“Dark spots” can describe several different conditions: sun spots and freckles, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation left after acne or irritation, and melasma. They can look similar in the mirror but behave very differently, so the first step is identifying which one you have.
PicoLaser and IPL (intense pulsed light) are both offered at Glow Up MD for pigment concerns. Neither is the best treatment for everyone. This guide explains how they differ and why an in-person assessment matters.
How the two technologies differ
- PicoLaser: A laser that delivers a single wavelength in extremely short pulses. It is selected and set for a specific pigment target and depth.
- IPL: Not a laser: a filtered flash of many wavelengths at once. Because it can target both brown pigment and redness, it is often considered for broad sun-related discoloration.
- Shared point: Both rely on light energy, so both require careful settings, sun protection, and screening of skin tone and recent tanning.
When IPL is often considered
IPL is commonly discussed for lighter skin with scattered sun spots, freckles, and redness from sun exposure. DermNet describes it as a non-ablative technique; side effects are usually short-lived redness and a sunburn-like feeling, but pigment cells can occasionally be damaged, leaving darker or lighter patches, and blistering can occur.
IPL is generally used more cautiously in darker or tanned skin, where more of the light is absorbed by normal skin pigment.
When PicoLaser is often considered
PicoLaser may be considered for discrete spots, some freckles, and selected post-inflammatory marks, and it is sometimes part of a plan for a wider range of skin tones. That still requires individualized settings and test-area judgment; any laser can cause temporary or lasting darkening or lightening of the skin.
Melasma needs extra caution
Melasma is a chronic, hormonally and sun-influenced condition that can recur. The American Academy of Dermatology notes there is no one best treatment for melasma; plans usually begin with daily sun protection and topical medication, with procedures sometimes added.
DermNet notes that peels, IPL, and lasers, including picosecond lasers, carry a risk of relapse, of worsening melasma, or of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and require expert use. For that reason, a plan may start with sun protection and skincare before any procedure is considered.
Who needs a more individualized assessment
- Darker skin tones: Higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation; settings and modality choice matter.
- Recent tan: Treatment may be postponed until tanned skin settles.
- Melasma or mixed pigment: Often combines topical care, sun protection, and conservative procedures.
- Medical history: Photosensitizing medications, pregnancy, and a history of cold sores or poor healing should be discussed first.
What to expect from any plan
Most pigment plans involve a series of visits and ongoing sun protection. Results vary, and pigment can return with sun exposure or hormonal triggers. Risks include redness, swelling, temporary darkening, lasting lighter or darker patches, blistering, and, rarely, scarring.
Explore treatment paths
- Hyperpigmentation & Dark Spots
All pigment treatment paths
- PicoLaser
- IPL
- Chemical Peels
- Medical-Grade Skincare
Sources
Your consultation options
Patient care coordinator consultations are complimentary. A consultation with Dr. Kim is $150, applied toward a service or package purchased the same day.