GLASS LAB · Medical Aesthetics Evidence Index 303 cells · 19,226 papers · 5,969 top-tier evidence

Pigment · Freckles / ephelides

IPL bbl photorejuvenation evidence for Freckles / ephelides

C 37.5 / 100 Supported 1 RCT/meta · 1 clinical/observational · 1 case · 17 total
Early-stage evidence

This is an early evidence stage based mainly on observational studies and case reports. Use it as supplementary reference, and follow your doctor's judgment for treatment decisions.

Grade combines the quantity and quality of the research, while direction is a separate signal showing how the papers assess effectiveness.

Median year 2012 Last 5 years 18% Positive results 59% Korea/Asia 7

Known in Korea as

IPLLPL튠라이트바디 BBL

Procedure and brand names vary, but the evidence above applies to the same procedure mechanism.

Key papers

tier1 A comparison of Q-switched alexandrite laser and intense pulsed light for the treatment of freckles and lentigines in Asian persons: a randomized, physician-blinded, split-face comparative trial. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology · 2006 · PMID 16635661

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Q-switched (QS) pigmented lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) successfully treat pigment disorders. OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare efficacy and side effects of QS alexandrite laser (QSAL) and IPL for freckle and lentigo treatment in Asians. METHODS: In all, 15 patients with freckles and 17 patients with lentigines were treated randomly with one session QSAL in one cheek and two sessions IPL in the...

Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier2 Intense pulsed light for the treatment of facial freckles in Asian skin. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] · 2002 · PMID 12460294

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Freckles are melanotic lesions frequently seen on the face and other sun-exposed areas. Previously evaluation of the severity of freckles has relied on the ultimately subjective assessment of the doctor or patient. Intense pulsed light (IPL) is newly introduced to treat facial freckles in Asian skin.

Evaluation Study, Journal Article

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tier0_review Global consensus on the management of melanin hyperpigmentation disorders. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV · 2025 · PMID 41362125

Abstract summary (English) Melanin hyperpigmentation disorders (MHD) are among the most prevalent dermatologic concerns globally, affecting individuals across all skin phototypes and geographies. Despite their widespread impact on quality of life-including stigmatization, anxiety and depression-comprehensive, unified and practical clinical guidelines are lacking. This global consensus project convened 10 leading dermatologists and pigmentary...

Journal Article, Review

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tier0_review S2k guideline: Laser therapy of the skin. Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft = Journal of the German Society of Dermatology : JDDG · 2022 · PMID 36098675

Abstract summary (English) This guideline aims to improve the efficiency and safety of lasers and optical radiation sources with similar effects (especially IPL). Laser therapy of skin lesions with an increased amount of melanocytes should be performed with caution. Laser treatment of pigmented melanocytic nevi is not recommended.

Journal Article, Practice Guideline

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tier0_review [Laser treatment of pigmentation disorders]. Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete · 2020 · PMID 33159249

Abstract summary (English) Pigmentation disorders are among the most common cutaneous changes and occur in up to 60% of all people. They can be genetic or acquired, functionally or cosmetically disturbing, or the expression of a medical disorder. The best treatment options for hyperpigmentation are usually lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL).

Journal Article, Review

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tier0_review Characteristics and management of Asian skin. International journal of dermatology · 2018 · PMID 30039861

Abstract summary (English) Color differences in skin are due to the amount and distribution of epidermal melanin. The number of melanocytes is almost the same in all skin types, but higher phototypes exhibit more melanocytes, which produce more melanin and melanosomes that are individually distributed throughout the keratinocyte layers. This characteristic ensures a natural, significant photoprotection in darker skins.

Journal Article, Review

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tier0_review The Asian dermatologic patient: review of common pigmentary disorders and cutaneous diseases. American journal of clinical dermatology · 2009 · PMID 19354330

Abstract summary (English) The Asian patient with Fitzpatrick skin types III-V is rarely highlighted in publications on cutaneous disorders or cutaneous laser surgery. However, with changing demographics, Asians will become an increasingly important group in this context. Although high melanin content confers better photoprotection, photodamage in the form of pigmentary disorders is common.

Journal Article, Review

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tier3 Complete regression of a melanocytic nevus under intense pulsed light therapy for axillary hair removal in a cosmetic center. Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland) · 2012 · PMID 22571959

Abstract summary (English) Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy using noncoherent broad-spectrum light has been reported to be effective for hair removal, and also for treating superficial pigmented lesions like ephelides and solar lentigines. We report complete regression of a pigmented melanocytic nevus, histologically confirmed, after hair removal treatment with IPL. The use of lasers and IPL is a common procedure used by dermatologists and...

Case Reports, Journal Article, Review

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tier_other Efficacy of Black Gold, Delicate Pulse Light, Super Photon Skin Rejuvenation for Pigmented Dermatoses. Alternative therapies in health and medicine · 2024 · PMID 38330568

Abstract summary (English) CONTEXT: Pigmented dermatoses are skin diseases characterized by pigmentation changes in the skin's surface due to abnormal melanocyte production. Photon-skin-rejuvenation technology can be effective for the management of facial pigmented dermatoses. Black Gold Delicate Pulse Light (DPL) Super Photon Skin Rejuvenation therapy is a new technology based on traditional photo rejuvenation.

Journal Article

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tier_other Epiderm-Abrasion-Assisted Intensive Pulsed Light and Radiofrequency in Aesthetic Treatment Extensive Facial Freckles. Aesthetic plastic surgery · 2020 · PMID 32128707

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Freckles are typical epidermal pigmented disorders that occur at sun-exposed areas, presenting with dark-brown or light-brown circular hyperpigmentation. A lot of treatment modalities have been used for treatment of freckles like chemicals, electrosurgery and cryotherapy. These treatments may cause undesirable side effects such as scaring (Sarkar et al.

Journal Article

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Suggested interpretation

Limited evidence

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