If you’re exploring ways to refresh your skin—reduce wrinkles, even out texture, target discoloration, or improve firmness—you’ve likely come across a variety of laser and energy-based treatments. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one is right for your skin?
Laser technology has evolved rapidly, offering powerful, customizable tools for treating everything from acne scars and sun damage to fine lines and skin laxity. Whether you’re new to lasers or comparing the different types of laser treatments, this guide breaks down the options, what they’re best for, and how to choose the right solution based on your goals.
Understanding Laser and Energy-Based Treatment Categories
Before diving into individual lasers, it’s helpful to understand the categories that define how they work.
Ablative vs. Non-Ablative Lasers
- Ablative lasers (like CO2) remove the outer layers of skin to trigger significant resurfacing and collagen regeneration.
- Non-ablative lasers (like Frax 1550 or Clear + Brilliant) heat the deeper skin layers without harming the surface, stimulating collagen with less downtime.
Fractional vs. Non-Fractional Lasers
- Fractional lasers treat tiny micro-zones of skin, leaving surrounding tissue intact to speed healing.
- Non-fractional lasers target the full skin surface, which may result in more downtime but broader coverage.
Radiofrequency & Ultrasound-Based Treatments
Not all energy-based devices are lasers. Radiofrequency (RF) and ultrasound technologies stimulate collagen and tighten skin without using light energy. These options are ideal for non-surgical skin lifting and firming.
Skin Resurfacing & Rejuvenation Lasers
These laser treatments are designed to improve texture, tone, and overall skin quality. They’re among the best lasers for fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars.
CO2 Laser (Ablative Fractional)
The CO2 Laser is considered the gold standard for deep resurfacing. It removes outer layers of skin and triggers new collagen for a smoother, tighter surface.
- Best for: Deep wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, loose skin
- Downtime: 7–10 days
- Why it’s effective: It combines ablative and fractional technology to deliver powerful skin renewal.
Frax 1940 & Frax 1550 (Non-Ablative Fractional)
These dual-wavelength lasers target both the superficial and deeper layers of the skin, making them ideal for moderate resurfacing.
- Best for: Mild to moderate wrinkles, acne scars, texture issues
- Downtime: Minimal (1–3 days)
- Why it’s effective: Stimulates collagen while keeping skin surface intact for faster healing.
Clear + Brilliant (Non-Ablative Fractional)
Clear + Brilliant is a gentler option designed for early signs of aging and skin maintenance.
- Best for: Preventative aging, fine lines, tone correction
- Downtime: 1–2 days
- Why it’s effective: Great for ongoing skin health and glow with minimal recovery.
Tixel (Thermal Fractional)
Tixel uses controlled heat—not light—to create micro-injuries that stimulate collagen.
- Best for: Fine lines, acne scars, tightening
- Downtime: 1–3 days
- Why it’s effective: Offers fractional-like results without laser energy, ideal for sensitive skin.
Pigmentation & Vascular Lasers
If you’re dealing with uneven skin tone, sun spots, or redness from rosacea, these options target pigmentation and blood vessels.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
Though not a true laser, IPL is highly effective for broad pigmentation correction and vascular issues.
- Best for: Sun damage, freckles, redness, IPL for sun damage
- Downtime: Mild redness for 1–3 days
- How it works: Broad-spectrum light targets pigment and blood vessels without damaging surrounding tissue.
GentleMax Pro (Nd:YAG + Alexandrite)
This dual-wavelength laser system offers both deep and surface-level correction.
- Best for: Pigmented lesions, vascular conditions, redness
- Downtime: Minimal
- How it works: Nd:YAG targets deeper issues; Alexandrite is better for lighter, superficial concerns.
Skin Tightening & Collagen-Boosting Treatments
Want firmer, lifted skin without surgery? These non-laser options deliver energy to deeper tissues to encourage collagen regeneration and elasticity.
Ultherapy (Ultrasound-Based)
Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound to stimulate deep collagen production, particularly in the SMAS layer—the same area targeted in facelifts.
