Quick answer: CO2 laser for sun damage treats more than spots. A fractional CO2 laser removes thin columns of sun-damaged skin, so age spots darken and flake away in the first week, while new collagen smooths rough texture, fine lines and dullness over the following months. Most clients need one deeper session or 2 to 3 lighter ones, with about 3 to 7 days of downtime. Any new, changing or unusual spot should be checked by a dermatologist before treatment. At Oxygen Med Spa in Orland Park, every plan starts with a free skin analysis. Call (708) 229-8800 or book your skin analysis!
Licensed laser specialists · Advanced medical equipment · Free skin analysis · 14360 S LaGrange Rd, Orland Park, IL
Years of summers outside, beach vacations and daily drives with the sun on one side of the face all add up. By your 40s and 50s, sun damage often shows as brown spots on the cheeks, forehead and hands, a rough or leathery feel, fine lines, larger pores and an uneven, tired tone. Many treatments can lighten a few spots. Fractional CO2 laser is one of the few that treats the spots and the damaged skin around them in the same session. This guide explains how it works, how many sessions to expect, what recovery looks like and what results are realistic.
This guide goes with our fractional CO2 laser resurfacing service. For pricing details, read Fractional CO2 Laser Cost in Orland Park.
Tired of sun spots and rough skin? Your free skin analysis shows whether CO2 or another treatment fits you best. Call (708) 229-8800!
What Sun Damage Does to Your Skin
Ultraviolet light damages skin in two ways. It triggers extra pigment in some areas, which shows up as spots and blotches. It also breaks down collagen and elastin deeper in the skin, which leads to lines, sagging and rough texture. Dermatologists call this combination photoaging.
| Sign of sun damage | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Age spots, also called sun spots or solar lentigines | Flat tan to brown spots on the face, hands, chest and shoulders |
| Uneven tone | Blotchy patches of darker and lighter skin |
| Rough texture | Skin that feels dry, coarse or leathery |
| Fine lines and wrinkles | Lines around the eyes and mouth, crepey skin |
| Larger pores | Visible pores, especially on the cheeks and nose |
| Dullness | Skin that has lost its glow |
How CO2 Laser Treats Sun Damage and Age Spots
A fractional CO2 laser creates thousands of tiny treatment columns in the skin while leaving healthy skin between them. This does two things at once:
- It removes damaged surface skin. Pigment from age spots is carried out with the treated skin. Spots usually turn darker for a few days, then flake off as the skin heals.
- It rebuilds deeper skin. The healing response triggers new collagen and elastin, which improves texture, fine lines and firmness over the next 3 to 6 months.
That is why CO2 is often chosen when spots come with rough texture and lines. A treatment that only targets pigment can lighten spots but does little for the skin around them.
CO2 Laser vs IPL and Peels for Sun Damage
| Treatment | Best for | Downtime | Sessions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fractional CO2 laser | Spots plus texture, lines, pores and crepey skin | About 3 to 7 days | 1 deeper or 2 to 3 lighter |
| IPL photo facial | Brown spots and redness with smooth skin texture | Minimal, spots darken and fade over about a week | Usually a series |
| Chemical peels | Mild spots, tone and surface texture | None to about a week, depending on strength | Often a series |
| Microneedling | Texture and fine lines, limited effect on spots | About 1 to 3 days | A series |
If your main concern is a few brown spots and redness with little texture change, IPL may be the better first step. Read Light Therapy for Sun Spots and Redness. For a full comparison of pigment treatments, see Skin Pigmentation Treatment Options.
A note on melasma
Melasma is a different kind of pigment, often linked to hormones as well as sun. It can worsen with heat and aggressive treatments, so CO2 laser is usually not the first choice for it. Read Best Melasma Treatment Plan at a Med Spa and What’s Actually Causing Your Discoloration.
How Many Sessions You Will Need
Most clients need either one deeper session or a series of 2 to 3 lighter sessions.
| Plan | Who it suits | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| One deeper session | Clients with more sun damage, lines and texture who can take a week of downtime | The biggest change from a single treatment |
| 2 to 3 lighter sessions | Clients who prefer shorter downtime each time, or have milder damage | Gradual improvement with a few days of recovery each session |
| Maintenance | Clients who want to keep results as new sun damage builds | Lighter touch-up treatments spaced over time |
Lighter sessions are usually spaced several weeks apart so the skin fully heals in between. Your provider sets the depth and spacing at your skin analysis.
