Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it’s one of the first parts of your physical appearance others will notice about you—and it’s what makes a first impression about your health and age.
In your effort to maintain its vibrancy, you have two approaches: There are the steps you can take as part of a daily skincare routine, and then there are noninvasive procedures like laser skin resurfacing, which can make dramatic improvements in a skin’s texture and appearance. Unlike Botox, which relaxes the muscles and prevents wrinkle formation, laser skin resurfacing is a procedure that can smooth texture and improve overall pigmentation.
From a lay perspective, these approaches might seem like different approaches to the same problem, except at-home skincare is simpler and more affordable, whereas laser skin resurfacing is more powerful but more expensive. The reality, however, is that they both have a purpose and a place in maintaining healthy skin.
According to Dr. Henry Sandel of Sandel Duggal Center for Plastic Surgery, laser skin resurfacing achieves what at-home skincare can’t, even when you’re doing it properly and consistently.
“At-home skin care routines are vital to keeping your skin in optimal health,” he says. “Developing a good routine with the help of a medical aesthetician can slow the process of aging and help reduce the signs of sun damage. However, if you truly want to make a significant change in your skin, CO2 laser skin resurfacing will physically remove unhealthy skin, allowing for new smoother and clearer skin to grow back in its place.”
The CO2 laser is one of many types of lasers used in resurfacing and it’s what Sandel describes as the “gold standard” when it comes to this type of procedure.
Per the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a CO2 laser—that is, a carbon dioxide laser—is a type of ablative laser, which uses a targeted beam of energy to break down the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis) and heat the underlying skin (the dermis). It also stimulates the growth of collagen, a type of protein responsible for our skin’s texture and firmness. When the skin heals, it will be smoother, tighter, and more consistently pigmented. Other types of lasers used for resurfacing include non-ablative lasers, which are less aggressive and will often have a shorter recovery time.
While the procedure does require a break for recovery, usually about a week, it’s able to achieve what Sandel describes as “exceptional results that last for years,” and it’s in those following years that at-home skincare—the routine most people do twice a day after cleansing their skin—comes into play. As Sandel puts it, “Laser procedures will make an immediate difference in your skin, which can then be maintained with at-home skin care routines.”
But it’s not just the degree of improvement that makes laser skin resurfacing worthwhile for those who undergo it. There’s a precision to it. The procedure lets doctors target specific concerns, whether those are wrinkles, scars, or hyperpigmentation, in a way that even a medicated serum or toner can’t.
This targeting is one of the reasons resurfacing is best for addressing specific problems with your skin—not glossing over small vanity blemishes. While most people have some level of concern about their skin, resurfacing can have side effects like inflammation, swelling, and itchiness during the recovery period, according to the Mayo Clinic, so it might not be best for everyone.
The patients who are the best fit? Sandel says those with sun damage are the ones who can benefit from laser skin resurfacing the most. “These patients typically have fair skin and show signs of aging with fine lines, brown spots, and texture changes,” he says. “Treatments can be tailored to the individual with a gentler resurfacing for younger patients looking for tighter skin, to deeper treatments for those with significant sun damage and precancerous skin.”
Once you go from dramatic improvement with laser resurfacing to maintaining with at-home skincare, it’s best to consult an aesthetician who can give you advice based on your skin type.
“There is no single skin care routine or product that can be used to give great results to everyone,” Sandel says. “Everyone’s skin is different. From thin, dry skin to thick, oily skin and everything in between, they all need to be treated in specialized ways.”
If you have specific skin concerns and are trying to decide whether laser resurfacing is the best option, consult with a surgeon, aesthetician, or dermatologist.
However, a few factors to consider:
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Pros: Dramatic Results: Reduces deep wrinkles, scars, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation far more effectively than over-the-counter products. Stimulates Collagen: Encourages long-term skin tightening and elasticity improvements. Precision: Targets specific problem areas with controlled depth and intensity
Cons: Cost: Can range from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars, depending on the type of laser and area treated. Downtime: Redness, peeling, and sensitivity may last a few days to a few weeks depending on treatment depth. Risk of Side Effects: Includes infection, burns, scarring, or changes in skin pigmentation—especially if not done properly
At-Home Skincare Routine
Pros: Affordable and Accessible: Products range widely in price and are easy to use at your convenience. Minimal Risk: When used correctly, side effects are usually mild (e.g. irritation, dryness). Daily Maintenance: Supports long-term skin health, hydration, and barrier repair. Customizable: Easily adjusted based on changing skin needs, concerns, or seasons
Cons: Slower, Subtle Results: Takes weeks to months to see results, and often won’t dramatically change deep lines or scars. Limited Penetration: Most products only affect the outer layers of skin, with limited ability to stimulate collagen deeply. Product Overload or Misinformation: Mixing the wrong products can damage skin or reduce effectiveness (e.g. retinol with AHAs/BHAs). Requires Consistency: Missing steps or being inconsistent can stall progress
Which One Should You Choose?
If your goal is…
Dramatic anti-aging results: laser resurfacing
Budget-friendly maintenance: at-home routine
Treating acne scars or deep pigmentation: laser resurfacing
Daily hydration and prevention: at-home routine
