From freckles to melasma to age spots, hyperpigmentation can pop up when we least expect it. These marks can distract from your self-confidence, making it difficult to see the beauty in your reflection.
Using intense pulsed light in Des Moines, the experts at Brightside Aesthetics can help you create your brightest complexion yet. Our revolutionary Lucent IPL device sets the standard for skin rejuvenation to increase collagen production and revitalize your skin.
In this blog, our experts explain why hyperpigmentation forms and how IPL can help you create a more even skin tone. If you’re ready to customize your treatment plan, give our team a call or schedule your initial consultation online.
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a common skin concern characterized as darkened patches of skin created by excess melanin production. Marks of hyperpigmentation can occur all over the body and vary in size. These spots may appear brown, black, grey, or red in color.
Some of the most common forms of hyperpigmentation include:
- Freckles – Small tan or brown spots that typically develop during childhood and become darker following sun exposure. May fade during the winter months.
- Age spots – Dark brown spots that are larger than freckles. Can form on the face, forearms, chest, and tops of the hands.
- Melasma – Irregular dark brown or black marks that form on the face. Most frequently affects women in their 20s and 30s experiencing significant hormonal changes, such as pregnancy.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – Skin discoloration caused by acne breakouts and injuries. Causes the skin to appear darker after healing.
What Causes Hyperpigmentation?
Causes of hyperpigmentation vary from person to person, but in general, hyperpigmentation forms when the body overproduces melanin, the natural pigment that gives our skin its color.
Unprotected sun exposure is the most common cause of hyperpigmentation. Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during puberty and pregnancy, can also cause clumps of pigmentation to appear on the skin.
Certain health conditions may also lead to hyperpigmentation. Addison’s disease, a rare condition that occurs when the adrenal glands don’t produce enough cortisol, may cause darkened patches of skin to develop around scars. Thyroid disorders can also lead to excessive melanin production.
Other causes of hyperpigmentation include:
- Genetics
- Injuries
- Acne
- Medications
- Vitamin deficiencies
How Does IPL Treat Hyperpigmentation?
Intense pulsed light (IPL) is one of the most effective treatments for reducing hyperpigmentation.
During treatment, the IPL device delivers multiple light wavelengths to the skin, similar to a photoflash. The pigmented skin cells readily absorb this light energy, converting it into heat that then damages them. Over time, this clears away the hyperpigmentation, restoring clarity to your skin.
Besides addressing hyperpigmentation, intense pulsed light in Des Moines also increases collagen production. Considered the “building block” of the skin, collagen provides crucial structure and support. Increasing collagen fortifies the skin from within to create a healthier-looking complexion.
We use the Lucent IPL platform at Brightside Aesthetics. Known for its powerful and highly customizable broad-spectrum laser, Lucent IPL reverses the signs of aging for a smoother, firmer look.
The IPL Treatment Process at Brightside Aesthetics
Hyperpigmentation can feel frustrating and difficult to get rid of, but with the Lucent IPL system, clearer skin has never been easier to achieve.
You deserve to walk through each day with confidence. The Brightside Aesthetics team wants to help you address your aesthetic needs to achieve lasting results. Here’s what you can expect when you choose our experts for intense pulsed light in Des Moines.
Consultation With Our Aesthetic Team
Before kicking off the treatment process, you first schedule a consultation with one of our skin experts. Your initial appointment serves as an open conversation, helping you identify the right solutions for your hyperpigmentation concerns.
Your provider first asks a series of questions to learn more about your needs. They have you describe your aesthetic goals and how you want to look after treatment. Your provider may also ask about your medical history and medications you’re taking to ensure you’re a good candidate for IPL.
Next, your provider examines your treatment area. They assess your skin quality and areas of hyperpigmentation to determine how well your skin might respond to treatment.
Using the information gathered during your consultation, your provider develops a treatment plan that’s personalized to your unique needs. In addition to IPL, your plan may also include a handful of other treatments designed to target hyperpigmentation at its source, such as:
- Chemical peel – Uses a customized chemical solution to encourage cellular turnover and minimize the appearance of hyperpigmentation. We may recommend a series of light, medium, or deeper peels.
- BelaMD+ facial – Addresses skin tone concerns using a combination of microdermabrasion, serum infusion, pore cleansing, and muscle stimulation.
