IPL and Laser Genesis are two of the easiest ways to get clearer, healthier-looking skin. Both are quick and both have little to no downtime. The difference is what they target.
The short answer
- IPL is best for sun spots, freckles, redness and broken capillaries.
- Laser Genesis is best for glow, enlarged pores, fine lines and overall texture, and it also helps with redness.
How IPL works
IPL stands for intense pulsed light. It uses broad-spectrum light that is absorbed by pigment and by blood vessels. The light heats those targets, and your body gradually clears them away.
After treatment, brown spots usually darken, then flake away over about a week. Redness and visible vessels fade over the following weeks.
IPL is best for:
- Sun damage, age spots and freckles
- Rosacea and diffuse redness
- Broken capillaries and spider veins
- The face, neck, chest and hands
How Laser Genesis works
Laser Genesis gently warms the deeper layers of the skin. That warmth encourages new collagen and healthy cell turnover, without any break in the skin's surface.
It is often called the lunch-break laser: treatments take 30 minutes to an hour, and there is no downtime at all.
Laser Genesis is best for:
- Dullness and uneven texture
- Enlarged pores
- Fine lines
- Redness and rosacea
- A healthy glow before an event
Side by side
| IPL | Laser Genesis | |
|---|---|---|
| Targets | Pigment and blood vessels | Collagen and texture |
| Best for | Sun spots, redness, vessels | Glow, pores, fine lines |
| Downtime | Spots darken and flake for about a week | None |
| Sessions | Often a short series | A series for best results |
| Best season | Fall and winter | Year round |
Why they work well together
Many of our patients use both. IPL clears the spots and redness, Laser Genesis improves texture and glow, and together they create a more even, luminous complexion. Both also pair well with our signature custom facial.
Before and after care
- Avoid tanning and direct sun before IPL
- Wear SPF 30 or higher every day, especially after treatment
- Tell us about any medications or recent sun exposure
- Keep up with medical-grade skin care to maintain results
Frequently asked questions
Does IPL hurt?
Most people feel a warm snap, like a rubber band. It is quick and well tolerated.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your goals. Many people see a noticeable difference after one IPL session, and a short series gives the best result. Laser Genesis is typically done as a series.
Can I do IPL in summer?
Pigment treatments are best when sun exposure is low, which is why fall and winter are ideal in Chicago. Read our guide to the best time of year for laser treatments.
Want clearer, brighter skin? We will match the right light treatment to your goals.
Book a consultationThis article is general information, not medical advice. Every face and skin type is different, so the right treatment for you is decided at an in-person consultation. Individual results vary.