Tria Age Defying Laser review: before and after

A quick summary…

by | July 7, 2020

The Tria Age Defying laser is your secret weapon to gradually fade wrinkles and discolouration. It's safe for all skin tones and types, for women and men. The laser creates tiny columns of damage which boosts collagen and elastin to repair sluggish old cells for fresh, rejuvenated, youthful skin. Despite needing daily effort and that it's not the most pleasant to use, it works very well.
"Firm, smooth, bright, radiant skin, fades redness and scars"

3.8 / 5

Face

💰💰💰💰💰

Tried & tested user trial of the Tria Age Defying laser with before & after photos by WeAreBodyBeautiful.com

What is it?

The Tria Age-Defying laser is an FDA-cleared fractional non-ablative Diode laser for safe use at home. It zaps tiny columns of your skin causing microscopic injuries (but doesn’t destroy the skin). Your skin cells react by boosting collagen and elastin to repair it. Over the course of 3 months, levels surge and you get a rejuvenating fresh-face make-over. you can learn more about how laser resurfacing & rejuvenation works in detail here.

Photo of the lilac Age-Defying laser lying on its side, and another standing in the small magenta charging cradle
At home fractional laser for facial rejuvenation

This is an in-depth review from real-life tests, with photos, feedback & loads of helpful information. Dip-in using the links below or read it all. Enjoy!

First impressions

Photos of the Tria age defying laser box front and side
Attractive, clean & clear packaging. The Tria laser looks classy & expensive.
Close up photo of the dermatologist quote on the outside of the Tria age defying laser box. This testimonial reads: "the professional anti-ageing results that only laser treatment can provide are now available at home, stimulating the skin's natural collagen regeneration processes to reduce wrinkles and improve skin within just a few weeks" Zakia Rahman, M.D., Board Certified Dermatologist and Stanford University Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology
Reassuring recommendations from professional dermatologists, don’t you know.
photo of the inside flap of the well-designed Tria Age defying outer information sleeve
Loads more information & user satisfaction scores inside the info flap.

The information sleeve slides off with a bit of wiggling. Beneath is a smooth white and beautiful magenta colour box. Remove the white lid and the lilac device is nestled in a white plastic moulded bed.

photo of side view of the compact magenta box with the laser inside and the slide-off white box lid next to it
Keep the compact box to store the Age Defying Laser in when not doing a treatment cycle.
Multiple photos of the Tria box inside showing the magenta pull ribbon on the plastic mould, laser in the mould and contents underneath
Secure, sturdy & beautiful attention to detail
What’s in the box? The Age-Defying Laser, Charging stand, Charging cable in a small magenta cardboard box, User manual, Quick start guide
The Tria Age defying laser box contents

What’s in the box?

  • Age-Defying Laser
  • Charging stand
  • Charging cable
  • User manual
  • Quick start guide

Before you start

Before you start using the Tria Age Defying Laser you must charge it, read the user manual and do a skin sensitivity test.

The user manual is a quick and easy read with plenty of diagrams. It explains how to operate and charge it, the routine, what to expect, tips for use, how to clean and store it, and a troubleshooting guide.

Close up photo of the warnings page in the Tria laser user manual booklet
Read the manual paying close attention to the warnings and safety info.

Pay close attention to the important warnings and precautions. For example, you must not use the laser if you’re pregnant, under 18 years old, have a skin condition, sensitivity to light or take medications making you more sensitive to light, take oral retinoids or steriods, after a recent professional skin peel, laser resurfacing, Botox or fillers, and avoid tattoos and broken skin too.

Two rare but possible skin reactions are wrinkles getting worse or skin getting darker (most common on darker skin tones). If this happens stop using the laser.

Do a sensitivity test on the inside of your arm. Try the 3 different levels. If your skin’s normal after 24 hours do your first session at level 1.

Photo of me testing the Tria age Defying laser on my inside arm
Test how Tria laser feels on the inside of your arm.

Next, let’s learn about the laser’s features and how easy it is to use.

Quality & design

The laser device is small, lightweight and feels quality. The long handle is shaped to fit comfortably in your hand and it’s battery powered so there’s no cord to get in the way. There’s just one button on top to power it on and select your treatment level.

