If you have hyperpigmentation, perhaps you're still searching for an effective way to deal with it. You may have tried such standard treatments as chemical peels and topicals but are looking for something a tad gentler or even more natural this time. Enter red light therapy for hyperpigmentation - a cutting-edge option that can literally lead to a “brighter” life.
In this article, we’ll discuss skin discoloration, explore how red light therapy fixes dark spots, and show you why it may be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a disorder that causes patches of your skin to become darker than their surrounding areas. This is triggered by the skin's excessive production of melanin.
Melanin is a substance in your body that gives pigmentation to your skin, hair, and eyes. With more melanin, your skin color becomes darker. Although all races can have it, hyperpigmentation seems common in people of color whose darker skin tones already have an abundance of melanin.
What causes dark spots and hyperpigmentation on the skin?
The body does not just process melanin for aesthetic purposes—it also has biological functions.
For instance, it is an effective sun shield. This natural skin pigment prevents DNA damage by absorbing and blocking UV radiation and blue light. It also neutralizes ROS or Reactive Oxygen Species, unstable molecules that wreak havoc on DNA strands and proteins and even kill cells.
So, the right amounts of melanin can be beneficial to us. However, when our skin cells get injured or are unhealthy, the body goes into emergency mode and overproduces melanin to protect them.
Although race can be a determining factor, hyperpigmentation can also result from the following:
1. Certain medications
- Birth control pills (oral contraceptives)
- Light-sensitizing drugs
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Antimalarials
- Psychotropic drugs (drugs that affect the brain like antidepressants)
2. Health conditions
- Adrenal disorders (when the body doesn't produce enough cortisol hormone)
- Adrenal imbalances like Addison’s disease and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) can cause hyperpigmentation due to elevated ACTH stimulating excess melanin production. This often leads to darkening in sun-exposed areas or places of friction, like elbows and knees.
- Hormonal changes (e.g., in puberty or pregnancy)
- Vitamin deficiency (such as B12 and folic acid)
- Thyroid disorders
3. Skin injuries or inflammation (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation):
- Acne
- Rashes
- Burns
- Cuts
- Bruising
4. Sun exposure
- Melasma (excessive accumulation of melanin on the skin)
- Solar lentigines (flat, dark lesions from ultraviolet light also known as age spots)
5. Genetics
- Freckles
- Melasma
6. Aging
Aging can trigger hyperpigmentation through a variety of factors, from slower skin cell turnover to years of sun exposure and hormonal shifts. As our skin loses thickness and elasticity, melanin production becomes uneven, leading to stubborn dark spots and patches. Plus, the natural decline in antioxidant defenses, alongside inflammation and oxidative stress, can accelerate age-related pigmentation changes like age spots and melasma.
7. Alcohol
Alcohol can fuel hyperpigmentation by triggering inflammation, which boosts melanin production and leads to dark spots. Excessive drinking also strains liver function, causing toxin buildup that shows up on your skin as uneven pigmentation. Plus, alcohol dehydrates the skin, makes it more sensitive to UV rays, and lowers antioxidant levels, all of which heighten the risk of age spots and melasma.
How to deal with hyperpigmentation
As you can see, hyperpigmentation can be caused by a single factor or a combination of several. Thus, it's necessary to be proactive where you can.
For instance, you can take vitamin supplements and make specific lifestyle changes like avoiding alcohol, wearing sunscreen, and staying out of the sun.
In addition, quit picking at scabs and spots to prevent trauma to the skin. You can also use skin-lightening topicals like kojic acid for melasma, alpha hydroxy acids, and vitamin C creams.
However, these may not be enough to address your skin discoloration. Also, your skin may be sensitive to certain ingredients from facial lotions and ointments.
You could try laser or chemical peels, but these may be invasive and uncomfortable. There is also the risk of scarring, infections, or swelling from such treatments. And this brings us to red light therapy for hyperpigmentation.
What is red light therapy?
Red light therapy for dark spots is a scientifically recognized treatment that mimics the powerful healing capabilities of the sun - but without the dangers of UV light exposure. Originally studied by NASA to grow plants and heal wounds in space, it uses low-level wavelengths of red or near-infrared light (or both). These are beamed onto the face or body part being treated, which absorb the energy-emitting light waves. As a result, the mitochondria, our cells' "power plants," get all fired up.
With the energy boost, they can work optimally to perform such functions as stimulating collagen, growing new cells, and repairing skin.
