CO₂ Laser Resurfacing at Haus of Marin: Your Guide to Smoother, Brighter Skin
If you’re craving smoother texture, fewer fine lines, and that healthy, luminous “I-just-had-a-facial-but-better” glow—CO₂ laser resurfacing might be your new favorite treatment.
At Haus of Marin, we offer both lighter CO₂ peels and deeper resurfacing options, customized to your skin goals and lifestyle. Let’s walk through what to expect!
What exactly is CO₂ laser resurfacing?
Think of it as a high-precision skin refresh.
A CO₂ (carbon dioxide) laser gently removes damaged outer layers of skin while stimulating fresh collagen growth underneath. The result?
- Smoother texture
- Fewer fine lines
- More even tone
- A soft, healthy glow
Because it works deep in the skin, results are more noticeable and long-lasting than lighter laser or peel treatments.
What if I just want a little glow-up?
You might be the perfect fit for our lighter CO₂ peel—sometimes called a “cool peel” or superficial fractional peel.
These treatments use gentler laser settings to brighten, smooth, and refine your skin with only 1–2 days of downtime. Great before a big event or as maintenance between deeper treatments.
What lighter CO₂ peels do:
- Even out tone and texture
- Soften fine lines and early sun damage
- Minimize pores and add radiance
- Help your skincare products absorb even better
Typical details:
- Time: about 15–20 minutes
- Downtime: 24–48 hours (a little pink or flaky)
- Plan: 2–4 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart
- Results: instant brightness, smoother feel, and cumulative improvement over time
What if I’m ready for a real transformation?
Then you may be a better candidate for deeper CO₂ resurfacing.
This version dives further into the skin to target deeper wrinkles, scars, and more advanced sun damage. It stimulates robust collagen remodeling and creates longer-term structural improvement—basically, the ultimate skin reset.
What deeper CO₂ resurfacing does:
- Reduces deeper lines and discoloration
- Smooths acne scars and rough texture
- Tightens and firms over time
Typical details:
- Time: around 30–45 minutes (for face or combined areas)
- Downtime: 7–14 days (redness, swelling, crusting—your skin is doing its repair magic)
- Plan: often just one session for major improvement; some people space 2 sessions 6–12 months apart
- Results: smoother surface within weeks; continued collagen renewal for 3–12 months
What do both versions have in common?
No matter which route you take, both treatments can:
- Smooth texture and refine pores
- Fade sun damage and even skin tone
- Diminish fine lines and superficial scars
- Deliver lasting results when paired with proper care
What’s a treatment appointment like?
We start with a personalized consult to understand your skin and goals. Once we’ve chosen your settings, we apply topical numbing—and can add oral meds or laughing gas if you’d like a little extra comfort.
You’ll leave with:
- Soothing ointment
- Aftercare products
- Easy recovery instructions
- Your next follow-up scheduled
How does it feel? What’s recovery like?
You’ll feel warmth or a prickly sensation during treatment, but numbing keeps you comfortable.
Lighter peel: mild redness and light flaking for a day or two—you can usually get back to normal activities quickly.
Deeper resurfacing: expect a week or so of visible healing (redness, swelling, crusting). After about 7–10 days, most people can wear makeup again. Skin tone continues to even out over several weeks as collagen rebuilds.
Pro tip: plan your deeper treatment when you have at least 7–10 days before any major social plans.
Who’s a good candidate?
CO₂ resurfacing works beautifully for healthy adults who want smoother, firmer, more radiant skin.
- Choose lighter CO₂ peels if you prefer minimal downtime or want a refresh.
- Choose deeper resurfacing if you’re ready for a bigger transformation and can take some recovery time.
During your consultation, we’ll tailor the approach to your skin tone, concerns, and lifestyle.
Are there risks?
Like any medical procedure, there are some risks—temporary redness, pigment changes, or, rarely, infection or scarring.
We keep things safe by choosing conservative settings when appropriate, following proven protocols, and providing attentive aftercare. You’ll be closely guided every step of the way.
Optional Boost: Ariessence Pure PDGF+
Want to take healing and glow to the next level? Ask about Ariessence Pure PDGF+—a growth factor treatment similar to PRP (but without the blood draw).
It helps:
- Speed up skin recovery
- Boost collagen production
- Enhance overall results
It’s a favorite add-on after both lighter and deeper CO₂ treatments.
How many sessions will I need?
- Lighter CO₂ peels: usually a short series (2–4) gives the best ongoing glow.
- Deeper resurfacing: one strong session is often enough; touch-ups are spaced 6–12 months apart if needed.
How should I prep and care for my skin?
Before:
- Avoid tanning and certain active skincare ingredients.
- Let us know about medications or recent procedures.
After:
- Follow your provider’s customized aftercare routine.
- Keep skin moisturized and protected from the sun (SPF is a must!).
- Stick to gentle products until your skin fully recovers.
When will I see results?
- Lighter peel: you’ll see a fresh glow in days, with texture improving over a few weeks.
- Deeper resurfacing: visible renewal within weeks, and collagen keeps tightening and smoothing for up to a year.
Quick FAQs
Can men do this treatment?
Absolutely! CO₂ laser resurfacing delivers great results for all genders.
Can I combine it with Botox or fillers?
Yes—timing is everything, and we’ll help you plan your treatments safely and effectively.
Is it safe for darker skin tones?
We’re extra cautious here. Some skin tones have a higher risk of pigment change, so we’ll evaluate and may suggest adjusted settings or alternative treatments if needed.
Does it hurt?
Most people say it’s more “spicy” than painful. Numbing and laughing gas make it very tolerable!
Your Next Step
If you’re ready for smoother, more radiant skin—and want expert guidance every step of the way—let’s chat!
Book a private consultation at Haus of Marin, where we’ll assess your skin, discuss your ideal CO₂ option (lighter or deeper), and customize a plan that fits your goals and your schedule.
Book online or call 415.254.7786 to talk with Michelle, our patient coordinator.
Haus of Marin — Thoughtful, one-on-one aesthetic care for real, confident results.
Educational only; not a substitute for medical advice. A consultation and evaluation are required to determine candidacy.