- SaltFacial – Harnesses the power of sea salt to clear sun damage. Can be repeated once every two weeks to maintain stunning, glowing skin.
- Exion – Increases hyaluronic acid and collagen production for a firmer complexion. Can treat hyperpigmentation concerns throughout the face and body.
Prepare Your Skin for Treatment
Before your first IPL session, your provider gives you a series of instructions to ensure your skin is ready for treatment.
We recommend staying out of the sun in the weeks leading up to a treatment with intense pulsed light in Des Moines. Having sunburned or tanned skin can leave you more susceptible to burns and blisters. This also includes tanning beds.
If you must be in direct sunlight, regularly apply a 30+ SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. We have a variety of trusted sunscreen options available through our skincare shop.
Aside from sun protection, be sure to drink plenty of water before your IPL treatment. Hydrated skin can enhance treatment efficacy and speed up the healing process. On the day of treatment, arrive at our office with clean skin that’s free of makeup, lotion, and perfumes.
Your IPL Treatment Session
To begin your IPL treatment session, your provider cleanses your skin and applies a cooling gel. This gel ensures you have a comfortable treatment experience from start to finish. Your provider also gives you eye protection to wear throughout the procedure.
Next, your provider uses the Lucent IPL device to apply light pulses to your skin, gently targeting hyperpigmentation and other aesthetic concerns. Many patients compare the treatment sensation to a rubber band being snapped against their skin.
The length of your IPL session varies depending on the size of your treatment area. On average, most IPL treatments take 30 minutes to complete.
Caring for Your Skin
Immediately after intense pulsed light in Des Moines, your skin may appear red, irritated, or swollen. You may use a cold compress to minimize any discomfort you may experience.
To care for your skin after treatment, incorporate a gentle cleanser and moisturizer into your skincare routine. Be sure to continue applying broad-spectrum sunscreen and drinking plenty of water.
We advise waiting a few days after your treatment session before applying makeup. This can help you avoid further irritation as your skin heals.
Beautiful Results
Most patients notice tighter, clearer, and more youthful-looking skin in the weeks following their final treatment session. Many even see significant improvements in unwanted pigmentation after a single treatment.
Depending on the specific skin concerns, we recommend patients undergo anywhere from 3 to 5 IPL sessions. Your provider may also suggest scheduling additional maintenance sessions to prolong your beautiful results and continue improving collagen production.
Answering Your Frequently Asked Questions
Our experts want you to feel comfortable and confident about your treatment decision. If you’re still on the fence about intense pulsed light in Des Moines, we’ve provided answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from our patients.
Does IPL work for all skin types?
While IPL is an effective hyperpigmentation treatment for a variety of skin tones, Lucent IPL works best on patients with light to medium-toned skin. When used on patients with darker skin tones, IPL treatments can occasionally cause burns, blisters, and skin damage.
Your provider may recommend alternative hyperpigmentation treatments to ensure you have a safe experience.
What areas can IPL treat?
The Lucent IPL device is gentle enough to treat nearly any area of the body. Our experts frequently use IPL to clear hyperpigmentation in the following areas:
- Face
- Neck
- Chest
- Shoulders
- Hands
- Back
- Legs
We cannot use IPL on extremely delicate areas, including around the eyes, eyelids, and brow area. IPL is also not safe for use on tattooed skin. The device may hone in on the pigment in your tattoo and cause burns, discoloration, or other adverse effects.
How can I finance my IPL treatment session?
Our experts want to work with you to ensure you receive the treatments you need. Brightside Aesthetics is proud to partner with Cherry, a financing platform that allows patients to pay for their aesthetic treatments through customizable installments.
Contact our front office and fill out a quick application to learn more about our flexible payment options through Cherry.
Brighter Skin Starts Here
At Brightside Aesthetics, hyperpigmentation doesn’t have to detract from your self-confidence. You deserve to love what you see in the mirror, and with intense pulsed light in Des Moines, you can create a glowing complexion that lasts for years to come.
Discover how IPL can address your hyperpigmentation. Schedule your consultation or give our team a call to learn more.
Interested in SkinPen microneedling? Still Googling “facials near me”? Head over to our blog to learn how Brightside Aesthetics can guide you through your skincare journey.
