Meet the at-home laser powerful enough to treat pigmentation at home.
Understanding pigmentation is the strongest start to effectively treating it. Pigmentation refers to the discolouring of the skin and can relate to either darkening or lightening of the skin. Hyperpigmentation, on the other hand, is the specific name given to a condition that causes your skin to darken.
Pigmentation results when levels of melanin in the body get out of balance. Melanin is the natural pigment that is responsible for giving our skin, hair and eyes their unique colour. A destabilisation in melanin production can be triggered by a huge variety of factors, but some of the most common causes of pigmentation include too much sun exposure, hormonal changes, aging, or trauma to the skin.
Pigmentation can be localised to small patches of skin or it might affect your entire body. Whilst pigmentation is usually harmless, it can occasionally be indicative of an underlying medical condition so if you’re concerned make sure to book an appointment with your doctor. The fact remains, however, that pigmentation tends to be a cosmetic, rather than a medical, issue for the vast majority of people.
Treating all types of pigmentation with laser
Hyperpigmentation is an umbrella term for discolouration and darker patches of skin and depending on what type you have, and to what degree will decide the level of laser treatment needed.
It is possible for lasers to significantly fade or remove hyperpigmentation altogether, depending on both the size and intensity of the hyperpigmentation in question. In-clinic lasers overall achieve the most impressive pigmentation fading and removal results, though results depend greatly on the power and precision level of the laser used.
Lasers are prolific in their application but not every laser treatment works for every skin pigmentation condition. Hyperpigmentation is such a broad term, referring to any skin darkening or discolouration, that it’s essential to diagnose the exact type and cause of the pigmentation when selecting an effective laser therapy technique.
Using laser to remove...
Melasma
Melasma may appear very similar to other types of hyperpigmentation but whereas the majority are sun-induced, melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation caused by hormonal changes within the body. This makes melasma particularly difficult to treat as it can reoccur within the body at any time.
Melasma is very common amongst pregnant women as they experience significant hormonal changes and most often presents on the face in a butterfly or mask shape. Melasma can fade on its own as hormones rebalance again, or it can be treated with topical creams and brightening agents but as with other strands of hyperpigmentation, skin lasers tend to achieve the most thorough results.
Cherry angiomas
Not commonly perceived to be sun pigmentation due to their vibrant red colour, cherry angiomas or red spots are a small collection of dilated blood vessels. Cherry angiomas range from tiny dots to larger, more prominent clusters which are sometimes raised.
They can appear anywhere on the body and some people are more genetically predisposed to them than others. Cherry angiomas can be either cryogenically frozen off or treated with a pulsed dye laser.
Broken capillaries
Red spots or pimples on the skin are often broken capillaries that run just underneath the skin’s surface. The sun's rays thin out the dermis of the skin and blood vessels become more visible. Those with fair skin or rosy skin are far more prone to broken capillaries. There are an array of treatments for broken capillaries ranging from cold compresses and topical creams to IPL, advanced in-clinic lasers and sclerotherapy whereby the veins are injected with sodium solution.
Brown spots and freckles
Age spots, liver spots, and solar lentigines, are all common sun-induced pigmentation conditions. Lasers can effectively fade and remove brown spots but to what degree depends on the density and size of the pigmentation area. The likelihood of developing these hyperpigmentations also increases with age as skin becomes less resilient to the impact of UV rays. In addition, lasers can be used to remove brown spots and freckles but these pigmentation variants can reoccur with sustained sun exposure.
Witness the remarkable transformation of chest skin rejuvenated with the LYMA Laser - smoother, firmer, and revitalized.
Target: Image showing pigmentation and wrinkles on chest wrinkles from accumulated sun damage.
Results: Skin texture is improved by use of LYMA Laser for chest wrinkles and pigmentation now appears smoother, with a brighter skin tone.
Treatment: From 30 minutes daily use, over three months.
White sunspots
White sunspots, (formal name idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis) occur after years of compound sun exposure. Often referred to as hypopigmentation, these white spots are another pigmentation condition but unlike dark patches, this discoloration signals an absence of pigment in the skin. IPL can be used to fade the darker skin surrounding the white spots, allowing the spots to blend in better with the rest of your skin.
Alternatively, active skincare is a good option. Vitamin C will brighten skin and Retinol will exfoliate discoloration. Retexturizing and exfoliating skincare products such as glycolic acid will even skin tone and create a more unified appearance, lessening the visibility of white spots.
Can at-home skin devices really reduce pigmentation?
