At Gentle Revive, we have the most comprehensive laser suite in Utah County—and we understand that the terminology can be overwhelming. This guide breaks down what each technology does and why having the right laser for your specific concern matters.
Understanding Laser Basics
Let's start with a term that describes everything we'll be treating: a chromophore is the molecule targeted by laser energy. Different treatments target different chromophores:
- Melanin—responsible for brown colors (age spots, hair follicles)
- Hemoglobin—found in blood vessels (redness, spider veins)
- Water—present in skin tissue (resurfacing treatments)
When we target age spots, the laser seeks melanin and leaves surrounding tissue unaffected. The same principle applies to treating redness (targeting hemoglobin in blood vessels) or skin texture (targeting water in tissue).
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
IPL uses multiple wavelengths of light filtered to target specific concerns. It's incredibly versatile and effective for:
- Hair removal
- Sun damage and age spots
- Redness and rosacea
- Acne
Photofacials
A photofacial is an IPL treatment that eliminates age spots (sometimes called liver spots), redness, freckles, tiny veins, rosacea, and even certain birthmarks. The result? Crystal clear, gorgeous skin.
Ablative vs. Non-Ablative Lasers
These terms describe how the laser affects your skin:
Ablative treatments remove the top layer of skin, creating more dramatic results with a longer recovery period. Best for significant texture issues, deep wrinkles, and scars.
Non-ablative treatments heat tissue without breaking the skin surface. They're effective for rejuvenation with minimal downtime—ideal for maintenance and subtle improvement.
Radiofrequency Treatments
RF technology delivers energy that goes back and forth through tissue (hence "radiofrequency"), tightening skin and reducing wrinkles and cellulite. Results are often immediate and continue improving over months as collagen rebuilds.
Matching Technology to Your Goals
The right treatment depends on your specific concerns, skin type, lifestyle, and desired downtime. Someone with minimal time for recovery might choose non-ablative treatments. Someone wanting dramatic improvement might opt for ablative resurfacing.
At Gentle Revive, we don't push a single technology—we match the right laser to your unique needs. That's the advantage of having such a comprehensive equipment suite. Schedule a consultation and we'll recommend the approach that will deliver your best results.
About This Article
Authors: Dr. Steven Cherrington, DO & Kenna Graff, NP
Editorial Process: Initial content ideas and drafts may be generated with the assistance of AI language models. Every article is then thoroughly reviewed, edited, and medically verified by Dr. Cherrington and/or Kenna Graff before publication to ensure accuracy, relevance, and alignment with current medical standards.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance.