No. IPL is filtered light delivered in short pulses, while a laser is a different kind of device. Both use light energy, but they work in different ways.

Which works on sun spots, IPL or laser?

For brown sun spots, IPL is usually where we start, because pigment absorbs its light. Frax 1550 is used for texture, scars and fine lines.

Can sun spots be treated on darker skin?

We check your skin at the consultation and confirm whether IPL is suitable. If a treatment isn't the right fit, we say so.

How many sessions will I need?

For sun spots, a series of IPL sessions about a month apart. We set the number at your consultation.

IPL vs Laser for Sun Spots in Hamilton

Q: What do sun spots look like after IPL?

They darken for a few days, then gradually fade or flake off over one to two weeks.

What is the difference between IPL and a laser?

IPL stands for intense pulsed light. It is filtered light delivered in short pulses, not a laser. We use the Candela Nordlys IPL.

Our laser is the Frax 1550, a non-ablative fractional laser. Non-ablative means it leaves the surface of the skin intact. Fractional means it treats thousands of microscopic columns of skin and leaves the skin between them intact.

The two devices do different jobs. IPL light is absorbed by pigment and by blood in small vessels. Frax 1550 prompts new collagen, the protein that gives skin its structure.

How does IPL treat sun spots?

Pigment at the base of the top layer of skin absorbs the light from IPL and turns it into heat. Treated sun spots darken for a few days, then gradually fade or flake off over one to two weeks.

IPL light is also absorbed by blood in small vessels, and the heat closes them. That is why IPL is used for both sun spots and redness. You can read more on our IPL technology page.

How does the Frax 1550 laser work?

Frax 1550 treats thousands of microscopic columns of skin and leaves the skin between them intact. This prompts new collagen.

That makes Frax 1550 a treatment for texture, scars and fine lines. It is the device behind our Texture & pores treatment, and IPL is the device behind Pigmentation & sun damage. More detail is on our Frax 1550 page.

Which one is right for sun spots?

It depends on your skin and what else you want to treat. Here is how we usually think about it:

Brown sun spots. IPL is usually the first choice, since its light is absorbed by pigment.
Spots plus redness. IPL is used for both.
Melasma. It needs an assessment first, because IPL can make it worse.
Sun damage plus rough texture or fine lines. A combined treatment may make sense.

We decide after assessing your skin, and if IPL isn't the right fit, we say so.

Can IPL and laser be combined?

Yes. Our Texture & Tone Treatment uses IPL for colour and Frax 1550 for texture in one 90-minute, full-face visit.

It is from $699 per session. We suggest it when both concerns are there and your skin suits both devices.

How do the sessions and downtime compare?

IPL for sun spots takes a series of sessions about a month apart. No time off is needed, and skin may look flushed for a day or two.

Frax 1550 starts with numbing cream and is typically four to five sessions about a month apart. Skin is pink for a few days, then rough or slightly bronzed as it renews.

How much does each option cost?

IPL for sun spots and pigmentation is from $100 per session, depending on the area. Full-face Frax 1550 for texture and pores is from $449 per session.

Every price on our prices page matches our booking system exactly. At the consultation we'll tell you how many sessions you'll need and the price.

How do we decide at the consultation?

Every treatment starts with a 30-minute one-on-one consultation. We look at your spots, your skin tone and anything else you want to change.

Then we recommend IPL, Frax 1550, both, or neither. Results vary from person to person and build over a series. Our studio is in Stoney Creek, Hamilton, and convenient for Burlington, Grimsby, Ancaster and Dundas.

IPL vs laser for sun spots: which one do you need?