Melasma is a common skin issue where dark, discolored patches appear on the skin (usually on the face). It’s mostly caused by hormonal changes — such as those that happen when you take birth control pills. It can also happen during pregnancy.
For this reason, women are more likely to develop facial melasma than men. Another cause is too much sun exposure, which can increase pigmentation due to the action of melanocytes in the skin.
The good news is, there are a few effective treatments for melasma. For example, red light therapy is gaining popularity for treating skin conditions like melasma and hyperpigmentation. It uses low-level red light wavelengths to address skin issues like acne and signs of aging.
This therapy specifically works by increasing collagen production and improving blood circulation. However, the use of red light therapy as a treatment of melasma is still debated. Some people believe light treatments can help, while others think they might worsen the condition by stimulating pigment-producing cells.
So, is red light therapy a good option for facial melasma? We’ll be answering this question and more below, so stick around.
What is Melasma?
The appearance of melasma shows up as patches of skin that are a different color from the rest of the face. Usually, they will appear on the cheeks, nose, lips, and forehead.
As previously mentioned, it’s more common in female patients — especially women with darker skin tones. The exact cause is unknown, but genetics, hormonal changes, and too much sun exposure are huge factors.
If melasma runs in your family, you’re more likely to get it. UV light from the sun can trigger melanocytes to produce more melanin, which can cause these dark spots. The effects of melasma go beyond appearance.
Red Light Therapy and Skin Issues
Red light therapy uses low-level wavelengths to penetrate the skin and improve cell energy. This often leads to improved skin healing and skin texture, especially when red light therapy is used frequently and properly. It’s particularly effective for anti-aging, acne, inflammation, and wound healing.
Many studies have shown that it’s quite beneficial for a lot of skin disorders and conditions. However, as stated before, its effectiveness for melasma isn’t still being studied. Some people believe it can help, while others worry that it might worsen melasma by stimulating melanocytes.
Red Light Therapy and Melasma
Unfortunately, research on red light therapy's effect on melasma is ongoing and inconclusive. Some clinical studies suggest it might not help and could even worsen the condition.
Some think it could be a beneficial treatment method for women with melasma, since it reduces inflammation and improves skin texture. Of course, everyone has a different skin type and skin color, so no two people will react in exactly the same way to red light therapy (even those with normal skin).
The reason a lot of people get confused about this is that dermatologists have differing opinions. Many dermatologists advise against red light therapy for melasma, while some recommend combining it with other skin treatments.
This is why it’s important to consult a dermatologist before trying red light therapy — especially since other treatments (like topical creams or laser therapies) can have side effects, like irritation and hyperpigmentation.
Potential Side Effects of Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is generally safe and non-invasive. That said, it can have side effects (just like any skincare method). These side effects can include temporary redness, irritation, or minor burns (especially if you misuse red light therapy) just like with topical treatments.
For women with melasma, the main concern is that red light might worsen pigmentation. Female patients with a history of light-induced melasma should be particularly cautious. To minimize the risks, you should be very careful about following the recommended treatment protocols.
You should also use high-quality, approved devices — like the DermForge LED mask — and start with shorter light therapy sessions. Pay attention to your skin’s response and stop treatment if you have an adverse reaction.
Does Red Light Therapy Make Melasma Worse?
We haven’t really given you a straight answer yet (mostly because there isn’t one). However, we’ll do our best. Melasma is a skin condition that can react to light, and there's some concern that red light therapy might make it worse.
However, there's no solid proof that red light therapy actually does worsen melasma. Results can vary from person to person, and, as previously mentioned, there can be side effects. Sometimes, red light therapy can cause mild, short-term redness or sensitivity in the treated area, which is definitely something to keep in mind.
Red light therapy is generally safe, non-invasive, and easy to tolerate for most people. To avoid side effects, you should make sure to use the right wavelength, intensity, and treatment duration.
Also, you should always consult an experienced dermatologist before starting any treatment for melasma. They’ll be able to help you come up with the best plan and explain the risks and benefits of different treatment options.
The Benefits of Red Light Therapy
Scientists are discovering new ways that LED light therapy can improve skin health, but it's already being used to reduce blemishes and for skin rejuvenation. Here are some of the main benefits of red light therapy in particular (though blue light therapy is also quite helpful):
Younger-looking skin
Red light therapy devices, like LED masks, can reduce redness, which is great news for people who are trying to get rid of blemishes. It can also even out your skin tone, and reduce discoloration patches and age spots.
Red light promotes healthy blood flow and collagen production, since it stimulates mitochondria in skin cells. This means that it’ll make your skin look firmer and more radiant, and it should help to smooth out your wrinkles and fine lines over time, too.
Fights blemishes
Some LED devices use blue light too. While red light smooths skin and reduces wrinkles, blue light specifically targets blemishes and acne. It works on the skin's surface to neutralize bacteria that cause acne breakouts (often transferred through excessive touching).
By rendering this bacteria ineffective, blue light therapy will help keep your skin clear and healthy. Many LED masks, like the ones offered by DermForge, combine red and blue light. This means you’ll be able to kill two birds with one stone (and give your skin the attention it deserves without breaking the bank).
Oftentimes, it leads to mental health issues like anxiety and lower self-esteem. In other words, it can have a significant negative impact on your quality of life over time.
Non-invasive treatment
A lot of people prefer LED light therapy to standard treatment methods (like laser treatments and chemical peels) because it's non-invasive. LED devices either hover over the skin or rest gently on it. Like microcurrent devices, LED masks can give a visible facelift effect without surgery — using light wavelengths instead of electricity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Light Therapy and Melasma
Does red light therapy worsen hyperpigmentation?
Red light therapy doesn't worsen hyperpigmentation. Instead, it helps treat it. Red light can reduce the inflammation that leads to hyperpigmentation, while infrared light goes deeper into the skin to improve collagen production.
This can improve your skin’s texture (and skin tone). In other words, it’s quite an effective treatment for hyperpigmentation.
What makes melasma worse?
The sun is the biggest factor that can make melasma worse. While the underlying cause of melasma depends on a few different factors, exposure to the sun, heat, and even visible light can all exacerbate the condition.
Using sunscreen might not be enough to prevent melasma because it only protects against UV (ultraviolet light) rays. For better protection, you should use broad-spectrum sunscreen — that way, you’ll be able to shield your skin from all types of light and heat.
Can you use red light therapy if you have melasma?
Melasma is known to be sensitive to light, and, for this reason, there are concerns that red light therapy might make it worse. However, there's no solid evidence that red light therapy actually makes melasma worse. Just remember to consult with a dermatologist before doing red light therapy.
The Bottom Line
A lot of people have questions about whether or not red light therapy can make melasma worse. Frankly, the answer to these questions is going to depend on the severity of your melasma and what’s causing it in the first place (e.g. too much sun exposure or genetics).
However, there’s no solid proof that red light therapy makes melasma worse. In many cases, it can improve skin issues, so it may be worth a try. If it does happen to make your melasma worse, you can always stop using it. When it comes to red light therapy, you’ll also want to use a super non-invasive method, like the LED masks offered by DermForge.
If you’re trying to make your skin look younger and feel healthier, red light therapy might be the right solution. If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of red light therapy, feel free to check out our blog (as well as our wide selection of products).
