What R2 Glow is
R2 Glow is a non-ablative laser protocol. It runs on Lutronic Clarity II, a long-pulsed laser that carries 755 nm alexandrite and 1064 nm Nd:YAG. The same system is used for laser hair removal, but with very different settings.
Its target is low-grade inflammation, not deposited pigment.
How the R2 Glow laser protocol in Singapore works
Who it may suit
Where inflammation is thought to be the driver. Dullness has other causes too, so this is checked first.
Skin that marks after irritation or acne, and keeps darkening with each flare.
Redness that reads as dullness.
Skin that has responded poorly to more aggressive settings, where a restrained approach may be better tolerated.
Who should wait or be assessed first
Recent sun exposure, tanning or sunburn. Active infection, a cold sore or open lesions in the area.
Assessed individually, with a discussion before any treatment.
Recent isotretinoin use or photosensitising medicines. Declare these, along with any prescription skin treatment.
Active melasma needs a specific management protocol first, and heat can make it worse.
A history of keloid or abnormal scarring is assessed individually.
Where R2 Glow fits, and where it does not
| Your main concern | Likely direction |
|---|---|
| Dull tone with inflammation behind it | R2 Glow may be considered |
| Established pigment, such as sun spots | A pigment-directed laser. See pigmentation treatment |
| Melasma | Melasma treatment planning comes first |
| Laxity or structural change | Lifting approaches. See the sagging face guide |
| Surface texture and fine lines | FSX Laser may be discussed |
| Suspected skin disease | Dermatology review |
What it cannot do
R2 Glow cannot clear established pigment. If you have sun spots, a pigment-directed plan is needed. It cannot lift lax skin or restore lost volume. It does not replace pigment-directed or lifting treatments where those are needed, and it is not a route to a changed facial shape. Heat can aggravate melasma, so active melasma is not treated aggressively. Redness-led skin may start with R2 Glow alone, or with no laser at all. Dr Sin Yong will explain which applies to you. No result and no duration of effect is promised. The word glow describes the aim, not a promise. If inflammation is not the reason your skin looks dull, R2 Glow may not be the right choice, and you should hear that at consultation.
Calibration for skin type
Settings are calibrated for Fitzpatrick III to VI skin. This matters because heat-related risk is a real concern in the skin types common in Singapore. Laser energy that is too strong for the skin can leave darkening behind, which is the very problem many patients came to treat. So the aim is restraint, with energy matched to your skin at each visit. Specific energies and pulse durations depend on that assessment, so they are not stated here. Tell the doctor about recent sun, as a tan changes what is advisable on that day. Laser hair removal on the same system follows a similar logic of matching wavelength to skin. This is why R2 Glow is treated as a planned protocol and not a quick facial. Warmth during treatment should be mentioned if it feels too strong.
Risks and side effects
Mild, passing redness. Warmth or a snapping sensation may be felt during treatment.
Darkening after inflammation. Blistering, infection, a cold sore flare and scarring are uncommon but possible.
This can follow sun exposure, friction or irritating skin care. Melasma can worsen with heat.
Blistering, crusting, spreading or persistent darkening, increasing pain or swelling, signs of infection, cold sores or new dark patches. See complication care.
Preparing and aftercare
Declare isotretinoin, photosensitising medicines and any prescription skin treatment. Avoid sun and tanning. Mention cold sores, keloids, pregnancy and breastfeeding, so timing can be planned.
Use gentle, fragrance-free skincare. Avoid saunas, hot showers and strenuous exercise.
Avoid scrubs, exfoliating acids and retinoids until advised. Do not pick or rub the skin.
Use broad-spectrum sun protection every day. This matters for the whole course, because sun can trigger darkening.
Sessions and combinations
There is no fixed number of sessions. The course is planned at consultation and reviewed over time. Recovery varies between patients. Any change is gradual and cumulative. Maintenance, if any, is set individually. R2 Glow can be combined with FSX Laser in the same session, or paired with Profhilo, a hybrid hyaluronic acid injectable, in one session. If you have active acne, see acne treatment first. How laser sits alongside your medicines is decided at consultation, and recent isotretinoin use must be declared. Dr Sin Yong performs treatment himself and will explain why a combination is or is not suggested for you. Please allow for several visits in your thinking, and ask at each review whether continuing still makes sense for your skin.
How the fee is set
No prices are published. You receive a written quote after consultation and assessment. It depends on the area treated, such as face or face and neck, the number of passes, the device and consumables, and any combined treatment. The consultation also decides whether R2 Glow is advised at all. Read how we quote. Bring your skincare list, your recent sun history and any laser records, because these all affect the plan and the timing of treatment.