Laser Coolpeel: Everything You Need to Know

If your skin is missing that beautiful, light-reflecting glow, a Laser CoolPeel treatment may be just what you need! This treatment can help reveal smoother, healthier, younger-looking skin in just a few sessions. The CoolPeel is a non-surgical, in-office procedure that targets the superficial layer of skin. It helps to reduce sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, large pores, and superficial pigmentation. Today we’re going to answer some of the most common questions we get about the Laser CoolPeel so you can decide if it’s right for you.

What does CoolPeel do better than any other laser?

The CoolPeel’s purpose is to refresh the skin. It helps get rid of layers of dead skin as well as decrease pore size. Most importantly, the CoolPeel helps restore a youthful, healthy glow to the skin because it helps even pigment and texturing. When pigment and texture are evened out, your skin is better able to reflect light. 

Fun Fact: Did you know that the youthful glow children have is largely due to the fact that their skin is (generally) smooth and without spots? It’s true! As we age, the top layer of skin isn’t exfoliated as well naturally, and we tend to have more dull skin and pigmentation. Because of this, light is absorbed into, and not reflected off of, the skin. The CoolPeel (as well as treatments such as Halo and chemical peels) are great at helping encourage a skin surface that will reflect light—giving you a youthful glow!

How does CoolPeel work?

Without getting too science-y… the CoolPeel laser is attracted to water in the skin. It heats the water molecules and causes thermal damage to the tissue in a small dot pattern on the skin. When your body heals in the days following treatment, the ablated skin (as well as superficial pigmentation) sloughs off and the skin beneath becomes smoother. This treatment also stimulates collagen and elastin, promoting both in the skin. 

The CoolPeel laser is HOT! This heat can cause a superficial retraction of skin and is a great tool for helping with crepey texture, wrinkles, and acne scarring. It’s important to note that while you may get a little superficial tightening with this treatment, it does NOT address skin laxity. (Ask your Dermacare of Hampton Roads Expert about Exilis or BBL SkinTyte if you’re after tightening!)

Is CoolPeel right for you?

If you’re looking to correct superficial pigmentation and want more than a chemical peel but don’t want the downtime of our Halo treatment, then a CoolPeel may be right for you. 

A CoolPeel only has a few days of “social” downtime post treatment. Your skin will look a little pink and maybe slightly puffy at first. You may also experience a sandpaper-feel to the skin before seeing the final results. Because there are only a few days of downtime, the CoolPeel is easy to fit into a busy schedule. It’s also great when alternated with Vivace treatments—especially for our patients with acne.

What can you expect with a CoolPeel treatment?

First and foremost, a Dermacare of Hampton Roads Expert will confirm that this is the right treatment for your skincare concerns during an in-depth consultation. When you arrive at your appointment, you can expect a very quick treatment time. We’ll prep your skin and complete one pass over the treatment area. A second pass may be completed, depending on the patient’s needs. Total treatment time is less than 30 minutes. 

During the CoolPeel, an assistant will blow cool air onto the skin. After the treatment is completed, a layer of Stratacel (a special ointment designed specifically to optimize healing following fractional laser treatments) will be applied to the area. The heat from the treatment can be felt 30-60 minutes after the appointment and will feel like a mild sunburn. (We do offer an upgrade for numbing time before treatment, but almost all of our patients complete treatment with very minimal discomfort.)

How many CoolPeel treatments will you need?

While some of our patients receive one or two treatments a year, most do a series of 3-4 treatments spread about a month apart. If you’re looking to just freshen up the skin, one treatment will do the job! If you’re looking to correct any textural issues or acne scarring, a series of treatments will usually yield the best results. Our CoolPeel treatment can be applied to any surface of the body, but the face, neck, and decolletage are the most common areas. 

How quickly can you expect to see the results of CoolPeel? How long will they last?

After completing a treatment, you will quickly see results, typically within a few days. As soon as your skin begins the sloughing process, you will be able to see that your skin is smoother, pigmentation has improved, and that your pores are smaller. You will continue to see results 3-6 months later because that’s how long it takes for collagen and elastin to be produced in the skin.

How soon can you return to work after a CoolPeel treatment?

Most patients do not want to return to work immediately after treatment. This is because your face will feel rather warm (like a mild sunburn) and will look pink. You’ll also have a nice layer of Stratacel on your skin. This ointment is on the gooey side and will make your skin very shiny.

Post-treatment, your Dermacare of Hampton Roads Expert will provide you with instructions to follow, including no sunblock or makeup for 24 hours. Even after the first 24 hours, you’ll want to limit your sun exposure because your skin will be in the sloughing process. You’ll be more prone to sunburns during this time!

For more information about booking a CoolPeel treatment, call us at 757-547-7546 or click here to book a virtual consultation!