Skin texture is one of those concerns that can be difficult to define but easy to notice. Your skin may feel rough in certain areas, makeup may sit differently than it once did or pores may appear more visible across the nose, cheeks or forehead.
There are many treatments promoted for texture and enlarged pores, but the right approach depends on what is contributing to the concern in the first place.
For some people, CO2 laser treatment may be considered as part of a plan to support smoother, more refined-looking skin. However, suitability depends on your skin type, the condition of your skin, the depth of the concern and your comfort with the expected recovery period.
What Do We Mean by Uneven Skin Texture?
Uneven texture can describe several different changes in the skin. It may include roughness, visible pores, shallow scarring, fine lines or areas where the surface no longer appears as smooth and even as it once did.
Common factors that can affect skin texture include:
- Natural changes in collagen and skin structure
- Sun exposure
- Acne and previous breakouts
- Scarring
- Dehydration
- Congestion and excess oil
- Changes in skin thickness and elasticity
- An impaired or sensitised skin barrier
Because texture can have more than one cause, it is important to understand what is happening within your skin before choosing a treatment.
Our guide to skin texture explores these contributing factors in more detail.
Why Do Pores Become More Visible?
Pores are a normal and essential part of the skin. They do not simply open and close, and no treatment can remove them completely.
However, their appearance can become more noticeable due to several factors.
Genetics plays a significant role in pore size. Oil production, congestion, sun exposure and changes in the supporting structure around the pore can also influence how prominent it appears.
When the surrounding skin becomes less firm or texturally uneven, pores may appear more visible. This is why treating pore appearance often involves looking beyond the pore itself and considering the overall quality and structure of the skin.
How Does CO2 Laser Address Skin Texture?
CO2 laser is a type of ablative skin resurfacing treatment. It delivers controlled laser energy into the skin to create precise treatment zones and support the skin’s natural renewal response.
Fractional CO2 laser works in a patterned way, treating selected areas of the skin while leaving surrounding tissue intact. This allows the treatment to be tailored according to the concern, treatment area and individual skin profile.
As the skin moves through its healing and renewal process, CO2 laser may support improvements in the appearance of:
- Uneven or rough skin texture
- Visible pores
- Fine lines
- Selected types of acne scarring
- Sun-related surface changes
- General skin smoothness
The level of treatment required will not be the same for everyone. Some concerns may require a more conservative approach, while deeper texture changes may need different settings or an alternative treatment plan.
Can CO2 Laser Permanently Remove Enlarged Pores?
No treatment can permanently remove pores. They are a natural part of the skin and serve an important biological function.
The goal of treatment is not to create poreless skin. It is to support smoother-looking skin and improve the surrounding texture so pores may appear less prominent.
Results vary between individuals and may be influenced by genetics, oil production, skincare, sun exposure, ageing and the underlying cause of the visible pores.
A considered treatment plan should set realistic expectations rather than promising perfectly smooth or filtered-looking skin.
Is CO2 Laser Suitable for Every Type of Texture Concern?
Not necessarily.
Texture caused by superficial dehydration or a compromised skin barrier may require skincare and barrier support rather than an advanced resurfacing treatment.
Congestion and active breakouts may need to be managed before stronger treatment is considered. Pigmentation, redness and scarring also require careful assessment because each concern may respond differently.
CO2 laser may be considered when texture changes are connected with concerns such as scarring, visible ageing changes or uneven surface quality. However, the treatment must be appropriate for the person’s skin type, medical history and recovery needs.
This is why a professional assessment is essential before deciding whether CO2 laser is the right option.
Why Clinical Imaging Is Helpful
It can be difficult to assess pores and texture accurately using everyday photographs. Lighting, makeup, camera quality and angles can all change how the skin appears.
At That Face Place, new client consultations include standardised clinical photography and Aura 3D facial analysis.
The Aura system assesses skin texture and pore visibility across different facial zones. This helps our practitioners see how the concern varies between areas rather than treating the entire face as though the skin is the same everywhere.
Clinical photography also creates a consistent baseline that can be referred to during future reviews.
You can learn more about the technology and personalised Face Analysis Report included in our consultation process.
CO2 Laser or Skin Needling for Texture?
