Red Light Therapy Lightens Melasma, Except When it Doesn’t

If you are looking at red light therapy to decrease melasma pigmentation, you either have an excellent solution or one that will make dark spots worse.

Red light therapy for melasma works most of the time.

However, hyperpigmentation is one of the few concerns that might have red light therapy side effects.

If you are one of the unlucky few who gets rather than loses spots due to red light therapy, there is still a fantastic way to make the therapy work.

The issue appears to be the heat from infrared, so the solution is simple.

Either use only red light for hyperpigmentation or move the infrared light further away.

The idea is to eliminate heat, and you should get only melasma reduction with no side effects.

Red Light Therapy for Melasma/Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a condition in which patches of skin become darker than the surrounding areas.

Red light therapy uses low-energy visible and infrared light to trigger healthy responses.

Red light therapy helps with melasma, and while the results are significant, there’s also a caution you need to know.

The scientifically proven benefits of red light therapy for hyperpigmentation include:

• reduction of patch size
• complete elimination of some dark patches
• decrease in the color intensity of the remaining patches
• SPF-15 sunscreen level of UV protection
• collagen production without wounds (as compared to microdermabrasion and chemical peels)
• tighter skin from new collagen
• reduced sagging from new elastin
• reduced blood vessel overgrowth
• reduced inflammation
• reduced redness
• increased blood flow to nourish tissue health

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a chronic condition caused by the overproduction of melanin in UV-exposed areas[i], hormone imbalances, or inflammation. Melanin is the pigment that gives color to the skin. Hyperpigmentation is the uneven distribution of melanin.

The three most common types of hyperpigmentation are:

• hormone imbalances cause melasma
• sunspots are caused by ultraviolet light exposure
• post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is caused by inflammation

Psychological Effects of Hyperpigmentation

In a study of the effects of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, men and women said they felt embarrassed by their discoloration problems[ii].

About a third of the subjects said they would use psychological support for the social problems they attributed to their skin issues. Over 80% of the women in the study said they covered their pigmentation areas with makeup.

Hyperpigmentation Causes and Symptoms

Hyperpigmentation is caused by sun exposure, hormone imbalance, or an inflammatory reaction.

Sun Spots

Sun spots, also known as liver spots, age spots, and solar lentigines, are brown, tan, or black spots that appear on the skin as a result of overexposure to the sun.

The small spots appear on the face, hands, and other areas of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun.

Sunspots are more common in people over the age of 50. Age spots are typically seen in older adults or those who have spent prolonged periods in the sun.

Melasma

Melasma also referred to as chloasma or “the mask of pregnancy,” is characterized by large patches of darkened skin. Melasma causes brown or grayish-brown patches of skin that are often symmetrical and have irregular borders.

Melasma discoloration often appears on the forehead, face, and stomach and is more common in women, especially those who are pregnant or taking birth control pills. The underlying cause is hormonal changes.

People with medium to darker skin tones are also more susceptible to developing melasma.

Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is the appearance of darkened spots or patches on the skin after an inflammatory condition such as acne or eczema. These spots can occur anywhere on the body.

PIH occurs after the skin has been injured or inflamed, such as from acne, eczema, or a cut. The affected skin may be darker than the tissue that surrounds it and can take months to fade.

You can learn all about using red light therapy for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in my article 5 Common Causes of Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH).

Hyperpigmentation Treatment Options

Hyperpigmentation treatment options include:

• red light therapy
• chemical peels
• laser/light treatments
• mesotherapy
• microneedling
• systemic therapy

Introduction to Red Light Therapy for Hyperpigmentation Reduction

Red light therapy is the low-energy delivery of visible and infrared light to create healthy changes. You can get red light therapy at spas and salons or buy a device for at-home use.

The color light you use depends on how the condition responds. Hyperpigmentation responds well to yellow, red, and infrared light.

We call it “red light therapy,” but really any visible color and invisible infrared all fall under the “red light therapy” umbrella.

Red light therapy has been tested scientifically since it was discovered in 1967. Over 9,000 papers on its use demonstrate that it is safe, effective, and has the absolute minimum of side effects.

A NASA study in the year 2000 determined that LEDs were as effective as lasers at producing healthy results. That drove the prices down and created a market for red light therapy at home.

Although it’s not yet a standard treatment for hyperpigmentation, red light therapy has good scientific evidence for its use. You will learn more about the science supporting red light therapy use for hyperpigmentation below in this article.

Red light therapy is a cosmetic procedure. A skincare professional can perform it, but devices are available for at-home use.

You can use a laser for red light therapy, but it is a different configuration than a regular laser. A normal laser is very high-powered. When used in red light therapy, the laser is much weaker.

Laser therapy is the high-energy delivery of light, whereas red light therapy is the low-energy delivery of light. This is why light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are ideal for red light therapy, as they are naturally low-energy light delivery systems.

