How Laser Facials Work: A Complete Guide to Skin Rejuvenation

We all want to look like the best versions of ourselves, no matter our age and circumstances. One way to enhance our beauty is by setting an appointment at a beauty clinic and undergoing an appropriate treatment plan there.

Many cosmetic care specialists prescribe laser facials because they offer deeper and more restorative care than a simple skincare routine. These treatments work beneath the skin’s surface, stimulating bodily compounds that help hide imperfections and pave the way for smoother and more flawless-looking skin.

If you’re curious to learn more about laser facials and how they work, then you’re in the right place. This article will walk you through all you need to know about laser facials and how they can help rejuvenate the skin and make it look youthful and vibrant.

At Touched By An Angel Beauty School (TBA), our esthetics training helps future skincare professionals learn the science and clinical techniques behind treatments like these, preparing them to work confidently with clients.

Let’s jump right into it.

What Exactly Is a Laser Facial?

With many different types of facial treatments available, it can get disorienting trying to differentiate them all. And if you’re in that dilemma, let’s clear it up for you.

At its core, a laser facial, also called a laser resurfacing procedure, uses a highly focused beam of light to precisely target the skin’s surface and underlying layers, triggering controlled repair and regeneration.

The special laser device calibrates light energy into the skin. This disrupts damaged skin cells, allowing them to shed and fall out. However, this disruption is beneficial, as this process stimulates the growth of a new layer of healthy tissue and collagen. 

A laser facial is an excellent treatment option for patients dealing with a plethora of skin issues that traditional home remedies can’t immediately resolve. For instance, it can help clear pigmentation, acne scars, and minimise pores. It can also smooth out fine lines and uneven textures, making the skin look more radiant and healthier as a result.

With that said, laser facials don’t just treat existing concerns; they also strengthen the skin over time. Collagen production continues to increase months after the initial treatment, provided that the individual takes care of their skin throughout the process. These treatments are also pain-free, prompting only a warm stinging sensation that’s reminiscent of a small electric shock. 

In any case, the laser type used can also be switched around based on the individual’s pain tolerance, so you don’t have to pick a very strong one if you’re particularly sensitive. The side effects are also minimal and short-lived, so you can rest easy knowing that an appointment will only require minimal post-recovery downtime.

Types of Laser Facials and What They Target

There are two main types of laser facials: ablative and non-ablative. While they both rejuvenate the skin, they work at different intensities and target different concerns. 

Ablative lasers remove the skin’s top layer directly. This laser type is ideal for deep wrinkles, pimple scars, and sun damage. It does this by vaporising damaged tissue and creating micro-injuries on the skin’s surface. This prompts the skin to regenerate fresh and smooth layers. However, downtime tends to be quite long following this treatment session.

On the other hand, non-ablative lasers target the dermis, which lies beneath the skin’s surface. This laser doesn’t touch the outer layer. Instead, it stimulates collagen production and improves skin elasticity by targeting deep beneath the surface. This treatment has a relatively low downtime, making it ideal for patients who want results without interrupting their daily routine.

Both these lasers are effective in keeping the skin looking clean, sharp, and flawless. The main difference is the recovery timeline and where the laser targets. If you want to know more about the difference, it’s best to be in touch with a cosmetic specialist so they can give you tailored advice. Learn more about CO2 laser with Contour Clinics.

At TBA, students study laser technology theory inside advanced esthetics courses, learning when each modality is appropriate and how trained professionals guide client expectations safely.

What Happens During a Laser Facial Treatment Session

If you’re keen to have a laser treatment for your face, then you’re in for something good. It’s an established, safe, and non-invasive way to uplift your face and keep it blemish-free. 

That being said, if you’re still a little bit apprehensive over the whole thing, then worry not. Here’s what to expect when you go through a laser facial treatment session.

1.     Initial Assessment: The first thing your clinician will do is assess your skin and medical history. They’ll ask you questions and perform a series of tests to see your skin sensitivity and the ideal laser type and intensity to fit your needs.

2.     Cleansing Preparations: The skin is cleansed and stripped of its makeup and oil. The cosmetic care specialist will apply a cooling solution to the gel. You may also be given a numbing cream for higher-intensity lasers.

3.     Eye Protection: You’ll be given protective goggles to shield your eyes.

4.     Laser Application: The clinician will glide the laser over the treatment area. They’ll shine light on your skin’s surface at controlled intervals. This will feel like a stinging sensation.

5.     Cooling Treatment: You will then be given a cooling device or cold pack to soothe your skin after the treatment.

6.     Post-Treatment Briefing: You will be given instructions about how to treat your skin following the procedure. This may mean moisturising using a special moisturiser, avoiding heat, and limiting sunscreen use, among other specific instructions.

Following treatment, you may experience some slight side effects depending on the laser you’re using. 

Some of the most likely reactions include temporary redness, mild swelling, a burning sensation, and slight sensitivity in the treated area. These effects are completely normal and are part of the healing process. But if you do feel prolonged pain, you can consult your clinician for further assistance.

At Touched By An Angel Beauty School, students practice pre-procedure skin assessments, client communication, after-care coaching, and treatment-room professionalism, giving clients real value while giving students real experience under licensed supervision.

3 Alternative Ways to Rejuvenate the Skin

While laser facials are effective in stimulating deep skin repair, they’re not the only option available. Other facial rejuvenation treatments exist and can aid in skin rejuvenation.

Here are some of the most popular and effective facial treatment plans you may find in your local cosmetic care clinic.

1.    Chemical Peels

Chemical peels help brighten skin tone and dissolve dead cells. This is achieved through strong acids found in the chemical peel. Just as with laser treatment, some acids come in varying intensities and formulations that target different areas of the skin.

For instance, lighter peels that contain glycolic or lactic acid only hit the skin’s surface, but still effectively correct dullness and uneven tone. Medium-depth peels also exist and can address pigmentation and texture problems. Formulations with harsher acids in the peels hit the dermis, helping to keep the face clear and blemish-free for longer.

2.              Microneedling

Microneedling rejuvenates the skin by creating controlled micro-injuries using very small needles. These injuries trigger the body’s natural healing response. 

As a result, collagen and elastin, two vital proteins responsible for skin firmness and elasticity, regenerate at a faster rate. This accelerated healing leads to noticeable improvements, whether it’s fine lines softening, pores appearing tighter, or overall texture becoming smoother and more refined.

3.              Facelift

If you don’t mind getting a surgical procedure, then undergoing a facelift is a classic way to create a youthful appearance. This cosmetic procedure targets deeper structural layers that topical treatments can’t easily reach.

This particular treatment may be prescribed to individuals experiencing sagging and deep folds. It has great results, but recovery can take a long time. On top of that, a facelift reshapes the face itself, so the approach is fundamentally different.

However, if you’re focused on looking like taking years off your face, then a facelift is a great way to achieve a youthful appearance, no questions asked. 

Final Thoughts

We hope that you’ve learned about the perks of facial rejuvenation with facial lasers and other forms of skin treatment. All the best in your journey to achieving smooth and youthful skin!

Ready to explore esthetics as a career or experience student-performed rejuvenation under supervision?

Visit Touched By An Angel Beauty School to book services or enroll now in our Esthetic programs, where future professionals are trained in modern skincare treatment approaches.

Want expert-backed insight?

Our programs are taught by certified educators and licensed professionals, giving both students and clients real authority-level skincare knowledge and outcomes.