What should you know about intense pulsed light for dark spots?

IPL targets colour in the skin by delivering filtered light that pigment absorbs. A treated spot may become temporarily darker or develop a fine crust before fading as the surface sheds. IPL is generally considered for widespread, flat, sun-related colour changes rather than an unexplained single lesion. It does not diagnose skin cancer, and treating an undiagnosed spot can delay the right assessment.

Dark marks can also follow inflammation, medicines, hormonal changes, or injury. Skin tone, tanning, and a history of pigmentation changes affect the risk of uneven lightening or temporary darkening.

Arrange an examination before booking cosmetic treatment, especially for a spot that is new, changing, itchy, painful, bleeding, or different from nearby marks. Avoid deliberate tanning and tell the clinician about recent sun exposure, active skin products, and medicines. After treatment, do not pick crusts. Keep the area gently cleansed and shielded from sunlight as directed, because ultraviolet exposure can make pigment persist or return.

Ask for prompt review if a treated area blisters, becomes increasingly painful, develops spreading redness, or shows discharge. Arrange a skin assessment for any pigmented mark with an evolving outline, several colours, or bleeding. These features require diagnosis, not repeated light sessions.

Ask what the spots are, why IPL is suitable, whether a test area is needed, what darkening or crusting is expected, and what treatment protects against further sun-related pigment.