Treating Dark Age Spots on the Hands with IPL

Hyperpigmentation, commonly known as “age spots”, is a skin problem which appears as dark or discolored spots on the face, as well as on the body. One very common area where unsightly age spots develop as we get older is on the back of the hands. The causes of hyperpigmentation are many, and there are a number of different treatment options available. But those seeking a fast and permanent solution to age spots need to look no further than IPL (intense pulsed light therapy) at SpaMedica in Grand Rapids.

Intense pulsed light, or IPL, is a type of laser treatment which is typically used to refine skin on the face. But it is also just as effective when used to permanently get rid of dark spots on the back of the hands. Read on to learn more about the many benefits of IPL for treating age spots on hands.

Causes of Age Spots (Hyperpigmentation) on the Hands

Aging, years of UV sun exposure, or a combination of the two, are the most common causes of hyperpigmentation. But fluctuations in hormone levels, skin injuries, acne and even certain medications can all lead to the development of dark spots, as well.   Age spots are also sometimes called “liver spots” or “lentigines”. And when they form in patches rather than spots hyperpigmentation is usually characterized as “melasma”.

Dark spots can develop anywhere that skin is exposed to the sun’s UV rays, but they are most typically found on the hands and face. And every ethnicity, skin type and color is susceptible to the various forms of hyperpigmentation – although dark spots will usually be more noticeable on lighter skin.

Types of Hyperpigmentation on the Hands

The epidermis (outer layer of skin) contains cells called melanocytes which produce the pigment Melanin. But the regulation and distribution of melanocytes becomes less balanced as the body gets older. As a result, certain areas—like the hands—will develop a higher concentration of melanocytes. When any of these more highly concentrated areas are stimulated by UV rays, hyperpigmentation follows closely behind.

Another type of hyperpigmentation that can accelerate the development of age spots is Melasma – which actually has nothing to do with age. Melasma is, in fact, the result of variations in hormone levels – more specifically rising and falling levels of estrogen and progesterone. Melasma spots are often given the name “the mask of pregnancy” because they often show up on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip of women during pregnancy.

Finally, when discoloration is left behind following skin trauma or injury, these marks are known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. When the epidermis (outer skin layer) is damaged, melanocytes are stimulated by the inflammation resulting in a spike in the production of melanin to the damaged area. The end result is dark spots. In many cases this type of hyperpigmentation is the product of acne spots after they have healed.

Treating Age Spots on the Hands with IPL

Hyperpigmentation (dark spots) will not simply go away without professional skin treatments. While over-the-counter lightening creams may fade the appearance of dark spots to some degree, their results are far from effective.  OTC “miracle creams” cannot completely remove dark spots, like IPL treatment. And ointments rarely have long lasting effects.

Conversely, professional IPL treatments can successfully, completely and permanently remove dark spots on the hands, face and elsewhere.

At SpaMedica GR in Grand Rapids we offer state-of-the-art CynoSure Icon Laser for IPL treatments, to give you the best possible hyperpigmentation removal results.

IPL treatments are sometimes also given the names “photorejuvenation” or “photofacial” – even when they are used on the hands. Thermal energy from powerful flashes of laser light are delivered in short, polychromatic blasts to penetrate deep into the dermal (lower) layer of the skin – while doing no damage to the outer layers of skin.

Once the IPL laser penetrates the surface, precise wavelengths of laser light target the pigment in the melanin, while leaving the surrounding cells unharmed. As the heat penetrates and attacks the dark pigment particles in the age spots, it breaks down and destroys them. The destroyed melanin particles then either rise to the surface and form scabs where they slough off – or they are carried away by the lymphatic system and eliminated naturally by the body.

What to Expect After an IPL Treatment for Hand Age Spots

In addition to being a safe and affordable way to get rid of age spots on the hands for good, IPL treatments come with another bonus: they require no downtime afterward. Unlike many other laser light treatments, the IPL wavelengths leave the epidermis (outer layer) of skin intact – so there is no recovery period. Patients can return to work or their normal routines immediately.

Following an IPL procedure, patients may experience some slight redness or pinkness after their treatment – but this typically disappears within a few hours to a couple days.

The results of an IPL treatment are, in most cases, visible immediately after just one session – with results improving over the next several weeks as the body eliminates the destroyed pigmented cells. However, for patients who have more extensive or dramatic hyperpigmentation, multiple sessions may be necessary for optimal results. We often recommend five sessions for patients with deeper or darker age spots (hyperpigmentation)

Ways to Prevent Dark Spots on the Hands

Of course, prevention is always key! While IPL treatment will permanently undo existing hyperpigmentation, new dark spots can always return without preventative maintenance. Many patients religiously apply sunblock to their face but forget to apply sunscreen to their hands. To avoid pigmentation on the hands, always apply SPF 30 or higher to the face and hands, cover up with long sleeves when possible, and wear sunglasses to avoid UV damage to the eyes.

Prevention of dark spots on the hands may be more difficult for patients with Melasma caused by hormonal fluctuations. It is estimated that about 10-25% of women who take oral contraceptives develop melasma – so switching to a different birth control method may help reduce dark spots in some women.

Most pregnant women experience some hyperpigmentation of the skin, which may often disappear on its own in time. But in 10-15% of these cases Melasma develops – and there is no guarantee that dark spots will disappear. In these instances, IPL treatments can effectively reduce or remove dark spots on the face and hands.

In cases of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, the best preventative measure is to keep inflammation down. Sticking to a balanced diet, as well as using some topical treatments like essential or carrier oils, can help keep inflammation at bay. If you have acne, do not pick at it. Try soothing any afflicted areas of skin with aloe or a jade roller regularly.

IPL for Age Spots (Dark Spots) on the Hands | Grand Rapids, MI

The trained skincare professionals at SpaMedica GR in Grand Rapids, MI can help restore your skin, no matter what is causing your hyperpigmentation! In addition to the Icon IPL laser, we also offer Morpheus8 Radiofrequency Microneedling, and other state-of-the-art skin clarifying and rejuvenation treatments options. Beginning with a professional skin consultation, skin treatments are selected and optimized to fit each patient’s specific needs.

Schedule an IPL laser dark spot treatment at SpaMedica in Grand Rapids, MI and say goodbye to age spots on your hands for good.

 Hand Dark Spot Treatments | Grand Rapids: (616) 888-3890