IPL · Intense Pulsed Light

Clearer, more even skin — without injectables.

IPL uses precisely filtered light to break down pigmentation, sun damage and uneven tone, letting clearer, brighter skin come through over a course of treatments.

Anne performing an IPL treatment with the Lynton system at Lumos Skin, Basingstoke

What it is

IPL — intense pulsed light — delivers broad-spectrum light into the skin, where it’s absorbed by the excess pigment that causes sun spots, age spots and uneven tone. That pigment heats, breaks up, and is gradually cleared by the body, revealing more even skin underneath.

What it treats

  • Sun spots and age spots (solar lentigines)
  • Freckling and patchy pigmentation
  • General dullness and uneven skin tone
  • Sun-damaged skin on the face, neck, chest and hands

What to expect

A session takes around 20–45 minutes depending on the area. You’ll feel a quick warmth with each pulse — often described as a light elastic-band flick. Pigmented spots typically darken over the following days before flaking away, leaving clearer skin behind.

Most people need a course of treatments spaced a few weeks apart for the best result, with mild redness afterwards that settles quickly. Sun protection between sessions is essential and Anne will talk you through it.

Is it right for me?

IPL works best on lighter skin tones with clearly defined pigmentation, and it isn’t suitable for all skin types or for very recent sun exposure. Anne assesses your skin honestly at consultation and will recommend an alternative if IPL isn’t the right fit — safety comes before selling a treatment.

Pricing

IPL for pigmentation starts from £85 per session. A course of three to six sessions gives the most even result — the exact number depends on your skin, which Anne will assess honestly at consultation.

Common questions

Does it hurt?

Most people find it very manageable — a brief warm snap with each pulse. No anaesthetic is needed.

How many sessions will I need?

It varies with the degree of pigmentation, but a course of three to six sessions is typical. Anne will give you a realistic number at consultation.

Is there downtime?

Minimal. Treated spots darken then flake over one to two weeks, and any redness usually settles within hours.

Related

Wondering if IPL is right for your concern? See pigmentation & sun damage. You can also explore IPL for thread veins or all IPL treatments.

Wondering if IPL is right for your skin?

A consultation is the honest way to find out. We’ll look at your skin together and give you a clear, realistic plan.

Book a consultation