Skin Health

Sun Damage: Picofy vs. Solaria CO₂

Last updated November 2, 2026 · 4 min read

Years of time outdoors tend to show up eventually, often as brown spots and uneven tone, and sometimes as rough texture and fine lines too.

If you are deciding between Picofy and Solaria, the main question is what bothers you most. Is it mainly unwanted pigment, or pigment combined with rough texture and fine lines? This guide explains how that shapes the choice, when to start, and how to protect your results.

First, get new or changing spots checked

Pigment alone, or pigment plus texture?

Picofy may be considered for suitable pigment concerns.

Solaria CO₂ may be considered when more intensive resurfacing is appropriate, particularly when texture and fine lines are also concerns. At our practice, Solaria is limited to Fitzpatrick skin types I–III.

Explore Picofy laser treatments

Explore Solaria CO₂ resurfacing

Why fall and winter can be a good time to start

Fall and winter can be convenient times to begin because reducing sun exposure is often easier. You will still need to avoid tanning and follow your provider’s sun-protection instructions before and after treatment.

A recent tan or sunburn may mean treatment needs to be postponed, so tell the team about recent sun exposure and any tanning products.

Protecting your results afterward

Healing skin needs protection from direct sun. Aftercare generally includes shade, protective clothing, and broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher once your provider says it is okay.

New pigmentation can develop with continued sun exposure, so daily sun protection is what helps maintain results over time.

Read Picofy preparation and aftercare

Read Solaria CO₂ preparation and aftercare

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to talk about your sun damage?

Book a consultation to have your spots and skin assessed and find out whether Picofy, Solaria CO₂, or another approach suits your goals and schedule.

Related reading

This page is general information only and is not medical advice. Always follow the specific instructions given to you by your provider, and contact Therapeutic Elements with any questions about your treatment or recovery.