Is IPL for Hyperpigmentation Effective?
Skin discoloration like age spots, dark patches, or melasma can cause major frustration, and you may be wondering if IPL for hyperpigmentation is effective. Fortunately, intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy can be highly effective and offer dramatic improvement to areas of hyperpigmentation. Want to learn more about balancing your skin tone with phototherapy? Join us for a guide to eliminating hyperpigmentation with IPL!
What causes hyperpigmentation?
Many factors can cause hyperpigmentation. In many cases, discoloration appears over time from a number of different sources. Here are some of the most common:
Sun exposure
Many people seek out sun exposure in pursuit of a luscious tan without realizing the consequences of UV radiation. Sunlight triggers melanin production, but the pigment isn’t always distributed evenly, leaving your skin’s surface looking patchy. In other cases, sunburns may darken over time, resulting in a mottled appearance.
Some medications
Certain medications can increase photosensitivity, making you more susceptible to sun damage and discoloration. This may be due to an inflammatory response or the way your body metabolizes the medication.
Hormonal changes
Hormonal fluctuations, including pregnancy and menopause, can cause excessive pigmentation in concentrated areas.
Aging
As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, and our skin becomes less resilient. In turn, many of us notice more age spots, brown patches, and freckles on our skin over time.
Skin conditions or injuries
Skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis may leave discoloration long after the initial patches have cleared up. Additionally, acne scars and old injuries are often apparent years after they appeared due to lingering hyperpigmentation.
Inflammation
Chronic skin inflammation can also damage the outer layer of your skin. This can lead to hyperpigmentation down the line.
Can you use IPL to treat hyperpigmentation?
Sometimes misidentified as laser treatment, IPL is a light-based service that can eliminate hyperpigmentation with an appropriate treatment series. Here’s a closer look at the process:
How IPL works to treat hyperpigmentation
The light energy that IPL devices emit targets melanin, which is the pigment responsible for hyperpigmentation. At the same time, IPL stimulates collagen production to even out your skin tone and improve your overall skin texture.
The Lumecca IPL device used at Balanced Health & wellness incorporated photothermolysis, a process that uses light and heat to destroy unwanted cells.
What to expect during your IPL treatment
Your IPL specialist will likely cleanse your skin before applying a cooling gel to the treatment area. During your session, you may feel a sensation similar to a rubber band gently snapping against your skin. Most appointments take 20 to 30 minutes.
What are the side effects of IPL?
Redness and minor inflammation are common side effects of phototherapy. In the days after your IPL treatment, you may notice changes to your hyperpigmentation, including skin darkening.
But don’t be alarmed! This is completely normal. These skin cells will begin to flake off within a week or so, revealing a more even skin tone and texture.
How long after IPL does it take to see results?
You should begin to see the benefits of your IPL session within a week of addressing your hyperpigmentation. Here’s a bit more information on the treatment process:
How many IPL treatments do you need?
The number of IPL sessions you’ll need will depend on the extent of your hyperpigmentation, your unique skin type, and the way your treatment professional calibrates the device. That being said, most clients achieve complete results within one to three sessions.
How often should you get IPL for hyperpigmentation?
In most cases, you can expect to schedule IPL appointments every four weeks to clear up your hyperpigmentation and allow for adequate healing between sessions.
Are the results of IPL for hyperpigmentation permanent?
Yes and no. While the dark spots, scars, and freckles treated with IPL won’t return, it’s important to remember that multiple factors likely contributed to their formation in the first place. Over time, additional sun exposure, hormonal changes, medications, and other sources will take their toll and can lead to future discoloration.
However, taking care of your skin with an appropriate skincare routine, annual dermatology appointments, and occasional cosmetic treatments like facial services can help you limit the recurrence of hyperpigmentation after wrapping up your IPL series.
Uncover radiant skin with Lumecca IPL at Balanced Health & Wellness!
At Balanced Health & Wellness, we take a personalized approach to aesthetics and overall well-being. Whether you’re looking for cutting-edge weight management solutions, hormone replacement therapy, or a treatment to even out your skin tone and eliminate discoloration, we’re here to help! We prioritize treating each patient as a whole person — not a list of symptoms.
Are you ready to begin your journey to optimal health? Contact us today to learn more, or schedule an appointment at our Lakeland, Florida, med spa. We can’t wait to work with you!