As you age, you experience a series of changes to the skin that cause it to lose its luster. Creases begin to appear on various areas of the face, pigmentation spots emerge on different parts of the body, and the texture becomes uneven with the formation of random pits in the skin. Healthy, youthful skin regenerates on its own, but the process slows as you age.
This is where laser treatments come in. These energy-based devices harness the body’s ability to heal itself when it comes into contact with warmth and controlled injury. Find out more about how these lasers work and the benefits they bring to the skin.
Types of Lasers for Aesthetic Treatments
Laser treatments come in different types. Some have a focus on pigmentation, while others are best for wrinkle reduction and decreasing acne scars. Below are the most popular laser types we use:
- Ablative Lasers: Ablative lasers like SmartSkin CO2® work by vaporizing the outer layers of the skin to trigger a deep skin resurfacing process. They have longer downtime compared to other laser types, but they are effective for deep scars and wrinkles.
- Non-Ablative Lasers: Non-ablative lasers like IPL FotoFacial and Laser Genesis stimulate collagen production within the deeper layers of the skin but leave the top layer intact. The improvement is gradual, but the downtime and recovery are minimal.
- Fractional Lasers: Fractional lasers such as Fraxel® II Re:Store combine both ablative and non-ablative laser technology for deeper skin resurfacing. They can address surface pigment and deep collagen production, offering comprehensive skin rejuvenation abilities. The laser only vaporizes “fractions” of the top layer, reducing the time you spend recovering.
- Pico Lasers: Procedures such as the Pico Laser use ultra-fast pulses to shatter the pigment’s hold in the skin. With time, the body’s natural immune system absorbs and flushes it out, leaving behind clearer skin. It’s effective for various pigmentation issues, from freckles to age spots and even tattoos.
Each of these lasers has different timelines for recovery and results. The deeper the setting, the more you may have to wait for the side effects to fade and the collagen to form.
How Lasers Improve Different Skin Issues
Lasers have different actions, depending on the type and setting they’re adjusted to. Our providers at Dermacare will choose the right combo for you after a consultation. Overall, here’s how lasers help clients achieve their beauty goals:
- Discoloration
For issues like uneven pigmentation, laser treatments target the melanin in the skin, sending light directly into it. The melanin is broken into tiny fragments, which are then cleared away by the immune system. This leads to a more uniform skin complexion.
- Redness and Vascular Concerns
Lasers can also address skin issues like rosacea and spider veins that lead to excessive redness. The blood vessels absorb the heat and then collapse, eventually getting reabsorbed by the body. This eventually leads to a calmer skin tone.
- Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Some lasers penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, using gentle warmth to create micro-injuries within the tissue. The body reacts by activating fibroblasts, which trigger the production of new collagen and elastin to heal the injury. Over time, this helps fill out wrinkles and fine lines while tightening the skin.
- Skin Roughness
Lasers address skin roughness similarly to how they smooth out wrinkles. Skin irregularities, such as acne scars and enlarged pores, are frequently a result of collagen loss mixed with trauma (e.g., popping pimples). Lasers stimulate a surface cell renewal process while triggering collagen production and smoothing the skin, which eventually leads to airbrushed-looking skin.
Get Your Laser Treatment Today!
Laser treatments need time to work their magic, so the best time to start your skin resurfacing journey is today. Once the skin heals, you may notice smoother skin with fewer blemishes. Schedule an appointment with our providers at Dermacare Medical Aesthetics today!
For more information about laser treatments and how they work, contact Dermacare Medical Aesthetics at 858-943-2443. We will offer you all the information you need to make a good decision for your skin. As an alternative, fill out the online contact form, and we will get in touch with you shortly.