CO₂ laser skin resurfacing is an advanced skin rejuvenation treatment that uses a carbon dioxide laser to precisely remove damaged outer layers of skin and stimulate the production of new collagen.
The treatment helps to smooth fine lines, improve texture, and restore a fresher, more youthful appearance. It is sometimes called CO₂ laser treatment or laser resurfacing and is considered one of the most effective solutions for improving skin tone, texture and scarring.
As skin ages, collagen and elastin fibres break down, leading to wrinkles, uneven tone and a dull appearance. Sun exposure, acne and environmental damage can make this worse.
CO₂ laser treatment offers a deeper level of renewal than most other non-surgical procedures. It helps to:
By removing damaged skin and stimulating collagen, the laser helps to smooth wrinkles and firm the skin.
The laser targets areas of uneven pigmentation, revealing clearer and brighter skin.
By gently exfoliating away dead skin cells, the treatment restores radiance and creates a fresh, healthy glow.
The heat from the laser contracts existing collagen fibres and triggers new collagen production, giving the skin a firmer, smoother texture over time.
CO₂ laser treatment is one of the most versatile options for skin rejuvenation. It can help with the following;
Particularly around the eyes, mouth and forehead.
By resurfacing and rebuilding collagen in the affected areas.
Including sun damage, rough skin, and enlarged pores.
The laser gently removes the top layers of damaged skin, reducing dark spots and discolouration.
It helps to tighten and firm the skin by stimulating deeper collagen regeneration.
The CO₂ laser emits a specific wavelength of light (10,600 nanometres) that is absorbed by water within the skin’s tissues. When this energy is absorbed, it gently vaporises microscopic columns of tissue in the targeted area.
This controlled injury removes damaged cells while heating the deeper dermis, which triggers your body’s natural healing process. In response, the skin produces new collagen and elastin, improving texture, tone and elasticity.
Modern CO₂ lasers use fractional technology, meaning only a fraction of the skin surface is treated at a time. This allows faster recovery while still achieving powerful resurfacing and collagen remodelling.
This is the more traditional method that removes the entire top layer of skin in the treated area, leading to dramatic results but with a longer recovery period. It is best suited to deeper wrinkles, scars and severe sun damage.
This modern technique creates thousands of microscopic treatment zones while leaving surrounding tissue intact. It offers excellent results with shorter downtime, making it the most popular choice for most patients. Your practitioner will recommend the most suitable option based on your skin concerns, lifestyle and recovery preferences.
Fraxel® is a fractional non ablative laser treatment that targets tiny columns of skin while leaving the surrounding tissue untouched. Instead of removing the full surface, it gently heats the deeper layers to stimulate collagen and cell renewal from within. This helps to improve fine lines, acne scars, pigmentation and texture with less downtime than fully ablative CO₂ resurfacing. Fraxel® is often a good choice for those who want meaningful rejuvenation but need a shorter recovery period or who are not suitable for stronger ablative lasers.
Before your treatment starts, your practitioner will cleanse your skin and may apply a topical anaesthetic to keep you comfortable. Protective eyewear is worn throughout.
The laser handpiece is then passed over the skin in a controlled pattern. You may feel a gentle warmth or a mild tingling sensation as the laser works. The treatment usually takes between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the area being treated and the intensity of the procedure.
After your treatment, your skin will be cooled and covered with soothing ointments or dressings to promote healing.
Preparation is key and an important part of achieving safe and effective results. Here are our recommendations on how you can prepare for your treatment.
Stay out of the sun and avoid tanning products for at least two weeks before treatment.
Discontinue retinoids, strong exfoliants or acids for around one week before your appointment to prevent sensitivity.
Your practitioner will review your medical history and may prescribe antiviral medication if you are prone to cold sores, as the treatment can occasionally trigger them.
You may be advised to follow a simple skincare routine with gentle cleansers and moisturisers to ensure your skin is in optimal condition.
Your skin will feel warm and appear red immediately after treatment, similar to a sunburn. In the following days, swelling and mild peeling are common as the skin heals and regenerates.
Over the first week, the outer layer of skin will begin to flake and peel away, revealing smoother new skin underneath.
Some redness can persist for several weeks, particularly after deeper treatments. It can be covered with gentle mineral makeup once your practitioner advises it is safe to do so.
As collagen continues to rebuild over the following months, you will see continued improvement in texture, firmness and tone. Most clients can return to normal activities within one to two weeks, depending on the depth of the treatment.
