Can IPL Remove Sun Damage and Age Spots Permanently?
- 18 hours ago
- 2 min read
Sun damage and age spots are some of the most common reasons patients search for IPL in Cheshire. If you’re noticing brown patches, freckles that have become darker over time, or an uneven skin tone, you may be wondering whether IPL, and specifically Lumecca IPL, can remove them permanently.
The short answer is: IPL can dramatically reduce existing sun damage and age spots, but long-term results depend on skin care, sun protection, and maintenance.
Let’s break this down properly.
What causes sun damage and age spots?
Sun damage (also known as solar lentigines or pigmentation) develops due to cumulative UV exposure over time. Even if you’re careful now, damage from years ago can surface later as:
Brown spots
Freckles that darken or merge
Uneven skin tone
Patchy pigmentation on the face, chest, or hands
These pigment cells sit in the upper layers of the skin, which makes them particularly responsive to IPL treatment.
How does IPL treat sun damage and age spots?
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) works by delivering controlled light energy into the skin. This light is absorbed by melanin, the pigment responsible for dark spots.
At our Cheshire clinic, we use Lumecca IPL by InMode, which is one of the most advanced IPL systems available. Lumecca delivers a higher peak power than traditional IPL, allowing it to:
Target pigment more effectively
Treat age spots and sun damage with greater precision
Achieve visible results in fewer sessions for many patients
Once the pigment absorbs the light, it breaks down and is naturally cleared by the body.
What happens to pigmentation after IPL?
This is one of the most important things to understand before treatment.
After IPL:
Pigmented areas will often darken initially, this is completely normal and a positive sign
Over the following 7–10 days, the darkened pigment will flake or shed naturally from the skin
As this process completes, clearer and more even-toned skin is revealed underneath
This downtime is usually very manageable and can often be covered easily with makeup if needed.
Are the results permanent?
IPL can permanently remove the pigment that already exists in the skin. However, it cannot stop new sun damage from forming in the future.
To maintain results long-term:
Daily SPF use is essential
Good skincare supports pigment control
Occasional maintenance IPL treatments may be recommended
Many patients choose to have a top-up treatment once or twice a year to keep their skin clear and bright.
How many IPL treatments are needed?
This depends on:
Depth and intensity of pigmentation
Skin type
Amount of sun damage present
Some patients see a significant improvement after just one Lumecca IPL session, while others benefit from a short course of treatments for optimal clearance.
Is IPL right for you?
If you’re looking for an effective treatment for sun damage or age spots IPL may be an excellent option.
A professional consultation ensures your skin is assessed properly and treated safely using medical-grade technology.
To book a consultation or find out whether IPL is right for your skin, please click the link below:
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