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If your'e noticing blotchy pigmentation, sagging skin, enlarged pores, fine lines and wrinkles, we're here to help. Learn what’s happening in your skin and how targeted treatments can help restore clarity, firmness and texture.

Not sure where to start with skin treatments? Explore our treatment roadmap showing how skin improves over time – guided by professional skin experts. 

Do you know the difference between melasma and other forms of hyperpigmentation? Learn how to recognise the signs and why melasma needs a tailored approach to treatment.

If you’ve been wondering how to rejuvenate your skin and address stubborn pigmentation, age spots, acne scars, or fine lines and wrinkles, you’ve likely come across IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment and Laser Skin Resurfacing in your quest. But figuring out which option is best for your skin type and concerns can be confusing. As a dermal therapist with many years of experience, I get it. That’s why I’m here to help you make sense of it all—so you can feel confident in your choice. At Select Skin, we use the Lumenis M22 multi-functional platform, a state-of-the-art aesthetic system that combines Lumenis M22 IPL and ResurFX™ fractional laser technology in one device. A system that allows us to offer you a versatile, tailored treatment to tackle pigmentation, redness, scarring, and textural issues, helping you achieve smoother, clearer, and more radiant skin. So, how do these treatments work, and which is right for you? Let’s begin with IPL, which is Intense Pulsed Light and one of the most effective ways to target pigmentation and redness for the improvement of superficial skin texture. Book IPL Treatment Lumenis M22 IPL: What Is It and How Does It Work? Lumenis M22 IPL is a versatile, light-based treatment that targets pigmentation, redness, and overall skin tone. Unlike lasers, which use a single wavelength of light, IPL delivers broad-spectrum light that can penetrate various skin depths—making it an effective option for treating multiple concerns in a single session. How Lumenis M22 IPL Transforms Your Skin Broad-Spectrum Light Technology – Targets brown pigmentation (sunspots, freckles) and red vascular lesions (broken capillaries, rosacea). Targeted Heat Absorption – Light energy is attracted to darker pigments, breaking them down so the body can naturally clear them away. Gentle Yet Effective – As a non-invasive treatment, IPL heats the targeted area without removing skin layers, making it ideal for surface-level concerns. When Is Lumenis M22 IPL the Best Option? If your primary concerns are pigmentation, redness, or sun damage, Lumenis M22 IPL is one of the most effective and convenient treatments available: Sunspots & Freckles – Fades brown spots for a more even tone. Redness & Broken Capillaries – Excellent for rosacea and visible facial veins. Mild Skin Rejuvenation – Brightens dull skin and promotes a fresher-looking complexion. Acne Support – Depending on the severity and cause of acne, IPL can target acne-causing bacteria and reduce post-inflammatory marks. With minimal downtime—usually just mild redness or temporary darkening of spots—IPL is fantastic for surface-level concerns like pigmentation and redness. But what if you’re looking for something that goes deeper? If tackling scarring, fine lines, wrinkles, or rough, uneven skin texture is your primary concern. That’s where ResurFX™ comes in. ResurFX™ Laser Resurfacing: What Is It and How Does It Work? If you’re looking for something that goes deeper, especially for concerns like scarring, fine lines, wrinkles, or uneven skin texture, ResurFX™ laser resurfacing is often the better choice. ResurFX™ is a fractional, non-ablative laser that delivers focused energy into deeper layers of the skin. Unlike Lumenis M22 IPL, which addresses surface-level pigmentation and redness, ResurFX™ stimulates collagen production for more robust, long-term skin renewal. How ResurFx™ Laser Resurfacing Transforms Your Skin. Non-Ablative Technology – Heats deeper skin layers while keeping the surface intact, reducing downtime. Fractional Laser Precision – Delivers energy in microscopic columns, targeting only a fraction of the skin at a time to promote faster healing. Collagen-Boosting Effects – Helps soften scarring, reduce fine lines, and improve skin texture. When Is ResurFX™ the Better Option? While IPL is excellent for pigmentation and redness, ResurFX™ goes deeper, making it the preferred choice for: Scarring (Including Acne Scars) – Softens scar tissue and promotes skin healing. Fine Lines & Wrinkles – Encourages collagen renewal for firmer, smoother skin. Stubborn Pigmentation – Targets deeper or more persistent pigmentation that IPL may not fully resolve. Texture & Tone – Smooths rough skin, refines large pores, and improves overall skin quality. If