Red light therapy has one side effect when it comes to hyperpigmentation. It can actually creates pigmentation in some people. This is why you should get a device that allows you to turn off infrared. This side effect only happens with infrared light, and therefore you should use yellow and red light if this happens to you.

Chemical Peels for Hyperpigmentation

A chemical peel is a cosmetic treatment that involves applying a chemical solution to the skin to exfoliate the outer layers and promote new skin cell growth. The peeling process removes the discolored skin, reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation and improving overall skin texture and tone.

Chemical peels can vary in intensity, depending on the depth of the peel and the type of chemical used. Mild peels affect only the outermost layer of skin. Stronger peels penetrate more deeply into the skin.

Chemical peels can cause temporary redness, peeling, or discomfort, but they are generally safe and effective for treating hyperpigmentation.

Laser Therapy for Hyperpigmentation

Laser therapy for hyperpigmentation is a medical treatment that uses a high-intensity laser beam to target and break up excess pigmentation in the skin.

The laser energy causes the pigment to fragment. The immune system then eliminates the remains. the hyperpigmentation, and the treatment is typically performed by a trained medical professional. Laser therapy for hyperpigmentation is considered safe and effective.

Side effects include redness and discomfort. Multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve optimal results.

Mesotherapy for Hyperpigmentation

Mesotherapy is a medical technique that involves injecting small amounts of medication, vitamins, and other substances into the skin[iii].

Substances injected to reduce hyperpigmentation include vitamin C, glutathione, and tranexamic acid (TA)[iv]. Only the TA has significant science to back its use. The TA injection prevents the skin from making pigment[v].

Results are often good after several treatments but often do not last. Mesotherapy is typically performed by a trained medical professional using a fine needle, and it is generally considered a safe and minimally invasive procedure.

Microneedling for Hyperpigmentation

Microneedling involves using a small handheld device with tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries on the skin’s surface. The process is designed to stimulate the body’s natural healing response. The immune system responds to the micro-damage by producing collagen and elastin. These improve the skin’s surface and structure.

To address pigmentation, the Dermafrac technique involves adding skin-lightening agents to the needles[vi].

Microneedling is considered a minimally invasive procedure performed by medical or a cosmetic professional.

Systemic Therapy for Hyperpigmentation

Systemic therapy approaches hyperpigmentation with internal medications. It is used for deep or widespread hyperpigmentation issues.

Oral tranexamic acid (TA) is the internal version of the topical TA injected via micro needling. It reduces the production of melanin responsible for pigmentation.

Oral isotretinoin reduces the activity of pigment-producing cells.

A dermatologist or other medical professional typically prescribes and monitors the treatment.

Systemic therapy for hyperpigmentation may cause side effects and requires close monitoring.

What the Science Says About Red Light Therapy for Hyperpigmentation

Red light therapy has been studied on people and in the Petri dish for reducing and removing hyperpigmentation. This therapy can eliminate hyperpigmentation and does it with no side effects or downtime.

Red light therapy has multiple benefits that happen alongside hyperpigmentation reduction. While you’re doing hyperpigmentation reduction, the light also gives you skin tightening, reduced sagging, and rejuvenation.

The scientifically proven benefits of red light therapy for hyperpigmentation include:

• reduction of patch size
• complete elimination of some dark patches
• decrease in the color intensity of the remaining patches
• SPF-15 sunscreen level of UV protection
• collagen production without wounds (as compared to microdermabrasion and chemical peels)
• tighter skin from new collagen
• reduced sagging from new elastin
• reduced blood vessel overgrowth
• reduced inflammation
• reduced redness
• increased blood flow to nourish tissue health

Red and Infrared Light are Both Successful at Reducing Melasma

A 2018 study tested 633 nm red and 830 nm infrared light therapy on 60 women with melasma and skin types V or VI[vii]. The National Institutes of Health advises that the Fitzpatrick Classification of Skin Types[viii] V and VI are defined as:

• Skin Type V: ” Brown skin. Never burns. Tans very easily.”
• Skin Type VI: ” Black skin. Heavily pigmented. Never burns, tans very easily.”

The women received red light therapy with red or with infrared light 36 times over 9 months.

Both subjective and objective measurements showed that the treatments significantly improved melasma pigmentation. Both red and infrared light were effective at reducing the size and number of dark spots.

Infrared Red Light Therapy Reduces Hyperpigmentation

A 2018 study tested 940 nm infrared light on seven women with melasma on the face[ix]. All 7 had failed to get results using other melasma therapies.

Treatment was on one side of the face, with the untreated side acting as the control.

The treated side received microdermabrasion and then 940 nm infrared light therapy. The subjects received weekly treatments for eight weeks.

