Many people begin to notice age spots appearing on the face, chest or hands as they get older. These small patches of darker pigmentation can make the skin appear uneven or prematurely aged, even in people who otherwise take good care of their skin.
Age spots are one of the most common concerns we see at Prema Health in Portsmouth, Hampshire, and fortunately they can often be improved significantly with modern treatments such as IPL pigmentation therapy.
What Are Age Spots?
Age spots, also known as sun spots or solar lentigines, are flat areas of increased pigmentation that develop when the skin produces excess melanin. They usually appear as light brown, dark brown or grey patches and tend to develop on areas that receive the most sun exposure.
The face, neck, chest and hands are particularly prone to these changes because they are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light more frequently throughout life.
Although age spots are harmless, many people feel they make the skin look older or less vibrant.
Why Do Age Spots Develop?
The main cause of age spots is cumulative sun exposure over many years. Ultraviolet light stimulates the skin to produce melanin as a protective response. Over time, repeated exposure can cause melanin to cluster in certain areas, leading to visible patches of darker pigment.
Ageing itself also contributes to the development of pigmentation. As skin matures, the way it distributes pigment becomes less uniform. This means the skin can develop areas where melanin is produced in higher concentrations.
For many people, the pigmentation that appears in their 40s or 50s actually reflects sun exposure from decades earlier.
Understanding Your Skin with a VISIA Skin Scan
Before beginning pigmentation treatment, it is important to properly assess the skin. At Prema Health Portsmouth, we offer advanced skin consultations using the VISIA skin scan system.
This technology provides a detailed analysis of the skin, allowing us to see both visible pigmentation and deeper sun damage that may not yet be apparent on the surface. The scan assesses factors such as pigmentation levels, sun damage, skin texture and overall skin health.
Using this information, our clinicians can create a more personalised treatment plan, ensuring that treatments like IPL are used in the most effective way for your skin.
How IPL Pigmentation Treatment Works
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is a highly effective treatment for reducing visible pigmentation and restoring a more even skin tone.
The treatment works by delivering controlled pulses of light energy into the skin. This light targets areas of excess melanin within age spots and sun spots. The pigment absorbs the energy, which causes it to break down naturally.
In the days following treatment, the treated spots usually darken slightly before gradually fading as the skin renews itself. Over time, this process leaves the skin looking clearer, brighter and more even in tone.
A Non-Invasive Option for Clearer Skin
One of the reasons IPL is such a popular pigmentation treatment is that it is non-invasive and requires minimal downtime. Treatments are typically quick and well tolerated, allowing most patients to return to their normal routine the same day.
Many patients benefit from a series of treatments to achieve the best results, particularly if pigmentation has developed gradually over many years.
IPL Pigmentation Treatment in Portsmouth
At Prema Health in Portsmouth, every treatment begins with a professional consultation and VISIA skin analysis so we can fully understand your skin and pigmentation concerns. Our experienced clinicians then create a personalised plan designed to safely improve your skin tone and overall skin quality.
If you are concerned about age spots, sun spots or uneven pigmentation, IPL treatment may help restore a clearer, more youthful-looking complexion.
To learn more about IPL pigmentation treatment in Portsmouth or Hampshire, contact Prema Health today to book your consultation and discover how our advanced skin treatments can help you achieve brighter, healthier skin.