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.
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.
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 today, 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