your goal is long-term skin rejuvenation and activating collagen stimulation, ResurFX™ is the superior choice. Book Laser Resurfx Treatment What’s the Key Difference Between IPL and ResurFX™? Although both treatments improve skin health and appearance, their underlying technology and depth of penetration set them apart: IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) uses broad-spectrum light energy to target excess melanin and blood vessels. It’s excellent for surface-level issues like sun damage and redness but doesn’t penetrate deeply into the skin. ResurFX™ is a fractional, non-ablative laser that delivers focused energy into deeper layers of the skin. Instead of targeting pigment, it stimulates collagen remodelling, making it ideal for wrinkles, scarring, and texture improvements. Downtime differs – IPL has minimal recovery time, while ResurFX™ may involve mild redness, swelling, or flaking for a few days. IPL will leave the pigment darker, 4-5 days. Makeup can be applied. Treatment depth varies – IPL primarily treats surface-level concerns, while ResurFX™ works deeper for long-term skin rejuvenation. Now that you understand how they work, let’s explore the best treatment for your unique skin concerns. Which Treatment Do We Recommend for Various Skin Conditions Once we’ve closely analysed your skin and discussed your key concerns and goals, it ultimately comes down to the specific issues you want to address. Let’s look at some of the most common skin conditions we treat at Select Skin—from pigmentation to scarring—and guide you toward the treatment modality that delivers the best results. Scarring (Including Acne Scars) ResurFX™ is ideal for acne scars because it stimulates collagen renewal and improves skin texture. IPL, on the other hand, can help with post-inflammatory pigmentation left behind by breakouts. Pigmentation & Sun Damage Lumenis M22 IPL is often the first choice for pigmentation because it specifically targets melanin. However, if the pigmentation is deeper or more stubborn, we may recommend ResurFX™ to refine the results further. Fine Lines & Wrinkles For collagen stimulation, ResurFX™ is the clear winner, as it works deeper to improve skin firmness and smooth fine lines over time. IPL, while great for overall skin brightness, is not as effective for texture-related ageing concerns. Redness & Rosacea Lumenis M22 IPL is the gold standard for reducing facial redness, rosacea, and visible blood vessels. In some cases, ResurFX™ may complement IPL to strengthen the skin barrier and improve texture. What to expect during your treatment sessions. Lumenis M22 IPL Sessions Before: We cleanse the area, apply a numbing gel, and provide protective eyewear. During: You’ll feel a brief snapping sensation—like a rubber band—each time the IPL handpiece flashes. After: Mild redness is common; pigment spots might darken before flaking off. Usually, there is no significant downtime; many clients return to their regular routine. ResurFX™ Laser Resurfacing Sessions Before: We’ll apply a numbing cream and provide protective eyewear to ensure your comfort. During: You’ll feel a warming or prickling sensation as the laser glides across. After: With a non-ablative, fractional laser like ResurFX™, you may experience mild redness or swelling for a few days compared to ablative lasers, which require more downtime.   Your Skin Investment: Comparing the Costs of Lumenis M22 IPL and ResurFX™ We understand that cost is often a consideration when choosing a treatment, but deciding based purely on price may not get you the results you’re hoping for. It really depends on what you want to achieve. IPL (for pigmentation, sun damage, and surface rejuvenation) More budget-friendly per session Most clients need 3-5 treatments for best results. Quick sessions with minimal downtime ResurFX™ (for scarring, fine lines, and intense rejuvenation) Higher cost per session but likely fewer treatments (usually 2-4) Targets deeper concerns (texture, collagen renewal) Long-term benefits often justify the investment If you’re looking for a longer-term result that targets deeper concerns like scarring, fine lines, and collagen renewal, then ResurFX™ is the better choice. Yes, the upfront cost per session is higher, but since you’ll likely need fewer treatments (usually 2-4), the long-term results make it worth the investment. Combining IPL & ResurFX™ Laser Resurfacing. For the best of both worlds, a combination of IPL and ResurFX™ (Photofractional) delivers even better long-term results, treating both surface pigmentation and deeper textural issues. This means a more complete skin transformation, addressing concerns at multiple levels. How We Tailor Your Treatment Plan At Select Skin, we want to ensure you get the best results possible in a way that makes sense for your skin and your lifestyle. During your consultation, we’ll: Assess