If your long term skin goals are to brighten dull skin, soften early signs of aging, improve texture, or refresh your complexion with minimal downtime, the FreshPeel CO₂ treatment may be the perfect place to start.
At Gina Studio Estetico in Waterloo, our FreshPeel treatment is the most gentle level of our Finexel CO₂ Laser treatments. Using advanced fractional CO₂ technology, the FreshPeel creates precise microscopic treatment channels in the skin that remove damaged surface cells. This stimulates natural collagen production, resulting in smoother, healthier looking skin that continues to improve months after treatment.
What is FreshPeel?
FreshPeel is a gentle CO₂ laser resurfacing treatment designed to refresh the skin without the extended downtime associated with deeper resurfacing procedures. It targes the outermost layers of the skin while encouraging collagen remodeling beneath the surface, making it ideal for clients looking for noticeable improvement with a comfortable recovery.
Who Is FreshPeel Best For?
FreshPeel CO₂ laser treatments are best for people experiencing:
- Dull or tired-looking skin
- Early fine lines
- Mild sun damage or pigmentation
- Uneven skin tone or texture
- Enlarged pores
- Clients seeking minimal downtime
- First time CO₂ clients

How Does FreshPeel Work?
FreshPeel uses Finexel's ultra-pulse fractional CO₂ technology to create precise, controlled micro-injuries in the skin while leaving the surrounding skin intact. This encourages new collagen and elastin remodeling while minimizing unnecessary heat exposure for precise treatment and faster healing.
What Happens During Treatment?
Before your first FreshPeel treatment, you will meet with one of our medical aestheticians for a complimentary consultation. During this appointment, they will discuss your skin concerns and goals, explain the treatment process and go over any pre and post treatment instructions. This is also an opportunity to determine whether FreshPeel is the best treatment for your skin.
On the day of your treatment, your medical aesthetician will thoroughly cleanse and prep your skin before beginning. Most clients describe the treatment as feeling a warm, prickling sensation. A cooling device is used throughout to help keep your skin comfortable, making FreshPeel a highly tolerable treatment.
Recovery and Downtime
One of the biggest benefits of FreshPeel is that it offers noticeable skin rejuvenation with minimal downtime. Immediately after treatment, your skin will typically appear pink or red, similiar to a sunburn, and may feel warm or tight for several hours.
Over the following day, you may experience mild dryness, roughness, or light flaking as the damaged outer layer of the skin naturally sheds to reveal fresher, healthier-looking skin. It's very important to avoid picking or exfoliating the skin during this healing process, and to follow your aftercare instructions.
Most clients are able to return to their normal daily activities shortly after their treatment, although it's essential to protect your skin from sun exposure and to wear SPF50 as it heals.
Results Timeline
While many clients notice a brighter, more refreshed complexion within 7-10 days the true benefits of FreshPeel continue to develop over time. As your skin heals, new collagen is produced beneath the surface which helps to improve skin texture, tone, and overall radiance over the following 3-6 months.
Although you may see visible improvements after a single treatment, we typically recommend a series of 3-4 FreshPeel treatments, spaced 4-6 weeks apart, for the best long term results. During your initial consultation, your medical aesthetician will create a personalized treatment plan based on your skin concerns and goals.

Why Choose FreshPeel?
FreshPeel is an excellent choice for clients who are looking to improve their skin's overall appearance without the extended downtime associated with the more intensive resurfacing treatments. It offers a gentle introduction to CO₂ laser resurfacing while still delivering noticeable improvements in skin texture, tone, and radiance.
Whether you're looking to brighten dull skin, soften early signs of aging, or refine your complexion, FreshPeel provides a customizable treatment option. It works with your skin's natural healing process to stimulate collagen and reveal healthier looking skin.
If your skin concerns require a more intensive approach, your medical aesthetician may recommend one of the Finexel CO₂ deeper treatment levels, such as the Skin Booster or Skin Rejuvenation during your consultation.
Aftercare
Following your aftercare instructions is an essential part of achieving the best possible results from your FreshPeel treatment. Your medical aesthetician will provide personalized post-treatment instructions and product recommendations to help support the healing process and maximize results.
The key aftercare instructions that we recommend are:
- Wearing SPF50 everyday to protect your healing skin.
- Keeping your skin well hydrated using the recommended post-treatment skincare products.
- Avoiding retinoids, exfoliants, or other active ingredients until your medical aesthetician advises it is safe to resume them.
- Avoid excessive heat (hot tubs, saunas), swimming, and strenuous exercise for at least 48-72 hours, or as directed by your provider.
- Avoid picking or exfoliating any dry or flaky skin, allow it to naturally shed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does A FreshPeel Treatment Feel Like?
Most clients describe FreshPeel as a warm, prickling sensation that is very tolerable. A cooling device is used throughout the treatment to help keep your skin comfortable, and the sensation typically subsides shortly after the treatment.
How Long Does A FreshPeel CO₂ Treatment Take?
A FreshPeel appointment is approximately 50 minutes, allowing time for skin preparation, treatment, and post-treatment care. The exact treatment time may vary depending on the personalized treatment plan.
How Many FreshPeel CO₂ Treatments Will I Need?
While many clients notice a difference after just 1 treatment, a series of 3-4 treatments spanned 4-6 weeks apart is typically recommended to experience the best results. During your initial consultation your medical aesthetician will discuss your skin goals and develop a personalized treatment plan with you.
Can I Wear Makeup After A FreshPeel CO₂ Treatment?
We recommend waiting 3-5 days before applying makeup to allow your skin time to heal and recover. During this initial healing period, it's important to let your skin breathe and avoid anything that could cause unnecessary irritation. Daily sun protection is essential after treatment, so we recommend wearing SPF50 . If you would like a little coverage while your skin heals, a tinted SPF50 product is an excellent option.
Can I Return To Work After A FreshPeel CO₂ Treatment?
Most clients can return to work and do their normal daily activities right after a FreshPeel treatment. Your skin may appear pink or red, like a mild sunburn, for the first 24-48 hours. This may be accompanied with light flaking over the following day.
Book Your FreshPeel CO₂ Consultation
Healthy, radiant skin starts with the right treatment plan. During your complimentary consultation, your medical aesthetician will take the time to understand you skin concerns, answer questions, and determine whether FreshPeel is the best option for your goals. If it is, we will create a personalized treatment plan designed to reveal smoother, brighter, and healthier-looking skin with minimal to no downtime.