- Best for: Mild to moderate sagging in the face, neck, and chest
- Downtime: None
- Why it’s effective: Results build gradually over 3–6 months, offering natural lifting.
Profound RF (Radiofrequency Microneedling)
This treatment combines radiofrequency energy with microneedles to deeply treat skin laxity and wrinkles.
- Best for: Deep wrinkles, sagging skin
- Downtime: 5–7 days of swelling and redness
- Why it’s effective: Delivers collagen stimulation where it’s needed most.
Vivace RF (Radiofrequency Microneedling)
Similar to Profound RF, but with more gentle treatment levels for early signs of aging.
- Best for: Fine lines, early skin laxity, acne scars
- Downtime: 1–3 days
- Why it’s effective: Combines skin-tightening and smoothing with minimal recovery.
Specialty Laser & Energy-Based Treatments
Some concerns go beyond facial aesthetics—and the right laser can help with those, too.
Intima (CO2 for Feminine Rejuvenation)
Using fractional CO2 energy, Intima improves vaginal health and tightness.
- Best for: Vaginal laxity, dryness, mild urinary incontinence
- Downtime: Mild sensitivity; no significant downtime
- Why it’s effective: Stimulates collagen and tissue renewal in intimate areas.
MiraDry (Microwave-Based)
This FDA-cleared treatment permanently reduces underarm sweat by targeting sweat glands.
- Best for: Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
- Downtime: Mild swelling and tenderness for a few days
- Why it’s effective: Non-invasive and permanent solution for sweat control.
Choosing the Right Treatment for Your Skin Goals
It’s not just about choosing the “most powerful” treatment—it’s about choosing the right one for your concerns, skin type, and downtime preferences.
| Skin Concern | Best Treatments |
| Deep wrinkles, skin texture | CO2, Frax 1550, Profound RF |
| Fine lines, prevention | Clear + Brilliant, Vivace RF |
| Pigmentation, redness | IPL, GentleMax Pro |
| Sagging or laxity | Ultherapy, Profound RF, Vivace RF |
| Sweating or intimate health | MiraDry, Intima |
Consultation & Personalized Treatment Plans
Choosing between the types of laser treatments for your face—whether you’re comparing IPL vs CO2 laser, or looking for the best laser for deep wrinkles—comes down to your individual goals, skin history, and comfort level with downtime.
At Be You Medical, our team of experts takes the guesswork out of the process. We’ll assess your skin, review your concerns, and design a customized plan that aligns with your aesthetic vision and lifestyle.
We often combine treatments—like pairing Clear + Brilliant with IPL or adding radiofrequency microneedling after laser resurfacing—to deliver more comprehensive, longer-lasting results.
Final Thoughts
There’s no universal “best laser” for every face—just the best one for you. Whether you’re looking to refresh, restore, or renew, laser and energy-based treatments offer proven, safe, and personalized ways to get there.
Curious which one is right for your skin? Schedule a consultation for expert guidance and explore your options for laser treatment in Sacramento. At Be You Medical, we’re here to help you look refreshed, radiant, and completely confident—just as you are, only glowier.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Treatments
Q: What is the best laser for deep wrinkles?
The best laser for deep wrinkles is often the CO2 laser, which removes layers of damaged skin and promotes intense collagen regeneration. For those seeking less downtime, Profound RF is also effective for deep wrinkles and skin laxity.
Q: What laser treatment is best for skin texture?
Frax 1550 or Clear + Brilliant are top choices for improving rough or uneven skin texture. These fractional, non-ablative lasers stimulate collagen and resurface the skin gradually.
Q: Can darker skin tones safely get laser treatments?
Yes—but it’s important to choose the right laser. Nd:YAG lasers are safest for medium to deep skin tones because they target deeper layers without being absorbed by melanin, reducing the risk of hyperpigmentation.
Q: How long do laser treatment results last?
Results vary depending on the treatment. Ablative lasers like CO2 may offer results that last several years, especially when paired with good skincare. Non-ablative options typically require maintenance treatments every 6–12 months.
