IPL vs Pulsed Light for Sun Spots in Medellín

There is something all women in Medellín say when they see us with sunburned skin or those grayish tones that appear on the cheeks and neck. It is the sensation of having been under the sun all day, but upon returning home, the skin has not turned red or burned; it has simply become darker. It is a visual headache because you realize your marks have grown while you didn’t know what to do with them.

We live in a city where the climate changes quickly and the sun is very strong during certain times of the year. Sometimes, after a vacation to Santa Marta or simply spending a lot of time outdoors without protection, we notice that those old spots have returned with more force. It is frustrating to feel that the skin has become harder to manage because those marks do not go away on their own and force you to seek a real solution.

I perfectly understand that sense of urgency when you look at your reflection in the mirror and see that the spots have advanced. In consultation, we often see patients with this concern, and the first thing we do is calm their nerves before touching any machine. It is not a serious problem for your health, but it is annoying because it affects your confidence and how you feel when you dress up in a nice dress or blouse.

The sun in Medellín leaves marks, not just a tan

Sun spots, also known as solar lentigines or photonegros, are the result of cumulative exposure to ultraviolet rays over the years. Unlike a tan, which is a temporary response where the skin darkens for a few hours and then returns to its natural tone, sun spots are permanent changes in melanin production that the skin stores as a reserve.

The main cause is that UVA rays penetrate deeply into the dermis and stimulate cells called melanocytes to produce too much melanin. This protein is responsible for the color of our skin, but when there is too much sun, melanocytes manufacture large quantities that end up trapped in that specific area. A key medical fact is that UVA rays can penetrate even on cloudy days or in the late afternoon, when we sometimes pay less attention to the UV index.

Here comes the honest nuance that many people prefer to ignore: people believe that once treated, those spots disappear forever and will never return. The reality is that they are controlled and improve significantly, but if you expose yourself to the sun again without protection, the marks can reappear quickly. Treatment is not a magic cure for life, but a powerful tool to restore your tone while you care for your skin from the sun.

What exactly is IPL and what is pulsed light?

To decide which option best suits you, you first need to understand how these two technologies work in a simple way. IPL or Intense Pulsed Light Therapy works by emitting light across a broad spectrum ranging from infrared to visible. This energy is preferentially absorbed by the melanin and water in the skin, generating a thermal effect that destroys pigmented cells and reduces dilated blood vessels.

Pulsed light, often referred to as pulsed LED or specific color light, uses very precise wavelengths to target melanin or vasodilation without heating the surrounding skin as much. It is like, instead of using a giant machine with various filters, you are selecting the exact color your skin needs at that moment.

The process in our consultation begins with a careful evaluation of your skin type and the condition of your spots. At Verassere, we use advanced technology to ensure that energy is applied only where there is excess pigment, avoiding unnecessary burns or irritations. It is a procedure performed in the clinic, but you can go home immediately after finishing.

Your skin needs a personalized plan for spots

In consultation, we see that not all skins react equally to treatment. Some people have very sensitive skin or a history of scarring, which requires adjusting the light intensity or the number of necessary sessions. Other times, we combine IPL with other methods such as gentle chemical peels to accelerate epidermal renewal and eliminate damaged cells faster.

It is vital to understand that success depends on your commitment to sun care after the treatment. If you manage to reduce the spots, but then forget to use sunscreen or expose yourself to midday sun without care, it is possible that the marks will reappear in weeks. That is why we teach you techniques to choose appropriate sunscreens and how to apply them correctly throughout the day.

It is worth noting that IPL can be more effective for deep and vascular spots, while specific pulsed light is excellent for treating small areas or sensitive skin. However, each case is unique and requires a professional to evaluate your skin before starting any therapy. It is something you cannot try at home with homemade products or cheap lamps that do not have the necessary power or precision.

Clear signs of when to visit consultation

You should consider a dermatological evaluation when you notice new spots appearing in places that were never burned before. It is also an appropriate time if you feel that your existing spots are changing in shape, size, or color, although this is less common in benign sun spots.

Another clear sign is when the marks are difficult to conceal with makeup because they have an irregular tone or appear in areas such as the chin or hands. If you have tried to treat them with commercial creams without results after several months, it is time to seek a professional solution. Do not wait until the skin looks very affected, as it is easier to treat small and scattered spots than large consolidated areas.

The most frequent questions asked in the clinic are: “How many sessions do I need to see results?”, “Is the IPL treatment painful?”, and “Can I use sunscreen after the procedure?”.

How many sessions do I need to see results?

Generally, between 3 to 6 sessions spaced every 4 weeks are required, although this varies depending on the depth of the spots and your skin type.

Is the IPL treatment painful?

You feel a sensation similar to a slight pinch or heat, but it is very tolerable and does not require anesthesia in most cases.

Can I use sunscreen after the procedure?

Yes, it is fundamental to use sunscreen daily to prevent the spots from reappearing or worsening.

Contact us to evaluate your options

If you want an evaluation before deciding which technology is best for your skin, write to us: Schedule a consultation.