Laser skin treatment is the answer to many people’s skin prayers to rejuvenate, treat acne scars, even out skin tone and reduce wrinkles. If you’re thinking of laser skin resurfacing or any other type of laser treatment, you need to know the options, how they work and what to expect during and after. Here’s everything you need to know about laser skin treatments and how they can give you smoother, younger looking skin.
How Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Work?
Laser skin resurfacing treatments use laser beams to remove thin layers of skin. The process stimulates the production of new skin cells and the skin heals and becomes smoother. Laser treatments can be ablative or non-ablative. Ablative lasers like the carbon dioxide laser and erbium laser target the surface of the skin and remove layers to treat deeper concerns like deep wrinkles, sun damage and uneven skin tone. Non-ablative lasers target the underlying layers and are used for skin rejuvenation without damaging the surface.
Laser Treatments
- Ablative Laser Resurfacing
Ablative laser resurfacing treatment uses continuous light beams or short pulsed light energy to remove the outer layers of the skin. These lasers are best for treating acne scars, deep wrinkles and sun damaged skin. Carbon dioxide laser and erbium laser resurfacing are the most common forms of ablative lasers. This may require longer recovery time but can give more dramatic results. - Non-Ablative Laser Treatments
Non-ablative lasers including fractional lasers use minimal heat to stimulate collagen production and tighten skin without removing layers of the skin. They are good for fine lines, enlarged oil glands and skin firming with shorter recovery time. Intense pulsed light (IPL) is another non-ablative treatment for skin tone and texture. - Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal, though different from skin resurfacing is another popular laser treatment. It targets the pigment in the hair follicles to reduce hair growth. The laser energy damages the hair follicle without affecting the surrounding skin making it suitable for people with both light and dark skin tones. - Fraxel Laser
Fraxel laser is a fractional laser treatment that targets only a fraction of the skin leaving the surrounding tissue intact. It’s perfect for moderately deep lines, acne scarring and sun damage with minimal downtime.
Who Can Have Laser Resurfacing?
Laser resurfacing treatments are good for many skin types and conditions but best for those who want to treat:
- Acne scars, active acne and acne scarring
- Uneven skin tone or dark skin tone
- Sun damage or sun damaged skin
- Deep wrinkles and fine lines
- Benign skin growths and skin cancer lesions
Those with darker skin types or melanin rich skin should consult with a board certified dermatologist to avoid complications like pigmentation changes. Certain lasers are safer for dark skin, non-ablative lasers and erbium laser resurfacing which causes less heat damage and is gentler on darker skin tones.
What to Expect During Laser Treatment
Most laser treatments are outpatient procedures done in a dermatologist’s office. The treatment area is numbed, and the dermatologist uses a laser beam to remove the outer layers of the skin. In ablative lasers, the top layers are removed, while non-ablative lasers target the deeper layers. After the procedure, the skin heals in days to weeks depending on the depth of the treatment. For those in Cardiff, Clinic Twenty2 specialises in laser treatments, offering advanced skin rejuvenation options. Their expert team provides aftercare advice and ensures treatments are customised to suit individual skin types and concerns.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery time varies depending on the type of laser used. Ablative lasers require more downtime as the skin cells need time to regenerate. The treated skin may be red, swollen and tender for several days. Doctors may recommend using a wrapped ice pack or cold compress on the treated area to manage discomfort. In some cases a topical cream will be applied to promote healing and prevent bacterial infections. It’s important to protect the skin from the sun during the healing period by applying sun protection factor (SPF).
For non-ablative lasers like fraxel laser or intense pulsed light the recovery time is shorter and most patients can go back to normal activities soon after treatment. In either case follow up appointments with your dermatologist are necessary to monitor progress and get the best results.
Risks and Side Effects
Laser resurfacing is safe when done by a skilled dermatologist but there are potential side effects especially for those with very dark skin or brown skin. These include:
- Pigmentation changes especially in those with darker skin tone
- Cold sores or reactivation of herpes simplex virus in treated area
- Temporary swelling, redness or discomfort
- Scarring or bacterial infections
Choose a qualified provider who can create a personalised treatment plan for your skin type and concerns.
Conclusion
Laser skin resurfacing treatments are good for those who want to treat wrinkles, acne scars and sun damage or just want to look better. There’s a treatment for most skin types, ablative lasers, fractional lasers and intense pulsed light. Always consult a board certified dermatologist to make sure the treatment is safe and effective for your skin type and concerns. By following a proper aftercare routine including sun protection factor (SPF) you can have smoother healthier skin in the long run.
