Looking for a CO₂ laser in Ipswich?
We planned to offer one. Then we found a laser we liked more for our clients.
If you've been here before, this page said CO₂ was coming this autumn. It isn't. We chose the Exolase instead, a new fused erbium laser that offers deep resurfacing as well as gentler treatments for lines, sun damage and loose skin. We're one of the first 3 clinics in the UK to have it.
Here's why we changed our minds, and how to tell which laser is right for your skin.
Consultations from Friday 20 November. Treatments from December.
The honest version
Why we changed our minds
CO₂ has earned its reputation. It's powerful, well studied and has been helping skin for decades. It can also leave you hiding from the postman for a while.
We wanted to offer serious resurfacing that fits around real life: school runs, work and the fact that nobody can take a fortnight off to look like a boiled tomato.
So we looked at the alternatives and chose Exolase. It fuses several erbium wavelengths into one beam, aimed at the same spot at the same time. That means we can offer deep resurfacing when your skin needs it, and something gentler when it doesn't, all on one machine.
Side by side
CO₂ and Exolase side by side
| Fractional CO₂ | Exolase | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of laser | Carbon dioxide | Fused erbium |
| How it works on skin | Reaches deep and leaves more heat in the skin | Erbium is absorbed strongly by water in the skin, so more energy goes into resurfacing and less into surrounding heat |
| Recovery to plan for | Often 1–3 weeks, depending on the settings | 5–7 days after an Intense treatment |
| Treatment strength | Light to deep resurfacing, depending on the device and settings | Gentle to deep resurfacing, using Gentle, Advance or Intense |
| Track record | Decades of use and research | Brand new: we're one of the first 3 UK clinics to have it, ahead of the wider UK launch in January 2027 |
| At The Skin Edit Co. | No | Yes |
Scroll sideways to see the full table.
Laser results depend on your skin, the settings and who's holding the handpiece, so we won't claim one laser wins for everyone.
What about deep acne scars?
We'd rather lose a booking than sell you the wrong laser.
CO₂ has a long track record with deep acne scarring, and some clinics still see it as the go-to for that.
Exolase can treat acne scars too. We'll look at yours at your consultation and tell you honestly what to expect. If we think you'd do better elsewhere, we'll say so.
What Exolase can help with
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Sun damage
- Loose skin
- Acne scars and melasma
- Skin tags and lesions
Choosing your treatment
01
Gentle
Good for: Lighter refresh with less recovery
02
Advance
Good for: Stronger results between Gentle and Intense
03
Intense
Good for: Our deepest option, often suited to people in their 40s and beyond
We'll recommend the right treatment at your consultation. It won't always be the strongest one.
Recovery
What recovery is really like
Plan on 5–7 days after an Intense treatment. Expect redness and peeling, so maybe don't book your big party photos for that week.
You'll go home with clear aftercare instructions, and we're at the end of the phone if you have questions.
Questions, answered
FAQs
Sailors Rest, 2 St Peters Street, Ipswich IP1 1XB
Got a question about CO₂ or Exolase?
Tell us what's bothering you about your skin, and we'll point you in the right direction.
Still not sure which laser you need? Good news: that's our job.
Bring us your skin and your questions. You'll get an honest answer, even if it's not the one that makes us the most money.
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