The global market for skin gadgets might be huge and growing exponentially but the evidence for most at-home skin devices that effectively remove unwanted pigmentation is minimal. This is because for traditional light therapy gadgets to be approved as safe to use by a non-professional in the home, they have to be much weaker. This renders the majority of at-home skin devices far too weak to remove or fade dark patches to any discernible level.
LED masks and at-home lasers
The options in at-home LED masks have skyrocketed in recent years with LED masks, wands and pens all hopping on the latest trends.
Consequently, all at-home LED devices work on skin's surface alone so they are capable of brightening and evening out the skin tone. DIY skin laser devices typically send out pulsed light between 5 and 20mW, in comparison to clinic-grade lasers that operate around 500mW. These at-home laser skin devices are generally deemed very safe, due to their low power outputs but they are not without danger. There is still a risk of thermal damage, burns and injury to the eye area if not used correctly and for the directed amount of time.
At-home IPL devices
When searching for the best at-home IPL device for hyperpigmentation, it’s essential to understand that IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) technology works by delivering broad-spectrum light to target excess melanin in the skin, helping to fade dark spots and even out tone over time. At-home IPL devices are generally less powerful than in-clinic machines, making them safer for regular use, though results can take longer.
Look for a device with adjustable intensity settings, FDA clearance, and a built-in skin tone sensor to ensure it’s suitable for your skin type. While effective for some types of hyperpigmentation, IPL may not be ideal for all skin tones or pigmentation concerns, so it’s important to patch test first and manage expectations.
The at-home Laser able to fade out pigmentation
Until now, at-home skin lasers haven't worked anything close to wonders on reducing pigmentation. This is because for traditional light therapy gadgets like IPL to be approved as safe to use by a non-professional in the home, they have to be much weaker and as such, haven't managed to achieve the transformational results.
The LYMA Laser changed everything.
The first at-home laser powerful enough to reverse pigmentation. The LYMA Laser is an industry shifting innovation with proven results. A study into the efficacy of the LYMA System concluded that, when used at home for 15 minutes daily, the LYMA Laser was responsible for a reduction in pigmentation by 62% and rosy skin by 42%.
When used consistently, the LYMA Laser’s photobiomodulation beam technology restores the skin function to lessen the visible signs of aging including sunspots and other age-related pigmentation, rejuvenating the skin giving it a more youthful state.
What makes the LYMA Laser so unique?
What sets the LYMA Laser apart is that it’s risk free. Devoid of heat, totally pain-free and no injury caused to the skin means no associated downtime. It’s an at-home beauty device that can be used daily in any location, anywhere on the body and for as long as you like.
LYMA Laser has revolutionised laser pigmentation removal by offering a non-invasive, zero damage, entirely natural way to remove hyperpigmentation across the face, neck and chest. Operating at the exact power level to create photobiomodulation; the LYMA Laser does not disrupt the skin in any way.
When can you expect to see the results?
The LYMA Laser is the best laser to remove skin pigmentation within weeks. If you can commit to applying the Laser to the problem area for just 15 minutes each day, you can expect to see results within the first month.
For best results, however, you should continue to administer the laser daily for three months. Only then will you really be able to realize that the LYMA Laser is the best pigmentation treatment at home.
LYMA’s at-home Laser system is a three part protocol that alongside the Laser, includes the 100% Active Stabilised Oxygen Mist & Glide skincare products.
Discover how LYMA Laser targets pigmentation with these remarkable before-and-after photos:
Are there any side-effects associated with the LYMA Laser?
No - there are no side effects associated with using the LYMA Laser. With the LYMA Laser you will be at zero risk of infection, scabbing or reddening.
As if that weren’t enough, using the LYMA Laser is pain-free and can be used anywhere on the body, even around the eye area which is famously sensitive to laser treatment.
Which in-clinic lasers treat pigmentation and how?
Non-ablative lasers
Q-Switched lasers such as the Nd: Yag are often considered the most effective professional lasers for pigmentation removal due to their longer wavelength that's more easily absorbed by the skin.
Classed as non-ablative lasers, so cause less destruction to the skin than ablative lasers but are also less effective. Non-ablative lasers do create thermal damage to the skin to trigger regeneration which causes trauma to the skin and can be extremely painful.
These lasers are generally deemed very safe to use on most skin tones but they also come with a high associated level of potential post-treatment risk of swelling and potential infection.
Fractional lasers
It’s very common to amass hyperpigmentation across the chest area and a common in-clinic laser for pigmentation on the chest is the PicoSure. This laser although non-ablative is still invasive, highly painful and results following laser treatment will appear worse before they look better.
In addition, due to the chest being such a large and delicate area, the cost of fractional laser treatment is often much higher and multiple sessions may be needed.
