Types of Laser Treatments for Skincare

If you’re in the aesthetics field, you’ve likely noticed that lasers are the future of skincare. Many practices are expanding their services to include different cosmetic laser treatments because they are minimally invasive yet produce great results.

There are two types of lasers used in skincare:

• These lasers vaporize the outer layer of damaged skin.
• Non-Ablative. These layers penetrate deeper into the skin and do not remove or damage the outer layer.

Each type of laser has its place in aesthetics, depending on the result your client is looking for. Typically, ablative procedures will have a longer downtime and recovery time than non-ablative procedures.

Cosmetic lasers can help remedy many common skin conditions:

• Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Both skin resurfacing and skin-tightening procedures can be done with an ablative laser, such as a CO2 laser. The CO2 laser can also be used to remove warts and skin tags.
  
• Skin Tightening: Most cosmetic laser procedures result in skin tightening because they create micro-injuries on the face, which encourages collagen production. CO2 lasers should be used for the best tightening results.

• Pigmented Lesions:  Sunspots, age spots, melasma, and other forms of pigmented lesions can be treated with fractional CO2 lasers.

• Precancerous Lesions: Cancerous lesions should almost always be removed with a scalpel. However, precancerous lesions can be removed with a laser as a preventative measure. Ablative CO2 lasers are generally the go-to laser for this type of procedure.

• Vascular Lesions: Broken blood vessels on the face, spider veins on the legs, hemangiomas, and certain birthmarks can be removed with intense pulsed light (IPL) lasers.

• Tattoo Removal: IPL lasers can be used to lighten or completely remove unwanted tattoos.

• Hair Removal Nd:YAG and diode lasers are often best for darker-skinned patients, while IPL can typically be used for lighter-skinned patients.

• Acne and Acne Scars: The CO2 laser is the best option for removing deeper, darker acne scars. Certain non-ablative lasers have proven to work for superficial scarring. LED technology can work to treat acne.

AW Advanced Aesthetic Training

AW Advanced Aesthetic Training is a continuing education school for licensed beauty professionals. Register for classes today!