Top 5 Face Laser Treatments and How They Can Improve Your Skin

Fight the signs of aging with these treatments proven to be effective for everything from spots to wrinkles.

Looking for a new way to approach your skincare and eliminate problem areas once and for all? Laser treatments are rising in popularity as technologies and modalities continue to evolve, making them safer, more effective, and less likely to cause downtime. 

But what is a laser facial procedure and what can you expect when it comes to laser skin resurfacing? We’re going to explore these topics and more, including some alternatives that can also help, in this comprehensive guide. 

The Full Guide to Face Laser Treatments for Your Skin

What are laser face treatments?

Most people don’t know that the term laser is an acronym. Laser, or LASER, stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Different lasers output different electromagnetic fields to yield different results. Some of the most common uses of laser technology when it comes to cosmetics include hair removal and laser skin resurfacing. There are several different types of laser skin treatments available.

Laser treatments in general are distinct because they emit a single wavelength of light, called monochromatic, that is determined by a set amount of energy that’s released, all of which is directional and concentrated. Because of this, they can also target different structures or problem areas of the skin fairly effectively. 

Laser face treatments, therefore, are specifically designed with rejuvenating the skin in specific ways. Not all types of laser skin treatments are the same since the laser can use different light sources, the most common of which is known as laser skin resurfacing.

What is laser skin resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing itself can take many forms, most commonly with ablative and non-ablative lasers. To be ablative means to remove skin or tissue during a procedure. Therefore, ablative laser treatment removes skin in its quest to improve the texture and appearance of the skin on the face, neck, and even decolletage. 

Non-ablative laser treatments are designed to stimulate growth and help eliminate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Since this is less aggressive than removing tissue directly, it also has a shorter recovery time for the treatment. Examples of non-ablative laser treatments, which we’ll get into more detail below, include pulsed-dye lasers and intense pulsed light, or IPL therapy. 

But how do laser treatments work? Regardless of the technique, laser skin resurfacing allows for the use of laser technology to revitalize the appearance of your skin. In general, unwanted, damaged skin is removed or encouraged to grow with more production of collagen. The result can be younger, healthier-looking skin with regular usage and a proper skincare regimen to support nourishing skin growth. When it comes to how many laser treatments for the face you can expect to undergo, it varies by procedure but most require several treatments for top results. 

Our Top 5 Different Laser Treatments for Younger Looking Skin

With so many different kinds of lasers and different laser treatments available, it can be hard to pin down what might be best for you. 

#1: Intense Pulse Light (IPL) Treatment

If you are looking for laser treatment for sun damage, IPL could be a perfect fit for you. These treatments can be effective at removing sun spots and hyperpigmentation caused by the sun. Many IPL sessions are face sun spot treatments that focus on specific problem areas. 

This is a non-ablative face laser treatment that specifically targets skin pigments with a focused beam of light. This means that there should be little residual care after treatment, but you can expect some redness immediately after the procedure is completed. This is also one of the best laser treatments for face scars since the lasers can be focused on reducing their appearance and brightening your overall skin tone. 

#2: Erbium Laser Treatment

For a different approach to eliminating dark spots, consider an erbium laser. This is an ablative approach that can help reverse signs of sun damage while also treating fine lines and wrinkles. This is a different laser treatment because the beam is more focused, narrower, and concentrated, allowing for precise targeting of problem areas. 

With this technique, older skin cells are removed by burning them off and then stimulating the skin below to grow in fresh and tight. Because some discomfort, including swelling, can follow the procedure, it’s recommended that you avoid the sun and other facial treatments for a few weeks before you sit for this one. 

#3: Fractional CO2 Laser

Worried about acne scars that not only discolor but also appear deep within your skin? One of the best laser treatments for face acne scars is a fractional CO2 laser. With this approach, laser light is used to prick the skin in the scarred area with tiny holes to stimulate regrowth with natural cell growth and collagen production. 

While this technique can also work wonders on deep wrinkles and fine lines, it’s important to know that it’s also one of the most invasive laser procedures. After all, it’s penetrating the skin to remove older cells and encourage new ones to take their place. To this end, you can expect a bit of swelling, sensitivity, and redness after the procedure, with an extended recovery time that can take several weeks. 

