Laser Toning

Laser skin toning refers to the use of Q-Switched lasers and it is one of the methods of nonablative skin rejuvenation. This term is usually more common in Asian countries. In this procedure, multiple passes of low-dose  Q-Switched Nd: YAG lasers are delivered by a large spot size to induce mild injury to melanosomes, which causes fragmentation and rupture of melanin granules. This effect of laser toning is highly selective for melanosomes which leads to overall skin brightness. Moreover, the sub-threshold injury by a low dose of the laser also occurs to the surrounding dermis, which stimulates the formation of collagen that results in tightening of skin too.

Laser skin toning is right for a person who wants to lighten skin tone, has skin hyperpigmentation, melasma, blemishes or acne scars. Dermatologists do suggest people avoid sun exposure before laser toning treatment, except this, there is nothing else one has to worry about.

A topical local anesthetic cream is applied to affected areas to reduce pain or discomfort during the procedure, but most patients do not experience any notable pain. Laser skin toning takes around 30 minutes to a maximum of around 1 hour to complete the treatment.


After laser skin toning, a person can immediately return to their regular activities. However, they might be advised to avoid sun exposure. Using a sunscreen of SPF 30+ is recommendable after the laser treatment every 4 hourly.

Laser skin toning is usually a safe procedure but rarely, there are some instances, in which people may have hypopigmentation after the procedure as the side effects.