Erbium:YAG 2940nm: precise, more superficial ablation
Erbium:YAG at 2940nm is absorbed very strongly by water. This concentrates its effect close to the point of absorption, supporting precise, typically more superficial tissue removal with less residual heat in surrounding skin than CO₂, particularly with short pulses. [1]
This makes Er:YAG a useful option for resurfacing concerns such as uneven texture and fine lines. Less residual thermal injury can support a shorter recovery, although depth, settings and treatment coverage still matter. [1,2]
CO₂ 10,600nm: ablation with a greater thermal effect
CO₂ at 10,600nm also targets water, but generally creates a larger zone of coagulation: tissue altered by heat around the ablated area. This adds a thermal remodelling effect alongside tissue removal. [1]
That combination can be useful when treating wrinkles, textural changes and selected scars. More intensive treatment also requires an appropriate recovery window. Neither wavelength fixes treatment depth or downtime; how it is delivered remains essential. [1,2]
Alma Hybrid: tailor resurfacing and recovery
Alma Hybrid combines 10,600nm ablative CO₂ with a 1570 nm non-ablative laser. Through HyGrid, practitioners can adjust the ratio of these wavelengths, balancing ablative resurfacing with non-ablative thermal treatment. [3]
This flexibility helps customise treatment intensity and expected downtime around the patient’s skin concerns and recovery needs. The 1570nm component allows thermal treatment without adding ablative channels at those treatment points; it does not remove the recovery required by the CO₂ component. [3]
Alma Harmony: resurfacing within a complete skin journey
Harmony offers 2940nm Er:YAG resurfacing through SupErb or iPixel handpieces. Its wider range of handpieces allows clinics to address several aspects of skin quality within one platform. [4,5]
ClearLift Pro provides options for selected pigmentation concerns, while ClearSkin Pro’s 1540nm non-ablative technology supports treatment of acne and improvements in skin texture. For post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), Q-switched 1064nm treatment may be considered in selected cases following careful assessment; the diagnosis, skin type and settings are important. [5–7].
This makes Harmony a valuable complement to Hybrid in a staged treatment plan. Practitioners can address appropriate pigment, acne and skin-quality concerns first, then reassess whether more intensive CO₂ resurfacing is needed. The sequence and intervals should follow the individual patient’s needs.
Why autumn and winter is called ‘laser season’
With generally lower UV levels, autumn and winter can make the sun avoidance required around laser resurfacing easier to manage. They also offer an opportunity to plan recovery and review visible photodamage after summer. [8]
Sun protection remains essential, including during winter holidays. The best treatment date is one that allows the patient to follow aftercare and leave enough recovery time before important events. [9]
Make space for an Alma Hybrid Winter Reset
Great skin quality is a year-round journey. Alma Harmony’s versatile treatment options support ongoing care, from pigmentation and redness to texture and rejuvenation. For suitable patients, Alma Hybrid Winter Reset can provide a more intensive resurfacing treatment within an annual skin plan, timed for the cooler months when lower sun exposure makes recovery easier to manage. Between deeper treatments, lighter resurfacing options such as Pixel Peel on Hybrid or appropriately tailored Erb:YAG treatments on Harmony can help refresh skin and maintain results with less downtime. Treatment timing and intensity should always reflect the patient’s skin, sun exposure and recovery needs.
Sources
- Khatri et al. Er:YAG and CO₂ resurfacing comparison, 1999. jamanetwork.com
- Karsai et al. Fractional CO₂ and Er:YAG split-face trial, 2010. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Alma Hybrid: technologies and HyGrid. almalasers.com
- Alma Harmony SupErb specifications, K233024. accessdata.fda.gov
- Alma Harmony technology overview. almalasers.com
- Alma Harmony ClearLift Pro: hyperpigmentation case studies. almalasers.com
- Procedure-related PIH treated with low-fluence 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG: five cases. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- UKHSA: UV radiation and seasonal exposure. ukhsa.blog.gov.uk
- American Academy of Dermatology: winter sun protection. aad.org
- Alma Hybrid Winter Reset. almalasers.com