Not many people realise it, but the term “laser” is an acronym for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation.

There are two different lasers which are used on facial skin: ablative and non-ablative. The ablative laser uses a fast burst of light, heating up the water in the most superficial layers of the skin. This makes the water and tissue vaporize. The administrator controls which layer of skin the laser works to, creating the foundation for the skin to generate a new layer of collagen as it heals. This reduces the appearance of wrinkles, spots and scars.

Non-ablative lasers are a newer invention and were created as a safer and less invasive alternative to ablative lasers. There is less risk and healing time with this option, which keeps the top layer of skin intact. The IPL (Intense Pulsed Light, the type used for hair removal), LHE (Light Heat Energy), Thermage, and LED (Light Emitting Diode) are all examples of non-ablative laser.