How CO2 laser resurfacing differs in skin of colour

Melanin-producing cells can respond to heat and healing inflammation with uneven pigment. This may appear as darkening after treatment, lightening in treated areas, or a noticeable difference between treated and untreated skin. The possibility is influenced by your natural skin tone, any history of dark marks after spots or injuries, the treatment depth, and whether your skin is currently irritated.

A fractional approach may leave small untreated bridges of skin between treatment columns, while a fully ablative treatment removes more surface skin. The appropriate choice depends on the concern, texture, recovery time and pigment history. A consultation should include examination of active acne, eczema, infection and previous reactions.

Tell the clinician about recent tanning, pigment treatments, retinoids, exfoliating products, cold-sore history and medicines that affect healing. Use the prescribed preparation exactly as directed, avoid picking or peeling healing skin, and protect the area from daylight with the recommended sunscreen and physical covering. Do not add new acids, scrubs or lightening products during recovery unless your clinician approves them.

Ask which laser depth is planned, how pigment changes will be monitored, and what to do if redness, crusting or colour change increases. A clinician experienced with your skin tone can adjust energy, spacing and follow-up rather than applying a fixed setting.

Contact your treating clinic promptly if pain is worsening, redness is spreading, swelling is severe, blisters develop, or the area produces pus or an unpleasant smell. Seek urgent medical care for fever, rapidly worsening facial swelling, breathing difficulty or eye pain. Report new dark or pale patches that continue to expand or do not begin settling as healing progresses.

What experience do you have treating my skin tone with CO2 laser? Which treatment depth and recovery plan fit my concern? How will you reduce and monitor pigment change? Which products should I stop, restart or avoid?