If you’ve been researching laser resurfacing, you’ve probably seen CO₂, CoolPeel, and Fraxel mentioned — sometimes even interchangeably. But while they all improve skin texture, tone, and fine lines, the strength, recovery, and results vary a lot.
Let’s break them down 👇
🔥 CO₂ Laser (Traditional Ablative CO₂)
- What it is: The most aggressive skin resurfacing laser. It removes the entire top layer of skin (epidermis) while heating deeper dermal tissue.
- Results:
- Softens deep wrinkles
- Erases sun damage & pigmentation
- Improves scars & texture dramatically
- Downtime: 1–2 weeks (redness, oozing, crusting, peeling). Full healing may take several months.
- Best For: Severe sun damage, deep wrinkles, older skin, heavy scarring.
- Drawback: Long recovery, risk of hyperpigmentation, requires skilled provider.
❄️ CoolPeel (Next-Gen CO₂)
- What it is: A fractional CO₂ treatment using the Tetra SmartXide CO₂ laser. It delivers short, high-energy pulses with less thermal damage.
- Results:
- Reduces fine lines & mild wrinkles
- Shrinks pores
- Improves tone, texture, and sun damage
- Downtime: 1–3 days (redness, mild peeling).
- Best For: Early aging, fine lines, mild sun damage, patients who want resurfacing with minimal downtime.
- Drawback: Less dramatic than full CO₂; won’t correct severe wrinkles or sagging.
🌟 Fraxel (Fractional Non-Ablative Laser)
- What it is: A fractional, non-ablative laser (1550 nm or 1927 nm wavelengths). Instead of removing skin, it creates microscopic columns of thermal damage while leaving surrounding tissue intact.
- Results:
- Improves fine lines, pigmentation, sun damage
- Helps mild acne scars
- Builds collagen gradually
- Downtime: 2–5 days (redness, swelling, “bronzing” or sandpaper feel). Much milder than CO₂.
- Best For: Early wrinkles, pigmentation, maintenance, younger patients.
- Drawback: Requires multiple sessions (3–5+). Results are more subtle vs CO₂.
📊 Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Traditional CO₂ | CoolPeel (Fractional CO₂) | Fraxel (Non-Ablative) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 (most aggressive) | 🔥🔥🔥 (moderate) | 🔥🔥 (gentle) |
| Depth | Fully ablative (removes epidermis + heats dermis) | Fractional, controlled superficial ablation | Fractional thermal columns, no removal |
| Results | Deep wrinkles, scars, major sun damage | Fine lines, mild wrinkles, pores, texture | Fine lines, pigmentation, mild scars |
| Sessions | Usually 1 | 1–3 | 3–5 |
| Downtime | 7–14 days | 1–3 days | 2–5 days |
| Risk | Higher (PIH, infection, long redness) | Lower | Lowest |
✅ How to Choose
- Choose CO₂ if: You want dramatic results for deep wrinkles, scars, or major sun damage and are okay with long downtime.
- Choose CoolPeel if: You want visible resurfacing with minimal downtime — think fine lines, pores, early aging.
- Choose Fraxel if: You’re younger, want gradual improvements in pigment + texture, and don’t need aggressive wrinkle removal.
💬 My Take:
Think of these like workout intensity:
- CO₂ = Bootcamp (hardcore, big change, long recovery)
- CoolPeel = Pilates with weights (effective, balanced, manageable downtime)
- Fraxel = Yoga (gentle, consistent, builds results over time)
