If you’re noticing signs of sun damage on the skin, you’re not alone. Sun-damaged skin is a common complaint among patients, as the sun’s harsh UV rays are capable of causing discoloration, sun spots, and even premature wrinkles. While it can be frustrating to see sun damage every time you look in the mirror, a non-surgical solution is available to help you achieve clear, rejuvenated skin: CO2 laser resurfacing.
What is CO2 Laser Resurfacing?
As an ablative treatment, the CO2 laser utilizes light energy to remove the outermost layer of the skin and heat the layer beneath, called the dermis, to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. At Florida Face & Body, we use fractional laser technology, meaning that the laser only targets a fraction of the skin at a time. This allows for excellent precision during CO2 laser treatment, ensuring that the healthy skin surrounding the damaged skin is left alone.
How the CO2 Laser Is Used to Treat Sun-Damaged Skin
When the skin is sun-damaged, the speed of skin cell renewal is decreased. This can lead to various imperfections, including uneven skin tone and signs of aging. The CO2 laser can resolve these imperfections by stimulating fibroblasts and collagen production in the skin. In the months following CO2 laser treatment, the skin will continue to produce collagen at a more rapid rate, helping to heal the damaged skin. As a result, the skin will appear brighter, healthier, and smoother.
You can return to your regular activities a few days after the treatment. Some changes are obvious as early on. As the weeks go by afterwards, you’ll notice that the signs of sun damage in the skin gradually decrease, leaving behind tighter, clearer skin.
If you have sun-damaged skin, contact Florida Face & Body to learn more about how the CO2 laser can help you achieve your cosmetic goals.