Both CO2 laser and skin needling may be considered for concerns involving texture, pores and selected types of scarring, but they work differently.
Skin needling creates controlled microchannels in the skin to support the natural renewal process. It is generally associated with a shorter and less intensive recovery period than CO2 laser.
CO2 laser is a more advanced resurfacing treatment and may be considered where concerns are more established or where a stronger treatment approach is appropriate.
Neither treatment is automatically better. The most suitable option depends on:
- The type and depth of the texture concern
- Your skin type
- Any history of pigmentation changes
- Your current skin condition
- Your preferred level of downtime
- Your previous treatments
- Your goals and expectations
In some cases, another treatment or a staged plan may be more appropriate than either option on its own.
What Should You Expect From CO2 Laser Recovery?
CO2 laser involves a visible recovery period. The length and intensity of this period depend on the treatment settings, area treated and individual skin response.
Following treatment, the skin may appear red and feel warm or sensitive. Swelling, dryness and peeling may also occur as the skin moves through the healing process.
Many clients allow approximately five to ten days away from social commitments, although recovery varies and residual redness may last longer.
Your practitioner will explain the expected recovery before treatment and provide personalised aftercare instructions.
At That Face Place, CO2 laser aftercare includes in-clinic LED light therapy and a complete homecare kit as part of the treatment pathway.
Does One CO2 Laser Treatment Improve Texture?
The number of treatments considered will depend on your skin, the concern being addressed and the level of resurfacing recommended.
Some clients may be assessed for a single treatment, while others may benefit from a staged plan or a combination of treatments over time.
It is also important to remember that skin renewal is gradual. The skin requires time to recover and respond, so changes should be reviewed over an appropriate period rather than immediately after treatment.
The Importance of a Personalised Treatment Plan
Visible pores and uneven texture rarely exist in isolation. They may appear alongside pigmentation, redness, acne scarring, fine lines or changes in skin firmness.
A good consultation should look at how these concerns relate to one another before recommending a treatment.
At That Face Place, CO2 laser treatment is performed by Michelle Beddoes, our dedicated laser and skin specialist. Michelle’s clinical focus includes fractional CO2 laser resurfacing, scarring, complex pigmentation and overall skin quality.
Every new client receives clinical imaging, Aura 3D analysis, a review of their medical and skin history and a personalised assessment before any treatment is scheduled.
The goal is not to recommend the most intensive option. It is to determine what is appropriate for your skin and create a plan that feels considered, realistic and aligned with your long-term skin health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can CO2 laser completely remove enlarged pores?
No. Pores are a normal part of the skin and cannot be permanently removed. CO2 laser may help improve the surrounding skin texture, which can make pores appear less prominent.
How does CO2 laser improve uneven texture?
CO2 laser creates controlled treatment zones in the skin to support resurfacing and natural renewal. As the skin heals, the appearance of selected texture concerns may gradually improve.
Is CO2 laser suitable for acne scarring?
Selected types of acne scarring may be assessed for CO2 laser treatment. Suitability depends on the type and depth of the scarring, your skin type, medical history and current skin condition.
Is skin needling or CO2 laser better for enlarged pores?
Neither option is universally better. Skin needling may suit clients looking for a more conservative treatment with less downtime, while CO2 laser may be considered for more established texture concerns. A consultation is required to determine the most appropriate option.
Can CO2 laser be used if I have pigmentation?
Pigmentation history must be carefully assessed before CO2 laser treatment. Some clients may require skin preparation, an alternative treatment or a different treatment sequence.
How long does it take to see changes in skin texture?
Skin renewal is gradual. The timeframe varies depending on the treatment settings, concern being addressed and individual healing response. Your practitioner will explain when your progress should be reviewed.
Book a CO2 Laser Consultation on the Gold Coast
If enlarged pores, scarring or uneven texture are affecting how your skin looks and feels, the first step is understanding what is contributing to the concern.
That Face Place is located in Palm Beach on the Gold Coast. Our consultation process combines clinical imaging, 3D skin analysis and professional assessment to determine whether CO2 laser treatment may be suitable for your skin.
You can begin with a comprehensive skin and facial analysis consultation and receive a personalised Face Analysis Report to take home.
