In the past I've had IPL, fraxel, and Q-Switch laser treatments for both pigmentation and collagen production. I know the fraxel does its job, and I will reap the benefits for years to come, but I never felt totally satisfied with the immediate results. I had heard about cold gel laser treatments for years before I got around to trying them at W Skincare, and I wish I had gone sooner. Cold gel laser has such a great complement to the fraxel laser treatments. The cold gel instantly hydrates my skin, and give me a glow that lasts. I love the way my skin looks and feels after the treatment. Cold gel doesn't hurt at all like the other lasers, and it's very soothing. The whole experience is very relaxing. They also do microdermabrasion, which I get a couple of times a year, and I follow it up with a double blast of the cold laser (I get the microderm and the laser on the same day, and I go back 10 days later for another cold laser treatment). I think the cold laser has some limitations - you need to go more often than for fraxel, for example. I go every two to three months, and the cost adds up, but I love how my skin looks when I'm going regularly. W Skincare also sells great serums, sunscreens, and creams, which are all very reasonably priced. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the spa is always very clean. Big thumbs up! read more

five carats on my hand I read about this place on Lainey Gossip first. I hear she's now in Toronto. I also hear W SkinCare is set to open a location in Toronto...it is all the buzzzzzzz. Course the W SkinCare phenomenon originated right here in Beautiful British Columbia with Lorinda Zimmerman. I won't bore you here - you can read about it on the internet. After becoming disenchanted with all the mediocre Vancouver facials I was wasting my money on I figured spending $225 for a celebrity endorsed treatment doesn't sound like a total money dump. What it is - Zimmerman's signature service is microdermabrasian + cold laser. What it does - Microderm is deep cleaning exfoliation suction - like a vacuum on your face that evens texture, minimizes pores, fine lines and scars, as well as discolouration. Basically it un-grosses your skin :). Cold laser feels like an ultrasound on your face - no seriously. A pestle like device massages your skin through layers of cold gel to stimulate collagen production. What it did - REVITALIZE. REJUVENATE. LIFT. PLUMP. Oh ya, I did just ALL CAPS that. Immediately after my treatment I felt FRESH and NEW. Why? Well it's all about the collagen baby. Collagen is what makes us youthful. It's the glue that keeps things up, taught, soft and plump. But as we age, it slows. Final verdict: I'd do it again. No hesitation. But do I need it now? No. But when nature comes calling, and she does and she will...I know where to turn. For now, I look younger than I probably should...it's not on me, I got it from my momma. Fine print: W SkinCare is a minimalistic white space with some fantastic art. The rooms are simple, but sterile. Remember, it's clinical focused skin care. So no soft blankets, no whale music, but it also means NO TIP. They don't want them. It's just real skin care. Try it. If you have $250 to drop (with tax) just do it. Really, you don't need to think about it. Zimmerman's technique is innovative and it works. Keep in mind It gets better the more you go since the effects pancake. Follow-up treatments are just cold laser at a smaller price tag of $150. Ask yourself, invest in your wardrobe or you invest in your face. Which lasts longer, what matters more? The answer is different for everyone, and that answer changes as we age. read more

I had the treatment 2 days ago and my skin is bumpy and red, I believe because of the crystal microdermabrasion. I think this is an important point to note - I have had crystal FREE microderm before and loved it. But using the Crystals can cause redness and bumps. I've always had great skin and wanted help with the fine lines. I have been told that results are not visible for up to 14 days after treatment so I will post another update later. I do think this is something to be aware of though - crystal vs crystal free. As one of the other reviewers noted - one size does not fit all. Service was very friendly, everything was very clean. However, it was not on the same level as spa visits that I have experienced. While the medical questions were quote thorough, there was no inquiry as the to the condition of my skin and no skin evaluation (which apparently they are supposed to do). I think the service could have been more thorough and in comparing with a spa setting - I do prefer a spa. As I said, I will update in a few days as my skin changes. For now, my advice is do the research and take a balanced view of all reviews to decide if this is right for you. read more

Microderm + Cold Laser = Happy Face After participating in a class in NYC which had direct Q&A sessions with Dr. Christiane Northrup, one of the Q's that stood out for me was, "How do you keep your skin so radiant and young?" Christiane, our group's beloved expert on Women's Health, and a wonderful example of how to look fantastic after 60, replied that the most important part of her facial skin care routine was her "quarterly" microdermabrasion therapy sessions. So... considering that I would like to begin to "preserve" my skin tone and being a freak about cleansing and keeping my skin free of pore-clogging makeup, I hunted down the best therapist in Vancouver for the job. I found Lorinda Zimmerman who runs W Skin Care. She's considered one of Hollywood A-list's best kept secrets, and I now swear by her technique... microderm which is deep facial exfoliation that uses microscopic crystals and suction to suck out impurities from pores and buff the top layer of skin to a glowing shine.... followed by cold light treatment which stimulates collagen production, oxygenates and speeds up renewal. In the past year and a half, I've had three of these treatments and it's well worth the money... which isn't a great deal considering the results and the experience that Lorinda brings. Lorinda is one busy woman and it's sometimes difficult to get a booking, so I happily tried another therapist at W today: Stephanie. My treatment with Stephanie was wonderful and relaxing, and I'm enjoying the results! Yay! Oh, and I like their new location at 1536 West 2nd. It's at the Waterfall Building, and has easy street parking one block up on West 3rd. read more