#4: Pulse Dye Laser

Skin discoloration can take many forms, not just through sun spots from sun damage. Many people struggle with rosacea, which can leave skin looking inflamed and red regularly. Redness can also be caused by broken capillaries. In both instances, pulse dye laser treatment can go to work to reduce this pigmentation. 

Pulse dye lasers work by targeting blood vessels that have become larger or clustered to give the appearance of redness. By concentrating laser heat on these vessels, they’re encouraged to shrink or shrivel, reducing their size and the redness that they cause. While this face laser treatment is effective, it can take several procedures to see results. As a non-ablative option, downtime is limited to a stinging sensation and a small bit of swelling shortly after.

#5: Halo Laser Treatment

A newer option and one of the best laser treatments for facial imperfections is the Halo laser. This combines both ablative and non-ablative techniques as it emits two types of laser light at the same time. This fractionally resurfaces the skin to both removes damaged skin tissue and stimulate the growth of healthier, collagen-rich skin in its place. 

Halo can be a great option for hyperpigmentation including face sun spot treatment as a laser for sun damage. It also helps with filling in lines and wrinkles to reduce their appearance.

Alternatives to Face Laser Treatments

Despite the number of different laser treatments available, some people prefer to look for alternatives for healthier and younger-looking skin. After all, there’s no one size fits all that can say which facial laser treatment is best for you. Chat with your dermatologist and see whether they recommend an alternative or a combination of approaches to get you the look and feel you crave. 

Microdermabrasion

Effective treatment for acne scars, age spots, and fine wrinkles, microdermabrasion is an alternative to different laser treatments. This resurfacing procedure blasts the skin with tiny crystals or rotating devices that remove a layer of skin to allow it to grow back more evenly. The procedure can be more painful and have a longer recovery time than some of the best laser treatments for the face, but the benefit is that it will remove several skin irregularities all at once. 

Chemical Peel

Similar to microdermabrasion, a chemical peel is a procedure during which the top layer of the skin is removed. The technique used is the application of a chemical solution that prompts the outer skin to peel off, encouraging the growth of fresh and healthy new skin below. While there are several main types of chemical peels, alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and beta hydroxy acid (BHA) peels are the most common since they are the least invasive and broadly address concerns regarding acne, fine wrinkles, and discoloration.

Upgraded Skincare Regimen

The products we use can have a profound effect on the appearance and feel of our skin. Many experts recommend products such as cleansers, serums, and moisturizers that contain retinol, which is known to non-invasively promote natural collagen production. Products such as MD Glam’s Retinol-C Intense Eye Serum can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the delicate skin around the eye.

In addition to retinol, several vitamins have been shown to help combat puffy skin, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Among these is Vitamin C, which is renowned for encouraging the skin to naturally produce collagen and elastin, both vital elements in keeping skin looking and feeling its best. Our lineup of day and night moisturizers is jam-packed with vitamins that can help nourish skin and promote it to look its best. 

Prevention

In some cases, prevention is the best medicine. While there are laser treatments for sun damage, you can’t go wrong avoiding the harmful UV-A and UV-B rays that can cause sun spots, redness, and general damage to the skin. Look for a sunscreen that has an SPF of 50 and is labeled for a broad spectrum that you can wear daily. And don’t forget to seek out the shade whenever possible to stop exposure in the first place. 

MD GLAM: Skincare Regimens for Younger, Healthier Looking Skin 

Whether you undergo one of the face laser treatments listed above or seek out alternative solutions, there’s no better way to care for the skin you’re in than with MD Glam’s product lineup. More than ever, customers are switching to MD GLAM because of our nutrient-rich formulations that are designed to encourage healthy skin growth for a younger look and feel. 

For much less than the cost of an ablative or non-ablative face laser treatment, you can access the Full MD GLAM Collection prime with everything you need to cleanse, moisturize, and protect your skin from the signs of aging. Not sure where to start, take our free and fun skin quiz for custom recommendations from our very own Dr. Cat!