Laser & Light Treatments

Laser and light treatments use focused energy to fade sun damage, calm visible redness and refresh the skin without surgery. This category includes IPL Photofacial, IPL Redness Reduction and LED Red Light Rejuvenation. IPL (intense pulsed light) sends broad-spectrum pulses that target pigment or small blood vessels, while LED therapy uses gentle red light that supports the skin's natural repair process. Each targets something different, with different time commitments and expectations.

How do the treatments differ? They differ in what the light targets.

• IPL Photofacial sends broad-spectrum light (many wavelengths at once, unlike a laser's single wavelength) to reach pigment: brown spots, freckles and uneven tone from sun exposure. "Photofacial" is a common name, not one branded treatment.

• IPL Redness Reduction uses the same IPL method with filters tuned to haemoglobin, the pigment in blood, to soften visible capillaries and rosacea-type flushing.

• LED Red Light Rejuvenation uses low-level red light — no wounding, no heat injury — to support the skin's cells and collagen. Evidence is strongest for consistent use over time rather than a single session.

Skin tone matters. Medium and deeper skin tones carry a higher risk of dark or light patches from pigment-seeking light treatments, and conditions like melasma can worsen. A provider assessment matters first. LED red light is generally well tolerated across skin tones.

Skin tones are often described on the Fitzpatrick scale (I–VI). Darker tones need adjusted settings and a provider assessment.

At-home devices are heavily marketed. Home IPL and LED masks use much lower energy than clinic machines, and claims often outpace the evidence. Clinic devices must be licensed by Health Canada and operated by trained professionals.

How many sessions are needed, and how long do results last? Results build over a series, not a single visit. IPL is commonly done as a course of three to six sessions spaced a few weeks apart — the spacing lets your skin renew between visits. Treated spots often darken first, then flake away within one to two weeks. With daily sunscreen, IPL results typically last several months, with maintenance once or twice a year. Redness reduction may take more sessions, improving gradually. LED benefits appear gradually over repeated short sessions, with periodic maintenance to keep them.

What does treatment and recovery involve? Both are quick outpatient visits with usually little or no downtime. An IPL session takes about 15 to 30 minutes: a cool gel, protective eye shields, then light pulses that feel like a rubber-band snap. Many providers do a small patch test 24–48 hours ahead — especially for deeper skin tones — and use cooling during treatment to protect the skin. Redness and mild swelling usually settle within hours, and most people return to normal activities the same day. Avoid tanning before and after, and use SPF daily to protect your result. LED sessions are shorter and painless.

What are the side effects and risks? Temporary effects are common; serious problems are uncommon with trained providers. Expect redness, mild swelling and warmth after IPL, plus temporary darkening of treated spots. Less commonly: blistering, burns, infection, lasting pigment change, scarring, or eye injury without proper eye protection. Tell your provider about a recent tan, melasma, isotretinoin use, light-sensitizing medications or pregnancy — and contact them promptly about blistering, increasing pain, pus or fever.

A qualified provider can assess your skin and recommend the treatment and settings that suit you.

Sources: Health Canada — Cosmetic Laser Treatments · UT Southwestern — IPL Photofacial · AAD — Red light therapy · Jagdeo et al., 2018 LED systematic review