Your Skin – Identify the best treatment for your skin type and concerns. Estimate Session Count – Recommend the number of treatments you’ll need for optimal results. Customise Your Plan – Ensure you get the most out of your investment for long-lasting improvements. Book a Consultation at Select Skin Choosing between Lumenis M22 IPL and ResurFX™ Laser Resurfacing comes down to your individual skin concerns. IPL is best for pigmentation, sun damage, and redness. ResurFX™ is ideal for scarring, fine lines, and texture improvement. Combination treatments (Photofractional) can target both concerns at once. At Select Skin, we’ll guide you every step of the way to ensure you receive a treatment plan tailored to your skin’s needs. Book a skin consultation at Select Skin in Coogee, Sydney, and let’s create a plan to match your goals, lifestyle, and budget—because you deserve skin that makes you feel confident at every stage of life. See you soon, Mel x   Book Lumenis M22 IPL Treatment Book Laser ResurFx Treatment

Two of the most popular clinical treatments for improving the overall appearance of your skin are IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and Fractional Laser. However, with so many clinical devices, you might wonder what’s the best option for skin concerns like blotchy patches of pigment, dark spots, melasma or an uneven skin tone. Sometimes it helps to understand how these two devices work in different ways to treat your skin. Let’s take a closer look at both, clear up any common misconceptions, and show you which device is best for tackling skin pigmentation—and which one excels at improving scarring, fine lines, wrinkles, and overall skin texture. The Technology Behind IPL and Fractional Laser Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)  IPL uses broad-spectrum light to target pigmentation and redness at varying depths in the skin. Traditionally classified as non-ablative, IPL doesn’t remove the top layer of skin; instead, it breaks up unwanted pigment for your body to clear. However, higher-intensity IPL can cause temporary peeling or crusting.  Fractional Laser Resurfacing (ResurFX™)  Delivers a single wavelength of fractional laser energy in tiny micro-columns beneath the surface, stimulating collagen production without fully ablating or breaking the skin. ResurFX™ often works best to improve texture, mild scarring, and fine lines while addressing some pigmentation concerns. IPL is typically chosen for hyperpigmentation, dark spots and redness, whereas ResurFX™ is favoured for skin texture, laxity, accelerated signs of ageing and mild scarring. When it comes to tackling skin pigmentation, it helps to understand the causes and how each condition will vary in how best to treat it. What Are the Signs, Symptoms, and Causes of Pigmentation? While pigment below the surface of your skin can go unnoticed for years, it can suddenly feel like patches of pigment appear overnight—and let’s be honest, that can be a bit worrying. The reality is that pigmentation can have multiple causes, though sun exposure is usually the biggest culprit, and as we age, these once-hidden pigments become more noticeable. Sun-Induced Pigmentation Even with diligent sun protection, a lifetime of UV exposure can result in dark spots, brown patches, or an uneven skin tone—often seen on the face, neck, chest, hands, and arms. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) PIH arises from skin trauma, such as acne, scarring, or aggressive treatments (e.g. deep chemical peels). Dark marks remain after the initial wound or inflammation has resolved. Hormonal Changes Hormonal fluctuations—like those during pregnancy or perimenopause—can bring about melasma, which appears as symmetrical dark patches on the face. In some cases, heat-based treatments (IPL or laser) may worsen melasma, so gentler approaches or specialised protocols are often recommended. Genetics and Ethnicity Your skin tone and genetic predispositions can influence how and where pigmentation develops. Darker skin types may be prone to melasma or post-inflammatory darkening, while lighter skin tends to develop sun-induced freckles or age spots. Often, skin pigmentation goes hand in hand with other signs of sun damage—such as uneven skin texture, redness, visible signs of skin ageing, or a dull complexion. This is where one device may be preferred over the other—or even a combination of both—ensuring your treatment is tailored to your unique concerns. At Select Skin, the first place to start is a skin consultation. During your consultation, we’ll identify the type of pigmentation and the best skincare treatments and solutions to address your unique needs, whether that’s our Lumenis M22 IPL or our newly acquired ResurFX™ Fractional Laser. What Is IPL, and How Does It Treat Skin Pigmentation? IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is well known