If you are considering CO2 laser treatment, it is natural to have questions about how to prepare. CO2 laser is a more advanced skin treatment, so what you do before your appointment can play an important role in how supported and ready your skin feels.
Before treatment, your skin needs to be properly assessed, your suitability needs to be considered and your clinician may recommend steps to help prepare your skin beforehand.
At That Face Place, we take a careful and personalised approach to CO2 laser treatment because no two skins are exactly the same.
Start with a consultation
The first step before CO2 laser treatment is a consultation. This allows your clinician to assess your skin, understand your concerns and determine whether CO2 laser is appropriate for you.
During consultation, your clinician may look at your skin type, skin tone, skin barrier, medical history, current skincare, previous treatments, sun exposure and the concern you are wanting to address.
If you are still researching the treatment, you can learn more about CO2 laser treatment at That Face Place.
Review your current skincare
Before CO2 laser, your clinician may review what you are currently using on your skin. This is important because some active ingredients may need to be paused before treatment, depending on your skin and the products involved.
Your skin may also need support if it is feeling dry, sensitive, irritated or over treated.
The goal is to have your skin as calm and prepared as possible before treatment. Sometimes this means simplifying your routine, supporting your barrier and avoiding products that may make the skin more reactive.
Avoid unnecessary sun exposure
Sun exposure is one of the biggest things to be mindful of before CO2 laser. Recently tanned, sunburnt or heat affected skin may not be suitable for treatment.
On the Gold Coast, this is especially important because incidental sun exposure can happen easily, even when you are not planning a beach day.
Before treatment, it is best to be consistent with sun protection, including sunscreen, hats and avoiding unnecessary time in direct sun where possible.
Do not book too close to an event
CO2 laser can involve downtime, so timing matters. Depending on the treatment intensity and your individual skin response, you may experience redness, swelling, warmth, sensitivity, peeling or flaking after treatment.
It is best not to book CO2 laser right before a wedding, holiday, photoshoot, special event or anything where you need your skin to look settled quickly.
Your clinician can guide you on what kind of downtime may be expected for your treatment plan.
Tell your clinician about medications and medical history
Before CO2 laser, it is important to be open about your medical history, medications, skin conditions, previous treatments and any history of cold sores or pigmentation concerns.
This helps your clinician assess whether treatment is suitable and whether any extra preparation may be needed.
Certain medications, medical conditions, recent treatments or skin histories may affect whether CO2 laser is appropriate for you at that time.
Avoid changing too much right before treatment
In the lead up to CO2 laser, it is usually best not to suddenly introduce lots of new skincare, strong actives or other treatments unless your clinician has recommended them.
New products can sometimes cause irritation, dryness or sensitivity, which may not be ideal before a more advanced treatment.
If you are unsure whether to continue or pause something, it is always best to check with your clinician first.
Follow any pre treatment instructions
Your clinician may give you specific pre treatment instructions based on your skin, treatment area and suitability. These instructions are designed to help support your skin and reduce unnecessary irritation before your appointment.
This may include avoiding certain skincare ingredients, limiting sun exposure, pausing some treatments or preparing your skin with a more supportive routine.
Following these instructions carefully is an important part of the process.
Understand the aftercare before you book
Before having CO2 laser, it is helpful to understand what the aftercare may involve. Your skin may need gentle care, sun protection and a break from active skincare while it settles.
You may also need to avoid heat, exercise, makeup, swimming or certain activities for a period of time, depending on your clinician’s instructions.
Knowing this before you book can help you plan your treatment at the right time.
Ask about pricing and your treatment plan
The cost of CO2 laser treatment can depend on the area being treated and the type of plan recommended for your skin. This is something that can be discussed during consultation once your skin has been assessed.
If you would like to get a general idea before booking, you can view the clinic’s current treatment pricing.
Can CO2 laser be part of a broader skin plan?
For some clients, CO2 laser may be discussed as part of a broader skin treatment pathway. This does not always mean combining treatments at the same appointment. Sometimes the best approach is to stage treatments over time and allow the skin to recover between each step.
If you are exploring a more complete skin plan, you can read more about how CO2 laser may fit alongside other treatments.
So, what should you do before CO2 laser treatment?
Before CO2 laser treatment, the best first step is a consultation. From there, your clinician can assess your skin, review your skincare, discuss suitability and give you personalised instructions to help prepare for treatment.
You may also need to avoid sun exposure, pause certain products, plan around downtime and make sure your skin is calm and supported before your appointment.
CO2 laser is not a treatment to rush into. With the right preparation and guidance, your skin can be approached in a more considered and personalised way.
With care,
The team at That Face Place x
