IPL Treatment for Hyperpigmentation

What Is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin produces excess melanin, creating darker patches or spots on the surface. It can be caused by sun exposure, ageing, inflammation, acne scarring, or hormonal changes.

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Common types include:

• Sunspots / Age Spots (Solar Lentigines)

• Freckles

• Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) from acne or skin injury

• Uneven skin tone due to long-term sun damage

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How IPL Helps With Hyperpigmentation

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) uses broad-spectrum light that is absorbed by excess melanin in the skin. The light energy heats the pigmented cells, breaking them down into tiny particles that naturally rise to the surface and shed over the following days.

This process results in clearer, brighter, more even-toned skin.

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Benefits of IPL for Hyperpigmentation

• Targets unwanted pigmentation without damaging surrounding skin

• Improves overall skin brightness and clarity

• Reduces sunspots and age spots

• Fades post-acne marks

• Evens out skin tone

• Stimulates collagen for smoother texture

• Minimal downtime

• IPL is especially effective for pigmentation caused by sun exposure.

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What to Expect During Your Treatment

Your skin will be cleansed and prepared with a cooling gel. Brief pulses of light are applied to the skin. You may feel a warm flicking sensation, similar to an elastic band snap, but treatment is generally very well tolerated.

A session typically takes 20–30 minutes, depending on the area treated.

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After the Treatment

It’s normal to experience:

• Mild redness or warmth directly after treatment

• Darkening of pigmented spots over the next 2–5 days — this is a good sign, showing the pigment has absorbed the light

• The darkened areas will then flake away naturally

• Most people return to normal daily activities immediately.

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Aftercare recommendations:

• Avoid heat and strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours

• Avoid sun exposure for 4 weeks before & after treatment

• Use SPF 30–50 daily

• Avoid picking or exfoliating the treated area until shedding is complete

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How Many Treatments Will I Need?

• Most patients benefit from 2–4 sessions, spaced 3–4 weeks apart.

• Sun-induced pigmentation often responds very quickly — sometimes in as little as 1–2 treatments.

• Maintenance may be recommended if your skin is prone to sun damage.

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Who Is IPL Suitable For?

IPL is best suited for lighter skin tones (Fitzpatrick I–III). A consultation is essential to determine suitability and to ensure the pigmentation is the type that responds well to IPL.

Certain deep or hormonal pigment (such as melasma) does not respond well to IPL and may require alternative treatments.

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Results

You can expect clearer, brighter skin with a more even complexion. Many clients notice a visible improvement within 7–14 days after their first session, with optimal results developing across th