IPL or Chemical Peel for sun spots, red acne spots, uneven skin tone and large pores? (Photo)

Unfortunately, as with many such light and energy-based bells and whistles out there, IPL has a lot more medspa hype than scientific substance to back up its use. For widespread mottled pigmentary problems, such as appears to be the case in the photos, you would likely profit most by a combination of at-home prescription topicals and an in-office series of superficial chemical peels, which will also help to improve overall skin quality.  Tri-Luma is a prescription topical that may be tried. Others include hydroquinone in higher concentrations, kojic acid, azelaic acid, arbutin, licorice extract and topical (and oral) tranexamic acid. In-office superficial peels include glycolic acid or salicylic acid in high concentrations, Jessner's Solution, or low concentrations of TCA. Typically a series of six to eight peels are necessary to achieve optimal improvement, and once improvement is achieved, which typically takes about six to eight months, then one of the non-steroidal brightening agents mentioned above may be continued indefinitely along with sun protection to prevent recurrence.  Professional microneedling along with TCA 15% has also proven useful for these kinds of issues. Make sure that you are consulting with a board certified aesthetic dermatologist. Best of luck.

The IPL® photofacial is the gold standard in treating sun damage and hyperpigmentation to reveal skin that is brighter and more even. With the use of IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) technology, the IPL® photofacial treatment is typically used to treat sun spots, spider veins, hyperpigmentation, and improve skin tone by targeting of hyperpigmented or otherwise damaged skin cells with the use of specific intense light wavelengths.
As the light penetrates your skin, it’s converted into heat, which then destroys any hyperactive skin cells in the process and causes the pigmentation to disperse. Hyperpigmented spots will begin to rise to the surface of your skin and eventually flake off, leaving you with a much more consistent, smooth, and overall more youthful-looking face.
While many patients will only require the one single course of IPL® photofacial treatment, other patients may need as many as three if they’re to fully reach their desired results.IPL® photofacial benefits include:
Treats a range of areas including the face, neck, chest, arms, legs, and shouldersMinimal downtime and recoveryHelps reverse signs of sun damageAddresses hyperpigmentation and acne scarsTreats skin rednessHelps prevent future signs of aging, according to recent research