CO₂ laser resurfacing produces long-lasting results because it stimulates your body’s natural collagen production. Many clients enjoy improvements that last for several years, especially with good skincare and sun protection. Superficial or fractional treatments may need maintenance every 12 to 18 months, while deeper treatments often require only one session.
The number of sessions you need depends on your skin type, concern and the depth of treatment. Fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing is often performed as a short course of two to three sessions spaced three to six months apart. This allows your skin time to fully remodel between treatments. Full ablative CO₂ resurfacing is usually performed once, as results are more intensive and long-lasting. Your practitioner will create a treatment plan that suits your skin and lifestyle, ensuring the best possible results with minimal disruption.
CO₂ laser resurfacing delivers lasting improvement, but no treatment can stop the natural ageing process. The collagen and elastin stimulated by the laser continue to remodel for several months after treatment, and the skin stays smoother and firmer for years. However, factors such as sun exposure, ageing and lifestyle can gradually affect your skin again over time. With the right skincare and occasional maintenance treatments, your results can remain visible for many years.
CO₂ laser resurfacing is suitable for most adults looking to rejuvenate their skin or improve scarring. It is especially effective for those with signs of ageing, sun damage or long-term texture concerns. It can be performed on the face, neck, chest and even hands, depending on the individual’s goals and skin type.
Some people may not be suitable for CO₂ laser resurfacing. You should avoid treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an active infection, open wound or cold sore outbreak in the area, taken strong acne medication such as Roaccutane in the past six months or have very dark skin prone to pigmentation changes. We also recommend avoiding laser treatment if you have a history of keloid scarring.
CO₂ laser treatment is very safe when carried out by qualified practitioners using medical-grade equipment. The treatment is controlled and precise, targeting only the intended layers of skin.
Because this is a powerful treatment, choosing an experienced and medically trained practitioner is essential. Incorrect technique or unsuitable laser settings can increase the risk of burns or pigmentation changes.
Mild redness, peeling and slight swelling are normal parts of the healing process and usually resolve within days. Your practitioner will perform a full consultation, assess your skin type, and carry out a patch test if necessary to ensure your skin responds well.
Chemical peels can target a wide range of skin concerns, from mild breakouts to early signs of ageing.
Gently cleanse the skin as advised and apply the recommended ointment or barrier cream to keep it hydrated.
Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day to protect new skin from UV damage.
Allow the skin to flake naturally to avoid scarring or infection.
Your practitioner will provide specific aftercare instructions tailored to your treatment depth and skin type.
The cost of CO₂ laser resurfacing depends on the treatment area, the depth of resurfacing, and whether fractional or full ablative laser is used.
During your consultation, your practitioner will assess your skin and provide a personalised plan and quote. Many clinics offer package deals for multiple areas or combined treatments.
Yes. CO₂ laser resurfacing is often combined with other aesthetic treatments to enhance overall results.
Microneedling, dermal fillers, or chemical peels can complement laser resurfacing by addressing different layers of the skin. Your practitioner will recommend a safe and effective treatment sequence tailored to your skin’s needs.
Many people achieve their best results when CO₂ laser is combined with other skin treatments. Fractional CO₂ can be followed by microneedling to stimulate collagen at multiple levels, or paired with chemical peels to improve clarity and tone.
Maintenance treatments every 12 to 18 months help preserve results and support ongoing collagen renewal. Your practitioner will build a personalised plan designed to keep your skin healthy, smooth and radiant for the long term.
CO₂ laser is suitable for many skin tones, but care must be taken for darker skin types as there is a higher risk of pigmentation changes. Fractional CO₂ is generally considered safer because it treats smaller areas at a time, allowing faster healing.
A consultation and test patch help determine the safest approach for your specific skin type.
To get the best results from CO₂ laser resurfacing, it’s important to maintain healthy skin before and after treatment.
Your practitioner may recommend a skincare routine with gentle cleansers, hydrating serums and daily SPF to protect your skin as it heals. Avoid active ingredients like retinol or strong acids until your skin has fully recovered.
Hydration, a balanced diet and avoiding smoking will all support healing and collagen production, helping you maintain results for longer.
After your CO₂ laser treatment, you can expect noticeably smoother, firmer and more even skin. Fine lines, wrinkles and scars will soften, while pigmentation and sun damage become less visible.
Results continue to improve over several months as collagen regenerates beneath the surface. With good skincare, sun protection and maintenance, your skin will stay refreshed and rejuvenated for years.
See genuine feedback from patients who had a great CO₂ experience with one of our recommended UK clinics.
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