Pigment Treatment Sorting: PicoSure Toning vs StarWalker

First published: 2026-05-17 / Last reviewed: 2026-05-17

This is a pigmentation toning guide compiled by Dr. Choi Byeong-geun of SHINE U Clinic Konkuk (3 minutes walk from Konkuk Univ. Station Exit 1).

When we receive a request in the consultation room saying, "I want to get toning," we ask again. 'Toning' is not the name of a single procedure, but a category. The tools recommended in the examination room vary depending on what kind of pigmentation the patient sees in the mirror. We've organized the criteria for distinguishing tools for melasma, acne pigmentation, and grayish tones.

Dark marks visible on the skin are not caused by a single factor.

• Melasma and blemishes. Caused by UV rays, hormones, and genetics. Melanin accumulates at the dermal-epidermal junction.
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Pigmentation after inflammation. Primarily distributed in the epidermis.
• Grayish tone and dullness. A combination of melanin, dead skin cells, and barrier damage.
• Age spots (seborrheic keratosis and solar lentigo). Accumulation of UV exposure, distributed in the upper epidermis.
• Nevus of Ota and acquired bilateral nevus of Ota (ABNOM). Melanin distributed in the deep dermal layer.

Even within the expression "dark," the depth of distribution and the causes differ. In the examination room, we first check the depth of the pigmentation with a Wood's lamp and magnifying glass before deciding on the tool.

PicoSure toning is a method that breaks down melanin into fine particles using picosecond pulses. By concentrating energy in a shorter time than general toning lasers (nanoseconds), it effectively breaks down melanin while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.

PicoSure toning is a primary candidate in the following situations:

• Melasma at the epidermal-dermal junction. The most frequently treated case.
• Melasma that has plateaued despite multiple general toning treatments.
• Complex pigmentation distributed at various depths.
• Those who want to minimize procedure downtime.

In the examination room, we often proceed with a flow of CL (Clearing Light) + anesthesia + PicoSure toning + Iontophoresis + SHINE U pigmentation medication application (tranexamic acid) + modeling within a single treatment session.

StarWalker toning is a different type of Q-switched Nd:YAG toning laser that responds better to post-acne pigmentation, blemishes, and epidermal melanin.

It is a primary candidate in the following situations:

• Pigmentation marks remaining after acne has subsided.
• Blemishes distributed close to the epidermis.
• When quick tone correction is needed before a wedding or important event.
• Those who want to start with a gentle intensity for their first toning experience.

The treatment time per session is short and the intensity is gentle, so a pattern of accumulating treatments to refine the tone is natural. It is performed not only as a standalone procedure but also as a base for toning packages, brightening packages, and NO-foundation packages.

Discovery Pico Genesis Rejuvenation is a procedure that addresses radiance and elasticity restoration along with pigmentation correction. It proceeds in one go with a flow of CL + anesthesia + DisPico Reju + baby injection + soothing + Flexlux + modeling, and is often recommended in the overall rejuvenation category.

It is primarily recommended for those who are not mainly concerned about melasma but are bothered by an overall dull and rough complexion.

Even within the same "toning" category, each tool has a different purpose, so we first confirm where your pigmentation is distributed in the examination room.

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Q1. "Will melasma disappear after one toning session?" Melasma is not a state where melanin is static, but a state where it is continuously stimulated and produced. Pigmentation corrected by one toning session can darken again due to UV exposure, hormonal changes, or heat stimulation. In the examination room, toning is guided as a process of gradually lightening and maintaining the pigmentation over time.

Q2. "Can I get toning frequently?" If you receive treatments too frequently without adhering to the recommended intervals, rebound hyperpigmentation may occur. In the examination room, we generally recommend a 3-4 week interval.

Q3. "Is toning alone sufficient? Do I need other treatments?" The procedure does not end with the treatment alone. UV protection, topical whitening agents, and lifestyle habits directly affect the stability of the results. In the examination room, there is a clear difference in results between those who diligently protect themselves from UV rays for a month after the procedure and those who do not.

• Aqua Peel. Clears dead skin cells and blackheads to enhance the absorption rate of pigmentation treatments.
• Skin booster. Restores elasticity along with the results.
• Black Peel. A peeling base for sensitive skin.
• Capri Laser. Calms acne inflammation (a preventive treatment to reduce pigmentation).

Often, the efficiency of the procedure increases when performed with Aqua Peel or a peeling base rather than toning alone, so in the examination room, we often recommend combining them as a package within the same treatment session.

The most important thing after a pigmentation procedure is UV protection.

• Avoid strong UV exposure for one week after the procedure.
• Use sunscreen (SPF 50+, PA+++) daily.
• Refrain from saunas, swimming, strenuous exercise, and strong peels for one week.
• Do not irritate (rub) the treated area.
• Moisturize diligently.

Rather than starting during seasons with high UV exposure (spring to summer), a pattern of starting in late autumn to winter and accumulating sessions until the following spring is often recommended in the examination room.

Q. If I'm getting toning for the first time, which one should I start with? It depends on the type of pigmentation. If melasma is your biggest concern, PicoSure toning is the primary candidate. If it's acne pigmentation, StarWalker toning. If it's overall dullness, Pico Genesis Rejuvenation. We will determine this after checking with a Wood's lamp in the examination room.

Q. When can I expect to see results? Some epidermal pigmentation may lighten immediately after the first treatment. For pigmentation at the dermal junction, clear changes are usually visible in the mirror after 3-5 cumulative sessions.

Q. Can I receive other treatments simultaneously? Strong peels or facials on the same day are not recommended. However, gentle procedures like Aqua Peel or skin boosters are often performed as a package within the same treatment session.

Pigmentation is not something that can be resolved with one tool in one go. The most honest picture we see in the examination room is to accurately understand the type and distribution of your pigmentation, gradually lighten it with appropriate tools, and then maintain it. We will confirm the suitable tool for your case together in front of the mirror. You can inquire directly via Chat for non-face-to-face consultation.

Authored by: Dr. Choi Byeong-geun (Chief Director of SHINE U Clinic Konkuk / Member of the Korean Academy of Laser Dermatology and Hair, Korean Society for Acne and Melasma Research) Last Reviewed: 2026-05-17

This article provides general information about procedures and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. The suitability and results of procedures may vary by individual.