I am Asian and thinking of doing IPL to remove sunspots on my cheeks. I have heard that IPL can darken Asian skin. Is it true?

Question

I am considering IPL photofacial.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

ive said this over and over on here DO NOT DO IPL if you are asian skin type of sun spots, you need peels and skincare and ive linked many times enlighten or cosmelan with skincare products (see link). in office clear and brilliant, plus Aerolase or genesis and BBL (sometimes) can be used, but IPL has a lot of risk.  peels are what yo u need and an expert that knows how to treat asian skin.

this is post inflammatory hyperpigmentation/melasma/discoloration that needs cosmelan or enlighten peels at home which we can do virtually and send to your home along with aerify peels regularly, vivatia foam, restorsea 10x, faith essence serum, and cosmelan 2 cream.

Hyperpigmentation from any type needs a combination approach of peels like cosmelan, enlighten and aerify,  lasers like clear and brilliant and aerolase or laser genesis, radiofrequency like venus viva, and constant skin care and sun protection.  Bimonthly facials with silk peel dermalinfusion is essential to hydrate, exfoliate and infuse vitamins and antioxidants into the skin.  If you have acne you can do additional treatments and peels to get more improvement.  I suggest a formal consultation with an expert in lasers and peels. Best, Dr. Emer.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis.  We see atrophic and hypertrophic scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to discuss the best treatment options for your type of skin. .

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

William Groff, DO · Answer

IPL is not the ideal option for you as it can lead to pigmentation issues. I would likely recommend a picosecond laser like PicoWay or PicoSure. The rapid pulses of these lasers break up the melanin to remove the brown spots without affecting the rest of the skin. Make sure you work with a very experienced, board-certified dermatologist who has expertise in treating Asian skin and a wide range of device options so your treatment can be customized for the best possible results.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Is is not advisable for you to get IPL treatments, rather peels or other options. Its beret to discuss with your medical provider to see what other options are best for Asian skin. Best wishes.
Dr. T

I am Asian and thinking of doing IPL to remove sunspots on my cheeks. I have heard that IPL can darken Asian skin. Is it true?

Answers (4)

Answer: IPL and Asian skin

Answer: IPL and Asian skin

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about IPL

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I am Asian and thinking of doing IPL to remove sunspots on my cheeks. I have heard that IPL can darken Asian skin. Is it true?

Answers (4)

Answer: IPL and Asian skin

Answer: IPL and Asian skin

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about IPL

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.