Decoding Laser Skin Treatments: Which One Is Right for Me?

Laser skin treatments are becoming an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure around the world. The Australian skin laser market size was estimated at AUD 519.92 million in 2021 and is forecasted to grow over the next decade. With a similar increase and popularity in the UK and USA.

The rising popularity of laser skin treatments in Australia (and the rest of the Western world) can be attributed to the increasing self-awareness of aesthetics and skincare. The beauty industry as a whole in Australia is growing significantly, from makeup to laser and other cosmetic procedures.

This article covers the types of laser treatments so you can make an informed decision regarding which is best for you, if you want to have one. The most popular laser skin treatments include Laser Genesis, Clear + Brilliant Laser, Fraxel laser resurfacing, and CO2 laser resurfacing.

It will also delve into how the technology and techniques used in the various treatments differ from one another. The article will also explore the benefits of laser cosmetic treatment and how it can improve the skin. I’ve had a couple of different laser treatments on my own face, for acne scarring.

How laser improves the skin

Laser skin treatments, like Fraxel laser resurfacing and laser genesis, offer numerous beauty benefits. It can help with reducing the appearance of fine lines, age spots, sun damage, and uneven skin colours, which can be brought on by ageing.

Certain laser treatments have also been found to help reduce the appearance of blemishes, like acne scars and surgical scars. Because the lasers stimulate collagen and elastin production, it can also help with tightening the skin, making it firmer.

The technology behind laser treatments

Most types of laser skin treatments utilise the same foundational technology. They use a machine to shoot an intense beam of light, which is directed at the skin, destroying the outer layer.

During this process, the beam of light also heats the underlying skin, which is known as the dermis. This heat stimulates collagen production in the targeted skin, which can lead to improved skin firmness and hydration and potentially reduce fine lines and scarring.

Image via Unsplash

Laser Genesis

Laser Genesis is a cosmetic procedure that uses a near-infrared (NIR) laser with a wavelength of 1062 nm. The laser gently heats the skin, resulting in the production of new skin cells and collagen.

The treatment is most commonly performed on the face or neck. It is also sometimes called the “lunch break procedure” because it can be done within 30 minutes and there’s no downtime.

Laser Genesis is most commonly used to fade scarring, redness, and broken blood vessels. Other benefits also include potentially improving the look of rosacea and reducing any mild fine lines, dark spots, and wrinkles.

This type of laser treatment has minimal side effects, with redness and slight swelling being the most common. The beam used is also weaker compared to other types of laser procedures, so it isn’t as painful.

Fraxel Laser Resurfacing

The Fraxel laser resurfacing treatment utilises “fractional” lasers to create targeted micro-injuries that encourage the body to trigger a healing reaction, without damaging the skin. The theory behind Fraxel laser treatments is similar to microneedling.

Essentially, Fraxel laser resurfacing splits one larger laser beam into many small beams that leave a grid light pattern on the targeted area. This then ‘calls’ to the body to start healing and generating collagen in the area.

There are two general types of Fraxel laser resurfacing:

Ablative: Compared to other types of laser treatment, ablative procedures are more aggressive and require longer downtime and aftercare.
Non-ablative: This type of Fraxel laser resurfacing is less aggressive with a shorter downtime, however, the results aren’t as effective and require more treatments.

According to Dr. Estee Williams, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, Fraxel-type treatments can improve skin texture and help with:

Softening fine lines
Lessen acne scars
Heal traumatic scars (like burns and surgical scars)
Lighten age spots and sun damage
Balance uneven skin tones
Reduce stretch marks

Fraxel Co2 is what I had done, in a non ablative form. I had this done to lessen my atrophic scars from acne. I had numbing cream applied first as it’s quite a painful laser, and it created little white dots all over my skin. The healing time was less than a week.

Clear + Brilliant Laser

The Clear + Brilliant laser procedure is a type of Fraxel laser resurfacing and works similarly. It works by creating hundreds of thousands of microscopic treatment zones in the upper layers of the skin using lasers, which then stimulate the healing process and collagen.

The main difference between Clear + Brilliant laser and traditional Fraxel laser resurfacing treatments is that it is ‘gentler’. Byrdie describes it as a great treatment for people who “want something more than a chemical peel but less intense than a Fraxel treatment.”

Because Clear + Brilliant is gentler, it is also designed to focus on milder skin-related issues, like early ageing signs and fine lines, rather than acne scars and deep wrinkles. Similarly, the side effects are also milder in comparison.

CO2 Laser Resurfacing

CO2 laser resurfacing, also known as carbon dioxide laser resurfacing, uses targeted pulses of laser light to penetrate the skin’s surface where water in the skin cells absorbs them. This absorption leads to the epidermis being vaporised.

It also results in the dermis heating up and stimulating the growth of new collagen fibres. CO2 laser resurfacing can help treat a range of cosmetic and medical skin issues, including:

Fine lines and wrinkles
Sun-damaged skin, including sagging and rough/uneven skin texture
Baggy eyes
Some types of acne scars
Warts
Skin cancer

Because of how deep CO2 lasers penetrate the skin, they are highly effective in treating severe signs of ageing. This also means, however, it requires a longer recovery time and side effects may be more severe.

Which one is right for you?

Determining which one is right for you will depend on your budget, the level of pain you’re comfortable with, and your treatment goals. For instance, if you’re looking to treat mild wrinkles, a gentler treatment like Clear + Brilliant or Laser Genesis may be helpful.

If you’re looking to tackle deeper signs of ageing or skin damage, aggressive treatments like CO2 or Fraxel laser resurfacing would be ideal. I also recommend speaking to a professional, like a dermatologist, before beginning any skin-related treatments.