A hand holding the Tria age defying Laser angled towards the camera.
18.5cm tall and weighs 215g.
3 photos of the the Tria Age defying laser in the charging cradle next to the power cable, and aclose up of the power cable inserted into the cradle base, and of the European power plug.
The Tria laser, charging cradle and 145cm mains cable.

Charge the laser in the purple cradle. The charging cable is only 145cm long so you must sit it close to a mains outlet. It’s easily knocked over on the floor so try a shelf or table instead. A full charge takes 2.5 hours. If you use it regularly and charge the battery after each use, this will keep the battery life long.

close up photo of the Tria age Defying laser control panel with the battery charging icon illuminated blue
The blue battery icon flashes to show it’s charging. The battery icon shows red if there’s a fault.

The Tria Age Defying laser is clinically proven safe for use at home and it’s FDA-cleared too.

Photo of my finger long-pressing the power button and activating the security lock, shown by a bright blue padlock icon illuminating on the control pad.
The blue padlock shows the safety lock is on.

There’s a handy safety lock to stop curious hands playing with your Tria. Press and hold the power button until the lock icon lights up. To turn the lock off, press and hold the power button until you hear 4 beeps, then release. It unlocks with a happy-sounding series of beeps!

3 photos of the Tria age defying laser laser opening slit
Laser opening, skin sensors inside the opening and small displacement sensors either side.

The laser comes from a small slit about 22 mm high and 2 mm wide. It only starts when skin sensors inside the device (not visible) detect your skin. And two small motion ‘displacement’ sensors either side of the slit check the device is constantly moving to protect your skin.

Cycle through the three treatment levels by pressing the power button. Indicator lights show which level you’re on. Each level lasts for a different duration and has more or less laser power (measured in millijoules (mJ)).

3 photos of my finger pressing the power button to cycle through the intensity levels. The level is shown by 3 small green indicator lights just above the power button.
Start on level 1 to get used to the sensation, then move up to level 2 and 3. These levels give the best results.
  1. Low (1 light) lasts for 30 seconds on each zone with 5 mJ power per pulse
  2. Medium (2 lights) lasts for 1 minute on each zone with 10 mJ power per pulse
  3. High (3 lights) lasts for 2.5 minutes per zone with 12 mJ power per pulse

The routine

The routine is very simple and easy to remember. You need a mirror. The laser makes buzzing noises to let you know when to move to the next area. And at the very end it makes a ‘fanfare’ serious of beepy-buzzes. It’s like a little victory call and it makes me smile every time 🎺😁.

Here’s how you use it:

  1. Wash and dry your face
  2. Press the power button to cycle through the 3 levels. Start with low to get used to the sensation
  3. Treat your face in 4 zones. Hold the laser upright and without pressing too hard, swipe your skin horizontally back-and-forth. When it buzzes move to zone 2, then 3 then 4
  4. A green tick shows on top when the session is complete. Pop the laser back in the charging cradle
  5. Apply cooling sprays, gels or your favourite serum and moisturiser
Graphic from the Tria laser user manual of the 4 facial zones to use the Tria laser on
Treat the 4 facial zones in turn avoiding your eye area and lips. Don’t hold the laser in one spot.
Close up photo of the bright pink contact light on the Tria age Defying laser
2 pink lights show you have good skin contact and the laser is working, and you hear a whirring noise.
A graphic illustration showing how NOT to slide the laser across the skin in the treatment zones.
Swipe the laser horizontally, NEVER up/down as above as this can cause scratch like marks on your skin.
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TIP: Wear a sunscreen (SPF 30+) every day to protect your sensitive skin and prevent future sun skin damage. 

The laser is comfortable to hold and move around your face without tiring because it’s lightweight. It’s easy to glide over your skin but take your time on curvy areas to keep good contact so it doesn’t cut out. For the upper-lip it’s easier to rotate the laser 90 degrees and move up and down in very small movements.

As Tria recommends, I treat my face at night so it calms and recovers during sleep. On the highest level I go slower and do multiple passes during each 2.5 minute zone.

It’s easy to slide around your ‘crow’s feet’ eye area
But the laser is too big to zap the under-eye area. The smaller Nira Skincare laser is better for this.
I use both horizontal and vertical motions on my forehead and try to get between my eyebrows too.
Photo of applying Tria laser into nose creases
Although not in the instructions, I zap my nose too. I have a lot of redness where it joins my cheeks.

What does it feel like?

Tria suggest it takes a week or two to progress up the levels to the highest intensity. The sensation varies by person. They say the laser feels like a slight warming or prickling, a bit like sunburn with mild discomfort. They also say your skin may turn pink or red and could swell a bit too. This typically fades in a few minutes or up to an hour. And these reactions reduce after a few weeks of use too.

And that doesn’t sound too bad, right?

What it really feels like

How bad can it be?” thought I. And feeling confident I started my first session on level 2!

Yikes! It’s surprisingly uncomfortable and I lasted just a few seconds.

Numpty🤦‍♀️.

Start again. Level 1 feels like tiny pin pricks and lasts just 30 seconds per area. It doesn’t sting and leaves no redness. After two nights of this I felt brave enough to try level 2 again.

And owwie! This thing stings! 

Level 2 lasts just 1 minute per zone and feels like tiny hot needles penetrating your skin. Afterwards, my skin burns hot-red with a prickling sensation. It’s uncomfortable but bearable, and fades after around 5 minutes. The next day my skin is tender, pink, dry, and slightly flaky too.

But it all improves over the next week. The stinging fades and my skin is less tender. So, by session 10 I’m ready for level 3 💪.  

My skin turns tomato red after 2.5 minutes per zone as you can see on my cheek!

The level 3 sting is no worse but it lasts for 2.5 minutes per zone. And because it zaps for longer it leaves my skin tomato-red with an intense ‘after-burn’ especially around my cheeks, upper lip, and nose. It’s not pleasant and I don’t like it. A spritz of cooling toner followed by serum and moisturizer helps soothe the burn. I have a silk pillow case too and this feels wonderfully cool against my skin. The sensation fades after 10 minutes or so.

Cool, soothe & moisturise afterwards (and apply a sun screen SPF30+ the next day too)

Over the next few sessions, the stinging and after-burn gradually reduces. My skin is still red and dry the next day, but much less tender. So, by the end of week two its totally bearable and requires much less will power and motivation. Each daily 10-minute session is easy to fit in and I zap almost without fail. (Just one or two missed nights due to pub-based antics).

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TIP: Be gentle when washing, applying make-up and go easy on the exfoliator! If your skin is tender and uncomfortable rest it and simply skip a session. 

Schedule, effort & results

The Tria Age Defying Laser is a medium effort device. The UK schedule is daily sessions for 8 weeks, then take a 4-week break. The 4-week break is as important as the first 8 weeks. Your fibroblasts are still producing collagen and elastin then and it’s important to let it all balance out.

The US schedule is 5 sessions per week for 12 weeks. Overall, it’s the same number of sessions. So you can compare to alternative devices, we’ve calculated this effort in the table below. Here’s how it breaks down:

8-week regimen 8-week total effort
10 minutes per session
7 days per week
56 sessions taking 9.5 hours

Although this seems quite a lot of time, I find each 10-minute session is easy to fit in my nightly routine. And because it’s consistent, it quickly becomes habit.

Advertised results

What it fixes: Smooths fine lines & wrinkles, reduces redness & pigmentation, firms & smooths skin, fades scars, creates a radiant & youthful glow.

You may see some quick results after just a couple of weeks. This could be a ‘daily glow’ or perhaps baby smooth skin. But expect your best results during the rest period between weeks 9 to 12 when your collagen and elastin is in overdrive. This is when dark spots and redness fade, fine lines and wrinkles smooth, skin feels firmer and ‘meatier’ with an even and radiant tone. Additional results from the user reviews are faded acne scars and smaller pores too. 

You may see all or just some of these results, some subtle and some more obvious. The Tria clinical study shows after 1 cycle not everyone gets noticeable results for every sign of aging. Therefore, results vary by individual. And there’s no maintenance schedule with the Tria laser. Simply do another 8-week on and 4-week off cycle for further results.

Next, my 3-month user trial results with before and after photos.

My before and after results

First, here’s a bit about my skin concerns and goals.

I don’t have any major hang ups or look older than my 41 years. But a few tell-tale signs do betray my age and I think the Tria can help. Here are my before photos:

My baseline photos before starting my Tria age Defying laser 3 month trial.
Before starting the 8-week Tria Age Defying Laser treatment regimen. (Rocking the fluffy hair).

