IPL vs Laser Skin Resurfacing: How Do They Compare?

Western Dermatology
September 18, 2024

Injectablefillers work well to address volume loss, but when it comes to improving theoverall quality of your skin, you may need to turn to laser and lighttreatments. Laser skin resurfacing and intense pulsed light (IPL)—also referredto as a photofacial—are both great choices for improving skin’sgeneral tone and texture. The board-certified dermatologistsserving Albuquerque, alongwith the rest of the team at Western Dermatology Consultants—explain that thereare some key differences between the two treatments.

Melanin is thepigment that provides color for the hair and skin—making it a key element inthese light-based treatments. Lasers and IPL work in a similar way, giving offenergy that converts into heat when absorbed by melanin, thereby damaging lesions,hair follicles, or broken blood vessels without harming the surrounding skin. Thedead cells are gradually sloughed away and replaced by healthier, new ones. Thisenergy can also promote cell turnover.

IPL is a lighttherapy designed for minimizing irregularities such as age spots, sun damage,freckles, broken blood vessels, redness, blotchiness, rosacea, and hair on theface or body. It works like a camera flash, sending out multiple, scatteredwavelengths of broad-spectrum light in a spectrum of colors.

Laser skinresurfacing, with devices such as the Palomar laser for fractional skinresurfacing, is generally used on more severe types of skin damage and verythick hair due to its higher intensity. It involves applying one wavelength offocused light to precisely destroy specific skin concerns. A more dramaticimprovement is possible, and the full effects may be revealed faster and withfewer sessions than with IPL. Lasers are effective on surgical or acne scars,lines and wrinkles, brown spots, and enlarged pores.

Certain lasers cancause more discomfort and require more downtime than IPL, as intense pulsedlight does not remove the outer layer of the skin in the treatment area. Laserskin resurfacing is typically suitable for a wider range of skin tones and issafer for darker complexions when compared to IPL.

If you’re hoping to improve the appearance of your skin, a member of our team can help you decide on the best laser or light treatment for your needs. To get started today, call Albuquerque’s Western Dermatology Consultants at 505-855-9267 or write online to request a consultation.

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