Now in Italy for summer · London & Sardinia · @elyadangelo
Elya D'Angelo
Skincare

I Tried the CO₂ Laser: An Honest Review

The gold-standard resurfacing treatment, what the downtime is really like, and whether it was worth it.

Words & photographs by Elya D'Angelo  ·  January 15, 2026

In paid partnership with West Empire Aesthetics

I Tried the CO₂ Laser: An Honest Review

I get asked about my skin a lot, and the honest answer is that consistency does most of it, but once or twice a year a professional treatment does the rest. I partnered with West Empire Aesthetics to try the CO₂ deka laser, the gold-standard for resurfacing, and here is the real account.

What it does

It resurfaces the top layer of skin to smooth texture, soften fine lines, and even out tone. Think of it as a reset, not a routine.

The downtime (the honest part)

Days one to three: red, warm, a little swollen. Days four to six: the skin sheds and feels tight. By the end of week one I looked like myself, but smoother. Plan it around a quiet week with no events.

Was it worth it?

For me, yes, as an occasional reset alongside daily SPF and retinol. It is an investment and it is not for everyone, so go to someone you trust and ask a lot of questions first.

The everyday work that matters more: my honest skincare routine and the empties I repurchase.

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