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

Pigment · Solar lentigo / sunspot

Laser toning qswitched or picosecond evidence for Solar lentigo / sunspot

B 58.8 / 100 Supported 15 RCT/meta · 3 clinical/observational · 6 case · 32 total
Good evidence · positive conclusion

There is a relatively good level of clinical evidence, and a majority of papers support its effectiveness.

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

Includes meta-analysis/SR Median year 2016 Last 5 years 22% Positive results 59% Korea/Asia 7

Known in Korea as

토닝밀크토닝수소토닝스펙트라레이저 토닝바디착색토닝레블라이트 SI셀룰라이트 토닝지우개 멀티토닝헬리오스 785

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

Key papers

tier1 Lasers and Energy-Based Devices for Treatment of Pigmented Lesions With Histologic and Ultrastructural Imaging Correlation: A Systematic Review. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] · 2025 · PMID 40767860

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Understanding histologic and ultrastructural changes in pigmented lesions after laser/energy-based device (EBD) treatment is essential for elucidating treatment mechanisms, optimizing outcomes, and preventing complications. OBJECTIVE: To summarize histologic and imaging findings after laser/EBD for pigmented lesions. METHODS: A systematic review using PubMed identified 39 studies examining laser/EBD...

Systematic Review, Journal Article, Review

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tier1 Treatment of Solar Lentigines: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2025 · PMID 40145274

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Solar lentigines, resulting from chronic UV exposure, are early signs of photoaging and can significantly affect individuals. AIMS: This systematic review evaluates the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of treatments for solar lentigines in light of a lack of conclusive evidence regarding optimal therapy options. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and...

Systematic Review, Journal Article

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tier1 Postoperative risk assessment of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and the efficacy of delayed prevention following 532 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatment of solar lentigines: a randomized controlled study. The Journal of dermatological treatment · 2024 · PMID 39265567

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Although post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a common adverse event following laser procedures, studies evaluating its risk remain limited. OBJECTIVE: To analyze PIH risk after 532 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (QSNYL) treatment for solar lentigines and examine the efficacy of triple combination cream (TCC) for its prevention. METHODS: In this single center, investigator-blinded, randomized...

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 Efficacy of topical vitamin C in melasma and photoaging: A systematic review. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2023 · PMID 37128827

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Vitamin C is a micronutrient present in high concentrations in normal skin and a highly prescribed cosmeceutical, well known for protecting against ultraviolet-induced pigmentation and regulating collagen production. However, there is a lack of studies evaluating the efficacy of topical vitamin C in photoaging and melasma, with this systematic review being the first to assess the existing evidence. AIM:...

Systematic Review, Journal Article

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tier1 Q-switched frequency-doubled Nd:YAG (532 nm) laser versus trichloroacetic acid 35% peeling in the treatment of dorsal hand solar lentigo: An assessor-blind split-hand randomized controlled trial. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2022 · PMID 36102447

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Solar lentigo (SL) is a benign hyperpigmented spot occurring due to ultraviolet exposure, most commonly in the elderly. We aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peeling with Q-switched laser in the treatment of SLs. METHODS: This assessor-blind split-hand randomized controlled trial included 45 patients with symmetric SLs on the back of their hands referred to the...

Randomized Controlled Trial, Journal Article

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tier1 A Prospective, Split-Face, Randomized Study Comparing Picosecond to Q-Switched Nd: YAG Laser for Treatment of Epidermal and Dermal Pigmented Lesions in Asians. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] · 2020 · PMID 32604235

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Whether picosecond lasers outperform Q-switched lasers in treating pigmented lesions has not been clearly evaluated. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of picosecond and Q-switched lasers in treating epidermal and dermal pigmented lesions in Asians. METHODS: Eight subjects with lentigines and 6 subjects with acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules were enrolled.

Clinical Trial, Phase IV, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 Effect of a topical antioxidant serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid after Q-switched 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser for treatment of environment-induced skin pigmentation. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2020 · PMID 32052907

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Extrinsic skin aging caused by atmospheric pollutants is associated with a sustained inflammatory response which is a significant risk factor for lentigines and melasma. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of topical application of combination formulation of vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid as an adjuvant to Q-switched Nd:YAG (QSNY) lasers treatment in individuals with...

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 A prospective, randomized, double-blinded, split-face pilot study comparing Q-switched 1064-nm Nd:YAG versus 532-nm Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of solar lentigines. Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology · 2018 · PMID 29482397

Abstract summary (English) Treating photoaging with laser technologies has increased in popularity due to their efficacy, minimal downtime, and side effects. New Q-Switched (QS) Nd:YAG lasers' frequency doubled with 532 nm wavelength can both target epidermal chromophores as well as stimulate collagen production. The objective of this study was to compare single-pulsed 1064-nm Nd:YAG with dual-pulsed 532-nm/1064-nm QS laser for reducing solar...

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 A prospective, split-face, double-blinded, randomized study of the efficacy and safety of a fractional 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser for photoaging-associated mottled pigmentation in Asian skin. Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology · 2016 · PMID 27249461

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Laser toning using low-fluence 1064-nm Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum laser (QSNY) has gained popularity in the treatment of photoaging-associated mottled pigmentation (PMP). However, hypopigmentation or lack of efficacy has been reported depending on the fluences used. OBJECTIVE: To compare a novel fractional 1064-nm QSNY with conventional 1064-nm QSNY for the treatment of...

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 Comparison of Q-switched Nd: YAG laser and fractional carbon dioxide laser for the treatment of solar lentigines in Asians. Lasers in surgery and medicine · 2016 · PMID 27096729

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Solar lentigines are benign pigmented lesions that occur mostly on sun-exposed areas. Q-switched and ablative lasers are effective for removing these lesions but the high incidence of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation raises concern in darker skin types. The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy and degree of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation with the Q-switched Nd:YAG and...

Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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Suggested interpretation

Strong evidence base

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