What to know about CO2 laser resurfacing in skin of colour

CO2 resurfacing removes or heats controlled columns of skin to prompt remodelling. In deeper skin tones, the healing response can stimulate extra pigment, causing darkening or, less often, lighter patches after treatment. This change may be temporary or prolonged and can be more noticeable than the original concern.

The treatment may be ablative or fractional, with different depths and recovery demands. Active acne, eczema, infection, recent tanning, a history of raised scars or medicines that affect healing can change whether it is appropriate.

Choose a qualified medical practitioner experienced in treating your skin tone, and ask for a diagnosis before treating pigmentation or scars. Discuss the exact laser mode, energy, treatment depth, test area, expected recovery and a plan for pigment prevention. Avoid tanning and disclose every medicine, supplement, skincare product and history of cold sores or abnormal scarring.

After treatment, use the prescribed cleanser, ointment and sunscreen routine. Do not peel flakes or crusts. Limit heat, friction and unprotected sun exposure while the surface heals, and restart active skincare only when your clinician says the skin barrier is ready.

Contact the treating clinic promptly if pain, swelling, redness or warmth is worsening rather than settling, or if there is pus, spreading crusting, fever or a new blistering eruption. Seek urgent care for breathing difficulty, rapidly increasing facial swelling or eye pain or vision change.

Report pigment changes that continue to deepen, sharply defined pale areas, or delayed healing. Do not apply unapproved bleaching agents, steroid creams or antiseptics over treated skin without medical advice.

Ask how your skin tone and medical history affect the settings, whether a test spot is sensible, which pigment-prevention steps are planned, and who will manage a darker or lighter patch if it appears. Clarify the expected downtime and your follow-up schedule.