Every fall, the same thing happens. Summer ends, the tan fades, and the spots that were hiding underneath it show up on cheeks, foreheads, chests, and the backs of hands. Then the questions start: "Should I do IPL or a chemical peel for these?"
Both can help with sun spots. They work in different ways, suit different skin, and come with different downtime. Amy performs both at our North Raleigh office, and here's how we help people choose.
The short version. Distinct brown spots on lighter to medium skin usually respond well to IPL. Overall uneven tone, a deeper skin tone, or any chance of melasma usually points to a chemical peel instead. With either one, daily sunscreen afterward decides how long your results last.
First, Make Sure It's Really a Sun Spot
Sun spots (also called age spots, liver spots, or solar lentigines) are flat, tan to dark brown, and show up where your skin has had the most sun. They're harmless. The catch is that some skin cancers can look similar at first glance.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a skin exam with a board-certified dermatologist before treating age spots. If a spot is new, changing, raised, itchy, bleeding, or looks different from the others, get it checked before any cosmetic treatment. If we see something during your consultation that we'd want looked at first, we'll tell you.
How IPL Works on Sun Spots
IPL (intense pulsed light) sends bursts of broad-spectrum light into the skin. The extra pigment in a sun spot absorbs that light, which breaks it up. Over the next 7 to 10 days, treated spots usually darken, then flake off, leaving a more even tone behind. IPL also targets visible redness and small broken capillaries in the same session.
The limitation is skin tone. IPL works best on lighter to medium skin (Fitzpatrick types I to IV), because the light needs contrast between the spot and the skin around it. Amy will check whether it's a good fit for your skin tone at your consultation.
Most people do a series of 3 to 5 sessions about four weeks apart. Sessions take 20 to 30 minutes, and most people describe each pulse as a warm snap. There's little downtime beyond a day or two of mild redness and the darkened spots as they flake away.
How Chemical Peels Work on Sun Spots
A chemical peel uses an acid solution to remove the outer layers of skin, where much of the unwanted pigment sits. As that skin sheds, newer and more evenly toned skin replaces it. Instead of targeting individual spots, peels work on the whole area, which makes them a good fit for overall blotchiness and dullness as well as spots.
The strength of the peel matters. Superficial peels like our Signature ZO Glow Peel have essentially no downtime and are better for maintenance and brightness than for stubborn spots. Medium-depth peels go further. Our Perfect Derma Peel is a medium-depth peel that usually brings 3 to 5 days of visible peeling.
The Melasma Exception
Melasma looks different from sun spots. It tends to show up as larger, symmetrical patches on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, or chin, and it's often linked to hormones as well as sun. The distinction matters because melasma is usually treated differently.
So if there's any chance your discoloration is melasma, IPL usually isn't where we start. Amy will talk you through a gentler plan instead.
Side by Side
| IPL photofacial | Chemical peel | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Distinct brown spots, redness, broken capillaries | Overall uneven tone, dullness, spots, texture |
| Skin tones | Works best on lighter to medium skin | Options for a wider range of skin tones |
| Downtime | A day or two of redness, spots flake off over 7 to 10 days | None for superficial peels, 3 to 5 days of peeling for medium-depth |
| Typical plan | 3 to 5 sessions, about 4 weeks apart | Every 2 to 4 weeks (superficial) or 4 to 6 weeks (medium-depth) |
Why Fall Is the Time to Start
Both treatments leave your skin more sensitive to the sun for a while, and IPL shouldn't be done on tanned skin. That's why fall and winter are the busiest seasons for this work. You're outside less, the sun is weaker, and it's easier to keep treated skin covered.
If you start in October, a series of IPL or peels is usually finished well before spring. That gives your skin time to settle before you're back at the pool or on the lake.
Can You Combine Them?
Often, yes. Some people do an IPL series to clear distinct spots, then use peels to keep overall tone even. Others start with peels and add IPL for a few stubborn spots. Amy will plan the order and spacing so your skin has time to recover between treatments.
Keeping Spots From Coming Back
Sun spots can return, and new ones can form. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, shade, hats, and sun-protective clothing are what protect your results. A good at-home routine helps too. If you'd like help choosing products, our skin type quiz is a good place to start.
Not sure which one fits your spots? Amy will look at your skin, ask about your history with dark spots, and tell you honestly whether IPL, a peel, or something else makes the most sense. Consultations are free at our Falls of Neuse Road office in North Raleigh.
For full details and current pricing, see our IPL photofacial in Raleigh and chemical peels in Raleigh pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IPL or a chemical peel better for sun spots?
For distinct brown spots on lighter to medium skin, IPL is often the more targeted choice. For overall uneven tone, deeper skin tones, or possible melasma, a chemical peel is usually where we start. A consultation is the best way to tell which fits.
How many IPL sessions does it take to remove sun spots?
Most people do 3 to 5 sessions spaced about four weeks apart. Some spots fade after one or two sessions, while others need the full series.
Does IPL hurt?
Most people describe each pulse as a quick warm snap. Sessions take 20 to 30 minutes, and any redness usually fades within a day or two.
Can I get IPL if I have a tan?
We'll ask you to wait until your tan has faded. Plan to limit sun exposure before and after treatment, too.
Do sun spots come back after treatment?
They can, and new ones can form with more sun. Daily sunscreen and sun-protective clothing are the best way to protect your results.
Who performs IPL and chemical peels at Oak City?
Amy performs both at our Falls of Neuse Road office in North Raleigh. Current pricing is on our IPL photofacial and chemical peels pages.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology. What can get rid of age spots?