The short answer: For defined sun spots, age spots and freckling on lighter skin (Fitzpatrick I–IV), IPL Lumecca is the fastest tool: most clients need 1–3 sessions, from $250 for the face. For melasma, darker skin tones, or dullness and texture alongside the pigment, The Skin Renewal Treatment, our chemical peel, is usually the safer starting point at $175 per session, over 3–4 sessions. Either way, daily SPF 50 is what keeps the result.
IPL Lumecca uses a broad-spectrum flash of light that is absorbed by melanin (brown pigment) and hemoglobin (redness). The targeted spots break down while the surrounding skin is left alone. Within hours the spots darken to a coffee-ground look, then flake off over 3–7 days.
The Skin Renewal Treatment is a professional chemical peel. A controlled acid, such as an AHA or BHA, exfoliates the skin at a chosen depth, speeding cell turnover so pigmented cells shed and fresher, more even skin comes through. It also smooths texture and fine lines, which IPL doesn't. We do not use TCA peels.
| IPL Lumecca | The Skin Renewal Treatment | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Sun spots, age spots, freckling, redness and broken capillaries | Uneven tone, post-acne marks, melasma plans, dullness and texture |
| Skin types | Fitzpatrick I–IV. Higher risk for V–VI | All, starting very light and cautious on IV–VI |
| Sessions | 1–3, spaced 4 weeks apart | 3–4, spaced 3–4 weeks apart |
| What recovery looks like | Spots darken, then flake off over 3–7 days | Visible peeling for 2–5 days on a medium-depth peel |
| When you see it | Visible clearing at about 4 weeks | Pigment fades over 2–4 weeks per peel, full effect at 8–12 weeks |
| Per session | Face $250 · Chest $250 · Hands $125 | $175, or add to any facial for $175 |
| Typical course | $375–750 | $525–700 |
| Best season | Fall and winter preferred | Light peels year-round, medium peels usually fall and winter |
Melasma is hormonally driven pigment, often a patchy shadow across the cheeks, forehead or upper lip. It behaves differently from sun spots: it can improve or worsen with IPL. That's why we don't use IPL as a first-line melasma treatment. The usual plan is topicals, lighter chemical peels and a ZO brightening regimen, with IPL only considered after a careful assessment.
Neither treatment can be done on freshly tanned skin: both need 2 weeks without sun exposure before and after. Sun protection prevents new damage but doesn't reverse existing pigment, which is where treatment comes in. You'll find the full details on our sun damage and pigmentation page.