Dermatologists often call fall the start of laser season, and there is a good reason for it. Most laser and light treatments make your skin more sensitive to the sun for a while, and some work poorly on tanned skin. Once summer beach days and rooftop afternoons are behind you, it is the right moment to treat the sun spots, redness and texture that summer left behind.
At our Downtown Brooklyn office on Livingston Street, three of the most requested fall treatments are CO2 laser resurfacing, IPL and excelV+. They are very different tools, so here is how they compare.
Key takeaways
- CO2 resurfacing is the strongest option here, used for deeper wrinkles, acne scars and significant sun damage. It needs real downtime.
- IPL is a light-based treatment for brown spots, redness and overall tone, with little downtime.
- excelV+ is a vascular laser for broken capillaries, redness and some brown spots.
- Fall and winter are ideal because you can avoid strong sun while your skin heals.
- Your skin tone matters. Not every device is right for every skin type, which is why every plan starts with a consultation.
Why fall and winter are best for lasers
Laser and light treatments target color and structure in the skin. A tan adds extra pigment that can absorb energy meant for the problem you are treating, which raises the risk of burns and dark marks. After treatment, healing skin is also more likely to develop new pigment if it gets sun.
Shorter days and more time indoors make it easier to protect your skin during recovery. Starting in October or November also gives you time to finish a series before spring. Even in winter, daily sunscreen is part of the plan.
CO2 laser resurfacing
CO2 laser resurfacing removes thin layers of damaged skin and heats the deeper layers to trigger new collagen. Many CO2 treatments today are fractional, which means the laser treats a grid of tiny columns and leaves healthy skin in between to speed healing.
What CO2 treats
- Deeper lines and wrinkles, especially around the eyes and mouth
- Acne scars and some surgical scars
- Significant sun damage, rough texture and uneven tone
What to expect
CO2 is the most intensive of the three. Expect redness, swelling and peeling for about a week, and pinkness that fades over several weeks. Many people plan the treatment around time off work. Because it is strong, one treatment often does what several gentler treatments would, but it is not right for everyone. Skin tone, medical history and healing all shape whether CO2 is a good choice.
IPL (intense pulsed light)
IPL is not technically a laser. It uses broad-spectrum light that is absorbed by pigment and by blood vessels, which makes it good at treating two common summer problems at once: brown spots and redness.
What IPL treats
- Sun spots and freckling on the face, chest and hands
- General redness and flushing
- Dull, uneven tone
What to expect
Treatments take about 30 minutes. Brown spots usually darken and flake off over one to two weeks, and redness fades gradually. Most people plan a series of treatments about a month apart. IPL works best on lighter skin tones. For darker skin, we usually recommend a different approach.
excelV+
excelV+ is a laser designed for vascular concerns. It targets blood vessels precisely, so it works well for problems that make the face look red or blotchy.
What excelV+ treats
- Broken capillaries and spider veins on the face
- Redness from rosacea
- Some brown spots and uneven tone
What to expect
Most patients describe the feeling as a quick snap against the skin, and a cooling device keeps it comfortable. Some redness or mild swelling is normal for a day or two. Small vessels often fade after one or two treatments, while redness from rosacea usually needs a short series and ongoing care.
Which one is right for you?
- If you want the biggest single change in wrinkles, scars or texture and can take downtime, CO2 may be the answer.
- If your main concern is brown spots and redness together with little downtime, IPL is often the first choice for lighter skin.
- If the problem is mostly visible vessels or rosacea redness, excelV+ is usually the best fit.
Many people combine treatments over a season, for example excelV+ for redness and a later resurfacing treatment for texture. Some concerns, like melasma, need a careful, gentle plan because heat can make them worse. That is another reason we see you first.
Laser treatments and skin of color
Brooklyn is one of the most diverse places in the country, and laser planning should reflect that. Devices that target pigment can't always tell the difference between a sun spot and the natural melanin in darker skin. Used on the wrong skin type or at the wrong settings, they can cause burns or leave dark marks, a problem called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
That does not mean people with darker skin can't benefit. It means the choice of device, settings and timing matters more. For some concerns, non-laser options such as chemical peels, microneedling or prescription creams are a safer first step. Our providers see a wide range of skin tones every day and will tell you plainly which treatments make sense for you. You can read more about our approach to skin of color.
Office lasers vs. at-home devices
At-home light and laser devices have become popular, and some can help with mild concerns. They run at much lower energy than office devices, so results are slower and more limited. They also can't adjust for your skin type the way a trained provider can. If you have used an at-home device and are not seeing results, or if it left marks, bring that up at your consultation.
How to plan your laser season
- Book a consultation. We look at your skin type, goals and history, and check any spots that need a medical evaluation first.
- Pause your tan. Avoid sun and self-tanner before treatment as directed.
- Schedule around your calendar. CO2 needs about a week of downtime. IPL and excelV+ usually do not.
- Commit to sunscreen. Use SPF 30 or higher every morning, even in winter.
- Plan maintenance. Sun damage and redness come back over time, so many patients return once a year.
You can see current starting prices on our upfront pricing page.
Frequently asked questions
Do laser treatments hurt?
Most patients feel heat or a quick snapping sensation. We use numbing cream or cooling for comfort, depending on the treatment.
Can I have a laser treatment if I have darker skin?
Some treatments can be done safely on darker skin with the right device and settings, and others are not recommended. Your provider will tell you which options fit your skin before you book.
How soon will I see results?
IPL and excelV+ often show improvement within a few weeks. CO2 results appear after healing and keep improving for several months as collagen builds.
Are these treatments covered by insurance?
Cosmetic laser treatments are generally not covered by insurance. Some medical conditions have different rules, so ask our team if you are unsure.
Can I get treated if I just came back from vacation?
If you have a tan or recent sunburn, we may ask you to wait a few weeks. Tell your provider about any recent sun exposure.
Book your laser consultation in Downtown Brooklyn
Our Downtown Brooklyn office is at 100 Livingston Street, 3L. Mass transit is the easiest way to get here. Book online or call or text (347) 797-5005 to start planning your fall treatments. If you are not sure where to begin, a cosmetic consultation is the easiest first step.