People often use “IPL” and “laser” interchangeably, but they’re different tools for different goals. Choosing the right one saves you time and money. Here’s the simple version, and how we use each on SharpLight technology at Luxury Cosmetic Medspa in London, Ontario.
The core difference
Laser delivers a single, focused wavelength — ideal for targeting one thing precisely, like the pigment in a hair follicle for hair removal. IPL (intense pulsed light) spreads a broad spectrum of light across the skin, which makes it well suited to surface concerns like sun spots, redness and uneven tone across a whole area.
Put simply: for lasting hair reduction, you want laser; for pigment, redness and overall skin rejuvenation, you want IPL (the photofacial).
When to choose which
Choose laser hair removal if your goal is smooth, hair-free skin over a course of sessions. Choose an IPL photofacial if you want to clear sun damage, even your tone and brighten the face, chest or hands. Many clients do both — laser for hair, IPL for skin — because they solve completely different problems.
Getting it right for your skin
Both are done on medical-grade SharpLight technology with a patch test at your consultation so settings are calibrated safely for your skin tone. The consultation is where we match the right light to your actual goal — no guesswork.
Frequently asked
Is IPL or laser better?
Neither is “better” — they do different jobs. Laser is best for hair removal; IPL is best for pigment, redness and overall skin tone. The right choice depends on your goal.
Can IPL remove hair?
IPL can reduce some hair, but dedicated laser is more effective and reliable for lasting hair reduction. For hair, choose laser; for skin tone and sun damage, choose IPL.
Do I need a consultation first?
Yes — a quick consultation and patch test lets us match the right treatment and settings to your skin safely.
Ready to book in London?
Explore the treatment and reserve online — Luxury Cosmetic Medspa, 332 Central Ave, London ON.
