Time leaves its mark on everyone’s skin, but modern laser technology offers a way to turn those marks into a smoother, younger-looking surface. Laser resurfacing is a treatment that uses focused beams of light to gently remove damaged layers of skin and trigger new collagen growth, softening wrinkles, fading sun damage, and improving overall tone. In fact, research shows lasers are particularly effective in reducing fine lines and sagging skin while stimulating measurable increases in collagen density and elastin production.
Continue reading to learn more about the two most effective skin resurfacing lasers, how they can help reverse signs of aging, and where to find the best med spa in Marina del Rey.
How Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Reverse Aging by Stimulating Collagen?
Laser resurfacing is a skin treatment that works by creating microscopic injuries that encourage your body to repair itself with new, healthy tissue. There are two main types: ablative and non-ablative:
- Ablative lasers, such as the Fractional CO2 laser, gently remove the outer layer of skin, which prompts deeper layers to kickstart collagen production as the surface heals.
- Non-ablative lasers, like the ND:YAG laser, don’t remove skin but instead heat the deeper layers, stimulating collagen growth from within while leaving the surface intact.
This advanced approach to skin resurfacing works by activating fibroblasts, the skin’s repair cells, which rebuild collagen and elastin, resulting in smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin.
Common Concerns About Skin Resurfacing Side Effects, Pain, and Finding the Right Laser for Your Skin Type
Like any cosmetic treatment, there are a few things to consider before scheduling your laser resurfacing session:
- The most common side effects include temporary redness, swelling, itching, and inflammation as your skin heals.
- For some people, especially those with darker skin tones, there’s a slight risk of temporary pigment changes, such as dark spots or light patches.
- Fractional CO2, while one of the most effective options for deep wrinkles and tightening, is also the most intense. The treatment itself can be uncomfortable, which is why a numbing cream is typically applied; healing typically takes about one to two weeks. During this time, post-care steps like gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and strict sun avoidance are essential to protect results and prevent complications.
How Many Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatments Will I Need?
The number of laser resurfacing sessions you’ll need depends on the type of laser and your personal goals, but most people see the best results with a series of treatments. Fractional CO2, for example, often requires multiple sessions spaced approximately four to six weeks apart, allowing your skin time to heal and new collagen to form between visits.
Recovery times also vary by laser type: ablative options, such as CO2, usually take one to two weeks before your skin appears fully healed, while non-ablative lasers, like ND:YAG, involve the least disruption, with little to no visible downtime, making them easier to fit into a busy schedule.
Once you’ve completed your initial treatment sessions, maintenance sessions can help preserve your results and maintain strong collagen levels, ensuring your skin remains smooth and refreshed.
How to Prepare for Skin Resurfacing Laser Treatment for Optimal Results and What to Expect Afterward
Getting the best results from laser resurfacing starts with careful preparation and continues with mindful aftercare. Before your treatment, you may need to stop taking retinoids or blood-thinning medications, since these can increase sensitivity or bleeding during the procedure. On the morning of your appointment, use a gentle facial cleanser and skip your usual skincare routine, including applying sunscreen or makeup.
After treatment, your skin will be more delicate, so post-care is key:
- Use ice packs to calm swelling
- Apply gentle moisturizers to support healing
- Avoid makeup, direct sun, and harsh products until your provider clears you
How to Keep Your Skin Looking Fresh and Youthful After Skin Resurfacing Treatment
After laser skin resurfacing, your body naturally stimulates collagen production, which is what helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles and leads to improved skin texture. Supporting that process with the right skin care products can make a big difference:
- Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid keep the skin supple and lock in moisture while boosting collagen production over time.
- To protect your skin from harmful UV rays and free radical damage, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily is non-negotiable; without it, new collagen can break down faster, limiting your results.
- When it comes to your daily skincare routine, selecting products recommended by Dr. Shawn based on your skin condition and medical history is the best option for not only your safety, but also for extending your skin resurfacing results.
Finding the Best Med Spa in Marina del Rey for Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatments
Your face deserves the expertise of a true artist, and that’s exactly what you’ll find with Dr. Shawn Abrishamy. As our founder and medical director, Dr. Shawn personally performs every treatment, something that sets us apart from med spas that rely on nurses or estheticians. With years of experience, advanced medical training, and a results-oriented approach, he helps our patients achieve refreshed, natural-looking outcomes that enhance confidence without ever appearing overdone.
Patients from Marina del Rey, Playa Vista, and across West Los Angeles trust Dr. Shawn for non-invasive anti-aging solutions that deliver long-lasting beauty while protecting the health of their skin.
Ready to stop aging in its tracks and restore a youthful glow with cutting-edge laser skin resurfacing technology from the best med spa in Marina del Rey?
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