How does red light therapy work?
1. Deep cellular penetration
The melanocytes responsible for producing melanin sit in the deepest part of the epidermis. Red light’s long wavelengths can reach these cells, helping downregulate the overactive ones that trigger dark spots.
All this is achieved with the utmost gentleness on the skin.
2. Customizable sequential pulsing
Some red-light devices use a pulsing pattern (similar to Morse code), which allows the treatment’s intensity to be precisely adjusted. This can be especially helpful for addressing more advanced hyperpigmentation without overwhelming the skin.
3. Strengthened UV defense
Red light therapy can also help set up the skin to increase its resistance to harmful UV rays. This effectively does away with future sun damage, the numero uno factor in melasma.
4. Prevention of premature aging
Studies show that red light therapy for hyperpigmentation can also be effective in skin rejuvenation. It can also boost hydration and plump up the skin, effectively arresting premature aging and its symptoms.
5. Safe treatment for injuries and scarring
Additional evidence demonstrates that red light therapy for hyperpigmentation is a safe and potent method to treat skin-darkening acne and scars. It also stimulates blood flow to the tissues and reduces redness and swelling.
In addition, because of its low frequencies, red light therapy for hyperpigmentation is non-toxic and non-invasive. This makes it gentle on the skin.
How to use red light therapy for dark spots
Red light therapy for hyperpigmentation used to require a visit to the dermatologist’s office, but now it’s accessible right at home.
Masks like our own HigherDOSE Red Light Face Mask, for example, combine red and near-infrared wavelengths to improve the health and appearance of your skin. They target discoloration, boost collagen, and support an even-looking complexion - with no trip to a clinic necessary.
To begin using our mask, gently cleanse and dry your face before putting on the mask. Skip the sunscreen; red light therapy delivers the rejuvenating benefits of sunlight without harmful UV rays. For best results, use the mask for at least 10 minutes, 3-5 times a week.
Creating a red light therapy routine
Each device has its own recommended usage time and distance from the skin, which is often about 10-20 minutes per session. Consistency pays off, so aim for a few sessions a week.
If you have special skin concerns or medical conditions, it’s always a good idea to double-check with a healthcare pro before diving in.
Complementary skincare and lifestyle tips
- Topical boosters: A well-rounded approach includes ingredients like Vitamin C for its brightening power and retinoids to encourage cell turnover. These are especially helpful if you’re looking to fade stubborn dark spots faster.
- Shield against UV rays: Sunlight is a top culprit behind hyperpigmentation. To prevent new spots, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or above and reapply frequently, especially if you’re out for a while.
- Nourish from the inside out: Keeping your body fueled with antioxidants (think berries, leafy greens, and nuts) helps your skin stay resilient. And don’t overlook the basics, like drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep, and managing your stress.
Lighten up with HigherDOSE Red Light Therapy
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Take it to the next level of radiance with the HigherDOSE Glow Serum. The red light therapy serum's innovative heat and light-activated formula is designed to boost the rejuvenating, plumping, and hydrating benefits of the Red Light Face Mask.
Used alone, the nourishing blend of bio-nutrients and hyper-clean ingredients gives you powerful on-the-go hydration. So glow up and radiate like never before with HigherDOSE.
Shop our breakthrough collection of wellness technologies, topicals, and ingestibles today!
FAQs
How long does it take to see results?
You may notice a subtle glow or relaxed feeling after your very first session, but visible changes often appear within one to two weeks. Regular use can enhance collagen production for smoother, firmer skin, while more significant improvements - like reducing deeper discoloration - tend to show up after four to twelve weeks.
The key is making red light therapy a routine part of your self-care. By sticking to a schedule that fits your goals, you allow your body enough time to regenerate and reveal lasting benefits.
Is red light therapy safe for all skin types?
Yes, it’s generally safe for most skin tones, since it relies on longer wavelengths rather than UV light. Side effects are usually mild - such as brief redness or irritation - and many home-use devices are FDA-cleared.
This means treatment is low risk, but if you have underlying conditions or unusual skin concerns, it’s always wise to consult a healthcare professional first.
Can red light therapy prevent future dark spots?
By gently balancing melanin production, red light therapy can both fade existing dark spots and reduce the likelihood of new ones forming. With consistent use, red light therapy supports a healthier, more resilient complexion.
But, you’ll want to stay aware of factors like sun protection and lifestyle, as these play a major role in keeping dark spots at bay.
