Laser vs. IPL: What’s the Difference (and Which One Is Right for You?)

Ania Sousa
Oct 13
3 min read

If you’ve ever searched for laser treatments, you’ve probably seen the term “IPL” too, but they’re not the same thing. Understanding the difference can help you choose a treatment that’s safer, more effective, and perfectly matched to your skin’s needs.

The Short Answer

Lasers are focused. IPL is broad.Think of a laser as a single spotlight illuminating one precise point, while IPL is like a wide floodlight shining across the whole room.

Both use light energy to treat skin concerns, but how that light behaves determines how deep it reaches, what it targets, and how effective it is.

What Is a Laser?

Laser stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. It emits one pure wavelength of light — meaning it can focus on one specific target (like pigment, blood vessels, or hair follicles) with remarkable accuracy.

Lasers are:

Monochromatic: one color, one purpose
Precise: able to reach exact depths in the skin
Powerful: delivers high energy where it’s needed most
Versatile: different lasers treat different conditions (pigmentation, tattoo removal, hair removal, skin rejuvenation)

At Bloom & Beam, we use true, medical-grade lasers such as Q-Switched (Quanta Chrome) systems advanced technology that allows us to treat melasma, pigmentation, and tattoos safely and effectively for all skin types.

What Is IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)?

IPL is not a laser — it uses broad-spectrum light that scatters across a range of wavelengths (typically 500–1200 nm).Filters are applied to target general redness, sun spots, or mild pigmentation, but the energy is less focused.

IPL is:

Polychromatic: many wavelengths at once
Gentler: lower energy makes it safer for mild, surface issues
Broad-spectrum: treats several concerns in one session, but with less precision

Best for: mild redness, freckles, or early signs of photoaging

Not ideal for: melasma, deep pigmentation, or tattoo removal (it can actually make melasma worse)

Why Precision Matters

Lasers allow your practitioner to selectively target one chromophore at a time — the pigment or structure that absorbs light — without damaging surrounding skin.This precision process, called selective photothermolysis, is why laser treatments deliver powerful results with minimal downtime.

IPL, on the other hand, spreads its light energy broadly, so the energy diffuses before it can deeply target problem areas.That’s why IPL often requires more sessions and tends to give more subtle results.

Feature	Laser	IPL
Light Type	Single wavelength (monochromatic)	Multiple wavelengths (broadband)
Focus	Highly targeted	Scattered, general
Depth	Can reach deep dermal layers	Mostly surface level
Energy	Strong and precise	Gentle and diffuse
Best For	Pigmentation, tattoos, melasma, hair removal	Sun spots, mild redness, overall tone
Safety on Melasma	✅ Safe when done properly	⚠️ Can worsen pigmentation
Sessions Needed	Fewer	More

The Bloom & Beam Difference

At Bloom & Beam Laser Studio, we don’t use IPL, we use true, certified laser technology that delivers precise, consistent, and safer results for all skin tones.

Our treatments are grounded in science, education, and advanced training, ensuring your results are both effective and skin-safe.From pigmentation correction to tattoo removal, every treatment plan is customized to help your skin bloom again.

Final Thoughts

While both lasers and IPL use light, they perform very differently.IPL offers a gentle refresh, but lasers are the gold standard for precision, safety, and long-term results.

Your skin deserves the best technology and the right expertise behind it. At Bloom & Beam, we combine medical-grade lasers with a warm, supportive approach to help your skin glow with confidence.