Hybrid Laser vs. Traditional CO₂: What’s the Difference?

INNASKIN
Oct 8
2 min read

When it comes to advanced skin resurfacing, two technologies often come up in conversation: the Alma Hybrid Laser and the traditional CO₂ laser. Both are designed to improve skin texture, scarring, and signs of aging but they work differently and offer different experiences when it comes to downtime, comfort, and results.

At InnaSkin, we offer Alma Hybrid because it combines the best of both worlds effective resurfacing and skin tightening with a more refined approach to recovery.

Traditional CO₂ Laser: Powerful but Intense

How it works:

Traditional CO₂ lasers use a single ablative wavelength (10,600 nm) to vaporise the outer layers of skin. This creates controlled injury that stimulates collagen renewal and skin regeneration.

Benefits:

Effective for deep wrinkles, scarring, and significant sun damage
Can deliver dramatic skin resurfacing results

Considerations:

Longer downtime: Redness, swelling, and raw skin for up to 3-6 months
Higher risk of hyperpigmentation changes in certain skin types
Not suitable for everyone: especially darker skin tones or those prone to post inflammatory pigmentation
Requires more careful aftercare and sun avoidance

Alma Hybrid CO₂ Laser: A Modern Alternative

How it works:

Hybrid combines two proven energies:

CO₂ (ablative): targets the skin surface to resurface texture, lines, and scars.
1570 nm (non-ablative): penetrates into deeper layers to stimulate collagen with less surface damage.

This dual action allows for customisable treatments from lighter resurfacing with minimal downtime to deeper rejuvenation that still heals faster than traditional CO₂.

Benefits:

Tailored recovery: downtime can be adjusted depending on treatment intensity
Improves texture, tone, and scarring while being gentler on the skin
Safer across more skin types compared to full-field CO₂
Healing is typically faster, with less risk of prolonged redness or pigment shifts