Common Facial Laser Treatments; What They Are and How They Work

“Laser treatment” is one of the most searched terms in aesthetics, and one of the most misunderstood. It’s often used as a blanket term for a range of very different technologies, each with its own mechanism, target concern, and recovery profile. If you’ve been told you might benefit from a laser treatment, or if you’re researching options on your own, understanding the differences helps you ask better questions and make a more informed decision.

Here’s a plain-language overview of the most common facial laser and energy-based treatments offered at The Skinn Suite in Burbank and what each one actually does.

 IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

IPL is technically not a laser; it uses broad-spectrum light rather than a single wavelength, which is why it’s sometimes called a “photofacial” rather than a laser treatment. That broad spectrum allows it to target multiple concerns simultaneously: pigmentation, redness, broken capillaries, rosacea, and uneven tone.

Because IPL delivers energy across a range of wavelengths rather than focusing on one target, it’s well-suited for overall skin rejuvenation. It’s also associated with minimal downtime mild redness for a day or two in most cases.

IPL works best for patients with visible sun damage, diffuse redness, or uneven skin tone. It is less effective for hair removal than dedicated laser devices, and results for darker or tanned skin tones require careful assessment due to the risk of targeting melanin in the skin rather than the concern being treated.

Learn more about IPL treatment in Burbank at The Skinn Suite.

Vascular Laser

Vascular lasers use a specific wavelength of light that targets hemoglobin, the pigment in blood vessels. This makes them particularly effective for treating visible vascular concerns: spider veins, broken capillaries, port wine stains, rosacea-related redness, and cherry angiomas.

Unlike IPL, which scatters light across a broad spectrum, vascular lasers deliver focused energy to a precise target. This specificity makes them more effective for concentrated vascular lesions that IPL may not address as completely.

Treatment is typically short, and most patients experience redness and mild swelling in the treated area for a day or two following their session. Spider veins and broken capillaries often respond after one to two treatments, though more extensive concerns may require additional sessions.

Learn more about vascular laser treatment in Burbank at The Skinn Suite.

CO2 Laser Resurfacing

CO2 laser resurfacing is one of the most powerful resurfacing treatments available. It uses a carbon dioxide laser to remove the outer layers of the skin in a controlled way, stimulating significant collagen production and revealing new skin as the treated area heals.

CO2 resurfacing addresses deeper concerns than IPL or vascular laser: moderate to deep wrinkles, significant sun damage, acne scarring, and skin laxity. Because it removes layers of skin, it comes with more substantial downtime typically one to two weeks of healing and requires careful aftercare and sun avoidance during recovery.

The results can be more dramatic than lighter treatments, but the level of intervention also means CO2 resurfacing is not appropriate for all skin types or tones without careful assessment. A thorough consultation is essential before this treatment.

Learn more about CO2 laser resurfacing in Burbank at The Skinn Suite.

Forma; Radiofrequency Skin Tightening

Forma is not strictly a laser; it uses radiofrequency (RF) energy rather than light. However, it’s often grouped with laser treatments because it’s an energy-based device used for skin improvement.

Radiofrequency energy heats the deeper layers of the skin without disrupting the surface, stimulating collagen production and improving skin firmness over time. Forma is commonly used for mild to moderate skin laxity particularly around the eyes, jawline, and neck and is known for being comfortable with no downtime.

Results from Forma are gradual and cumulative, developing over a series of treatments as new collagen forms. It’s a good option for patients who want to address early skin laxity without the downtime of more intensive treatments.

Learn more about Forma treatment in Burbank at The Skinn Suite.

How to Know Which Treatment Is Right for You

The right laser or energy-based treatment depends entirely on what you’re trying to address:

• Uneven tone, pigmentation, or diffuse redness: IPL is often the starting point
• Spider veins, broken capillaries, or concentrated vascular lesions: vascular laser
• Deeper wrinkles, significant sun damage, or acne scarring: CO2 resurfacing
• Mild to moderate skin laxity or loss of firmness: Forma or Morpheus8

Many patients benefit from more than one treatment at different points for example, IPL to address tone, and Forma to address firmness. The most practical way to figure out which combination makes sense for your skin is through a consultation with a provider who works with all of these technologies.

For a closer look at how light-based treatments like IPL compare to other options, our post on IPL vs chemical peel covers how the two approaches differ for skin tone concerns.

Schedule a consultation at The Skinn Suite in Burbank to discuss your skin goals and find out which laser or energy-based treatment fits your needs.