Treating hyperpigmentation with red light therapy
Updated: Oct 17
Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition that causes dark patches to appear. It can happen due to sun exposure, hormonal changes, or skin injuries. Treating it depends on your skin type and the cause. Red light therapy is one method people try for these spots. The evidence is limited and results vary from person to person.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation occurs when certain areas of your skin become darker than others. This happens due to an overproduction of melanin caused by factors such as sun damage, acne, chemical peels, lasers, and microdermabrasion. These dark spots are often harmless but can lead to cosmetic concerns, prompting many individuals to seek professional help. A spot that changes in size, shape or colour, or looks different from your other spots, should be checked by a doctor first.
Causes hyperpigmentation
There are three main types of hyperpigmentation, each with distinct causes:
Age spots
Common in older individuals, these brown, black, or tan spots appear on the face, hands, and other areas exposed to the sun. Excessive sun exposure over time is the primary cause.
Melasma
Larger patches of dark skin, often seen during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, although it can affect anyone, especially women and people with darker skin.
Inflammatory hyperpigmentation
This type is caused by skin conditions like acne or eczema, leading to darkened skin after an injury or inflammation.
How is hyperpigmentation treated?
The approach depends on skin tone and on the type of pigmentation. Darker skin needs extra care, because some treatments can cause new marks.
Fair skin
Chemical peels and microdermabrasion are options, often used together with pigment inhibitors and under professional guidance.
Medium skin tones
Chemical peels and microdermabrasion can be used here too, usually together with pigment inhibitors and under professional guidance.
Darker skin
Treatments such as glycolic acid, kojic acid, low-intensity chemical peels and lasers should only be done cautiously and by a qualified professional.
What can you do yourself?
These are the basics to keep in mind with pigmentation:
1. Protect your skin from the sun
Sunscreen and avoiding sun exposure are the basics. Skincare products such as vitamin C are often used to help brighten skin. Ask a pharmacist or dermatologist what suits your skin.
2. Red light therapy as a supportive step
Red light therapy is used as a supportive step. It is studied for its effect on circulation and skin repair. It is not a replacement for sun protection or medical treatment.
What is red light therapy and can it help with hyperpigmentation?
Red light therapy, or photobiomodulation, uses specific wavelengths of light. Some studies suggest it may help with some types of pigmentation, such as marks that follow inflammation, but the evidence is limited and results vary. For melasma the evidence is mixed, so check with a dermatologist first.
Red light or near-infrared light?
Red light and near-infrared light affect the skin differently, and the research on pigmentation is limited. The wavelength matters, so ask any provider which wavelength they use and why.
How long does it take to see results?
Results vary from person to person and, if they come, develop over weeks or months. Be patient and avoid skin irritation and sun exposure.
Faqs
1. What is red light therapy, and how does it work for hyperpigmentation?
Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light. It is studied for its effect on cellular energy, circulation and inflammation. Whether it helps with your pigmentation depends on the type of pigmentation, so ask for advice first.
2. How many red light therapy sessions do I need to see results for hyperpigmentation?
Results vary from person to person. If a course is advised, it usually runs over weeks or months.
3. Can red light therapy cause any side effects for hyperpigmentation?
Red light therapy is non-invasive, but skin reacts differently from person to person. Always consult a professional before starting treatment, especially for melasma or darker skin.
4. What about hyperpigmentation on darker skin tones?
Darker skin tones need extra care, because some treatments can cause white spots (hypopigmentation) or darker marks. See a dermatologist or qualified professional for advice on your skin.
5. How can I prevent hyperpigmentation from returning?
Sunscreen and avoiding sun exposure are the basics for keeping pigmentation from returning. Skincare products can help; ask a pharmacist or dermatologist what suits your skin. We cannot promise that results will last.
Curious whether red light therapy is an option for your pigmentation? Discover our red light therapy in Amsterdam or book a free 15-minute skin consultation.
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Considering treatment in Amsterdam? See our non-surgical facelift guide or book a red light therapy session with us.
