Types of Skin Pigmentation

Prolonged sun exposure can result in changes to skin pigmentation such as freckles and lentigines (known as age spots, liver spots or sun spots). These benign superficial pigmented lesions are often found on the face, chest and hands or other areas that are prone to sun damage. They can be successfully treated with the Lumina IPL System, restoring even colouring to the skin.

Many people develop pigment problems which are not suitable for IPL treatment. There are many causes – environmental, hormonal and genetic. In darker skin types particularly, it is common for dark patches to form following skin inflammation or injury. This is known as “post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation” and needs very careful treatment to prevent it from worsening. IPL and laser treatments are very likely to make the problem worse and we recommend a very cautious approach.

It is possible to improve excess pigmentation through use of skin products and non-laser treatments such as microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion uses minute silica crystals which are blown against the skin, exfoliating and encouraging new skin cell turnover. Vitamin C skin products are useful for their ability to suppress the skin's production of pigmentation and for their collagen boosting properties.

If your pigmentation problem is not suitable for IPL treatment, we can give advice on suitable alternative treatments and recommend skin products that can reduce the discolouration. Although these treatments are slower, they are safer and the results are usually good.

Intense Pulsed Light Treatment

If your pigmentation is suitable for treatment with the IPL system we will need to perform a test patch in the problem area to assess your skins reaction. After this, an appointment can be booked for a full treatment at your convenience. The cost of this is included in the consultation fee.

How does IPL treatment Work?

The light emitted by the IPL system is absorbed by the colour in the pigmentation. This heats up and destroys the skin cells (melanocytes) which produce the excess colour. Occasionally mild swelling can be expected and darkening of the lesion will also be noticed. As the skin sheds naturally, this darkening will fade away leaving the lesion paler and less noticeable. This usually takes around 10 days. The treatments are scheduled at 4-6 weeks intervals. The number of treatments required can vary but several are often required to achieve desired results.

Does it Hurt?

Most people treated with the IPL would describe feeling a mild stinging sensation. Of course, individuals’ interpretation of pain is different but even so, we always use a chilled air cooler during treatment to reduce any discomfort that may be felt.

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