CO2 lasers
Ablative lasers are at the most extreme of the laser resurfacing treatment spectrum and are often advocated only for cases of extensive hyperpigmentation. Ablative lasers achieve impressive results for pigmentation removal but because they resurface the skin by removing the top epidermal layer, they also create acute wounding.
CO2 lasers and the Erbium are the most widely administered for significant dark spot removal but the pain, downtime and cost are often the reason people seek more natural ways to remove pigmentation.
Pigmentation Device Comparison Table:
| Technology | Mechanism | Suitable For Pigmentation? | Downtime | Risk Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) | Broad-spectrum light targets pigmentation and blood vessels | Indirectly: fades surrounding darker skin for blending | Low to moderate | Moderate (especially for darker skin tones) | Dark spots, mild sun damage |
| Fractional Laser (e.g. Fraxel) | Creates micro-injuries to stimulate skin regeneration and collagen | Possible: may encourage re-pigmentation around the area | Moderate to high | Higher risk for hypopigmentation or sensitivity | Texture, small scars, resurfacing, deep sun damage |
| LYMA Laser (Low-Level 808nm) | Low-level laser light energises skin, without damage | Supportive: promotes overall tone, texture and skin repair | None (zero downtime) | Very low (safe for all skin tones) | Long-term rejuvenation, inflammation balance, skin optimisation |
Cost breakdown of clinical laser pigmentation removal
Laser pigmentation removal can be carried out in clinics using either an ablative or non-ablative resurfacing laser. With either approach, initial consultations are often free of charge but a course of treatments is most commonly required, each one costing hundreds of pounds.
It’s also usual for a practitioner not to know the rate of effectiveness, so courses may have to be re-evaluated and possibly extended to achieve the desired results.
Due to pigmentation naturally presenting in multiple areas across the face, neck and chest, treatments are usually grouped into sections such as:
- half face
- full face
- face, neck and decolletage
- neck and decolletage
- backs of hands
- half body
- full body
Here’s a quick-look guide to what you can expect to pay for laser pigmentation removal in the UK.
| Laser Type | Average Cost per Session | Average Sessions Needed p.a. |
Est. Cost Over 5 Years |
| Fully Ablative CO2 / Erbium Laser | £2723* | One-off treatment | £6,808** |
| Non Ablative / Fractional Laser | £338* | 3-6 Sessions | £5,070*** |
| IPL Rejuvenation | £153* | 4-9 Sessions | £3,825**** |
| LYMA Laser (LLLT) | £1999 (one time fee) | Daily use | £1,999 |
* Average prices calculated from the prices published on 6 skin clinics websites across the UK on 20/10/2023.
** Total cost estimation based on the assumption that on average patients would need 2.5 sessions over 5 years.
*** Total cost estimation based on the assumption that on average patients would need 15 sessions over 5 years.
**** Total cost estimation based on the assumption that on average patients would need 25 sessions over 5 years.
Risks and realities of using clinic lasers to treat age spots and pigmentation
As with any skin treatment, the more extreme the approach, the more extensive the associated risks and complications. Doctors and dermatologists offer a wealth of information and advice on which treatment could be right for you but should also warn you of the complications.
Lasers for pigmentation removal vary greatly both in their impact to the skin and resulting efficacy, but also in their associated downsides. Some lasers are more fine-tuned for targeting tiny areas of hyperpigmentation, whilst others achieve full removal results in a much faster time frame. With all clinical laser treatment for pigmentation, there needs to be a balanced view of the benefits and drawbacks.
Laser treatment for pigmentation achieves great results but clinical lasers, whether ablative or non-ablative, can cause considerable discomfort and disruption to skin. In the bid to remove pigmentation patches, in-clinic lasers that cause heat damage in order to generate new collagen production inadvertently cause scarring, bruising and additional discolouration.
1. Traditional clinic lasers are not suitable for every skin type
The biggest limitation to using lasers to remove pigmentation is that many lasers cannot detect pigmentation variants in darker skin tones due to there being more pigment in the background of darker skin. Furthermore, darker skin types are more susceptible to post-treatment scarring following intense laser application.
This means that for many ethnicities, many laser treatments are not a viable option. This is where the LYMA Laser comes into its own because the technology is so advanced that it can treat pigmentation on any skin tone. There are no side effects and no risk of post-inflammatory scarring as with many in-clinic ablative and non-ablative lasers.
2. Downtime can be extensive
The downtime following in-clinic laser treatment for pigmentation is a complication that should not be underestimated. Regardless of laser type, skin undergoes notable trauma and needs time to repair. Life is disrupted in the immediate ensuing weeks and full recovery often takes months before skin returns to normal. There are also considerable risks of ablative laser resurfacing treatment including swelling, itching, hypersensitivity, infection, scarring and post-inflammatory darkening of the skin.
