CO2 vs Erbium vs HALO: Choosing a Resurfacing Laser

CO2, erbium and HALO are all resurfacing lasers, but they work at different depths and come with very different downtime. CO2 is the strongest and tightens skin the most, with the longest recovery and the highest risk of lasting pigment changes. Erbium removes skin more precisely with less heat, so it heals faster with less redness and suits a wider range of skin tones. HALO is a hybrid fractional laser that treats texture, tone and sun damage with only a few days of downtime. The right choice depends on how deep your wrinkles or scars are, your skin tone and how much recovery time you have.

This guide compares the three side by side, explains ablative, non-ablative and fractional lasers, and helps you match a laser to your skin.

Ablative, non-ablative and fractional: the basics

• Ablative lasers (CO2 and erbium) vaporize the outer layers of skin. New skin grows back smoother, and heat builds collagen. Biggest results, most downtime.
• Non-ablative lasers heat the skin below the surface without removing it. Gentler, with little downtime, and usually done as a series.
• Fractional lasers, of either kind, treat thousands of tiny columns and leave the skin between them intact, so it heals much faster than treating the whole surface (fully ablative or “full field”).

CO2 vs erbium vs HALO

Laser	Best for	Recovery
CO2 (ablative)	Deep wrinkles, significant laxity and deep scars where maximum tightening is the goal	About 10 to 14 days to heal when fully ablative; redness can last a few months. Highest risk of lasting light patches
Erbium (ablative)	Deep lip lines, crow’s feet, atrophic acne scars, advanced sun damage	Usually one session; 10 to 15 days of social downtime with deep treatment, then pinkness for 1 to 2 months
HALO (hybrid fractional)	Texture, pores, sun damage, age spots, fine lines and mild to moderate acne scars	1 to 2 sessions; back to work in 1 to 2 days, redness for up to a week or two

How they differ

HALO combines two wavelengths: a non-ablative 1470 nm laser that works deeper in the skin and an ablative 2940 nm erbium laser that resurfaces the surface, delivered fractionally. That combination targets both texture and pigment with a short recovery, which is why many people choose it before considering deep resurfacing.

Which laser is right for you?

• Dull, uneven skin, sun spots and enlarged poresHALO, or a gentler laser such as MOXI for little downtime.
• Mild to moderate acne scarsHALO or Morpheus8, often with subcision; see laser treatment for acne scars.
• Deep lip lines, crow’s feet and heavy sun damageErbium resurfacing in a single session, if you can take two weeks of downtime.
• Significant skin laxityDeep CO2 resurfacing, or a surgical lift, discussed with a facial plastic surgeon.
• Medium to darker skinNon-ablative or carefully chosen fractional lasers; strong ablative lasers need extra care. See Fitzpatrick skin types.

Before and after any resurfacing laser

• Avoid tanning for several weeks before, and protect your skin strictly for months after.
• Tell your provider if you get cold sores; an antiviral can prevent a flare.
• Tell your provider about recent isotretinoin and any history of keloids.
• Follow your aftercare: deep erbium needs an occlusive barrier for the first 48 to 72 hours, and HALO needs gentle care for a few days. See HALO recovery and is HALO worth it?

Laser resurfacing cost at Glow Theory

MOXI is priced by area at your consultation. Financing is available on treatments of $2,000 or more.

Laser resurfacing in Carlsbad

Erbium resurfacing at Glow Theory is led by Insiyah Darugar, MSN, FNP, and Medical Director Dr. Jonathan Sykes, MD, a facial plastic surgeon. We assess your skin, goals and downtime, then recommend HALO, erbium or another treatment. Book a consultation at our studio on El Camino Real in South Carlsbad.