Laser treatments have come a long way, offering solutions for everything from pigmentation and scarring to skin tightening and fine lines. But with so many types of lasers available, it’s no surprise that patients often find themselves asking: is cool laser the same as CO2 laser?
The short answer is — not exactly. While both treatments use laser technology to resurface the skin, they work in very different ways, with different levels of intensity, downtime, and ideal candidates.
Cool laser is a term that generally refers to a gentler type of laser treatment. It’s often used for its lower heat output and minimal damage to surrounding tissues, making it suitable for people with sensitive skin or those looking to improve tone and texture without heavy downtime. Cool lasers typically use wavelengths that don’t penetrate as deeply as more aggressive lasers, which means the results are more subtle but come with far less recovery time.
Some cool laser treatments are also known as “cold lasers” or low-level laser therapy (LLLT). These are often used for skin rejuvenation, boosting collagen, and even helping with wound healing — all without creating the kind of thermal injury that stronger lasers do.
CO2 laser treatment, on the other hand, is considered one of the more powerful options in the laser world. It’s an ablative laser, meaning it removes the top layer of skin to stimulate healing and regeneration underneath. This makes it ideal for treating deep wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, and more severe skin concerns.
However, because of its strength, the CO2 laser comes with significant downtime. Skin will be red, swollen, and peeling for days or even weeks after the procedure, and strict aftercare is needed to avoid complications like infection or pigmentation.
The main difference lies in the depth and intensity of treatment. Cool lasers offer gradual results with almost no recovery, while CO2 lasers deliver dramatic improvements — but with a healing period to match. The choice between the two depends on your skin type, concerns, and how much downtime you’re willing to accept.
So, is cool laser the same as CO2 laser? Not quite. While they both aim to rejuvenate the skin, they do so using very different approaches. If you’re considering a treatment, it’s best to consult with one of our practitioners who can assess your skin and guide you towards the most effective and suitable option for your goals.
CoolPeel is a newer, gentler form of CO2 laser that delivers similar results with less downtime. It’s great for fine lines and texture, but traditional CO2 may be more effective for deeper scars or ageing.
“Better” depends on the concern being treated. For deep resurfacing, CO2 is still a gold standard. However, newer technologies like fractional RF or hybrid lasers can offer similar results with less recovery time.
CoolPeel is a fractional CO2 laser treatment that targets the skin’s surface with short pulses of energy. It helps improve tone and texture without the extended healing time of traditional CO2.