To test the effects, the researchers used white light photographs, ultraviolet light photographs, Melanin Index scores, and Melasma Area and Severity Index scores.

Researchers used these tools in the 12th week after starting to assess progress. On both subjective and objective measures, the microdermabrasion combined with the red light therapy significantly reduced pigmentation.

660 nm Red Light Therapy Acts as SPF-16 Sun Block in 13 Subjects

A 2008 study tested pulsed 660 nm red light on creating cellular resistance to ultraviolet redness and freckles.

Two of the 15 patients had polymorphous light eruption (PLE), and 13 were classified as healthy.

First, the researchers tested ultraviolet light on the thigh to determine the amount of UV it took to produce redness and freckles.

Then, the subjects received 5, 6, or 10 treatments with 660 nm red light on an untested part of the thigh. This was the “pre-treatment” that acted as sunscreen protection.

The researchers then shone ultraviolet light on the UV-only and the pre-treated red light therapy targets.

The red light therapy pre-treated side produced a 50% reduction in ultraviolet-induced redness in 85% of the subjects. The subjects with PLE had equal results to the healthy subjects. The red light therapy had the same protective benefits as SPF-15 sunscreen.

One subject had post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation at the start, which significantly reduced size and darkness after red light therapy.

Science of How Red Light Therapy Reduces Hyperpigmentation

Have you ever heard of tyrosine or tyrosinase? If you have any type of hyperpigmentation, these two biochemicals are probably involved.

Tyrosine is one of the twenty building blocks of proteins, meaning it is an amino acid.

Tyrosinase is a biomolecule that speeds up chemical reactions, which means that it is an enzyme.

The chemical reaction that tyrosinase speeds up is the conversion of tyrosine into melanin. This is key to how red light therapy reduces hyperpigmentation.

Red light therapy suppresses the tyrosinase enzyme, preventing tyrosine from converting into melanin pigment.

Nitty Gritty Science of Red Light Therapy for Hyperpigmentation

If you wanted those statistics for nerds, four studies demonstrate the mechanisms that reduce pigmentation.

Below are the biomolecules involved, and then a table showing how red light therapy affected each one.

Melanin (Pigment)

Melanin is a pigment that is responsible for the color of the skin. It is produced by melanocyte cells. Melanin is made up of different types of molecules, including the amino acid tyrosine and its derivatives.

Melanin also plays a protective role in the skin. It helps to absorb and scatter harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor (MITF) (Protein)

Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) is a protein that plays a key role in the development and function of the cells that produce melanin pigment in the skin.

Tyrosinase Related Protein 1 (TRP-1) (Enzyme)

Tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP-1) is an enzyme involved in the production of melanin, the pigment that gives color to our skin, hair, and eyes. TRP-1 is closely related to the enzyme tyrosinase.

Tyrosinase (TYR) (Enzyme)

Tyrosinase (TYR) is an enzyme involved in the production of melanin pigment. TYR converts tyrosine into an intermediate form before it gets turned into melanin.

Microtubule-Associated Protein Light Chain 3 (LC3) (Protein)

Microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) is a protein that plays an important role in the process of autophagy, which is a cellular mechanism for degrading and recycling damaged or unnecessary proteins, organelles, and other cellular components. LC3 is used as a marker for autophagy.

p62 (Protein)

p62 protein plays an important role in autophagy (cellular cleanup), apoptosis (cellular suicide), and signaling pathways. p62 acts as a receptor for selective autophagy, a process by which specific intracellular components such as damaged organelles or protein aggregates are targeted for degradation by autophagy.

Human Microvascular Endothelial Cells (HMEC) (Cell)

Human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) are a type of endothelial cell that line the walls of small blood vessels called microvessels. They are commonly used in research studies as a model for studying angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation from existing vessels), inflammation, and vascular biology.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) (Protein)

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a signaling protein that plays an important role in the formation of blood vessels, a process called angiogenesis. VEGF stimulates the growth and proliferation of endothelial cells, which form the inner lining of blood vessels.

VEGF has been shown to stimulate the growth and survival of melanocytes, the cells that produce the pigment melanin. VEGF can also regulate the expression of various genes involved in melanin synthesis.

Stem Cell Factor (SCF) (Protein)

Stem cell factor (SCF) is a protein that plays a key role in developing and maintaining melanocyte stem cells. SCF stimulates the production of melanin.

Melanosome (Organelle)

A melanosome is an organelle found in specialized pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. Melanosomes are responsible for the pigment melanin’s production, storage, and transport, which gives color to the skin.

Within melanosomes, the amino acid tyrosine is converted into melanin through a series of enzymatic reactions catalyzed by enzymes such as tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP-1).

B16F10 (Cell)

B16F10 cells are a type of mouse melanoma cell derived from melanoma tumors.