IPL vs. Chemical Peels — Which Is Better for Discoloration?
When it comes to treating discoloration, sun damage, and uneven skin tone, two of the most popular options are chemical peels and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy. Both aim to brighten and even out your complexion — but they work in very different ways.
Chemical Peels: Surface-Level Renewal
Chemical peels exfoliate the top layer of your skin using acids like glycolic, salicylic, or TCA. By removing dead cells, they help fade mild pigmentation, smooth texture, and encourage new skin growth. But peels only act on the surface, meaning deeper discoloration often returns once the tan or pigment reactivates.
Peels also come with more downtime and risk — redness, peeling, and sensitivity can last days. Overuse or incorrect strength (especially in darker skin types) can even cause irritation or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
IPL: Light-Based Deep Correction
Unlike peels, IPL works under the surface. Using multiple wavelengths of light, it targets melanin and hemoglobin at varying depths — breaking down pigment and redness without removing any skin. The result is a clearer, brighter complexion with minimal downtime.
Because IPL works beneath the epidermis, it can treat deeper pigment issues such as sun spots, vascular redness, rosacea, and melasma (when carefully managed by a trained provider). And unlike peels, there’s no risk of over-exfoliation or scarring when performed with medical-grade devices by licensed professionals.
Which One Is Right for You?
If you’re looking for a quick glow before an event, a mild peel can deliver that instant polish. But if your discoloration keeps returning, or if you’ve spent months trying peels with little change, it’s time to upgrade to light-based technology. IPL offers longer-lasting, more even-toned correction that goes where creams and acids can’t reach.
At Core Aesthetic, our providers assess your skin type, depth of pigment, and history of peels or sun exposure to design a personalized IPL plan — ensuring safety, precision, and real results.