for successfully treating superficial pigmentation, redness, and sun damage. It emits pulses of broad-spectrum light that selectively target melanin (pigment) and haemoglobin (redness), causing those molecules to break apart. How It Works IPL directs controlled bursts of light into the skin; pigment (melanin) absorbs that light and heats up, resulting in the pigment breaking into fragments and being reabsorbed by the body. Over time, your body naturally clears these fragments away, leading to a brighter, more even complexion. Why IPL for Pigmentation? It’s an effective solution for surface hyperpigmentation and is ideal for age spots, sun-induced freckles, and diffuse redness. Quick sessions with minimal downtime, typically 1–2 days of mild redness or darkening of spots before they slough off. Versatile as it addresses multiple concerns such as freckles, sun spots, redness, and sometimes acne. What to Expect from Your IPL Treatment Before & During: We cleanse your skin, apply a cooling gel, and give you protective eyewear. You’ll feel a brief snapping sensation as the IPL handpiece passes over each area. After: Mild redness and a warming sensation are common. Pigmented spots may darken over the next week before flaking away. Results: Generally, after 1–5 sessions, you’ll see a noticeable improvement in pigmentation and skin tone. BOOK YOUR IPL TREATMENT What Is ResurFX™ Fractional Laser and How Does It Work? ResurFX™ is a non-ablative fractional laser designed to treat deeper skin layers. It creates microscopic columns of heat beneath the surface, sparing much of the top layer, which minimizes downtime and speeds up healing. This process stimulates collagen and encourages gradual improvements in skin texture, fine lines, mild pigmentation and acne scarring.  How It Differs from IPL Fractional and non-ablative doesn’t peel or remove the epidermis. Instead, it creates thermal micro-injuries that trigger a healing response. It provides overall improvements to skin texture and other signs of sun damage; while it can address mild pigment issues, it’s primarily aimed at refining the skin’s surface, helping with acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles and mild laxity. Why ResurFX™? Provides a collagen boost to help smooth out acne scarring and stretch marks and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Minimal downtime with mild redness or swelling lasts a few days, but most people find it quite manageable. Cumulative and gradual Improvements with multiple sessions lead to continued enhancements in texture and tone. What to Expect from Your ResurFX™ Fractional Laser Treatment During: Sessions last 30–45 minutes. A topical anaesthetic may be applied for comfort. You’ll feel a slight warming or prickling sensation. After: Expect mild redness or puffiness for a day or two—much less than an ablative laser. Results: Noticeable improvements in skin texture and tone are revealed over several weeks, often requiring a series of treatments. BOOK YOUR RESURFX FRACTIONAL LASER Which Treatment Is Right for You? If Your First Concern is Tackle the Visible Signs of Hyperpigmentation Choose IPL  Targets sunspots, freckles, and surface redness Offers a relatively quick path to clear, visibly brighter skin Minimal downtime, though darker spots may briefly crust before flaking off If You’re More Concerned About Texture, Tone, Fine Lines, Wrinkles and Scarring Choose ResurFX™  Focuses on skin texture, mild laxity, acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles Stimulates collagen for overall skin rejuvenation Mild redness or swelling, but easy to fit into a busy schedule with minimal downtime Why We Trust and Recommend Lumenis M22 IPL and ResurFX™ At Select Skin, we tailor our treatments to your needs. Lumenis M22 IPL effectively tackles hyperpigmentation and redness with minimal recovery time. ResurFX™ excels at refining skin texture, tone, mild scarring, fine lines and wrinkles with minimal downtime.  Rest assured, we’ll work with you to decide if you should opt for one treatment, both, or a custom combination for the best possible results. Note on Melasma: If you have melasma, a consultation is crucial, as heat-based treatments (like IPL or laser) can exacerbate it. We’ll help you explore gentler, targeted options first. Ready to Take the Next Steps for Healthy, Radiant and Glowing Skin? If you’re ready to take the next step towards a visibly brighter, more even, and smoother complexion, we’re here to help. Book a consultation, and we’ll design a personalised Lumenis M22 IPL or ResurFX™ (or both!) treatment plan tailored to your skin concerns. At Select Skin, it’s important to us that we guide and help you achieve a healthier-looking, visibly brighter appearance—because everyone deserves to feel confident in their own skin. See you soon, Mel x

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