When it comes to treating pigmentation, sun damage, and skin rejuvenation, both Lumenis M22 and PicoSure Laser are trusted technologies, but they work in fundamentally different ways. Clients often ask: is M22 better than PicoSure? The answer depends on your skin type, concern, and the outcome you’re looking to achieve.
Let’s break down how each one works and when one might be more suitable than the other.
What Is the M22?
M22 is a multi-application platform developed by Lumenis. Its most well-known feature is IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), which targets pigment and vascular issues like sunspots, rosacea, and broken capillaries. The M22 also includes fractional laser and Nd: YAG options, making it highly customisable for different concerns.
M22 IPL works by delivering broad-spectrum light to the skin, which is absorbed by pigment or blood vessels and converted into heat. This helps clear discolouration and improve skin clarity. It’s a go-to treatment for sun damage, rosacea, and general skin tone correction, particularly in lighter skin types.
What Is PicoSure?
PicoSure is a picosecond laser that uses ultra-short bursts of energy to shatter pigmentation and stimulate collagen without relying on heat. It’s highly effective for treating melasma, acne scarring, and fine lines, and it’s suitable for a wider range of skin tones compared to IPL.
The energy from PicoSure breaks down pigment into microscopic particles that the body naturally eliminates. It’s also FDA-approved for tattoo removal and known for its minimal downtime and low risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
So, Is M22 Better Than PicoSure?
Is M22 better than PicoSure? Not necessarily — they’re designed for different purposes. M22 is excellent for treating redness, flushing, and surface pigmentation in fair skin types. It can also be used for mild skin rejuvenation.
PicoSure is more advanced for treating deeper pigmentation issues, such as melasma or post-acne marks, especially in medium to darker skin tones. It also stimulates collagen more effectively, making it a better option for overall skin texture, fine lines, and scarring.
In short:
Choose M22 if you’re fair-skinned and targeting redness or sunspots.
Choose PicoSure if you want to treat pigmentation, acne scarring, or fine lines safely across all skin tones, with less downtime.
Can They Be Combined?
Yes — in some cases, our Canon Street clinic may recommend alternating between the two for different concerns. For example, M22 can address visible redness while PicoSure works on stubborn pigment and skin texture. A thorough consultation will determine the safest and most effective course.