3. Preparation and aftercare need careful consideration
Experts advise avoiding sun exposure for two weeks prior to undergoing ablative laser skin treatment. In the weeks leading up to in-clinic laser for pigmentation treatment, active skincare should not be applied and medications need to be checked with the practitioner. Painkillers are often required to prep before treatment which is quite painful.
After undergoing ablative laser skin treatment, skin is left raw, bleeding and entirely unprotected, so the patient is usually house-bound for up to two weeks. Recovery from non-ablative in-clinic laser treatment is shorter and less extreme but still involves a prolonged period indoors and out of direct sunlight. Aftercare with all clinical laser rejuvenation treatment is mandatory and complex, involving a rotation of cold compresses, prescribed pain relief and topical skincare which all come at an additional cost.
4. The risk of Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is an associated risk of in-clinic laser skin resurfacing to remove hyperpigmentation. Skin’s inflammatory response following the intense thermal damage of the laser, can cause cells to produce more pigmentation, therefore worsening the condition that’s been treated. Darker skin tones are far more likely to experience PIH and this is the reason why many lasers aren’t suitable for black skin.
In clinic treatments alternatives to lasers to reduce pigmentation
Although laser treatment for pigmentation is the most popular choice and recommended by most dermatological experts, there are plenty of different treatment choices for pigmentation removal.
Microneedling
Microneedling to remove pigmentation is a popular treatment option for those with skin of colour because it doesn’t carry the same risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation as with in-clinic laser treatment. However, microneedling is still highly invasive and creates hundreds of miniscule punctures in the skin so as to trigger collagen and elastin production.
A modern approach is to immediately treat the compromised skin with PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) that’s rich with growth factors to support the skin’s rejuvenation process. Further approaches combine microneedling with deep dermal heating or radiofrequency waves to enhance the controlled skin injury effects. Particularly for hyperpigmentation marks following acne, microneedling has shown to improve acne scarring and its associated hyperpigmentation.
An important consideration of microneedling is the depth to which the needles travel into the skin, which varies with each condition and skin type being treated so as not to cause too much damage and also mitigates the risk of infection.
Radio-Frequency Resurfacing
Fractional radio-frequency resurfacing is a popular alternative treatment for hyperpigmentation, commonly used to fade out age spots and sun damage. Tiny pins deliver waves of energy into the skin’s epidermal layer and much like an in-clinic laser approach, these pins create miniscule wounds in the skin, triggering the skin’s repair response to increase collagen production. Sessions usually last between 25-40 minutes depending on the area size being treated.
Although more inclusive than laser resurfacing due to it being safe to use on all skin tones and ethnicities, radio-frequency resurfacing still causes controlled damage to the skin and comes with the associated pain. Topical anaesthetic creams can be applied to mitigate the discomfort. Recovery time is moderate and skin will be red for the first 24 hours, often with some mild swelling lasting 3-7 days. With more extensive RF treatments, skin can continue flaking for up to 5 days. Sun exposure is to be avoided during the healing period.
Ultherapy (ultrasound treatment)
Ultherapy is a non-invasive approach to skin rejuvenation, which is why it’s often preferred as a more natural option. However, patients still report a tingling sensation and some experience varying levels of pain and discomfort, sometimes requiring local anaesthesia to be administered.
LED light therapy
LED devices are not lasers and are far less capable in treating any skin concern including pigmentation. LED light is not a singular, continuous beam as laser but is widely dispersed and therefore unable to travel as far into the skin’s layers. This means that though LED light can give skin an overall more even tone, it is unable to fade light brown spots or even small areas of pigmentation.
LED treatments emit heat so therefore carry a risk of burns if performed incorrectly. Choosing a provider who has had specific training and experience in the treatment application you’re considering is essential. It’s also important to be aware that pigmentation can reappear at any time from further sun exposure, hormonal changes, medication or shifts in skin behaviour, so the need for future treatment is likely.
Creams and serums
There is a world of topical creams and skincare for fading pigmentation and unsurprisingly, there are vast inconsistencies in efficacy. Unilateral brightening ingredients including Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Retinol, Azelaic acid and Kojic acid are formulated into serums, creams and masks to lessen the appearance of discolouration and create a more unified skin tone. A step on from these beauty counter actives is prescription skincare which is far more concentrated and targeted. Hydroquinone being the most commonly prescribed, prescription skincare for dark spots and hyperpigmentation is often astringent and not suitable for sensitive skin types and often prohibits sun exposure entirely.
