Laser technology has become one of the most powerful tools in aesthetic medicine — but with so many devices and brand names out there, it’s easy to get confused. CO₂, ResurFX, IPL, Nd:YAG… what do they all do? And how do you know which treatment is right for your skin?

Here’s a clear, physician-led breakdown of the most commonly used lasers for skin rejuvenation and what each one can achieve.

1. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

“The tone and clarity corrector.”

IPL isn’t technically a laser, but it acts like one. It uses multiple wavelengths of light to target:

• Sun damage

• Brown spots

• Freckles

• Redness

• Broken capillaries

• Rosacea

Think of IPL as the treatment that gives you clearer, brighter, more even-toned skin with minimal downtime.

2. ResurFX (1565 nm Non-Ablative Fractional Laser)

“Texture, pores, and early aging.”

ResurFX creates controlled micro-thermal zones in the dermis without damaging the surface. It improves:

• Fine lines

• Rough texture

• Acne scars

• Pores

• Early collagen loss

A series of treatments stimulates collagen gradually for smoother, healthier-looking skin.

3. Nd:YAG (1064 nm Laser)

“Redness, vessels, and deeper structures.”

The 1064 nm wavelength travels deeper into the skin, making it ideal for:

• Facial redness

• Broken capillaries

• Vascular lesions

• Rosacea

• Hair removal (in deeper skin tones)

It’s also one of the safest lasers for darker skin types.

4. CO₂ Laser (Ablative Fractional Resurfacing)

“The gold standard for deep rejuvenation.”

The CO₂ laser is the most transformative resurfacing device available. It vaporizes micro-columns of skin to dramatically improve:

• Wrinkles

• Deep lines (especially around the mouth and eyes)

• Scarring

• Skin laxity

• Significant texture changes

It requires more downtime, but results are unmatched for moderate to advanced aging.

Which Laser Do You Need?

It depends on:

• Your skin type

• Your main concerns

• Your downtime tolerance

• Your long-term goals

Some patients need one device. Others benefit most from layered protocols — for example, IPL for pigment + ResurFX for texture, or CO₂ combined with regenerative treatments for deeper rejuvenation.

With Dr. Gerstman, every new patient receives a 60-minute consultation including the Aura Skin Analysis, which evaluates surface and subsurface skin changes so she can select the exact laser (or combination) that your skin will benefit from most.

Laser treatments are not one-size-fits-all — and when chosen correctly, they can truly transform your skin.

Serving Montclair, Livingston, Millburn, Summit, Chatham, Morristown, Franklin Lakes, Caldwell, Mendham, Barnardsville, Basking Ridge, Ridgewood, Alpine, Wykoff, Princeton, Glen Ridge, and NYC.