By Dr. Raja, Derma Aesthetics London
If you have been looking in the mirror and noticing that your skin is not as radiant or fresh as it once was, you are not the only one.
The natural ageing process, environmental damage, and genetics can result in us dealing with common skin issues such as fine lines, acne, or an uneven skin tone.
The good news is that modern aesthetic treatments can reduce these and make a real difference to the way your skin looks and feels. And one of the most effective treatment options is CO2 laser resurfacing.
But why is CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatment becoming so popular, and how does it help to improve multiple skin concerns?
In this ultimate guide to CO2 laser resurfacing, we will share expert advice on what to expect for CO2 laser treatment, the healing process and how you can achieve long-lasting results.
If you have questions, and would like to speak to us in-person, get in touch to book an initial consultation.
What are the benefits of laser skin resurfacing treatment?
Many people are turning to CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatment to achieve firmer, smoother, and a more radiant complexion.
It is one of the most advanced laser treatments for skin rejuvenation.
Not only does it help with skin renewal on the surface, but it also works on the deeper layers to stimulate collagen production for better skin quality over time.
The biggest benefits of CO2 laser skin resurfacing include:
· Offers intense skin rejuvenation (gold standard laser treatment)
· Customisable treatment depth to target different skin concerns
· Improves skin texture and skin tone
· Reduces acne scars and other visible scars such as stretch marks
· Targets fine lines and softens deeper wrinkles
· Tightens loose or sagging skin
· Treats sun damage and other pigmentation issues
· Can improve skin’s health and skin quality
Because the CO2 laser removes damaged skin cells, and triggers the body’s healing process, you may start to see visible improvements in your skin after just one treatment session.
How is CO2 laser treatment different from other laser treatments?
There are a lot of laser treatments on the market, and not all of them work in the same way, or deliver the same results.
Unlike other laser devices, CO2 laser resurfacing is a more advanced and intense laser treatment. It uses high ablative laser technology to achieve deep skin rejuvenation.
While some lasers only focus on the skin’s surface, CO2 laser treatment works much deeper.
It removes damaged skin cells to encourage the growth of new, healthy skin cells. But it also heats up the deeper layers of skin to stimulate elastin and collagen production. This means firmer and plumper skin over time.
Because laser carbon dioxide resurfacing penetrates deeper, it makes it more effective for treating:
· Deeper wrinkles
· Acne scars
· Significant skin laxity
· Deep pigmentation issues
At Derma Aesthetics London, we tailor your CO2 laser resurfacing treatment to your individual skin issues and skin type to ensure you see optimal results.
How does CO2 laser skin resurfacing work?
Treating the skin’s surface
CO2 laser skin resurfacing works by using concentrated laser light energy to remove the damaged outer layers of the skin.
This process helps to reveal new and fresh skin underneath. By removing damaged skin cells, the surface of your skin will look more healthy, brighter, and appear much smoother.
It is a more precise laser treatment that only targets the specific area of skin you are looking to treat. This means there is no damage to the healthy surrounding tissue.
During and after your treatment, your skin may feel warm or slightly hot. This is often described as feeling similar to a mild sunburn sensation.
We do apply a topical numbing cream to the skin first to help minimise any discomfort.
Treating the deeper layers of skin
The added benefit of CO2 laser resurfacing treatment is that it works beneath the surface of the skin.
When the laser energy penetrates to the deeper layers, it is converted into heat, which causes controlled thermal damage. This helps to stimulate your fibroblast cells to produce new collagen and elastin.
Collagen production is the vital part that ensures long-lasting results and supports more youthful looking skin over time.
What skin concerns can you treat with CO2 carbon dioxide laser treatment?
Acne and acne scars
CO2 laser treatment is an ideal treatment option for acne scars and post-acne pigmentation because it stimulates collagen production.
It is also effective for reducing oil production and acne-related inflammation.
Lines and wrinkles
It is considered the gold standard for treating lines, wrinkles and skin laxity issues. We use it to treat ageing skin around the eyes, mouth, forehead and cheeks.
Sun damage and pigmentation
Sun exposure can lead to the skin looking dull and uneven. It can also lead to brown spots or sun spots forming on the skin.
CO2 laser helps to remove the damaged layers of skin that result from UV damage and encourage healthy skin renewal.
Dull or sagging eye area
The delicate eye area is a thin and sensitive skin area. It is often the place that shows the visible signs of ageing first.
CO2 laser treatment helps to resurface and tighten the skin to reduce any sagging skin and lines and wrinkles such as crow’s feet.
It is the best non-surgical alternative to a blepharoplasty treatment.
Stretch marks and skin texture concerns
CO2 laser resurfacing not only reduces acne scars, but stretch marks too. By encouraging collagen production, it also helps to strengthen the skin’s structure and lead to smoother skin.
Did you know CO2 Lasers can also help treat some skin cancer lesions?
CO2 laser treatment does not cause skin cancer, but they can be used (in a medical setting) to remove certain precancerous lesions and early stage non-melanoma skin cancer.
The laser does this by destroying any abnormal cells and stimulating new collagen production. This may reduce the risk of skin cancer by removing skin cells on sun exposed skin.
If you spot any usual lumps or lesions on your skin, please speak to a qualified medical professional first to get them checked. Your skin’s health always comes first.
Post treatment care – how to protect your skin and see optimal results
Following the right post treatment care is important. Not only will it reduce irritation, but it will also support healing and improve your final results.
After CO2 laser resurfacing treatment your skin may:
· Feel warm or hot
· Feel tight
· Start to peel or dry out after a few days
All these side effects are normal and form a part of the healing process.
What to do during the initial healing phase
Everyone’s healing journey will look different, but during the first 7-10 days it is crucial that you follow the right aftercare advice.
Your skin will experience increased blood flow after CO2 treatment. This helps to support proper healing, tissue regeneration, and fresh collagen production.
CO2 laser treatment aftercare includes:
· Keep your skin hydrated
· Only use gentle skincare products (no active ingredients)
· Keep the face clean by gently cleansing it
· Avoid direct sun exposure
· Do not pick peeling skin
Most patients see a smooth recovery by day 10. At this point, the skin starts to feel fresh and more radiant. However, it can take a few weeks for the final results to show.
During recovery and even after your skin heals, you should always wear sun protection.
Treated skin is more sensitive and vulnerable to UV damage. This means you need to wear a high SPF and avoid excessive sun exposure to protect your skin.
Is CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatment right for you?
CO2 laser resurfacing treatment can be an ideal option for anyone looking to improve skin issues such as acne scars, wrinkles, sun damage, and uneven texture.
However, not every skin type is suitable for ablative laser treatment. Darker skin tones have a higher risk of developing pigmentation issues with CO2 laser resurfacing.
Likewise, anyone with an active skin condition, certain medical conditions, and pregnant or breastfeeding women will not be suitable.
If you are not suitable for CO2 laser treatment, we will find you an alternative skin resurfacing treatment that is right for you.
Talk to us about facial rejuvenation with CO2 laser resurfacing treatment
The first step to clear, radiant and firmer skin is to have an initial consultation with Dr Raja at our central London clinic.
During this appointment, he will assess your skin condition, skin type, and look at your medical history. He will talk to you about your goals and explain the entire process.
From this, he can develop a tailored treatment plan designed specifically for you.
