CO2 vs Erbium YAG: The Honest Truth About Modern Skin Resurfacing

Erbium YAG Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing

A more precise, safe and comfortable way to achieve better skin with lasers

If you’ve been thinking about laser skin resurfacing to improve wrinkles, scars, or sun damage, your research will have led you to 2 popular technologies: CO2 lasers and Erbium YAG lasers. Furthermore, if you’ve spent any time trying to figure out which one is better, the answer is not straightforward.

The reality is - both CO2 and Erbium YAG have their strengths. But the growing trend in both clinics and patient preference is leaning heavily toward Erbium YAG laser treatments. Why? Because while CO2 has long been the “gold standard,” Erbium YAG offers a gentler, faster-healing alternative that’s better suited to modern lifestyles and a wider range of skin tones.

Let’s break it down.

The Old School: CO2 Lasers
CO2 lasers have been around for decades and are known for delivering dramatic results, especially for deep wrinkles and more advanced signs of aging. They use a 10,600-nanometer wavelength, which penetrates deep into the skin and vaporizes damaged tissue. It’s powerful, no question - but with that power comes significant heat, and heat means trauma to the surrounding skin.

The result? Longer downtime, more swelling, redness, and a higher risk of complications like hyperpigmentation - especially for anyone who doesn’t have fair skin. For many people, the prospect of spending 10 to 14 days healing from a single laser session just doesn’t feel worth it anymore.

Why Erbium YAG Is Stealing the Spotlight
Erbium YAG lasers, which work at a 2,940-nanometer wavelength, are all about precision and control. Instead of blasting heat deep into the skin, they focus more on surface-level issues - while still triggering the collagen renewal that makes laser resurfacing so effective. Check out Fotona’s flagship laser for more information: https://www.fotona.com/en/products/2027/sp-dynamis/

One of the biggest advantages? Erbium YAG treatments come with noticeably less thermal damage. That means less inflammation, a shorter recovery period, and a much lower risk of complications. For anyone with a busy schedule - or a darker skin tone - this is a huge win.

Most patients are back to wearing makeup and returning to work in just a few days, not weeks. And while Erbium may not reach the same depth as traditional CO2 lasers, it’s often more than enough to treat fine lines, acne scars, pigmentation, and sun damage - without the harsh aftereffects.

Real Results, Real Life
Let’s be honest: laser treatments aren’t cheap. So when patients invest in skin resurfacing, they want to know they’re getting something that works - and that doesn’t knock them out of their routine for half a month.

What Erbium YAG offers is a balanced approach. It delivers visible improvement without the aggressive trauma of CO2. It’s a treatment you can plan into your life, not around it. And for patients who’ve had bad experiences with hyperpigmentation or post-treatment redness, it’s a more predictable and safer option.

Who’s a Good Fit for Erbium YAG?
In general, Erbium resurfacing is a great fit for people who are dealing with:

Mild to moderate wrinkles
Acne scars or old blemish marks
Uneven skin tone or texture
Sun spots or early signs of aging
It also tends to be more inclusive. Patients with Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI, who are often excluded from more aggressive laser treatments due to pigmentation risks, can usually tolerate Erbium YAG with proper care and an experienced provider.

So Why Do Some Clinics Still Push CO2?
CO2 lasers are an older technology and whilst they still have their place, they really need to be in the hands of an expert who knows when and how to use them. For deep lines or more advanced sun damage, CO2 may deliver more noticeable results in a single treatment.

But that’s also the trade-off: more downtime, more risk, more discomfort. And in a world where people are increasingly asking for “lunchtime lasers” or subtle, buildable improvements, Erbium YAG fits better into modern expectations.

Clinics that invest in newer Erbium platforms often do so because they want to give their patients safe, flexible options. It’s a shift from one-size-fits-all to treatments that can be tailored, layered, and refined.

Recovery: What You’re Really In For
If you’ve never had laser resurfacing before, the recovery is often the biggest concern. With Erbium YAG, most patients experience mild redness, a bit of swelling, and peeling that starts around day two or three. By day five, the majority of people feel comfortable enough to wear makeup and go back to normal activities.

Compare that to CO2, where healing can drag out for two weeks or more - and even then, skin may stay red for several weeks afterward.

The post-treatment care with Erbium is also simpler. No oozy wounds or extensive bandaging. Just a good moisturizer, gentle cleanser, and lots of sunscreen.

How Many Sessions Do You Really Need?
It depends on the goal. Some patients see a significant improvement after just one session, especially if they’re targeting mild pigmentation or texture. Others opt for a series of two or three treatments spaced about a month apart to build on their results gradually.

Unlike CO2, where the mindset is “do it once and suffer through,” Erbium YAG works well as part of a long-term skin plan. You can come back every year or two for a refresh, without dreading the recovery.

Final Thoughts: The Better Choice for Most People
If you’re still weighing CO2 vs Erbium YAG, think about what matters most to you. Do you want the absolute most aggressive option, with big downtime and big results? Or are you looking for something effective, but safer, gentler, and easier to recover from?

For a growing number of patients - and the providers who treat them - the answer is clear. Erbium YAG resurfacing gives you the skin renewal you want, without taking over your life in the process. It’s modern, customizable, and fits how we live now.

Quick FAQs (in real talk)
Is Erbium YAG better for darker skin?
Yes, it’s much safer. It creates less heat, which means less risk of dark spots or discoloration after treatment.

Does it hurt?
Not really. You’ll be numb, and most people say it feels like a warm zap or rubber band snap. Uncomfortable, but tolerable.

When will I see results?
You’ll start noticing smoother texture and better tone within a week. Full collagen remodelling continues for a few months.

How long do results last?
With good skincare, 12 to 24 months or longer. Maintenance treatments once a year can help keep skin looking fresh.

Can it treat acne scars?
Absolutely. It’s one of the best non-surgical options for shallow to moderate acne scarring.

How do I select a reputable laser technician?                                                                            Always look at google reviews, testimonials, accreditations and awards for anyone you are considering. Check out https://www.laser-reverse.co.uk/our-blog/1-year-of-laser-reverse-a-journey-of-passion-and-perseverance-

If you’ve been thinking about laser skin resurfacing or any of the other treatment options that Erbium YAG can offer, check out the following page https://www.laser-reverse.co.uk/skin-resurfacing or contact the friendly team at Laser Reverse on +44 7411 679610.