Red light therapy has become popular for treating melasma and other skin conditions. But does RLT really helps with hyperpigmentation, or, more specifically, can red light therapy make melasma worse?
When it comes to our skin, we are willing to spend lots of money in the hope that the treatments will make them feel younger or, in the case of melasma, help them manage the dark spots visible on their skin.
Our article will talk about red light therapy and what happens to the skin when exposed to red light. Let’s find out!
Sources: revistamj.com
What Is Melasma?
Melasma is a prevalent skin condition that causes discolored and dark patches on the skin. This skin condition can also be called chloasma and is more common in women than in men.
In the past, such skin condition was treated with pharmacological methods like corticosteroids or hydroquinone. Also, some studies showed that different procedures like microdermabrasion and chemical peels also reduce the symptoms of this skin condition. However, nothing tackled the issue effectively.
That was before the discovery of red light therapy. The power of light is a non-pharmacological approach that drastically reduces the dark spots on your skin.
Causes of melasma
Scientists are still unsure of what causes melasma. A study done on the condition has shown that people with darker complexion are at a higher risk of developing melasma than people with fair skin.
But, the estrogen level, together with progesterone sensitivity, can have an impact on this condition. In other words, control pills, hormone therapy, and pregnancy can trigger melasma. Stress is another known factor contributing to every skin condition and worsens the symptoms.
Can Red Light Therapy Make Melasma Worse
The question you’ve been all waiting for. Can red light therapy make melasma worse? Luckily, no, it can actually treat it if done correctly. Three times a week for a span of two months can improve the skin’s texture and reduce melasma symptoms.
If you incorporate red light therapy into your skin routine on a daily basis, you can significantly reduce the appearance of melasma. Exposure to red light will also increase collagen production and reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
All in all, red light therapy can be described as an all-in-one skincare routine that everyone should try.
More on red light therapy
Red light therapy stimulates the production of ATP by penetrating through the skin. ATP is responsible for transferring and storing energy inside the skin cells meaning the old cells are repeated, and new ones are created. When exposed to red light, the human body receives essential nutrients that heal and rejuvenate the skin. Exposure to red light reduces oxidative stress and increases circulation throughout the whole body.
RLT allows the body to heal itself naturally by increasing collagen production and improving the skin’s texture. Many studies have been done on this type of therapy, and it is becoming more popular each day.
Melasma and Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is a great skincare tool, whether it is an LED facial therapy or light therapy for all the skin. Red light therapy or low-level light therapy can be a little overwhelming and mysterious if you have never done it before. The light typically doesn’t connect with the skin but acts more like a moisturizer or serum.
Our article explained how light therapy works and talked about how it can treat melasma. Melasma is sometimes referred to as the mask of pregnancy because it is known to appear in pregnant women because of the imbalance in hormones. The condition is common among pregnant ladies, but it is not limited to them. Exposing your skin to red light while pregnant will not harm your baby, as the therapy only affects the first layer of the skin.
Light Therapy-Based Treatments
Using light therapy for melasma treatment works best for patients with refractory melasma. Topical treatment can take at least three months or even longer to lighten the skin. Patients who are looking for a more quick solution and a rapid response can always turn to light therapy.
Light therapy uses wavelengths of light that are in the range of 610 to 650 nanometers. The light penetrates through the layers of the skin and stimulates the regeneration of the cells, and heals any damaged tissue. The most crucial feature of red light therapy is its effectiveness in collagen production. The treatment can also be used to reduce any acne-caused damage and inflammation, eliminate wrinkles, and reduce aging spots.
Sources: edit.sundayriley.com
Skin-Lightening Internet Scams
Now that you have familiarized yourself with the skin condition melasma and the red light therapy, we also like to warn you about similar skin-lightening treatments and remedies that are nothing but a waste of time. Scouting through the internet before our research, we noticed that many skin-lightening products are total scams. Melasma sufferers have left reviews where they show understandable frustration. The FDA has not approved any injectable products for skin whitening, and the ones we found online are more dangerous and harmful than effective.
Read More: Can Red Light Therapy Cause Hair Loss?
Conclusion
Can red light therapy make melasma worse? Hopefully, our article gave you the information you need, and you are convinced that red light therapy is the way to go if you suffer from melasma. Don’t try different processes and spend a ton of money; the answer is right in front of you.
Hello! I’m Nicky Rodgers.
Almost a decade ago, I got excited about the idea of employing alternative methods like red light therapy to create a healthier life.
To learn more about it, I did my Certified Light Therapist course from Photonic Therapy Institute and started looking into the intricacies of how light therapy influences several bodily processes. Before I knew it, my interest had become an obsession which resulted in this extensive blog.
Here, I offer countless well-researched articles to help you understand the benefits and uses of light therapy. I hope this information gives you a head start in your wellness journey.