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CO2 laser: the best skin improvement, but not without risks

Blog post
Dr. Frodo Gaymans
Geplaatst op 
25/3/2025
 -  
Skin therapy

The CO2 laser is often presented on social media and even by some healthcare professionals as a simple and safe solution for skin rejuvenation.
The promise? Smooth, tighter skin in one treatment. But what is often not mentioned is that this treatment is not without risks. Pigmentation spots, prolonged redness and hypersensitivity can occur, especially if you do not prepare the skin properly.

It is tempting to see the CO2 laser as a quick fix, but in reality, this treatment requires a careful approach.
Without the right preparation, you can have long-term problems that you may not be able to foresee right now. Think of permanent skin irritations, pigment shifts and a delayed recovery process.

Why the CO2 laser is not suitable as a separate treatment

The CO2 laser works by evaporating the top layer of the skin, causing the skin to rebuild. This process provides a rejuvenating effect, but also involves a high level of stress for the skin.

What can go wrong without good preparation?

  • Pigmentation spots — Damaged skin is extremely sensitive to sunlight, which can cause hyperpigmentation.
  • Long-term redness and sensitivity — Some people remain red and hypersensitive for months, especially if the skin was not sufficiently resilient prior to treatment.
  • Delayed recovery — Unhealthy or unprepared skin has trouble regenerating, so downtime can take much longer than expected.
  • Uneven skin texture — If the skin is not in optimal condition, the end result may look blotchy or uneven.

The CO2 laser is therefore not suitable as a one-off treatment. At Clinic Doctor Frodo, we only carry out this treatment within a controlled process, so that we minimize complications and guarantee the best results.

How to optimally prepare your skin for the CO2 laser

Strong skin recovers better and faster. That is why good preparation is essential. At Clinic Doctor Frodo, we always combine the CO2 laser with a preliminary phase to strengthen the skin and minimize the risk of side effects.

  • Good skin care - By strengthening the skin barrier with active ingredients such as antioxidants and retinol, the skin becomes more resilient.
  • Regular skin treatments — Treatments such as peels and nourishing therapies ensure that the skin is in top condition before the CO2 laser is used.
  • RF microneedling & IPL — These treatments help to gradually improve the skin and reduce pigmentation problems, so that the CO2 laser has a more controlled effect.
  • Sunlight protection — A well-prepared process also means that the skin is less sensitive to pigmentation after treatment.

We work with us SkinBoost Program to prepare your skin for the CO2 laser in a safe and effective way.

Why we believe SkinBoost is essential for a safe and beautiful result

Think of the CO2 laser as an intensive effort for your skin — just like a top athlete doesn't start a competition without training, your skin needs to be prepared for this treatment. Unprepared skin recovers slower, stays red longer and is more likely to develop unwanted pigmentation.

What do you achieve with this approach?

  • Shorter downtime — Well-prepared skin heals faster and with less discomfort.
  • Less risk of complications — By making the skin stronger beforehand, we lower the risk of hyperpigmentation and redness.
  • Long-lasting, better results - The effect of the CO2 laser stays visible longer if the skin is in top condition beforehand.

A CO2 laser treatment may sound simple, but without the right approach, the consequences can be permanent. At Clinic Doctor Frodo, we take no risks.

Do you want to undergo a CO2 laser treatment in the safest and most effective way? Schedule a consultation and find out how we can optimally prepare your skin.