The Benefits of IPL for Sun Damage and Hyperpigmentation
If long summer days left you with new freckles, dark spots, or an uneven glow, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) can help. At Uplift Skin and Body, we use an IPL device to fade sun damage and hyperpigmentation while keeping your routine simple and your skin radiant.
What is IPL?
IPL is a light-based treatment that targets pigment in the skin. The light energy is absorbed by excess melanin in dark spots and by red tones from sun exposure. That energy breaks pigment into tiny particles that your body naturally clears over time. The result is a more even, luminous complexion without disrupting the skins’ surface.
What concerns does IPL treat?
Sun spots and age spots
Freckles and photo-damage
Post-inflammatory discoloration from past breakouts
Redness and broken capillaries
Overall dullness from UV exposure
Why clients love it
Even tone and brightness: Spots fade and skin looks clearer.
Minimal downtime: Most clients return to normal activities the same day.
Quick visits: Sessions typically take 15-25 minutes for a full face treatment
Buildable results: A series of treatments creates a smooth, glassy finish.
Year-round maintenance plan: Touch-ups help keep pigment in check.
What to expect during and after
You will wear protective eyewear while a licensed provider delivers light pulses across the skin. You may feel a warm snap with each pulse. Afterward, the skin can look slightly pink for a few hours. Dark spots often look a bit darker, like coffee grounds, for 3 to 7 days as pigment rises and flakes away. Keep skin hydrated, skip harsh exfoliants for a few days, and protect with SPF 30 or higher daily.
How many sessions will I need?
Most clients see visible brightening after 1-3 sessions. For sun damage and stubborn hyperpigmentation, we typically recommend a series of 3 to 6 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart. Your provider will customize a plan based on your skin tone, depth of pigment, and goals.
Is IPL right for every skin tone?
IPL is best for lighter to medium Fitzpatrick skin types (a system used in dermatology to classify skin based on its response to ultraviolet (UV) light, specifically its tendency to burn or tan). If you have a deeper skin tone or melasma that flares up with heat, we may suggest a different pathway to protect your skin barrier and prevent rebound pigment. At your consultation we will review your history, current products, and lifestyle to design the safest, most effective plan.
Pro tips for lasting results
Apply a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen every morning
Reapply SPF when outdoors
Add a vitamin C antioxidant serum in the daytime
Use a gentle retinoid at night if approved by your provider
Schedule seasonal touch-ups to keep pigment at bay
Pairing IPL with other treatments
For a smooth and radiant finish, many clients pair an IPL photofacial with one of our medical-grade facials, or even microneedling! Professional skincare at home will extend your glow and protect your investment too!
Book now an IPL treatment today!
