CO2 Laser vs IPL: What Is the Difference?

CO2 laser and IPL are both popular skin treatments, but they are not the same thing.

They are often spoken about together because both are used in skin clinics and both involve light or laser-based technology. However, they work in very different ways, suit different concerns and usually involve different levels of downtime.

If you are trying to decide between CO2 laser treatment and IPL, the best starting point is understanding what each treatment is designed to do.

The simple difference

IPL is generally used for concerns that involve colour in the skin, such as visible pigmentation, redness and sun-related changes.

CO2 laser is a resurfacing treatment. It is usually considered when the concern is more about skin texture, acne scarring, fine lines, roughness or more advanced sun damage.

So, in a very simple way:

IPL is often used for colour-related skin concerns
CO2 laser is often used for resurfacing and texture-related concerns

Of course, skin is never quite that simple. Many people have a mix of concerns, which is why your skin needs to be assessed properly before deciding which treatment is most suitable.

What is IPL?

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light.

Unlike a laser, IPL uses a broad spectrum of light. This means it sends out multiple wavelengths of light rather than one single focused laser wavelength.

IPL may be used as part of a treatment plan for visible pigmentation, redness, uneven tone and some sun-related skin changes. It is often chosen when the main concern is colour in the skin rather than deeper texture changes.

At That Face Place, IPL treatment is planned according to your skin type, concern and suitability. Not every pigmentation or redness concern is best treated with IPL, so consultation is important.

What is CO2 laser?

CO2 laser is an ablative resurfacing treatment.

This means it works by creating controlled resurfacing of the skin. Because of this, it is generally a more intensive treatment than IPL and usually involves more downtime.

CO2 laser may be considered for concerns such as uneven texture, acne scarring, fine lines, sun damage and overall skin quality. It is often used when the skin concern is more structural or textural, rather than simply surface colour.

You can learn more about this treatment on our CO2 laser treatment page.

They work at different levels of the skin

One of the biggest differences between CO2 laser and IPL is the level of treatment.

IPL works by delivering light energy into specific targets in the skin, often colour-related targets such as pigment or redness. It does not resurface the skin in the same way CO2 laser does.

CO2 laser is different because it creates a controlled resurfacing effect. This is why it may be recommended for concerns such as texture, scarring or skin quality where a more intensive approach may be needed.

Which treatment has more downtime?

CO2 laser usually involves more downtime than IPL.

After CO2 laser, the skin may feel warm, tight, tender or sunburn-like. Redness, dryness, flaking and peeling may also occur as the skin moves through the recovery process.

IPL generally has less downtime, although the skin may still appear flushed, warm or slightly sensitive after treatment. Pigmentation may also temporarily darken before it naturally sheds or fades.

The exact recovery time for either treatment depends on your skin, the treatment settings and how your skin responds afterwards.

Which one is better for pigmentation?

IPL may be suitable for some types of visible pigmentation, especially when the concern is sun-related and sitting closer to the surface of the skin.

However, not all pigmentation should be treated the same way. Some pigmentation concerns can be more complex and may worsen if treated incorrectly. This is why your clinician will assess the type of pigmentation, your skin tone, your skin history and any contributing factors before recommending treatment.

CO2 laser may also be discussed in relation to sun damage and skin quality, but it is not simply a pigmentation treatment. It is a resurfacing treatment, so suitability depends on the overall condition of the skin and the goal of treatment.

Which one is better for acne scarring?

CO2 laser is more commonly considered when the concern is acne scarring or uneven texture.

This is because acne scarring usually involves changes in the structure and surface of the skin, rather than just colour. CO2 laser may be used as part of a treatment plan to support the management of textural concerns, depending on the type of scarring and whether the treatment is suitable for your skin.

IPL may help with some colour-related marks, redness or post-inflammatory changes, but it is not usually the first option when the main concern is indented or textural acne scarring.

Which one is better for redness?

IPL may be suitable for some redness-related concerns, depending on the cause of the redness and your skin type.

For example, IPL is often discussed for visible redness, flushing or small surface vessels. However, redness can have many causes, including sensitivity, inflammation, rosacea, barrier impairment or recent irritation.

CO2 laser is not generally chosen as a first-line treatment for redness alone. Because it is a resurfacing treatment, it needs to be considered carefully and may not be appropriate if the skin is already inflamed or reactive.

Which treatment is stronger?

CO2 laser is generally the more intensive treatment.

But stronger does not automatically mean better.

The right treatment depends on the concern being treated. If the issue is mostly pigmentation or redness, IPL may be more appropriate. If the issue is texture, scarring or deeper resurfacing, CO2 laser may be considered.

A good treatment plan is not about choosing the most intense option. It is about choosing the treatment that actually suits your skin.

Can you have both?

Sometimes, but they are usually not done all at once.

Some clients may benefit from both IPL and CO2 laser at different stages of their skin journey. For example, one treatment may be used to address colour-related concerns while another may be considered for texture or resurfacing.

If both treatments are suitable, your clinician will usually plan them in a staged way so the skin has time to recover between appointments.

Doing too much too quickly can increase irritation and compromise the skin barrier, so timing matters.

How do you know which one you need?

The easiest way to think about it is to ask what your main concern is.

If your main concern is pigmentation, redness or uneven tone, IPL may be discussed
If your main concern is texture, acne scarring, fine lines or resurfacing, CO2 laser may be discussed
If you have a combination of concerns, your clinician may recommend a staged treatment plan

Your skin type, sensitivity, treatment history, lifestyle and downtime availability also play a role.

Why consultation matters

CO2 laser and IPL can both be valuable treatments, but they need to be selected carefully.

During consultation, your clinician will assess your skin, talk through your concerns and explain which option may be more suitable. They will also discuss downtime, preparation, aftercare and whether your skin needs to be supported before treatment.

This is especially important if you have sensitive skin, darker skin tones, melasma, active inflammation or a history of pigmentation changes.