These two treatments are similar, but there are some distinct differences. A laser will emit light that on specific wavelength towards your skin. IPL will release light from many different wavelengths, like a flash from a camera. The light from the IPL is less intense on your skin compared to a laser. It will reach the 2nd layer of your skin, the dermis, without harming the top layer of your skin, the epidermis. As a result, less damage is done to your skin.