Why I’m Obsessed with PICO Laser Treatments in Charleston—and Why You Should Be Too

Let’s be honest—there are a lot of lasers out there. Some are all hype and marketing. But PICO? It’s the real deal. At Soulshine Aesthetics in Charleston, we’re all about results that look natural, and this device delivers. Whether you’re dealing with brown spots, dull skin, or just looking for a healthy skin reset, PICO laser is one of the most effective tools we have.

And here’s why I’m obsessed with it—and why you might be too.

First, What Is a PICO Laser?

PICO lasers—like PICOway, PICOsure, and other picosecond devices—use ultra-fast bursts of energy to break down pigment (aka unwanted brown spots or skin discoloration). Their main target is melanin, which gives color to sun spots, freckles, and uneven skin tone.

But not all lasers treat the same thing.
Some lasers are designed to treat:

• Color in the skin, like brown spots or melasma
• Redness, like broken blood vessels or flushing
• Texture and roughness, by targeting water in the skin (like CO2 or Erbium lasers)

Every laser operates at a different wavelength depending on what it’s meant to treat. That’s why choosing the right laser—and the right provider—matters so much.

Now here’s what makes PICO different:
Instead of using heat, PICO relies on photoacoustic energy (think: sound waves). That means it breaks up pigment without damaging the surrounding skin. You get great results with little downtime—and it’s safe for all skin types. You might look pink or sunburned for a few hours after, but most people are back to normal and can wear makeup by the evening.

The Technology Behind the Magic

At Soulshine, we take it up a notch. Our PICO laser has two different handpieces to customize your treatment:

• Microlens Array (MLA) – This fractionated lens spreads energy through tiny honeycomb-shaped channels. It triggers a deep healing response without breaking the surface. This process, called LIOB (Laser-Induced Optical Breakdown), stimulates collagen and elastin like your skin just had a major injury—but without actual damage. Mind blowing, I know!
• Telescopic Lens – This one targets specific spots. We use it for tattoo removal, brown spots, or areas of deep discoloration. It gives us precision and power when we need to zero in.

We often combine both handpieces in one session. The MLA improves skin tone and overall brightness. The telescopic lens pinpoints those stubborn dark spots. It’s the perfect blend of targeted and full-face rejuvenation.

Our laser also works at two wavelengths:

• 1064 nm – A deeper-penetrating wavelength to break up pigment and build collagen
• 532 nm – A more superficial wavelength that treats surface-level discoloration and facial redness—great for cheeks and around the nose

This flexibility means we can treat everything from dark spots to early signs of aging—and even redness—safely and effectively.

Why I Love Pico Laser (and Use It All the Time)

1. It fades discoloration fast.

Brown spots, sun damage, uneven tone—PICO breaks it all up so your body can naturally clear it out. And it does it without harsh side effects.

2. No recovery time needed.

You might be red for a few hours, but there’s no peeling, flaking, or downtime. Most clients go right back to work or errands afterward.

3. It boosts collagen without pain.

The LIOB effect kicks off your skin’s healing process and builds fresh collagen from the inside out. Over time, this means firmer, smoother, brighter skin.

4. It helps improve scars.

From post-acne scarring to stretch marks and even C-section scars—this laser helps soften and smooth old marks by stimulating tissue remodeling where it’s needed most.

5. It visibly shrinks pores.

With consistent treatment, clients can see up to a 30% reduction in pore size. It’s one of the few lasers that actually delivers on that promise.

6. Your results keep getting better.

The laser may fire in trillionths of a second, but your body keeps clearing pigment for up to 8 weeks. This means results improve long after your appointment.

Laser Prep + Aftercare = Even Better Results

Before we treat, we often recommend a pigment suppressor, such as Soulshine Skin’s Brightening Pads or Even Intensive Skin Tone Correcting Serum—a product that calms melanin production. This helps prevent rebound discoloration and preps your skin to respond better.

After treatment, we support your skin with calming products, SPF, and simple skincare that enhances the results and prevents irritation. What you do before and after matters just as much as what we do in the treatment room.

PICO Plays Well with Other Aesthetic Treatments

This treatment is one of my favorites to pair with others. It layers beautifully with:

• Dermaplane – smooths the surface and allows for deeper penetration
• SaltFacial – exfoliates, calms, and infuses the skin
• SkinPen or RF Microneedling – improves texture and tightens skin
• Moxi or Express Laser Peel – for more glow with less downtime
• Ultherapy – the best non-surgical skin tightening device on the market

Together, we can create a plan that targets discoloration, texture, laxity, and tone—all while keeping things safe, simple, and strategic.

So… Is PICO Right for You?

If you’re dealing with:

• Sun damage or brown spots
• Melasma or uneven skin tone
• Facial redness or flushing
• Early signs of aging (fine lines, dullness, loss of firmness)
• Or you just want your skin to look fresher without looking like you had something “done”

Then yes—PICO laser at Soulshine Aesthetics is absolutely worth a look.

Book a consult and let’s see if it’s the right fit for your skin goals. At Soulshine Aesthetics, we’re all about results that are refreshed, not redefined. And PICO laser fits that perfectly.