Red Light Therapy for Melasma: Benefits and Risks

Updated on: 17th March, 2022

Melasma is a common skin problem that affects many people, especially women, and finding the right treatment can be challenging. With so many treatments available, knowing what to try and avoid can be overwhelming.

In recent years, red light therapy has gained popularity as a non-invasive and potentially effective treatment for various skin issues, but its effects on melasma are still unclear. Let’s take a closer look at this issue and explore whether red light therapy makes melasma worse.

Red light therapy is a type of treatment that involves exposing the skin and underlying tissues to low-level red light wavelengths. Red light therapy is non-invasive and painless, and it can be used to treat various conditions, including Acne, wrinkles, scarring and fine lines.

It stimulates the body’s natural healing processes and promotes cellular activity. The red light used in this therapy has a longer wavelength than other visible light, allowing it to penetrate deeper into the skin and tissues. This deeper penetration can help increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, and promote collagen production and other essential proteins for healthy skin and tissue.

Melasma is a skin condition that causes dark, discoloured patches on the face. It is often triggered by hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or with birth control pills and is more common in women than men.

While melasma has no cure, melasma doctor in Pune recommends several treatment options, including topical creams, chemical peels, and laser therapy.

Red light therapy has been suggested as a potential treatment for melasma, although the evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited. The idea behind using red light therapy for melasma is that it can stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, and promote healing in the skin, all of which may help to reduce the appearance of dark patches.

Red light therapy delivers low-level wavelengths of red light to the skin. The low-level red light wavelengths penetrate the skin and underlying tissues, which can help increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, and promote the production of collagen and other essential proteins for healthy skin.

Does red light therapy make melasma worse? Melasma is a condition that is known to be light-sensitive, and such red light may increase melasma, but there is no evidence suggesting that red light therapy can worsen melasma. However, as with any treatment, individual results may vary, and there is a potential for side effects.

In some cases, red light therapy may cause temporary redness or sensitivity in the treated area, but these side effects are typically mild and short-lived. 

While red light therapy is generally considered safe, non-invasive and well-tolerated, it is important to use the appropriate wavelength, intensity, and duration of treatment to minimise the risk of side effects.

It is always recommended to consult an the best dermatologist before undergoing any type of treatment for melasma. They can help determine the best treatment plan for your needs and advise you on different treatment options’ potential risks and benefits.