4 steps to make “sun spots” disappear with IPL therapy

“Sun spots” get their name from the fact that these dark patches form when Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight or tanning causes the pigment-producing cells in your skin to make more melanin. As this melanin pigment becomes concentrated or clumps together, you end up with areas that are darker than the surrounding skin. While true sun spots (solar lentigines) are benign, you may still want them gone for cosmetic purposes. Intense Pulsed Light therapy at AVIVA Dermatology breaks down pigment, making your skin look more even, youthful, and radiant. Here are four things to expect from IPL treatment at our Katy, Texas, area office in Houston. 

1 – Prepping and protecting your skin

Daily sunscreen use and sun protection measures are essential for your skin’s health and to prevent future sun damage. In fact, before your treatment, we ask that you avoid direct sunlight entirely and do not tan in any way – that includes sunless tanners. Why is tanning in any form off-limits? Since IPL targets the pigment in your skin, tanned skin may be treated indiscriminately, increasing your risk of complications such as blisters, burns, and persistent pigmentation problems (areas that are lighter or darker than the surrounding skin). 

2 – During your procedure

We start by thoroughly cleansing your skin to remove any oils, lotions, and impurities that could interfere with treatment and lead to irritation and other complications. You will be provided with protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the intense light flashes associated with treatment. While no topical anesthetic is applied, a cooling, gel-like substance is used to protect the skin’s surface and help the device glide across your skin. As the IPL device is activated, it delivers pulses of light to your sun spots. The targeted skin absorbs these pulses. This process converts the light to heat, which shatters the excess melanin into tiny particles. You may feel a mild, warm snapping sensation during this time, similar to how a rubber band feels against your skin. 

3 – Aftercare 

At first, you may notice that your skin looks and feels sunburnt. Sun spots tend to look darker before they fade. Don’t worry! These pepper-like or coffee-ground-like spots are a common and temporary side effect of treatment. As excess melanin rises to the surface, it will eventually flake off naturally, revealing smooth, even, healthy skin underneath. While your skin heals, you must continue to protect it with sunscreen and avoid direct sunlight. The less you touch or disturb the treated areas, the better. Think: Gentle care and products. Avoid abrasive, potent, and potentially irritating cleansers and moisturizers. 

4 – Results and maintenance 

As the skin naturally flakes off over the course of ~seven to 14 days, your complexion will appear noticeably more even, clear, and radiant. To achieve optimal results, the team at AVIVA Dermatology may recommend a series of 3 to 6 initial treatments. To maintain those results, we work with you to create a personalized skincare plan. Maintenance treatment sessions may also be scheduled once or twice a year. Since IPL therapy provides long-lasting results, maintenance treatments are minimal as long as you protect and care for your skin properly to prevent further sun damage! 

Call your Katy, TX area experts in Houston at (713) 468-0303 to learn more about sun spot treatment.

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