steps. If multiple sessions are required, they’re spaced 4-6 weeks apart for optimal results. On average, each treatment can cost between $1,000 and $2,500, with prices varying depending on location and the specific areas treated.
My Experience with Secret DUO
Before the treatment, Dr. Moradzadeh and I had a quick chat about my skin. I mentioned my main concerns were overall tone and texture, plus that “gravitational pull” around my neck and jawline (you know, the kind you start noticing in your late 30s). He agreed Secret DUO would tackle both the skin laxity and texture issues — and off we went.
The longest part? The numbing cream. It was slathered generously over my face and neck, and I had to sit tight for about 20-30 minutes while it set in. To kill time, I hung out with Romeo, the office goldendoodle, who patiently sat by my side while I scrolled through emails.
Once numb, we dove into the treatment. Since I was only getting one session, we bumped up the intensity of the RF microneedling to make the most of it. The microneedling was a non-event — I barely felt a thing, aside from a few “spicy” spots around my forehead, nose, and upper lip. Nothing unbearable, just a bit prickly. The erbium glass laser was next. It felt like a warm, soothing pulse across my skin — slightly uncomfortable, but nothing compared to what I expected. It lasted about 10 minutes and was over before I could start complaining.
The Post-Treatment Breakdown
I left the office with a thin layer of Aquaphor on my face to protect my freshly treated skin. As the numbing cream wore off, I felt a strange mix of heat, cooling, and a little sweat — like my skin had a fever. There was some mild swelling and puffiness, but nothing alarming. I opted to stay home and skip errands for the day.
By day two, my skin looked normal, aside from some irritation around my nose and mouth. The redness lingered for a few days, followed by dryness and flaking. I stuck to a gentle, hydrating routine, as Dr. Moradzadeh recommended, and skipped makeup for the week while I healed.
Around day seven, I had a full-on breakout. I’m guessing it was my skin purging from the rapid cell turnover. So if you’re acne-prone like me, be prepared — you might want to keep some zit stickers handy.
My “Slow Glow” Results
Six weeks post-treatment, I can confidently say my skin is in tip-top shape. Going in, I knew Secret DUO was a long-game treatment, so I didn’t expect instant results — or even results after a week. At first, I wasn’t sure it was working, but by the end of month one, I could see a noticeable glow. Over the next few weeks, things only got better: smoother, plumper, more hydrated skin, as if it finally figured out how to drink up moisture.
The Products That Got Me Through It All
As advised, I made sure to keep my skin hydrated, soothed, and (most importantly) protected from the sun during the recovery process. These are the products I swore by:
Neova Cu3 Gentle Cleanser Copper Peptide Complex® – Designed for post-treatment care, this ultra gentle cleanser is incredibly calming — no drying, stinging, or tightness.
Ourself HA+ Replenishing Serum – This serum was a lifesaver. It helped rehydrate and replenish my skin, which was feeling a little thirsty after the microneedling and laser.
Dr. Jart Ceramidin™ Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream – Thick, soothing, and a solid option for anyone with sensitive skin. It’s been a post-treatment go-to of mine for years.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 – I dabbed a small amount around my nose and mouth (the most irritated areas), to lock in moisture and help calm things down.
Seaweed Bath Co. Invisible Mineral SPF 50 – Sun protection is *the* most important after a treatment, so I opted for a high SPF and mineral formula that was friendly to my sensitive skin.
Final Thoughts
If you're after a big skin reset, Secret DUO is worth every penny. It’s a fantastic option for addressing multiple skin concerns at once — with minimal downtime. The results are gradual, but within a few weeks, you'll notice smoother, more even skin with a healthy glow. My pores look snatched and the lit-from-within effect is going strong. And, if you’re at Dr. Moradzadeh’s Beverly Hills office, keep an eye out for the real star: Romeo, the goldendoodle.
