How IPL Addresses Pigmentation Issues

Hyperpigmentation is a common condition in which your skin develops dark spots or patches. This darkening usually happens from spending too much time in the sun. Hyperpigmentation on the face may be challenging to treat because, in some cases, years of sun damage needs to be reversed!

When topical creams and supplements are not enough to achieve a healthy complexion, turn to the experts at Clear Lake Dermatology. We offer an advanced treatment called IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy to rejuvenate your skin in Webster and League City, TX. So, how does IPL work on pigmentation? Read on to find out.

What is hyperpigmentation?

There are more options than ever for erasing that harmless discoloration in the skin. Hyperpigmentation is any patch of skin that appears darker than your natural skin tone due to melanin production. Common causes of hyperpigmentation include:

Skin trauma: Problems such as acne or eczema can lead to inflammation, causing your pigment-producing cells to leave behind dark spots once the injury has healed.
Sun exposure: UV rays trigger melanin production to defend your skin from damage. Although sun spots are not necessarily cancerous, sun-exposed skin should be examined every year by a dermatologist.
Melasma: These are brown patches that form in women during pregnancy (although men can get melasma as well). This kind of hyperpigmentation is sometimes caused by hormonal changes or skin that is simply sensitive to sun damage.

What is an IPL photofacial?

The great news is that hyperpigmentation can be treated with IPL in Webster and League City, TX. This procedure uses powerful flashes of light to address dark spots just under the surface of the skin. The energy created by an IPL photofacial penetrates the dermal layers to break up the pigment. The spots then rise to the surface and eventually slough off. IPL for sun spots is a great option since it involves little to no downtime.

What to expect with IPL

The professionals at Clear Lake Dermatology encourage anyone with discoloration to see if IPL is the right fit for their needs. During the procedure, we place the IPL device on target areas and pulses of light are emitted with each flash. One of our skin care specialists will examine your skin and discuss specific goals you hope to achieve. We then create a personalized IPL treatment to help you gain a rejuvenated and healthy complexion.

IPL laser recovery and results

Immediately following your IPL photofacial, your skin may appear a little red and swollen. However, most people can return to work and normal activities right away. Over the next few days, the redness will dissipate, and the discolored areas may appear darker. This is a normal part of the process and indicates that your treatment is working. The final results will appear as these spots begin to fall away, revealing the rejuvenated skin underneath.

IPL for sun spots and more

Both men and women experience hyperpigmentation in some form or another. This discoloration can make you feel discouraged or embarrassed about your skin. If you are interested in gaining a healthy complexion, try IPL for sun spots and more in Webster and League City, TX. Clear Lake Dermatology is excited to provide you with the most advanced and state-of-the-art facial treatments in the area.