Laser toning treatments can effectively correct sun spots, acne scars, melasma and other conditions that affect the skin’s pigmentation, whether they’re at the surface or deep in the dermal layers.

You probably already know about the many applications of laser and other light-based technologies in the aesthetic industry: they’re used for everything from hair and tattoo removal to body contouring, and are beating out other non-invasive skin treatments by way of efficacy and popularity.

Addressing pigmentary disorders with lasers or light treatments may also allow you to avoid outdated, chemical-laden skin “bleaching” creams, as these new high-tech devices are now being used to blast away melasma, hyperpigmentation, and other common skin concerns.

Here we discuss the benefits of laser toning and pigmentation removal procedures.

What Causes Pigmentation on the Face?

Uneven pigmentation can occur when the body’s pigment-making melanocytes, the melanin-forming cells in the skin, become damaged or lose efficiency. This is a part of the natural aging process, but is also a common side effect of excessive sun damage — another great reason to make sure you’re wearing sunscreen every day.

Aging, hormonal imbalance, and certain diseases can also disrupt melanin production, causing the skin to darken in spots or patches.

What Can Laser Toning Treat?

Dermal lasers are used for a wide range of skin ailments, including hyperpigmentation, red spots, dark spots, wrinkles, and a slew of other pigmentation concerns.

If you’re looking for a proven method to improve pigmentation or want to erase a birthmark or scar, you’ll definitely want to consider the latest laser treatment options, which can help address the following concerns, among others.

Melasma — If you suffer from melasma — a form of hyperpigmentation which causes brown to gray-brown patches on the face — you already know it’s one of the most difficult skin conditions to treat, especially for those with darker skin tones. Dermatological studies report that laser toning effectively improves the appearance of pigmented lesions and dark spots. However, laser treatments can only control melasma, not cure it.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation — This epidermal pigmentation condition, often referred to as PIH, generally occurs following an injury, burn, inflammatory lesion or skin disorder. It is believed to be more common in people of Hispanic or African American ancestry, although technically it can occur on any skin type. Specific lasers, cooling devices, and wavelengths can be used to treat PIH. Many dermatologists recommend pairing these treatments with topical lightening creams for the best results.

Dark spots — If you’ve noticed brown spots on your face that aren’t associated with melasma, PIH or another skin condition, they might be caused by sun damage. The right laser treatment can effectively zap these dark spots away. Some dermatologists and aesthetic specialists recommend the use of ruby lasers for such applications, but many laser and light therapy options are available.

Freckles — Laser freckle removal is fast gaining traction in the dermatological world. Recent studies have shown that one of the newest laser technologies, fractional CO2 laser, can reduce the color density of freckles by more than 50% in a month.

Acne scarring — Some dermatologists have also started channeling lasers to address acne scars. By stimulating collagen production deep in the dermis/epidermis, lasers can help improve the appearance of enlarged pores, wrinkles, fine lines, and moderate to severe acne scars.

Rosacea and redness — Rosacea redness is most frequently caused by telangiectasias, also known as spider veins. Specific lasers can be used to destroy these broken blood vessels on the cheeks and nose. The International Rosacea Foundation recommends certain types of lasers, but warns that treatments may actually cause rosacea to worsen. Because rosacea sufferers are much more likely to experience adverse reactions to certain skincare therapies, treatment should only be provided by highly trained professionals.

Dark circles — Some dermatologists also recommend pairing dermal fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, or Belotero with laser toning to treat under-eye circles. For obvious reasons, patients and providers alike must wear special protective goggles to avoid irreversible eye damage during light-based treatments.

Even if you’re a beginner, get most seamless blend with these simple steps and tips.

Acne, age spots and hyperpigmentation and dark circles are normal part of life and having skin, and they’re nothing to be ashamed of. But for when you’re looking for even-toned, flawless coverage, the right concealer can feel like a magic wand that can cancel out discoloration and glide over uneven texture.

Concealers come in a myriad of consistencies, forms and finishes, from liquid to cream to stick and beyond. The key is to find the right formula and tone for whatever issue you’re trying to hide. Here are all the makeup tips and tricks you need to know to make your concealer look flawless:

1. First, pick the right color concealer

Finding the right tone and the right color for the task at hand is crucial. Here’s your cheat sheet:

Peach shades cancel out blueish undereye circles and dark spots from sun or aging.

Green tones hide red blemishes — follow up with a concealer that matches your skin tone exactly (or close to!).

Yellow-toned concealers help to correct uneven skin tone from redness or hyperpigmentation.

2. Choose the right formula for the job

Not all forms of concealer are created equal. Pick from these options depending on what you’re trying to achieve:

Crayons, sticks, or pencils are ideal for “precise application like a blemish or age spot” or scar. They often offer heavy coverage and require minimal blending when applied precisely, and are best suited for dry or combination skin.

Pots and creams are great for oily skin or tasks that require higher coverage. “Cream concealers are thicker, therefore, they can be used to cover more [like] hyperpigmentation and other problem areas,” says Fennell. These also “tend to be the most versatile because you can always thin them down if need be with a little moisturizer,” she adds. Apply with a brush for maximum coverage or use your fingers for a more natural finish.

Liquids: Suitable for all skin types, but particularly great for dry skin, a “liquid formula adds a level of hydration without making the skin look even drier,” says Fennell. From the tube, “apply directly to the skin and blend with your finger, sponge, or fluffy eye shadow brush,” says Whelan.

3. Apply your base products and foundation

Apply any moisturizer, primer and foundation before reaching for concealer. If you apply your foundation first, you’re blurring the look of imperfections and likely won’t need to use as much concealer. If you don’t use foundation at all and just spot-conceal, be sure to hydrate your skin first!

4. Brighten dark circles and undereye discoloration

Undereye circles can be a telltale sign of a long night or lack of sleep, but discoloration under the eyes is also genetic. If you want to brighten your dark circles, here’s how:

Formula: “Look for concealers that have radiant or luminizing formulas. Our experts prefer liquid formulas for the thin skin around the eyes, since creams and thicker formulas can settle into fine lines and wrinkles.

Shade: You’ll want to opt for a color that’s a shade lighter than your natural skin tone. “This will brighten up the undereye area and disguise the dark circles,” Whelan says.

Application: Draw a triangle to cover undereye circles instead of sweeping over the discoloration in a semi-circle shape. Rather than simply coloring over the circles directly under your eyes, this triangle shape highlights the front area of your face, making your face look youthful by creating a lifted the illusion. For best results, “dot the concealer under the eye and tap the product into place with your ring finger or a small fluffy eye shadow brush,” says Whelan.

5. Disguise puffy eyes

While makeup can’t change form, it can create illusions to distract from any features you want to hide (or accentuate — think contouring). Here’s exactly how to brighten puffy undereyes:

Formula: Liquids are “great to use if you need to brighten an area.

Shade: Choose a tone that’s 1-2 shades lighter than your foundation.

Application: “Add a highlighting concealer pen just above and below the area where the under eye is most puffy,” says Whelan. “By adding light to those areas, it makes those areas more noticeable and makes the puffiness look less noticeable.”