Can laser resurfacing increase collagen and make your skin younger?

Laser resurfacing stimulates the production of collagen and treats signs of aging. These cosmetic procedures are distributed in two general categories: ablative, which destroys the upper layers of the skin, and not ablative, a softer option which may require several sessions to obtain your optimal skin texture.

The right treatment for you depends on your age, your complexion, your desired result and your recovery time.

Can laser facials increase collagen production?

Collagen is a type of connective tissue that keeps your skin strong and elastic. As you get older, collagen production decreases naturally. Exposure to the sun, alcohol consumption, smoking, lack of exercise and poor sleep can speed up this loss.

Without enough collagen, your skin can look wrinkled and pancake. Some people turn to laser resurfacing procedures to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture.

“Whenever you repair damaged skin, it means stimulating collagen by a mechanism by which you hurt the skin in one way or another, which stimulates fibroblasts, your growth factors and everything for healing.

Ablative and non-ablative laser treatments work to repair damaged skin, she added.

What face of laser resurfacing is the best for collagen?

Laser resurfacing helps treat acne, scars, sun damage and wrinkles. If you wish to obtain a laser resurfacing treatment, you will need to decide between different types of ablative and non -ablative lasers.

Ablative lasers are more invasive

Ablative lasers, which include carbon dioxide (CO2) and Erbium lasers, destroy the upper layer of your skin. It takes more time to recover from ablative laser treatment, but you may only need one of these procedures to achieve the desired results.

“Ablative lasers, in general, I generally tell people that it is about a week of healing on the face. During the first 24 hours, the appearance of the skin can be quite disconcerting,” said Lupo.

CO2 lasers treat fine lines and deep wrinkles, but this option can cause light stains or hypopigmentation, and may not work well for people with darker tones of skin. You will probably not get the hypopigmentation of the Erbium lasers, but these do not reach the deep wrinkles either.

Non -ablative lasers need less stop time

Non -ablative lasers still stimulate collagen production, but do not destroy your skin. However, you may need four and six treatments to get the desired results.

“Non-ablative lasers are frequently used for patients who wish to stimulate the production of collagen and improve the texture and tone of the skin without the stop time of an ablative laser,” said Alison Boucher, MD, a certified dermatologist on the board of directors and director of cosmetic dermatology at Henry Ford Health in Detroit, Michigan, told the e-mail.

Both types also have fractional and non -fractional versions. Fractionary lasers, which are applied in a polka dot style in a solid bundle, offer similar results but do not come with so many side effects.

Should you get a laser resurfacing when you are young?

You can get spectacular results with a CO2 laser, but it is an aggressive treatment which often requires general anesthesia or sedation. It is rare that someone under 50 needs such an aggressive laser, said Lupo.

Younger adults can benefit from less aggressive treatments, such as a combination of intense pulsed flask and non -ablative resurfacing, said Joshua D. Rosenberg, MD, director of the plastic surgery and facial reconstruction division and associate teacher at Mount Sinai.

What to expect during and after laser treatments

Uncomfortable treatment can take 30 minutes to two hours, and you will probably first get an anesthetic or numb cream.

“It can look like small bites or needles crossing the skin, but the pain is generally soft. The cooling air is used throughout the procedure to help with comfort and keep the skin cool,” said plug.

Laser resurfacing can cause infection, pain, scars or discoloration of the skin. After the procedure, your skin may look red, swollen, crying or crisp.

“The post-procedure recovery process is generally like a sunburn reaction. Patients are advised to practice soft skin care, including soft washing and the application of thick and post-procedures creams,” said Bourcher.

It is generally recommended to obtain these procedures in the fall or winter, as you should avoid the sun for two weeks later, she added.