Pigmentation
This is the main target. IPL can improve selected brown sun-related spots and help the hands look more even in tone.
IPL · Hand Pigmentation · South Kensington
IPL Hand Rejuvenation
Target sun spots, age spots and mottled pigmentation on the backs of the hands using carefully selected IPL settings.
This treatment is primarily about improving visible pigmentation and uneven tone. It does not replace lost hand volume or correct significant skin laxity.
What IPL does
Selective treatment of brown pigmentation
IPL — Intense Pulsed Light — uses controlled broad-spectrum light. In this treatment, selected wavelengths are absorbed by melanin in brown spots on the backs of the hands.
The absorbed light is converted to heat, creating a controlled effect within the pigment. The treated spots commonly become darker before they gradually shed.
Often considered for:
- Solar lentigines / sun spots
- Age spots
- Mottled pigmentation
- Uneven tone related to cumulative UV exposure
- Clients prepared to use daily SPF afterwards
IPL hand rejuvenation at Santi
A short demonstration of how IPL is used to target sun-induced pigmentation on the backs of the hands.
What “hand rejuvenation” means here
Texture
Skin may appear fresher as pigmentation clears, but IPL is not primarily a resurfacing treatment for deep textural change.
Volume & laxity
IPL does not restore lost volume, conceal prominent veins or significantly tighten loose skin. Those concerns require separate assessment.
The pigment usually looks darker before it looks lighter
This is an expected part of IPL treatment and is one of the most important things to understand before booking.
Warmth or redness
The skin may look pink or feel warm for a short period after treatment.
Pigment darkens
Brown spots frequently become darker and may take on a peppered or “coffee-ground” appearance.
Flaking
The darkened pigment gradually flakes away. Do not pick or exfoliate it.
Tone settles
The treated area looks progressively more even as the skin settles. Further sessions are assessed after recovery.
A short course is usually more useful than judging one session
2–3 sessions
A typical course is two to three treatments, depending on the number, depth and response of the pigmented spots.
4–6 weeks apart
Sessions are spaced to allow the skin and treated pigment to settle before deciding whether further treatment is appropriate.
Maintenance
UV exposure can produce new pigmentation over time. Daily SPF and sensible sun protection remain important after the course.
Who may — or may not — be suitable
Good candidates
- Visible sun spots on the backs of the hands
- Age-related lentigines
- Mottled sun-induced pigmentation
- No active tan
- Realistic expectations
- Commitment to SPF after treatment
We may postpone or recommend another approach with:
- Active tanning or recent significant UV exposure
- Melasma or unstable pigmentation
- Open wounds or active infection
- Photosensitising medication
- Skin types where IPL pigment risk outweighs the likely benefit
Suitability is confirmed during consultation and patch testing.
Preparing for IPL
Avoid tanning
Avoid sunbeds and deliberate tanning before treatment and use broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 on the hands.
Pause strong actives
Retinoids and stronger exfoliating acids are generally paused for around 5–7 days on the area unless your clinician advises otherwise.
Tell us about medication
Please disclose medication and supplements, particularly anything that may increase photosensitivity.
Let the pigment shed naturally
Do not pick
Darkened spots should be allowed to flake naturally. Picking can increase irritation and pigment risk.
Keep skincare gentle
Use gentle cleansing and a bland moisturiser while the treated skin settles.
Use SPF daily
Broad-spectrum SPF is essential on the backs of the hands after IPL, including during everyday incidental sun exposure.
Avoid heat initially
Avoid very hot showers, sauna, steam and strenuous exercise for approximately 24 hours or while the area feels hot.
Pause exfoliation
Do not use scrubs, retinoids or strong acids until the treated area has finished flaking and feels settled.
Contact us if concerned
Get in touch if you develop blistering, worsening pain, significant swelling or another reaction that concerns you.
IPL vs peel vs resurfacing
| Treatment | Main role | Best when… |
|---|---|---|
| IPL | Target brown pigmentation | Discrete sun spots and mottled tone are the main concern |
| Chemical Peel | Global exfoliation and skin brightening | Texture and more diffuse surface dullness are also important |
| RF / Laser Tightening | Skin quality and selected laxity | The concern is firmness or crepiness rather than brown spots |
IPL Hand Rejuvenation FAQs
How many sessions will I need?
Typically two to three sessions are considered, usually spaced approximately four to six weeks apart. More resistant pigmentation may require additional treatment.
What will my hands look like afterwards?
The brown spots usually become darker before improving. A peppered or coffee-ground appearance is common for several days before the pigment flakes naturally.
Is IPL painful?
Most people describe a series of brief hot or snapping sensations. Cooling is used and treatment settings are selected according to the skin and pigment being treated.
Is IPL suitable for darker skin tones?
Not automatically. Melanin in normal surrounding skin can also absorb light, so skin tone, tanning history and pigment behaviour need careful assessment. A patch test is required before treatment.
Can IPL remove every brown mark?
No. Pigmented lesions have different causes. Some are suitable for IPL and others require a different diagnosis or treatment approach. We may recommend medical assessment where a lesion should not simply be treated as cosmetic pigmentation.
Will the pigmentation come back?
Successfully treated spots may improve significantly, but IPL does not prevent future UV-related pigmentation. Sun protection remains important for maintaining an even appearance.
Does IPL make hands look younger?
By reducing selected visible brown pigmentation, IPL can make the hands look more even and less sun-damaged. It does not replace lost volume or correct major laxity, so those concerns need separate assessment.
Other skin pathways
Santi London · South Kensington
Book your IPL consultation & patch test
We will assess the pigmentation, confirm whether IPL is appropriate for your skin and plan treatment around your skin type, recent sun exposure and goals.
Typical course 2–3 sessions · 4–6 weeks apart · patch test required · Santi London, 33 Thurloe Street, South Kensington, London SW7 2LQ.