Laser treatments use concentrated light energy to target specific tissues. Depending on the technology, they can reduce unwanted hair, improve acne scars, treat pigmentation, remove tattoos or support procedures in ophthalmology and other medical specialties.

However, not all lasers work the same way. The most suitable device depends on the condition, skin tone, treatment goals and acceptable recovery time.

Types of Lasers and Their Applications

Laser type	Common applications	Important consideration
CO₂ fractional	Acne scars, wrinkles, skin resurfacing	Can require longer recovery
Er (Erbium)	Skin resurfacing and superficial scars	Often less downtime than CO₂
Alexandrite (755 nm)	Hair reduction, particularly in lighter skin	Pigmentation risks require careful assessment
Diode (commonly 800–810 nm)	Long-term hair reduction	Settings must match skin and hair characteristics
Nd (1064 nm)	Hair reduction, some vascular and pigment treatments	Often considered for darker skin types
Q-switched / picosecond	Tattoo removal and selected pigmented lesions	Results depend on pigment and wavelength
Pulsed-dye laser (PDL)	Selected vascular lesions and redness	Temporary bruising may occur

Fractional describes how energy is delivered in microscopic treatment zones; it is not a separate laser wavelength. Likewise, different devices marketed under the same brand name may perform different procedures.

What Does Recent Research Say?

CO₂ versus erbium for acne scars

A September 2026 systematic review compared fractional CO₂ with erbium-based lasers across five studies involving 130 participants.

CO₂ showed a stronger clinical-response signal, but was associated with greater pain and approximately 3.7 additional days of downtime.

Because the study population was small, the results should guide discussion rather than establish one laser as universally superior.

Laser hair removal: realistic expectations

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), patients may see approximately 10–25% hair reduction after their first session.

Multiple treatments are usually required, and maintenance sessions may be necessary. Laser treatment should be described as long-term hair reduction, not guaranteed permanent removal of every hair.

Explore laser hair removal on Tabeebo.

Are Laser Treatments Safe for Darker Skin?

A 2026 clinical review in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology highlighted particular considerations for darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV–VI).

Higher melanin levels can increase the risk of burns, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation and scarring.

Longer-wavelength devices, conservative settings and appropriate cooling may improve safety in selected circumstances.

The best laser is not necessarily the newest or most powerful—it is the one appropriately selected and operated for your skin and condition.

Medical Applications Beyond Skin Treatments

Lasers are also used for selected eye procedures, including LASIK and retinal photocoagulation, and in some dental and urological treatments.

For example, laser lithotripsy can fragment kidney stones through a ureteroscope. This is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure, not a completely non-invasive treatment.

See the European Association of Urology’s patient guide.

Recovery, Risks and Alternatives

Recovery varies significantly. Hair removal may cause temporary redness, while ablative resurfacing can involve several days or longer of swelling, peeling and healing.

Other risks include infection, pigmentation changes, blistering and scarring. Eye protection and careful assessment of suspicious skin lesions are essential.

For concerns involving acne scars or skin texture, compare laser skin resurfacing with other approaches. For unwanted ink, see tattoo removal.