If you’re noticing deeper wrinkles, uneven texture, sun spots or simply that your skin isn’t bouncing back like it used to, laser skin treatments offer a nonsurgical solution. Trying to find the best laser treatment for your aging skin, however, can be a daunting task.
In this post, I’ll identify the types of laser treatments available at Houston Dermatology Specialists and explain which technologies are best suited to improve the appearance and health of aging skin. Two of the top options to consider are fractional ablative CO2 lasers and broad-spectrum intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments.
Here’s a clear comparison of both so you can team with us to determine which is the better fit for you.
CO2 Fractional Ablative Laser
Our board-certified dermatologists typically use the FDA-approved CO2RE® laser for skin resurfacing. This carbon dioxide laser uses a focused beam of light at a specific wavelength to remove (ablate) microscopic columns of skin tissue and heat surrounding areas, prompting your body to regenerate skin and produce fresh collagen. Because it’s a fractional instead of fully ablative laser, which removes the skin’s upper layer, it removes only a fraction of the skin’s surface, allowing faster healing. It also stimulates collagen production while generating new cell turnover.
LUCENT IPL
Intense pulsed light is not technically a laser treatment. IPL uses multiple wavelengths of light energy to target pigment, redness, vascular irregularities, and mild texture. Unlike CO2 lasers, which use focused beams, IPL delivers broad-spectrum light to address complexion issues.
Which Is Best for Aging Skin?
The best option depends on your specific concerns.
CO2 fractional laser resurfacing is the powerhouse choice for moderate to severe wrinkles, rough texture, and advanced sun damage. It penetrates deeply, firming and smoothing the skin while improving tone in a way that alternatives, such as microneedling and chemical peels, can’t replicate. Because it remodels collagen at multiple levels, it’s often the go-to treatment for individuals ready to address more pronounced signs of aging, particularly around the eyes, mouth, and cheeks.
LUCENT IPL excels when the main goal is to correct uneven skin tone, redness, or scattered brown spots. It’s ideal for patients who are starting to notice the early signs of photoaging and want to restore radiance without the intensity of a complete resurfacing procedure. IPL is also a favorite for treating visible blood vessels and residual redness from past breakouts or rosacea.
Downtime and Recovery
One of the most significant differences between these treatments lies in recovery time. CO2 fractional laser resurfacing requires a bit more patience. You can expect several days of redness, flaking, and swelling as your skin heals and regenerates. The reward is transformative: a smoother surface, tightened skin, and a youthful glow that continues to improve over the next few months as collagen rebuilds.
LUCENT IPL, by contrast, involves minimal downtime. Most people return to normal activities on the same day, aside from experiencing mild redness or temporary darkening of the treated spots. Because the improvements are gradual, a series of treatments—usually 3 to 6 sessions—is often recommended for optimal results. Each one builds upon the last, progressively refining tone and clarity.
Many patients combine both approaches at different stages of their skin journey, using IPL to maintain a clear, even tone after a deeper resurfacing treatment.
What To Expect
When you book a consultation with one of our board-certified dermatologists, we will assess your skin’s current state, your goals, and your lifestyle (including how much downtime you can tolerate), and discuss the treatment plan. If a CO2 fractional laser treatment is best for you, we’ll walk you through pre-treatment preparation, what to expect during and after the treatment, and recovery protocols. If IPL is selected, we’ll explain the treatment series, describe realistic results, and outline how it fits into your skincare regimen.
A Fresh Start for Your Skin
Both CO2 fractional laser and LUCENT IPL offer powerful methods for rejuvenating aging skin, but they serve different purposes. Think of CO2 as rebuilding the structure beneath the surface, while IPL refines the complexion and evens out tone. Together, they help restore youthful radiance from the inside out.
Call us today at (713) 487-8233 or request a consultation to explore treatment options tailored to your needs.
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