Unbelievable. I had heard great things about the clinic from numerous friends who make regular visits, and couldn't be more impressed with my initial treatment. My clinician was attentive, and provided a custom tailored treatment for my skin. The atmosphere of the clinic is modern, yet warm. The treatment itself is revolutionary - having gone for many spa-type facials over the years, I was impressed with the use of the latest technology, and holistic approach. I was not pressured to purchase products, nor to book a secondary treatment (although I did!). The treatment serves as a great middle-ground between spa type facials, and more invasive procedures. Afterwards, I was able to go about my day without any irritation or redness. I can already see a difference, and was advised to keep an eye out for results in the weeks to come. Cannot recommend enough! read more

I first read about W Skin Care and Ms Lorinda Zimmerman on Lainey Gossip in 2012. She was raving about how the "double blasts" treatment (microdermabrasion/cold laser gel) and how how it made her colleague look amazing. I couldn't believe my luck that they were located in Vancouver. I immediately googled the info and left a message after reading about it. I was certain it was out of my price range and was very happy to find out it was $225 incl. The day of my appointment Ms Lorinda Z asked me questions about my skin regiment, what was I hoping for in regards of the results, etc. My skin is extremely sensitive and have many allergies and react to a lot of products, even Clinique products feel like they burn my skin. The only thing I use is Aveeno soap. I also happened to have hives/rash on my face that day. She was a little concerned and wanted to ensure that I wanted to go ahead with the appointment as we didn't know know how my skin would react. The products are hypoallergenic. She asked me if I wanted to cancel and told me she would not charge me anything for doing so. I said no, let's do this! And boy, am I ever happy I did. My skin felt amazing! It was so nice and clean and light. The redness had calmed down and was dissapating. Even she was a little surprised how big a change there was of before and after the treatment. She told me that my skin would look and feel even better in a couple of days. I could already feel a big difference a few hours later! And on another positive note, my frown wrinkles were definitely less noticeable. When I went back east for my mom's birthday a couple of months later, I received many compliments on how my skin looked great and healthy as for once my face wasn't blotchy and red. I would also like to mention that she didn't try to sell me any products after, she told me to continue with my skin regiment and told me that I would know and feel when i would require my next treatment and she was right. And it's definitely time to make another appointment! read more

A friend of mine works as a medical esthetician at W skin in Toronto. After hearing all the great things about the micro/cold laser I decided to check it out for myself. Not only does my skin look and feel better, the results have lasted! My pores are smaller, my skin is tighter and I have never had that instant glow you get right after the treatment.The interior of the building feels warm and welcoming. All of the employees are nice, friendly, approachable and very knowledgeable which heightened the experience that much more. The owner of W Lorinida was very pleasant, extremely out-going and kind. The products they use are chemical free, medicinal and botanical. I would wholeheartedly recommend W skin to everyone. read more

I've been a client of Lorinda's for more than 3 years - flying to Vancouver and LA on business. My skin has never been this healthy or radiant! In fact, if it wasn't for Lorinda, I doubt my skin would hold up to all the travel I have to do for my career. I'd probably look 10 years older at least : ( I was literally overjoyed to hear that she has opened a new clinic in Toronto, my hometown. The space is amazing! It feels every bit as relaxing as their west coast location (with all the beautiful art) but downtown TO. And the staff are just excellent : ) Cannot recommend enough. read more

Not sure what all the hype is about. Had a couple of cold laser treatments done and the outcome was very minimal. Saw a small change after the first treatment, but the second, nothing. Just b/c Lainey saw her friend having great results, doesn't mean everyone see's the same outcome. So I guess my point is, it works great for some and for others there are next to no results. Great folks at the clinic though. read more

I heard about this place from a friend in LA who said she heard great things about it. I decided to try 3 treatments to be sure to get results. Cold gel was put on my face then the laser. Some of the gel was left on. I think it temporarily made it look plumped each time but that was about it, no long term improvements. Same as a moisture mask. It was very poor to hear the lady owner talk about herself and gossip the whole treatment, especially about one person I knew. I was not happy with the experience overall, it was not worth the money or time. read more

I have not ever taken the time to write a review but in this, I made the time. I visited w skin center to have, what I was told was the the best treatment for hydration, irritation etc. When the treatment was explained to me, the owner told me my skin would be plumped up...basically brought back to what a babies skin is with repeated sessions. I asked what the cold laser did exactly and was not given a clear answer as to the science behind it, what more the woman was extremely rude to me when I asked questions. I have received better explanations from regular spas. This bitchy woman was so full of herself she became defensive and rude and even told me I could leave if I wished..that she has other important clients to attend to. I do not know who this lady thinks she is, but judging by her skin, sorry that treatment obviously must not work. This is not the kind of business and person who should be supported. Disgusting!!!!! read more