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.
£95
per session · single area
3–6
sessions · typical course
Minimal
downtime
New client · free · no obligation
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.
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.
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.
IPL for pigmentation starts from £95 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.
IPL for pigmentation has a long research history. Trials and reviews report IPL significantly improving sun-induced pigmentation and photo-damage over 3–4 sessions, with a 2026 real-world study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology documenting long-term improvement in pigmentation, redness and skin quality with regular treatment. What the research is honest about: IPL works best on superficial, sun-driven pigment — melasma and deep hormonal pigmentation respond poorly and can worsen, which is why assessment comes before treatment — and pigment typically darkens before it lifts over the following weeks.
Most people find it very manageable — a brief warm snap with each pulse. No anaesthetic is needed.
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.
Minimal. Treated spots darken then flake over one to two weeks, and any redness usually settles within hours.
Wondering if IPL is right for your concern? See pigmentation & sun damage. You can also explore IPL for thread veins or all IPL treatments. For sun damage specifically, read what gets rid of sun damage, and for aftercare see the IPL & laser aftercare guide.
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 free consultation