The Two Primary Categories of Skin Lasers: Ablative vs Non-Ablative
Almost every skin laser is either ablative or non-ablative. Here's the difference, how downtime and results compare, and where 'fractional' fits in.
If you've researched laser skin treatments, you've probably met a confusing list of names — CO2, Fraxel, Nd:YAG, Er:YAG, picosecond. Almost every one belongs to one of just two primary categories: ablative and non-ablative. Understanding this single distinction is the key to making sense of every laser on the market.
The two categories at a glance
| Ablative lasers | Non-ablative lasers | |
|---|---|---|
| What they do | Remove (vaporise) the outer layers of skin | Heat deeper skin without removing the surface |
| Main target | Water in the skin | Water or pigment below the surface |
| Strength | Stronger, more dramatic resurfacing | Gentler, gradual improvement |
| Downtime | More (days to weeks) | Less (little to none, or mild) |
| Typical use | Deeper lines, scarring, sun damage, texture | Early ageing, tone, mild texture, maintenance |
Ablative lasers
Ablative lasers remove the surface layers of the skin in a controlled way. Their energy is absorbed by water in the skin, vaporising thin layers while heating the tissue underneath to stimulate new collagen. As the skin heals, smoother, fresher skin replaces what was treated.
Because they work by removing tissue, ablative lasers deliver the strongest results — but they also involve the most downtime and require careful aftercare. They're best suited to deeper concerns such as significant sun damage, scarring, deeper lines and textural change.
See examples of ablative lasers →
Non-ablative lasers
Non-ablative lasers leave the surface of the skin intact. Instead of removing tissue, they pass through the surface and heat the layers beneath, prompting the skin to remodel and build collagen over time. The result is more gradual and usually needs a course of sessions — but downtime is much lower, which is why non-ablative treatments are popular for early ageing, tone and maintenance.
See examples of non-ablative lasers →
Where "fractional" fits in
You'll often see the word fractional attached to either category. A fractional laser treats microscopic columns of skin and leaves the skin between them untouched, which speeds healing. Both families have fractional versions:
- Fractional ablative (such as fractional CO2) — strong resurfacing with more manageable downtime than fully ablative treatment.
- Fractional non-ablative — lighter resurfacing over a course of sessions.
Read more about fractional laser resurfacing →
Which category is right for you?
Neither category is "better" — they solve different problems. Stronger results with more downtime (ablative) versus gentler, gradual results with little downtime (non-ablative) is the fundamental trade-off. The right choice depends on your concern, your skin type and how much recovery time suits your life, which is exactly what a consultation is for.
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Browse treatmentsFrequently asked questions
What are the two primary categories of skin lasers?
Ablative lasers, which remove the skin's outer layers, and non-ablative lasers, which heat beneath the surface without removing it.
Which is stronger, ablative or non-ablative?
Ablative lasers generally give stronger resurfacing results but with more downtime; non-ablative lasers are gentler and gradual, with little downtime.
What is a fractional laser?
A laser that treats microscopic columns of skin and leaves the skin between them intact to speed healing. Both ablative and non-ablative lasers have fractional versions.
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