When it comes to laser resurfacing, two names pop up constantly: CoolPeel and Fraxel. Both promise smoother, brighter skin and fewer fine lines — but they work in very different ways.
If you’re debating whether to book a CoolPeel session or a Fraxel series, here’s the full breakdown to help you decide 👇
🔬 What They Are
❄️ CoolPeel (Fractional CO₂)
- Uses the Tetra SmartXide CO₂ laser
- Delivers short, controlled pulses of CO₂ energy
- Resurfaces the epidermis (top layer) while stimulating collagen deeper down
- Minimal downtime compared to traditional CO₂ lasers
🌟 Fraxel (Non-Ablative Fractional Laser)
- Uses 1550nm & 1927nm wavelengths
- Creates microscopic columns of heat without removing the top skin layer
- Stimulates collagen & renews skin gradually
- Often done in a series of sessions for best results
💡 What Each Treats Best
CoolPeel
✔ Fine lines & mild wrinkles
✔ Sun damage & age spots
✔ Large pores
✔ Uneven texture
✔ Dull skin
Fraxel
✔ Pigmentation (brown spots, melasma, sun damage)
✔ Fine lines
✔ Mild acne scars
✔ Overall skin tone & clarity
📊 Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | CoolPeel | Fraxel |
|---|---|---|
| Laser Type | Fractional CO₂ (ablative) | Fractional non-ablative |
| Depth | Removes superficial layer + heats dermis | Creates thermal columns, no removal |
| Best For | Fine lines, pores, surface texture, mild wrinkles | Pigment issues, sun spots, early lines, mild scars |
| Sessions | 1–3 | 3–5 |
| Downtime | 1–3 days (redness, mild peeling) | 2–5 days (redness, bronzing, flaking) |
| Results Timeline | Glow in 1 week; collagen builds 1–3 months | Gradual improvement over several weeks |
| Strength | 🔥🔥🔥 (moderate resurfacing) | 🔥🔥 (gentle resurfacing) |
| Pain Level | Mild stinging/warmth | Mild–moderate (numbing cream used) |
✅ Who Should Choose Which?
- Choose CoolPeel if:
- You want visible results quickly
- You’re focused on fine lines, pores, and surface texture
- You can handle 1–3 days of downtime
- You’d prefer fewer treatments
- Choose Fraxel if:
- Your main concern is pigmentation (sun spots, melasma, brown patches)
- You’re okay with a series of gentler treatments
- You want to maintain results long-term with less aggressive sessions
- You have sensitive skin and want something less intense than CO₂
🧴 Post-Treatment Care (Both)
After either treatment, baby your skin:
Do:
- Use gentle cleanser + soothing moisturizer
- Apply mineral SPF 30–50 daily
- Stay hydrated and avoid sun
Don’t:
- Pick or peel flaking skin
- Use retinol, acids, or exfoliants for 5–7 days
- Expose your skin to heat (gym, sauna, hot yoga)
💬 Final Thoughts
✨ CoolPeel is like a mini CO₂ — it refreshes the surface, smooths fine lines, shrinks pores, and brightens skin with less downtime.
🌿 Fraxel is gentler, better for pigmentation, and works gradually with multiple sessions.
Think of it like this:
- CoolPeel = “stronger resurfacing, fewer sessions”
- Fraxel = “gentler resurfacing, more sessions”
Both can transform your skin — the choice comes down to whether you want quick visible change (CoolPeel) or gradual, pigment-focused renewal (Fraxel).