First, I have fine lines around my eyes. The outer ‘crow’s feet’ lines don’t bother me. But the crêpey skin below my eyes does. Combined with slightly darker bluish-purple shadows there, I can look over-tired, or just plain ill. I’d like to improve that.

Second, I’m fair-skinned with a very uneven skin tone. It’s a mix of translucent, rosy and yellowy-golden patches. And it changes from day to day. I also have small, red broken veins and larger diffuse red patches. I’d love to fix this so I can skip the daily application of foundation.

I have large pores too around my nose, patches on cheeks and between my eyebrows. And because my skin is oily, they really stand out. My skin doesn’t look smooth or particularly healthy.

I also like that the Tria Laser comes with a money back guarantee. And it’s based on proven professional laser rejuvenating treatments. But a waaaaay less powerful home version. Therefore, much like home laser hair removal, I know it takes time to see results. But I’m convinced it’s the bees-knees. And I want me some. Fingers-crossed 🤞

I bought the Tria Age Defying laser from Tria Beauty UK.

The first 2 weeks

During the first 2 weeks my skin is mostly red, dry and a bit flaky. It’s also tender after my first level 2 session, then feels much smoother, especially on my cheeks. It’s tender again after level 3. But this tenderness lasts only a day.

Tria say some people see results after just 2 weeks. Not so much for me. My skin is very soft and smooth, red and pink, and sometimes dry. I hope to see more change soon, especially now I’m on level 3.

Photo comparison just 2 weeks into the 8-week regimen. I is PINK with a weird glow.

After 4 weeks

Week 3 brings nothing new. Some days my skin feels very dry, other days not so much.

Then after session 30 (half way there!) my skin suddenly feels much better. It’s still soft, occasionally dry, and now not so much red as rosy. After moisturising, it’s super-smooth, soft and bouncy! It looks a bit glowy too, although it’s hard to tell through the rosy sheen.

It’s really encouraging and I can’t wait to get all 60 days done.

Photo comparison after 4 weeks into the 8 week regimen. Smooth but rosy.

Weeks 5 to 8

Over the next few weeks my skin is super-smooth and supple, not dry at all. It glows too although it’s still rosy-in colour. I still have diffuse red and yellowy-gold patches under the skin. But the colour is evening out slowly and subtly. And possibly my pores also look a bit smaller.

I’m also sporting a few spots in places they haven’t appeared for years! But they dry-out and heal super-quick. I also think the pigment bleed from my lips is clearing so there’s a crisper, cleaner line to them. I like this. A pink cold sore scar on the left of my lower lip seems to be fading too.

Then week 8. Woah!

My skin turned a weird orangey-pink colour for a few days! Very Oompa Loompa. I remained calm and stopped using the laser. It disappeared after two rest days and some gentle exfoliation. Then, I resumed to complete my final session with no other dramas!

At this point I still have a few blemishes on my chin and forehead. My skin is super-smooth, redness is fading and I have a clearer, unified tone with a subtle glow. The fine lines and wrinkles around my eyes are softer but my under eye crêpiness and forehead lines are still there.

Here’s a comparison photo taken the day after the final session.

Photo comparison after finishing the 8-week regimen. Smooth, clarified skin.

Now for the 4-week rest period. It’s during this time Tria say you should see your best results.

Bring it on!

Rest weeks 9 to 12

Now I no longer use the laser daily the rosy-pinkness has faded. My skin is still exceptionally smooth and soft to touch, and feels gradually firmer. I can’t help but touch it a lot!

But it’s at week 11 that I see the biggest change in my skin.

Before vs after 11 weeks from the start of the Tria Age Defying Laser trial.
Firm, bright, luminous and more unified skin tone after finishing the regimen and waiting a few more weeks. Total: 11 weeks after start.
A faded cold sore scar under my lower left lip after 11 weeks
A clear & crisp lip line after 11 weeks

So, here’s the results I see and feel compared to my hopes for the Age Defying Laser:

My hopes My results
Soften fine lines around & under my eyes Yes. No visible fine lines around eye corners down to top of cheekbones
Reduce crêpey under-eye bags eye bags reduced a teeny bit but still visible. The laser can't adequately cover this under-eye area
Even-out my complexion, unify the rosy & yellowy-golden patches Love! Under-the-surface redness around my nose & cheeks is gone!
The random yellowy-gold patches are gone
Shrink large pores around my nose, patches on cheeks & between my eyebrows Smaller pores on my forehead
No real change around my nose & cheeks
Soften horizontal forehead lines No noticeable change in my forehead expression wrinkles. My eyebrows win again!
Smooth bumps, imperfections & improve overall texture Super-smooth, soft & bouncy skin. Tiny bumps & imperfections on my chin, cheeks & forehead have gone
Plump & brighten my skin for a healthier look It's brought out blemishes to clarify my skin & it heals lightening-fast.
Skin tone is clearer, more unified with an obvious glow
Fewer spots or blemishes overall
My cheeks & lips feel fuller
My skin feels better hydrated
BONUS! My lip line is clearer & sharp
My red cold sore scar is faded

I’m very happy with my results! But there are some negatives I must share. Onto these next…

Negatives

There are a few negatives to consider with the Tria Age Defying Laser.

The Tria laser on intensity 3, makes your skin red like a tomato! and takes patience on your forehead because it cuts out a bit.
The higher intensities sting and give red & tender skin. Plus it cuts out on the forehead.

First, as mentioned earlier in the review, the laser can sting more than a bit. And it can leave you with red, dry, flaking and tender skin. This fades after a few weeks, but it’s not pleasant.

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Painless alternatives…

If ‘the sting’ and skin reactions turns you off of the Tria Age Defying Laser and you want something quick and pampering, try the Mira-skin system or CurrentBody Skin red light mask. They’re aren’t lasers but they work really well.

Night-time sessions are also wise because it takes a while for your skin to calm. So, if you’re after a morning routine, it’s probably not the best choice. I find it easy and quick as part of my evening routine, but consider if you can make this daily commitment.

The device is also tricky to zap on the forehead where skin is thinner. The laser can cut-out so it takes a few passes and some patience to cover the zone completely. Also, the shape of the device head means it can’t zap all the skin under the eyes. But it covers crow’s feet very well. Try the small Nira Skincare laser for crow’s feet and under eye bags and lines.

And finally, an important note based on the user feedback. Reviews from 2015/16 mention several charging faults with the laser. However, this issue now seems fixed. Which is good because Tria Beauty UK offer only a miserly 1-year warranty. Boo.

Tria Age Defying Laser Review Summary

This is the least pleasant at-home device I’ve tested 🤣. It stings and leaves your skin pink, dry and flaky. So, it’s sometimes tempting to skip a day. But stick at it because it’s worth it for the full rejuvenating results. I love my radiant, firm, bouncy skin, defined lip line and faded scar. And you can repeat the regime for better results (if you can psyche yourself for ‘the sting’!

A hand holding the Tria age defying Laser angled towards the camera.

Here’s a summary of my test scores, and pros and cons for the Tria Age Defying Laser, to help you decide:

Ease of use

👍👍👍

Very easy to use, no faffy gels. Stings at first but this fades. Skin redness & tenderness after treatments.

Effort

💧💧💧

It’s a medium-effort schedule. 10 mins daily for 8-weeks, then an important 4-weeks rest. Repeat the cycle as you like.

Results

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Boosts skin healing, gradually fades redness, scars & discolouration, firms, smooths skin & wrinkles over the course. Best radiant, results between 9 to 12 weeks. Some dry & flaking skin possible.

Pros

  • Quick sessions: 10 minutes max
  • Easy, consistent evening routine
  • No expensive, messy gels!
  • Clinically proven & FDA cleared
  • 60-day money back guarantee from Tria Beauty

Cons

  • Not pleasant or pampering as other rivals
  • Stings on the high levels
  • Red, dry & flaky skin reactions. Fades with use.
  • Not suited to morning sessions because of the skin reactions
  • Requires daily commitment
  • Takes months to see results
  • Expensive at full RRP
  • Only 1-year warranty from Tria Beauty

Tria Age Defying Laser deals

I hope you found this Tria age Defying Laser review helpful. When you shop via my links I earn a small commission (but your price stays the same). And I really appreciate your support 🙏!

🇺🇸 United States

🇨🇦 Canada

Laura Gladman
I'm a bit obsessed with at-home beauty devices. It's a habit I've had for around 9 years now. I love the science, testing and reviewing them, and sharing my experience and feedback on my site Wearebodybeautiful.com. I'm also a crazy dog lady, and I don't care.

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