Downtime: Day by Day
| Time after treatment | What is normal |
|---|---|
| Days 1 to 2 | Redness, warmth and swelling, similar to a strong sunburn |
| Days 2 to 4 | Sun spots look darker, and the skin feels tight and bronzed |
| Days 4 to 7 | Fine flaking and peeling, darkened spots flake away |
| Week 2 | Fresh pink skin, makeup usually allowed once your provider approves |
| Weeks 3 to 6 | Pinkness fades, tone looks more even |
Plan about 3 to 7 days away from social plans for a deeper treatment, and less for a lighter one. For a full recovery guide, read CO2 Resurfacing Aftercare.
Want to plan your treatment around work or an event? We help you choose the right depth and date.
Expected Results
- Brighter, more even tone within the first two weeks as spots flake away.
- Smoother texture that keeps improving as new collagen forms.
- Softer fine lines around the eyes, mouth and forehead.
- Smaller-looking pores and a healthier glow.
- Continued improvement for 3 to 6 months after treatment.
What CO2 will not do
- It will not stop new sun damage. Spots can return with sun exposure.
- It will not lift sagging skin the way surgery does. See Non-Surgical vs. Surgical Facelift.
- Some deeper or stubborn spots may need a second session or a different treatment.
Common Treatment Areas
- Full face for spots, lines and texture.
- Around the eyes for crepey skin and fine lines. See CO2 Laser for Crepey Skin Under the Eyes.
- Neck and chest, where sun damage often shows but gets missed in daily skin care.
- Hands, one of the first places age spots appear. See Hand and Chest Rejuvenation.
Who Is a Good Candidate
CO2 laser for sun damage is often a good fit for adults with age spots, uneven tone, rough texture and fine lines who are in good health and can take a few days of downtime. Extra care, or a different treatment, may be needed if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have active cold sores, infections or acne in the treatment area
- Have recently used certain acne medications
- Have a history of keloid or raised scarring
- Have a current tan or sunburn
- Have medium to deep skin tones, where settings need extra care to avoid pigment changes
- Have spots that have not been checked by a dermatologist
Protecting Your Results
- Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, even in winter and on cloudy days.
- A wide-brimmed hat and shade during summer and outdoor sports.
- Avoid tanning, both outdoors and in tanning beds.
- Restart skin care slowly as your provider advises, including any brightening or retinoid products.
- Book in fall or winter. Less sun makes healing easier. See our fall resurfacing guide.
- Plan maintenance treatments to keep new damage in check. A membership can help with ongoing care.
See current offers on our hot deals page.
About Oxygen Med Spa
Oxygen Med Spa offers fractional CO2 laser resurfacing, IPL photo facials, chemical peels and advanced skin treatments in Orland Park, Illinois, serving Frankfort, Tinley Park and the southwest suburbs. Our licensed laser specialists use advanced medical equipment and plan every treatment around your skin. Visit us at 14360 S LaGrange Rd, Unit D, Orland Park, IL 60462. Learn more about us, see our gallery, or browse all services.
CO2 Laser for Sun Damage FAQs
Does CO2 laser remove sun spots?
CO2 laser can remove or greatly lighten many sun spots. The spots usually darken for a few days, then flake off as the skin heals.
How many CO2 sessions do I need for sun damage?
Usually one deeper session or 2 to 3 lighter sessions, depending on how much damage you have and how much downtime you can take.
How long is the downtime?
About 3 to 7 days for most treatments, with pinkness that fades over the following weeks.
When will I see results?
Tone looks brighter within about two weeks. Texture and fine lines keep improving for 3 to 6 months.
Is CO2 better than IPL for sun spots?
CO2 is better when spots come with rough texture and lines. IPL is often better for spots and redness alone, with less downtime.
Will my sun spots come back?
Treated spots can return, and new ones can form with sun exposure. Daily sunscreen and maintenance treatments help.
Can CO2 laser treat age spots on my hands?
Yes. The hands, neck and chest are common treatment areas for sun damage.
Should a dermatologist check my spots first?
Yes, for any spot that is new, changing, irregular, raised, itchy or bleeding. Laser should only be used on spots that have been properly evaluated.
Is CO2 laser good for melasma?
Usually not as a first choice, because heat can make melasma worse. Other treatments are often recommended first.
Does CO2 laser hurt?
Topical numbing cream keeps you comfortable. Most clients feel warmth and a prickling sensation during treatment.
When is the best time of year for CO2 laser?
Fall and winter are popular because there is less sun exposure while your skin heals.
How do I get started?
Call (708) 229-8800 or contact us to book a free skin analysis in Orland Park.
Book Your Free Skin Analysis
Call (708) 229-8800 · 14360 S LaGrange Rd, Unit D, Orland Park, IL 60462 · Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM
