My HOT Date with a CO2 Fractional Laser

By Jess Axelsen – Skin & Laser Clinician at Medwell Clinic

After treating skin with our CO2 Fractional laser for years at Medwell Clinic, I decided it was finally time to bite the bullet and have the treatment done on myself.

So… why the wait?

Honestly, a few things held me back:

  1. Hormones.
    After years of fertility treatments to have my three beautiful kids, my hormones were peaking like a shuffle dancer at a rave—and pigmentation became the dance floor.

  2. Sensitive skin.
    My skin changed with each pregnancy. What was once tough and tolerant—like a sun-burnt desert—had become sensitive and reactive, much like the tired mum it was housing.

  3. Life.
    Between work, children, and everything in between, my skin was dull, uneven, and in desperate need of TLC. I needed a reset. CO2 Fractional laser felt like the perfect “pick-me-up.”

Prep is everything

As someone with an olive complexion, I made sure to use pigmentation-prep products religiously in the four weeks leading up to treatment. My go-to combo for CO2 fractional laser?
Synergie Skin Vanish and Effica-C.

Because nobody has time for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Prevention is key.

What did it feel like?

We used a compounded, prescription-grade numbing cream to ensure maximum comfort. That said, CO2 fractional laser was still a little spicy—like sipping a strong margarita. Uncomfortable at times, but totally manageable.

After the treatment, my skin felt hot, red, prickly, and tight. I was so excited.

Days 2–5:

Swelling, redness, tightness. Honestly, it looked worse than it felt. I was relatively pain-free throughout recovery—just like a bad sunburn without the crispy regret.

Days 4–7:

Itchiness and flaking.
I never realised how toxic my relationship with itchiness was until now. Ice packs and antihistamines became my best friends. Not everyone experiences this phase, but if you do—hydrate, press cold, and embrace the balm life. I was reapplying my aftercare every 2 hours. Bliss.

This was my chrysalis period.
Embrace it. Moisturise it.
Netflix your way through it.
Kids? Mum’s staying home. No, we’re not going to the park. Sorry, not sorry.

A teachable moment…

My kids asked a LOT of questions. I used the opportunity to drop a lifelong lesson:

“Mummy was really naughty and didn’t wear proper sunscreen, so now I need to do treatments like this to fix the damage!”

Safe to say, they now beg for sunscreen before heading to the beach. #ParentingWin

Days 7–14:

To the untrained eye, no one would know that I’d looked like a sun-burnt Shar Pei the week before. I had a bit of lingering pinkness, mild dryness, and some micro-flaking—but my skin was well and truly back on track.

One Month Later:

My skin was glowing. Texture? Smoother than fresh paint.
Makeup? Flawless.
Confidence? Restored.

People were asking what I’d done. That’s when you know it’s working.

So, what is Fractional CO₂?

This treatment isn’t some fluffy facial with cucumber slices—it’s the Beyoncé of resurfacing. With proper prep, high-quality aftercare, and good sun protection, the results are not only long-lasting—they’re incredibly satisfying.

What can it treat?

  • Wrinkles and ageing skin

  • Acne scarring (teenage rebellion, hormonal havoc—you name it)

  • Sun damage and pigmentation

  • Stretch marks

  • Enlarged pores

  • Uneven texture

You can read up more on CO2 Fractional laser by navigating to this page: https://medwellclinic.com.au/co2-laser/

Thinking about it?

If your skin is crying out for a reset, book a chat with one of our Dermal Clinicians. We’ll walk you through the process honestly and guide you with care.

This isn’t about chasing perfection—it’s about feeling like you again.

Book your personalised consultation here: BOOKING LINK