IPL, BBL, and Fraxel explained — what they actually are, how they differ, and why the wrong treatment can burn you. Host Kim Laudati and Angel Morton break it all down in 8 minutes.

BBL is not a separate technology — it's a rebrand of IPL, the same intense pulsed light platform used to target redness, rosacea, brown spots, melasma, and hyperpigmentation. And despite how widely it's used, IPL remains one of the top causes of patient burns in aesthetics. Kim and Angel explain why that happens and what patients should ask before booking.
They also clear up the Fraxel confusion — it's a brand name, not a treatment category — and explain how newer fractionated laser platforms have improved significantly in safety, comfort, and results.
Plus: why winter is laser season, why sun exposure before treatment is a serious risk, and why consistent scheduling is the only way to see real cumulative results.

Considering laser hair reduction? This video addresses a common question about preparation for the procedure, focusing on the essential step of shaving. Learn how proper grooming, including hair removal, impacts the effectiveness of your treatment. Our experts share valuable skin care insights to ensure you're ready for your medical aesthetics appointment.

The most viral at-home skincare hacks — what's harmless, what's risky, and what's just flat-out wrong.

They break down the egg white, honey, coffee and toilet paper mask, the truth about DIY scrubs on your face versus your body, why refined sugar accelerates aging and inflammation, and why at-home microneedling is one of the most dangerous trends circulating right now — from needle depth and quality to infection risk and improper reuse.

They also tackle: potatoes, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, toothpaste on skin, ice depuffing, over-exfoliation, and the "burning means it's working" myth. Plus — how to spot filters and AI-generated before and afters in ads, why SPF is non-negotiable every single day, and how to actually vet a skincare trend before trying it.

What really goes on behind the treatment room door — and how do you know you're in safe hands?

In Part 2 of Episode 2 of Aesthetics Unscripted, host Kim Laudati, co-host Angel Morton, and ITX aestheticians Monica and Melanie get into the conversations the industry rarely has out loud. They open up about the pressure aestheticians face to maintain "perfect" skin as their own professional calling card, the burnout that comes with rarely having time to receive the treatments they give, and why staff perks and continuing education matter more than most employers realize.

Then things get real. The team shares firsthand accounts of unethical spa practices — reused sheets and towels, drugstore products being swapped in during high-end facials, and dangerous double-dipping during waxing services. They break down how to spot red flags, what to look for in a reputable licensed provider, and why trusting your aesthetician matters more than chasing machine settings from a TikTok video.
If you've ever wondered whether the spa you're visiting is actually holding up to the standard you're paying for — this episode is essential listening.

Meet the team behind IT Intelligent Treatment — aestheticians Monica and Melanie join host Kim Laudati and co-host Angel Morton to pull back the curtain on what real medical aesthetics looks like from the inside.

In this episode, Monica shares her unexpected path from social work and mental health into aesthetics, and Melanie reveals how her own skincare struggles led her to ITX — where she's been transforming skin since 2013. Together, they break down what makes ITX different: a luxury day-spa feel backed by cutting-edge regenerative science, continuing education, and a commitment to matching every patient with the right provider.

To Cut or Not to Cut: When Plastic Surgery Makes Sense (and When to Try Alternatives First)

Host Kim Laudati and her team discuss why patients consider cosmetic surgery, citing common concerns like loose skin, “turkey neck,” and life events, as well as emotional factors and social media-driven instant gratification. They stress that surgery can be appropriate for those seeking drastic change, but warn about trends, body dysmorphia, and the limits of repeated procedures (including that facelifts typically last about 10 years). Kim criticizes buccal fat pad removal as irreversible and potentially aging, and emphasizes trying skin-tightening alternatives like Soma Cell first, especially for younger patients. They outline cases where surgery is clearly warranted, such as obstructed vision from excess eyelid skin, significant loose skin after rapid weight loss (GLP-1/Ozempic, lap band), and post-pregnancy issues. The team advises thorough consultations, realistic expectations about recovery and maintenance, and seeking multiple opinions—especially if upselling or harsh “consultation room” lighting feels manipulative.

Getting ready for Valentine’s Day? We share smart, safe Valentine’s Day skin prep tips with a mix of at-home skincare and professional treatments so you can glow without irritation, downtime, or last-minute regret.

In this episode, Dr. Yuri Choi, Acting Medical Director and provider at IT Intelligent Treatment, shares her journey from conventional medicine into aesthetics and why she believes true results start far deeper than the surface of the skin. Dr. Choi is passionate about a full diagnostic approach, focusing on longevity, internal health, and individualized assessment rather than quick fixes or trend-driven treatments. Her philosophy blends medical rigor with modern aesthetics, helping patients understand why their skin and body respond the way they do and how thoughtful, evidence-based care can support long-term health, confidence, and vitality.