As we age, sun exposure, environmental damage, and the natural aging process leave their mark on our skin in the form of wrinkles, uneven tone, and texture changes. On top of that, collagen production starts to decline by about 1% each year after age 20, which contributes to thinning skin and fine lines over time. But what if you could dramatically improve your skin’s appearance without going under the knife? CO2 laser skin resurfacing is one of the most effective treatments for rejuvenating your skin and reversing visible signs of aging. It works by removing damaged layers of skin and triggering a boost in collagen production.
Read on to find answers to the most common questions people ask about CO2 laser treatments and where to find the best med spa in Marina del Rey.
What Is CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing and How Does It Work?
CO2 laser skin resurfacing is a non-surgical ablative laser treatment that uses focused beams of light energy to remove the top layers of damaged skin. This treatment helps reduce fine lines, sun spots, acne scars, and other imperfections by gently vaporizing old skin cells and triggering the body’s natural healing response.
What makes it especially effective is a technology called fractional laser treatment — instead of treating the entire skin surface, the laser targets a grid-like pattern, leaving small areas of untouched skin in between. This helps the skin heal faster while still delivering powerful results.
As your skin heals, it begins producing more collagen, the protein that keeps skin smooth, firm, and youthful. Over time, this leads to noticeable improvements in skin texture, tone, and elasticity, revealing healthier, more radiant skin.
What Skin Concerns Can a CO2 Laser Treat?
CO2 laser skin resurfacing is a powerful facial laser treatment that can improve a wide range of skin concerns, especially those caused by aging or sun damage:
- One of its main benefits is reducing fine lines and deeper wrinkles, especially crow’s feet, smoker’s lines, and forehead lines around the eyes, mouth, and forehead.
- It also helps smooth out rough or uneven skin by minimizing acne scars, surgical scars, and other textural issues.
- In addition to improving texture, the laser targets areas of discoloration, helping to fade sun spots, age spots, and patches of hyperpigmentation. This leads to a more even skin tone and a clearer, brighter complexion overall.
Who Is a Good Candidate for CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
CO2 laser resurfacing is generally a good option for people with fair to medium skin tones who have visible signs of aging, sun damage, or uneven skin texture. However, this treatment may not be recommended for individuals with very dark skin tones, as it can increase the risk of pigmentation changes. It’s also not suitable for people with active acne, open wounds, or certain medical conditions that affect healing.
What’s the Recovery Time After a CO2 Laser Treatment?
It's normal to experience redness, swelling, and peeling for five to 10 days, similar to how your skin might feel and look after a sunburn. During this time, you’ll need to take special care of your skin to support healing and avoid complications. Most people can return to their normal routines within seven to 10 days, although the deeper layers of the skin will continue to heal for several weeks.
Following your provider’s aftercare instructions is very important. This includes:
- Keeping your skin moisturized
- Staying out of direct sunlight
- Using sunscreen daily to protect your fresh skin
How Soon Will I See Results and How Long Do They Last?
After a CO2 laser treatment, you’ll start to see improvements in your skin tone and texture within seven to 10 days as the outer layer of your skin heals and new, healthy skin appears. But the results don’t stop there. Your body continues to produce more collagen for three to six months, which helps your skin become smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking over time. In fact, collagen production can continue for up to a year, leading to even better long-term results.
With a good skincare routine and regular use of sunscreen to protect your skin from future sun damage, the effects of a CO2 laser treatment can last for several years. Some people opt for occasional maintenance treatments to keep their skin looking its best.
Finding the Best Med Spa in Marina del Rey for CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment
Skin rejuvenation should be both effective and empowering. That’s exactly what drives Dr. Shawn Abrishamy’s approach to CO2 laser skin resurfacing. With a background in medicine and a deep-rooted passion for artistry, Dr. Shawn brings precision, creativity, and genuine care to every treatment. His focus on prevention and non-invasive anti-aging means we’re not just treating wrinkles, we’re helping you preserve your natural beauty in the most thoughtful way possible.
From our welcoming office in Marina del Rey, close to Playa Vista, to the advanced laser technology we use, everything at Clear Medical is designed with your comfort, safety, and results in mind.
Ready to smooth scars, fade sun damage, or restore a more youthful glow with personalized care and honest expertise from the best med spa in Marina del Rey?
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