Fractional CO₂ resurfacing has been used in skin medicine for many years. CoolPeel is a more recent approach that aims to deliver the resurfacing effect of CO₂ energy while limiting the amount of heat left in the surrounding skin. Whether it’s appropriate for you depends on your skin type, your concerns and your general health, which is why every treatment with us starts with an individual assessment.
How CoolPeel works
CO₂ lasers remove very thin layers of the outer skin in a controlled pattern. CoolPeel uses short, rapid pulses of laser energy. The aim of these short pulses is to treat the surface while reducing the heat that spreads into deeper tissue, which is one of the factors linked to longer recovery after older, fully ablative CO₂ treatments.
As the skin repairs itself after this kind of controlled treatment, the natural healing response includes the production of new collagen (a protein that helps support skin structure). Over the following weeks, this process can lead to changes in the look and feel of the skin’s surface. Responses differ from person to person, and not everyone responds in the same way or to the same degree.
Skin concerns CoolPeel may help with
CoolPeel is sometimes used to help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone and sun-related pigmentation, the look of enlarged pores, uneven skin texture, some acne scarring, and dull or crepey-looking skin.
These are appearance-related concerns rather than medical conditions. How much change a person sees varies, and a single treatment may not be enough to address a particular concern. At your assessment we’ll talk through what’s realistic for your skin and whether CoolPeel or another option is the better fit.
Is CoolPeel suitable for you?
Not everyone is a good candidate for CO₂ laser resurfacing. Your skin tone, how much sun exposure your skin has had, any history of cold sores, certain medications, and whether you’re pregnant or breastfeeding can all affect suitability. People with deeper skin tones can have a higher chance of pigment changes after laser treatment, so this is something we discuss carefully before going ahead.
We assess each person individually because the right treatment depends on the skin in front of us, not on a one-size-fits-all approach. If CoolPeel isn’t suitable for you, we’ll say so and talk through the alternatives.
What to expect during a treatment
Before treatment, we cleanse the skin and may apply a topical numbing cream to help with comfort. During the session, many people describe a warm, prickling sensation. The length of an appointment depends on the area being treated and the settings used for your skin.
Depending on your assessment, CoolPeel may be suitable for the face, neck and chest. We’ll confirm which areas are appropriate for you during your consultation.
Recovery and what to expect afterwards
Recovery after CoolPeel is generally shorter than after older fully ablative CO₂ resurfacing, but this is not a no-downtime treatment and your experience may differ from someone else’s. In the first few days, it’s common to have redness similar to mild sunburn, a rough or sandpaper-like texture, dryness, and some flaking as the surface skin renews.
Some people need longer than this, and the skin can stay pink or sensitive for a period afterwards. You’ll need to keep the area clean, follow the aftercare advice we give you, avoid picking at flaking skin, and protect your skin from the sun using SPF and by limiting sun exposure while it heals. We’ll also talk through any temporary changes to your routine, such as pausing certain skincare products or makeup, so you know what to plan for.
Possible risks and side effects
All laser resurfacing carries some risk. Common and usually temporary effects include redness, swelling, dryness, flaking and increased sensitivity. Less commonly, laser treatment can cause changes in skin pigment (lighter or darker patches), prolonged redness, breakouts, cold sore flare-ups in people who are prone to them, infection, and rarely scarring. The likelihood of some of these effects can be higher for certain skin types.
We go through the risks that are relevant to your skin and circumstances at your consultation, and you’ll have the chance to ask questions before deciding whether to proceed.
Your skin assessment at Herstellen Clinic
Because suitability depends on the individual, every CoolPeel treatment at Herstellen Clinic begins with a complimentary, obligation-free skin assessment. At this appointment we look at your skin, talk through your concerns and medical history, explain what the treatment involves including the risks and recovery, and discuss costs so you can make an informed decision.
