Laser Matchmaking: What to Use for What

Lasers aren’t a one-size-fits-all situation — they’re more like a perfectly curated dating app for your skin. The key to glowing results? Matching the right device to the right concern and the right skin type.

Below is your aesthetic compatibility chart: what each concern needs, which lasers do the job, and what to avoid (especially for melanin-rich skin tones).

Concern-by-Concern Breakdown

Acne (Inflammatory & Active Breakouts)

• What Helps: Blue Light, IPL, Laser Genesis, Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
• Why: Targets bacteria, reduces inflammation, calms oil glands
• Best For: Mild to moderate acne
• Skin Type Notes: Be cautious with IPL on deeper skin tones; Laser Genesis is a safer, universal option

Brown Spots | Sun Damage | Age Spots

• What Helps: IPL, Q-switched lasers, Alexandrite, Thulium (1927), Pico laser
• Why: Breaks apart melanin so your body can naturally clear it
• Best For: Sun spots, lentigines, freckles
• Skin Type Notes: IPL is best for types I–III; deeper tones should go with Nd:YAG or Pico

Melasma

What Helps: Low-energy Nd:YAG (1064 nm), Pico lasers (ultra-short pulse), Thulium (LaseMD)

Why: Gentle pigment disruption without inflammation (which worsens melasma)

Best For: Hormonal pigment, patchy discoloration Skin Type Notes: Avoid heat-heavy devices like IPL — they can make melasma worse

Redness | Vessels | Rosacea

• What Helps: Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL), Nd:YAG 1064, KTP 532, Excel V+
• Why: Targets hemoglobin to shrink blood vessels
• Best For: Flushing, broken capillaries, telangiectasia
• Skin Type Notes: PDL is great for types I–III; Nd:YAG safer for IV–VI

Acne Scarring & Texture

• What Helps: Fractional CO2, Er:YAG, RF Microneedling, Pico with focus lens
• Why: Stimulates collagen remodeling and resurfaces uneven skin
• Best For: Indented or pitted scars
• Skin Type Notes: RF microneedling and Pico are safer for deeper skin tones

Laxity | Sagging | Skin Tightening

• What Helps: RF Microneedling, Ultrasound (Ultherapy, Sofwave), Nd:YAG 1320–1440
• Why: Creates deep dermal heat to trigger collagen and lift
• Best For: Mild jowling, crepey cheeks, jawline blur
• Skin Type Notes: All modalities safe across Fitz types

Fine Lines | Dullness | Texture

• What Helps: Fractional CO2, Er:Glass (Fraxel), Er:YAG, Microneedling
• Why: Exfoliates, smooths, and stimulates collagen
• Best For: Wrinkles, dull tone, enlarged pores
• Skin Type Notes: For types IV–VI, non-ablative options or RF Microneedling are safest

A Few “It Depends” Tips

It’s common to combine lasers for synergistic results (e.g., IPL + fractional for sun damage + texture).

If you’ve had recent sun exposure, hold off. Even the best laser needs the right skin condition to work safely.

Less is often more. Slow, steady improvements = lasting, natural results (and fewer side effects).