I’ve always been someone who gets the occasional pre-period breakout, but after having a baby two years ago, postpartum hormones brought all acne hell on my face. I had red, painful cysts on my chin and jawline, plus under-the-skin bumps on my cheeks for months. Eventually they calmed down after I started a very specific skincare routine from my derm, complete with Rx retinoids, azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and clindamycin.
Once the breakouts subsided, I was left with a new problem: acne scars and reddish brown marks all over the lower third of my face. And even though my acne was under control, my skin still didn’t look clear or smooth. Makeup kinda helped camouflage the issue, but my skin tone and texture just weren’t the same.
From my years of working in beauty, I knew it was time to consider an in-office treatment so I started researching options and eventually landed on The Matrix Treatment by Candela, a non-surgical solution that uses gentle radiofrequency (RF) energy to renew skin. I booked an appointment with board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, in NYC to deal with it head-on.
Keep reading for my full review of the Matrix treatment—including details on what it feels like, the downtime, and the results—plus important info on the treatment and its benefits, straight from Dr. King.
What is the Matrix Treatment?
Matrix is an advanced, FDA-cleared treatment that uses an RF microneedling applicator to help rejuvenate skin from the inside out, says Dr. King. “As the needles create microchannels, controlled heat is delivered into the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production, helping improve firmness, texture, and overall tone,” she explains.
Its’ ultra-fine microneedles deliver a more pleasant treatment experience than similar options, without sacrificing visible results. It’s also designed to sense, adapt, and think while it treats to ensure consistent energy delivery. Together, these features help increase comfort, reduce downtime, and enhance precision.
What are the benefits of Matrix?
Matrix is a multitasking treatment that can improve skin tightness, tone, and texture. “It can help smooth fine lines, tighten loose skin that’s lost its bounce, and make pores look less noticeable,” says Dr. King. It’s an ideal treatment for someone like me in their 30s who is dealing with acne aftermath and early signs of aging. Basically, if you’re looking for a full skin refresh without stacking multiple cosmetic treatments, Matrix is your girl.
How long do Matrix results last?
If you take care of your skin post-treatment (cleanse, moisturize, and apply daily SPF) and maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and good sleep, the results from Matrix can last up to a year. That said, you’ll likely need a series of three to four treatments spaced anywhere from four to six weeks apart to see the full results. Just remember: Collagen isn’t built in a day, so you’ll see the full impact of Matrix a few weeks post-treatment.
Can you do Matrix with acne active?
This largely depends on what kind of acne you’re dealing with, but ideally, breakouts should be under control before getting the Matrix treatment. “Matrix is not recommended for severe, active breakouts since the treatment can increase irritation and risk of infection,” says Dr. King. “In some cases, Matrix may still be appropriate if you have mild breakouts,” she adds. She recommends having a provider evaluate your skin to determine whether it’s right for you.
My Matrix review:
Dr. King began my treatment by cleansing my face and slathering on a thick layer of topical numbing cream that she left on for 30 minutes to ease discomfort. Dr. King then cleansed my face again with an alcohol wipe before starting the treatment.
Going section by section, she moved the tip of the device in a gentle stamping motion all over my face in three full passes. The first pass honestly felt fine, the second felt uncomfortable but manageable, by the third pass I was grimacing a bit, but I survived. The whole thing was fast—10 minutes from first to last stamp.
When it was over, my face looked red and blotchy, but Dr. King assured me that this was expected. I did have some pinpoint bleeding too, but again, nothing to worry about. Dr. King smoothed a thin layer of Alastin’s Restorative Skin Complex (a post-procedure healing serum) on my skin and sent me on my way with strict after-care instructions: Nothing on my face for 24 hours, and then only gentle skincare (no makeup) for the next few days while my skin healed.
Immediately after my treatment, I went back to the office even though I looked like a tomato. At Cosmo, it’s normal for me to show up at my desk after testing out a new cosmetic treatment in the name of beauty editor research, but if you have a more ~conservative~ workplace, you can schedule your Matrix treatment for the end of the day and plan to head straight home.
My skin calmed down substantially by nighttime and just looked pink and felt tight—kinda like I had gotten a bad sunburn. The next morning, most of the pinkness was gone. And my skin continued to feel dry, flaky, and sensitive for the next three days or so. I didn’t expect was for my dark spots and discolored areas to look darker in the days following my treatment, but then around day six, these areas cleared up and my skin looked glowy and even-toned.
Five weeks after my first treatment, I went in for my second round, and after that, I really started to see a change in my acne scarring. The patches of uneven texture and raised, purple-ish bumps I once had were way less noticeable, and the results continued to get more impressive (remember, collagen production is a long game!) in the weeks following my second treatment.
Now, about three months after my last session, I have minimal discoloration, and my skin texture—especially the appearance of my pores—has vastly improved. I totally plan to book yearly maintenance treatments to keep my Matrix glow going.
The bottom line:
Overall, the Matrix treatment is definitely worth considering if you’re in your post-acne era, especially if you’re dealing with textural issues and noticeable discoloration that hasn’t responded to topicals or other cosmetic treatments. “Matrix generally involves less downtime than other laser treatments that are designed to treat post-acne skin and is safe for all skin tones, too,” says Dr. King.
That said, I want to make it clear that Matrix is a POWERFUL device and if you’re curious about trying it for yourself, be sure to book with a trusted medical professional who has ample experience (find a provider here). So do your research and never skip the consultation.
Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for more than a decade at Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.
