Best laser/or peel for skin texture and sun spots?

Question

Hi I’m curious what is a good laser procedure or peel that targets skin texture and sun spots but doesn’t have downtime. What would some good options be?

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. I’ve tried many lasers and feel one of the best is the erbium laser. It’s safe, effective and has minimal downtime. Treatments can be adjusted to a patient’s needs.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

For improving skin texture and treating sun spots with little to no downtime, there are several effective options:

Non-ablative lasers (Fraxel Clear + Brilliant, IPL/photofacial): These target pigmentation and mild textural changes while allowing you to resume normal activities quickly.

Gentle chemical peels (glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or lactic acid peels): These help even skin tone, smooth texture, and fade sun spots with minimal peeling or recovery.

Microneedling with radiofrequency: Stimulates collagen, refines texture, and helps pigmentation with only mild redness for 1–2 days.

Each of these treatments is designed to give gradual improvements without the extended downtime that comes with more aggressive resurfacing. Combining them with consistent sun protection and topical brightening agents often yields the best results.

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

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Rachel Chastanet, MD · Answer

The Cynosure Icon platform uses “Max G “ IPL (intense pulsed light) and the 1540 true laser to treat brown spots, small red vessels and skin texture/wrinkles in one treatment session. The procedure is called “Three For Me,” referring to the three benefits. This procedure does involve some pain and downtime but topical anesthesia cream is very helpful.

Best laser/or peel for skin texture and sun spots?

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