How long does it take for pigmentation to fade after IPL treatment?

IPL Treatment, West Malling, Kent 

Pigmentation is one of the most common skin concerns, affecting people of all ages and skin types. Whether it’s sun damage, age spots, freckles, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone can make the skin appear dull, aged, or uneven in texture. If you’re looking for a way to brighten and even out your complexion, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment is a highly effective solution. But once you’ve had the treatment, how long does it actually take for pigmentation to fade?

The answer varies depending on your skin type, the depth of pigmentation, and how well your skin responds to IPL. Some people see improvement within days, while others require multiple sessions for optimal results. Let’s break down how IPL works to target pigmentation, what to expect after treatment, and when you’ll start to see the benefits.

What is pigmentation, and why does it develop?

Pigmentation occurs when melanin – the pigment responsible for skin colour – becomes unevenly distributed. This can happen for several reasons, including UV exposure, hormonal changes, inflammation, or aging. Over time, pigment cells (melanocytes) overproduce melanin, leading to dark patches, sun spots, or redness.

Common types of pigmentation include:

• Sunspots (solar lentigines) – caused by cumulative sun exposure over the years.
• Freckles – typically genetic but darken with sun exposure.
• Melasma – hormonal pigmentation, often triggered by pregnancy or contraceptive use.
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) – dark spots left behind from acne, burns, or skin irritation.

Regardless of the cause, IPL is one of the most effective ways to break down and clear pigmentation, restoring a more even skin tone.

How does IPL treat pigmentation?

IPL works by delivering broad-spectrum light pulses into the skin, which are absorbed by the pigmented areas. The light heats up the excess melanin, breaking it down into smaller particles that rise to the surface of the skin and gradually flake off.

Unlike lasers, which use a single wavelength, IPL targets multiple depths of the skin at once, making it effective for treating both superficial and deeper pigmentation. The treatment also stimulates collagen production, improving overall skin quality and radiance.

During an IPL session, you may feel a mild snapping or warming sensation, but discomfort is minimal. The treatment typically takes 15-30 minutes, depending on the area being treated.

 What to expect after IPL treatment

Immediately after treatment, the pigmented areas may appear darker or more pronounced – this is a sign the IPL is working. These dark spots are microscopic fragments of broken-down melanin, which will gradually move to the surface and shed off over the next 7-10 days.

Some redness or mild swelling may occur, similar to a mild sunburn, but this typically subsides within a few hours to a couple of days. It’s crucial to protect your skin with SPF after IPL, as treated skin is more sensitive to UV exposure.

When will pigmentation start to fade?

The fading process depends on the type of pigmentation and how your skin responds.

• For superficial sunspots and freckles, you may start to see visible fading within a week, with full results after two to four weeks.
• For deeper pigmentation, such as melasma or stubborn sun damage, multiple sessions may be required, and improvement may be more gradual—over several weeks to months.
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) can take longer to clear, especially in darker skin tones, as melanin production can be more reactive.

Most people notice that pigmentation looks worse before it gets better, as the treated pigment darkens before shedding off. This is completely normal and a sign that the IPL is effectively targeting the excess melanin.

How many IPL sessions do you need for pigmentation?

The number of treatments needed depends on the severity and depth of your pigmentation.

• Mild pigmentation (light sunspots and freckles) may only require one to two sessions for significant improvement.
• Moderate pigmentation (age spots and early sun damage) often needs three to four sessions spaced four weeks apart.
• Deeper pigmentation (melasma, chronic sun damage, or PIH) may require five or more treatments for optimal results, along with ongoing maintenance.

A consultation with an experienced practitioner is the best way to determine how many sessions you’ll need for your specific skin type and concern.

Maintaining results and preventing pigmentation

Once your pigmentation has faded, it’s important to maintain results and prevent new pigmentation from forming. The best way to do this is through daily SPF use, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and incorporating brightening ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and retinol into your skincare routine.

Some patients choose to have annual IPL maintenance sessions to keep their skin looking fresh, even, and radiant.

Ready to achieve clear, even-toned skin?

IPL is one of the most effective treatments for pigmentation, but understanding how long it takes for results to show can help you manage your expectations and plan your treatments effectively. Whether you’re targeting sunspots, freckles, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, IPL can transform your skin with minimal downtime and long-lasting results.

If you’re ready to tackle uneven pigmentation and restore a glowing, even complexion, click here to enquire or to book a consultation with the Illuminate Skin Clinic Kent or London team today to find out if IPL is right for you.