Get rid of sun damage and restore beautiful, fresh-looking skin.
Apex Health cosmetic dermatology clinic is one of the few clinics in Denmark where you receive tailored treatments specifically for your type of sun damage. You are treated with the most effective methods by both dermatologists and specialized nurses.
Read more
What are pigmented spots?
Pigmented spots (lentigines or liver spots), post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) are located in the epidermis and can be removed with laser or intense pulsed light (IPL).
Other pigmentations, also called hormonal spots (melasma), lie deeper in the skin (or are light-sensitive) and are very difficult to remove. These are best treated with a combination of pico laser, creams, and chemical peels.
Age warts can also be pigmented but are removed with CO2 laser, freezing, or scraping. Flat beauty spots (naevi) are not removed.
How is the treatment performed?
The treatment is done with IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and can advantageously be combined with fractional laser if you are also interested in reducing enlarged pores, fine wrinkles, and achieving mild skin tightening as part of your treatment. Consult your practitioner about this.
The area to be treated is illuminated with a light flash lasting a few milliseconds, which heats the pigment while sparing the surrounding skin as much as possible. The damaged dark skin cells are subsequently broken down by the body's repair systems, producing the treatment effect.
Which areas can be treated?
We treat pigmented spots on the face, neck, and décolleté with IPL.
How does the treatment work?
It is important that you are not sunburned at the time of treatment. Therefore, you must avoid sun exposure on the treatment area for at least 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after the treatment, and avoid using self-tanning products for 2 weeks before treatment.
The treatment feels like a prickling warmth that may linger on the skin for a few minutes afterward. You can take 1 gram of paracetamol about 1 hour before the treatment to reduce possible discomfort.
We always recommend using sunscreen with SPF 50+ including UVA and UVB protection both before and after treatment.
What are the effects of the treatment?
The treatment effect varies from complete removal of the pigment to partial or no removal, depending on the type, depth, and cause of the pigment. Multiple treatments are often needed. In some cases, the pigment cannot be removed with IPL, and other lasers such as Ruby, Nd:YAG, or CO2 laser may be required (sometimes due to thickening of the pigmented skin). Such treatments require a new paid procedure.
Treatment of pigmented spots does not remove the tendency to form new pigment changes, so maintenance treatments are recommended (usually after the summer period). This means repeated and maintenance treatments are necessary.
It is important to set expectations before treatment. Treatments are non-refundable.
Who cannot be treated?
Pregnant women
Relevant allergies
Skin types V-VI
Tattoos or permanent makeup in the treatment area
Keloid formation
Active skin disease, skin cancer, or coagulation disorders
Medications or supplements causing photosensitivity or blood thinning
Active infections in the area, including active herpes
Epilepsy
Sun exposure within 4 weeks before treatment or use of self-tanner within 2 weeks before treatment
Possible side effects
The skin becomes red and warm immediately after treatment, often felt like a sunburn. Some patients may experience swelling, especially around the eyes. These symptoms usually disappear within days to a week. Ice packs can be applied for 10 minutes every hour during the first 4 hours if necessary.
After treatment, pigmented spots may darken slightly, intensifying over several hours, indicating treatment effect. After 1-2 days, the darkening moves to the surface and flakes off after 5-10 days.
Avoid peeling products. Sauna, intense exercise, chlorinated water, and sea bathing are discouraged during the first day.
The treatment is not painless, but pain can be reduced by taking 1 g of paracetamol 1 hour before treatment.
Rarely, burns with wounds can occur, which in severe cases may cause permanent scarring—though this is very rare. Pigment disturbances such as lighter or darker areas can happen, especially if you have darker skin or do not follow sun protection advice. Pigment disturbances are difficult to treat but usually improve over months to years with sunscreen use.
Bright flashes during treatment may feel intense despite wearing protective goggles. The strong light reflects from bones and is perceived by the optic nerve as light inside the “head.” This does not damage the eyes because protective goggles are used.
Recommended aftercare (creams) to optimize treatment results
After IPL treatment, we recommend using effective creams to support your results:
C E Ferulic (day and night): Antioxidants protecting against skin aging, strengthening the skin, and defending against free radicals.
H A Intensifier (day): Provides hyaluronic acid to the skin, a natural moisturizer regulating hydration, adding volume and firmness, and can be combined with fillers.
Mineral Radiance (sun protection): 100% ultra-light mineral sunscreen for all skin types, enhances natural skin tone and glow, waterproof and paraben-free.
EU Data Protection Regulation – Privacy Policy
We respect your privacy and comply with the EU data protection regulation. For an overview of the personal data we collect, why, legal basis, your consent, and your rights, visit: https://www.dermocosmetic.dk/privatlivspolitik-forkunder
Information and Consent
After reading this written information, you will receive oral information about the treatment and have the opportunity to ask questions. You will be asked about your health situation. Withholding necessary health or medication information can increase the risk of side effects. You may bring a companion. Treatment can begin immediately after oral information but only after you give your consent.