Fraxel or IPL laser? Or something else? (Photo)

Question

I have oily skin that is sensitive with larger pores. I feel like my pores get more visible each year. I am 32. I don't have money to waste and want the best solution for my skin without wasting money. I have used other suggestions like retinol but they make my skin have large bumps under the skin.

Peter Castillo, MD, FACOG · Answer

Thank you for your question. Hypeepigmentation can be addressed with BBL (Broad band light). Similar to IPL, this would require several sessions to achieve even tone. BBL will help even skin tone, tighten the skin, remove fine blood vessels, and treat acne.
Halo is a hybrid fractional laser which can achieve both even skin tone AND texture for those who have imperfections of the skin usually masked with makeup. Skin tone, large pores, acne scars and fine wrinkles can be addressed with the Halo hybrid laser treatment.
Halo uses Erbium which has better precision and affinity for water than Fraxel (CO2) and thus has lower risk and downtime. The Halo also combines 1470 (Diode) laser which delivers heat below the surface to ablate the hyperpigmented areas more definitively. This can be achieved in usually 2 treatments. Patients who have a lot of imperfections or scarring may require 3 treatments.
I recommend researching Halo or BBL treatment providers in your area to insure your best results.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

See a cosmetic dermatologist with experience in lasers and needling, you will get amazing improvements.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest a combination of Clear and Brilliant laser + IPL to help improve your skin and reduce pores, sun damage, and fine wrinkles. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Jason Pozner, MD · Answer

Halo by Sciton is a hybrid fractional laser and is probably the best device for pores at this time. we were involved in the development of this laser and were not trying to fix pores - it was just something that we found when we looked at the results

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Those are options as is microneedling, microdermabrasion, peels as first step in the non surgical options......

Melanie L. Petro, MD · Answer

Large pores are definitely something everyone wants to treat. They can hold make up differently etc.Halo (by Sciton) is terrific for treating pores, and has very little downtime. It is a hybrid laser that uses ablative and sublative technology to treat texture, fine lines, and pigment. It is amazingly diverse and settings can be very specifically addressed for you to get the best treatment Your pores will enlarge again gradually over time.... So using sunscreen and a Clarisonic to make sure all your make up is removed is a great maintenance idea.

Fraxel or IPL laser? Or something else? (Photo)

Answers (6)