Skin Rejuvenation – CO2 laser v Harmony Lasers

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CO₂ vs Harmony Lasers

Laser skin resurfacing has transformed aesthetic dermatology over the last decade. There are so many lasers on the market, but which is right for you?

One of the most popular trending lasers at the moment is the CO₂ laser – which is traditional ablative resurfacing. But lasers don’t need to ablate the surface fully to achieve the results you want. Here we discuss both CO₂ laser benefits and other laser options – such as the Harmony XL Pro – which is a multi platform system.

What is a CO₂ Laser?

CO₂ lasers are either fully ablative lasers that remove (or “vaporise”) layers of damaged skin to reveal fresher tissue beneath. They are highly effective for deep lines, severe sun damage, deep acne scars, and major surface irregularities. Modern fractional ablative CO₂ systems minimise downtime by leaving untouched columns of tissue between treated areas, allowing faster healing than older continuous lasers.

Pros of CO₂ Lasers:

Dramatic results in texture, wrinkles and deep scarring
Stimulates collagen and elastin production
One or two intense treatments can have major effects

Cons of CO₂ lasers:

Longer downtime – redness, peeling and sensitivity can last between 2-4 weeks depending on ablation technique.
Higher risk of side effects, especially in darker skin tones (hyperpigmentation, scarring)
Can be uncomfortable without anaesthesia
Risk of infection if aftercare not followed
Some people find results “too aggressive” or difficult to fit into busy lifestyles (no sun exposure for the full treatment course)

What are Harmony Lasers?

Harmony lasers (especially the Harmony XL Pro platform and its applicators like iPixel and ClearLift) are multi-technology systems that combine different laser wavelengths and treatment styles — from fractional resurfacing to non-ablative rejuvenation.

Some of the key Harmony applications include:

iPixel (fractional erbium resurfacing) – precise micro-ablative resurfacing, with less thermal damage than CO₂ lasers.
Clearlift – a non-ablative option that stimulates collagen without removing surface skin. This laser is very effective at working on volume, fine lines and wrinkles.
Clearskin Pro – can both work on active acne breakouts, scarring from previous acne, and total skin rejuvenation, tightening pores, and supporting firmer, clearer skin
Dye-VL and SR (advanced IPL) – address pigmentation, redness and vascular concerns
NIR – offers an instant glow and lift

Why we chose the Harmony XL Pro over the CO₂ laser at Aqua-Tox

1. Shorter Downtime for Most Patients

Many Harmony treatments are either non-ablative or fractional, meaning they create controlled micro-injuries while leaving more healthy tissue intact. This results in shorter recovery — often just a few days versus a few weeks or more with CO₂.

We can also plan many of our treatments around our customers busy lives including holidays abroad. More extended time out of the sun is needed for fully ablative lasers.

2. Gentler Yet Effective Collagen Stimulation

Harmony laser stimulate the skin’s natural healing response without deeply burning large surface areas. This means:

smoother skin texture
improved tone
smaller pores

without the extended redness and peeling typical CO₂ resurfacing.

3. More Customised and Multi-Purpose Treatments

Because the Harmony XL Pro platform includes a range of laser types (from erbium resurfacing to pigment-targeted wavelengths), practitioners can tailor treatments to multiple concerns in the same session:

fine lines, acne scars, sun damage, redness, and pigmentation. We can use a multiple laser approach which is often our favourite approach to a single laser. We know client don’t have lots of time to commit to appointments so we make the most out of a single visit to the clinic.

4. Suitable for a Wider Range of Skin Types

Erbium-based and non-ablative Harmony options tend to have lower risk of pigmentation changes and scarring, especially in medium to darker skin tones – a known limitation of deeper CO₂ treatments.

5. Comfortable with Minimal Anaesthesia

Many Harmony treatments (like Clearlift) are virtually painless and can be done with little to no anaesthetic, making them more accessible and practical for lunch-time or low-stress sessions.

CO₂ Still Has Its Place — But Not for Everyone

It’s worth noting: CO₂ lasers remain a gold standard for extreme cases — e.g., very deep wrinkles, severe scarring, or major sun damage. Their intense ablative action can produce dramatic, lasting changes when the goal is full, aggressive resurfacing.

Yet for many people seeking noticeable improvement with less downtime and fewer risks, Harmony lasers strike a better balance between outcome and recovery.

Who Might Choose Harmony Over CO₂?

Busy professionals who can’t take weeks off to recover
Patients with mild-moderate skin concerns
Those with sensitive or darker skin who want lower risk
People seeking multi-concern correction in a single platform
Clients looking for gentle rejuvenation with natural-looking results

Choosing the right laser depends on your skin goals, tolerance for downtime, and advice from a qualified practitioner. Unsure of whats right for you or want to discuss laser options further – we offer full skin consultations which can include the Obagi Skin Analysis for just £15 with no commitment. Book online here (insert booking link) to discuss with our qualified laser practioners.

All of these treatments at Aqua-Tox can be booked via our online booking system or by contacting us. Please get in touch with any other questions that we may be able to help with.