All About Co2 Laser: Why It’s Ideal for Skin Rejuvenation

Published March 18, 2024

In pursuit of clear, glowing, and ever-radiant skin, we often invest in the latest skincare products on the market—another serum, another moisturizer, another spot treatment—the list could go on forever. Yet, we fail to notice the many skincare advancements present to us, such as laser treatments. 

Laser resurfacing treatments are a popular facial rejuvenation procedure. They use laser technology to boost skin appearance and treat many facial flaws.

One of the most sought-after laser treatments is CO2 laser skin resurfacing. And it is all for good reasons. It is an all-in-one, wonderful, and highly skin-loving procedure that will restore your confidence. We’re not exaggerating. 

In this article, we’ll discuss everything about CO2 fractional lasers. We’ll discuss what exactly a CO2 fractional laser is, what skin dilemmas it can treat, and all the benefits. We’ll also have a section on what you can expect during CO2 laser skin resurfacing and aftercare. Let’s start. 

What Is CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Lasers are intense, narrow-spectrum light beams. In dermatology, carbon dioxide laser, aka CO2 laser, is invisible, far-infrared light with a length of 10,600 nanometers yielded from carbon dioxide. Water molecules selectively and highly soak light of such a wavelength. 

The CO2 laser very precisely removes thin layers of skin. It allows for targeted treatment of problematic areas. 

The following events take place after CO2 treatment. 

• Ridding of the epidermis takes away its imperfections. It includes wrinkles, rough areas, pigmentation issues, and superficial scars. 
• The intense laser heat burns away harmed collagen strands. It also contracts loose collagenous tissue. 
• Stripping our complexion’s top surface alerts the immune system and facilitates inflammatory processes. These events direct the release of substances that induce the body’s natural repair mechanisms. The epidermal cells grow back, and the skin elicits more collagen. 

So, you’ll see the following changes at the end of your recovery. 

• The superficial imperfections are gone, while the deep ones are significantly decreased. 
• The treated space becomes smoother as the new epidermis takes the place of the old one 
• The complexion is tighter and firmer. 

You’ll say hello to a younger, more even-toned complexion. It can’t be beaten by applying cosmetic products alone. 

What Skin Problems Can CO2 Laser Resurfacing Treat?

Co2 laser is incredibly recognized for its healing abilities over various skin dilemmas. It can treat the following: 

• Fine and coarse wrinkles 
• Dyspigmentation and other type of skin discoloration 
• Spider veins 
• Loss of elasticity 
• Stretch marks 
• Pigmentation issues like brown spots and melasma 
• Rhinophyma or severe pore enlargement of the nose 

You can also rely on CO2 fractional laser as an alternative treatment intervention for benign skin growth. Such skin growths are actinic keratosis, warts, moles, and superficial non-melanoma skin cancers. 

Why You Need To Get CO2 Laser Resurfacing: All the Benefits

1. Superior cosmetic results 

CO2 laser resurfacing treatment is acknowledged as the gold standard for rejuvenating photoaged complexions. Its cosmetic results are superior. Experts attribute it to its greater ability to ignite the skin’s healing response and tighten loose collagen strands. 

2. Great for multiple skin lesions 

Cluster complexion lesions like wrinkles and acne scars can be challenging to treat. Lasers are precise surgical tools. A highly experienced beauty provider can easily avoid normal skin tissue and ride multiple lesions safely. 

3. Highly effective against severe skin issues

A gentler skin treatment, such as a night cream or microdermabrasion, won’t impact deeper wrinkles and scars. They do not penetrate the complexion deeply enough, let alone trigger a response in the inner skin layers. Meanwhile, this laser treatment peels always visible lesions impressively. It also kickstarts repair mechanisms. It is effective in bettering skin texture and tone. 

4. Longer-lasting cosmetic effects

CO2 fractional laser also gets rid of skin lesions for good. It also addresses the underlying cause. A religious skincare regime and sun protection help prevent skin lesions from coming back after this laser treatment. 

5. Fewer sessions 

CO2 laser treatments render dramatic changes. You might only need one session to see fundamental changes unless the lesions are widespread. 

6. It offers uniform coloration. 

This impressive laser treatment enables your complexion color to blend seamlessly into itself. You’ll greet a uniform coloration that will enhance your overall appearance and firmness. 

7. It repairs skin damage.

CO2 laser resurfacing can also boost the complexion by healing sun damage and scarring. It combats a range of associated issues like rosacea. 

8. It works for everyone. 

The treatment works on a variety of patients, whether it is an older woman wanting a massive improvement in wrinkles or a teenager eyeing a better state of their acne scars. 

9. The pain is manageable. 

Generally speaking, CO2 laser has only minimal risks. The side effects can be carefully managed, and the procedure itself is also tolerable. The sensation can be defined as one similar to a rubber band snapping delicately against the skin. 

10. It can enhance mental health. 

When we look our best, we feel our best. By improving the overall feel of your skin or conquering any issues you’re having, you boost your self-esteem, amplify your confidence, and feel happy with yourself. 

What Can You Expect During Your CO2 Laser Treatment Journey

During your initial consultation, your beauty provider will give you a thorough medical evaluation to determine whether the procedure is right for you. Once it is determined that you’re a suitable candidate, they’ll schedule you for an appointment. Your specialist will also provide recommendations on how to prepare for your session. 

Before CO2 Laser 

• Stop skin-sensitizing treatments. They will heighten your risk of laser burns. These include hydroxy acids, oral isotretinoin, and some acne antibiotics such as minocycline. 
• Avoid drugs and supplements that can interfere with the wound healing mechanisms. 
• Abstain from smoking and drinking. 
• Begin using sun protection regularly. Abstain from tanning beds and sun exposure. Both increase the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. 

During CO2 Laser 

At the beginning of your treatment, your provider will request you change into a comfortable patient gown and wear eye protectors. Once you settle down, they will use numbing medication in the treatment space. After about 30 minutes, they will introduce the laser in pulses. 

After Your Session 

Once done, your face will be cleaned, and a thick layer of ointment will be laid. Your beauty specialist will then send you home with aftercare instructions. 

The downtime of the CO2 laser depends on the extent of the treatment area. Recovery after fractional laser resurfacing ranges from four to ten days. 

Aftercare of CO2 Laser

• Remove any dressings after a day. Replace as instructed. 
• You cleansed the treated skin twice daily or as instructed. If you’re not advised to dress it, keep it moist with a thick layer of ointment all day to prevent scabbing. 
• You may take over-the-counter pain relievers for moderate discomfort
• To aid in more comfort, apply cold compresses to the treated areas of the face 
• To minimize swelling, keep your head elevated as much as possible over the first two to three weeks.