Light therapy is common in dermatology for the management of some skin conditions. Red light therapy is becoming popular for its proven results in skin care. Wavelengths of red light rejuvenate the skin cells, helping the skin heal.
Hyperpigmentation can occur in anyone, irrespective of age or race. There are different causes of hyperpigmentation and ways of treating it.
Here, we will focus on understanding hyperpigmentation, its causes, and the use of red light therapy in its management.
Hyperpigmentation generally describes different skin types of discoloration. It's visible as dark patches on the skin. It occurs when the cells that give your skin its color overproduce the pigment.
Various factors can trigger skin pigmentation, including sun exposure, genetics, hormone changes, and certain health conditions. Treatments for skin discoloration include over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medication and in-office skin resurfacing procedures.
Medically, there are different types of hyperpigmentation. The most common types of hyperpigmentation include:
MelasmaIt is a common skin discoloration. It manifests as blotches or patches of darker skin tone. The spots usually appear on the face and may also be on other body parts, like the neck and arms.
The blotches look darker than your natural skin tone. Melasma can look like freckles or even cover a larger area. The condition can occur during pregnancy or while taking birth control pills.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentationAppears as patches of discolored skin after some skin trauma. It can occur due to acne breakout, hormonal changes, skin wounds, certain medications, or another skin condition. It is more susceptible to people with medium to dark skin tones because they have higher levels of melanin in their skin.
Age spotsThey are flat, dark, small skin spots that typically develop after age 40. Age spots are sometimes referred to as liver spots. They are more present on the body parts that see most of the sun.
You will likely notice age spots on the face, back of hands, forearms, or shoulders. The spots are harmless and hereditary.
The leading cause of hyperpigmentation is the overproduction of melanin. The pigment that gives our skin its color. It can happen due to several factors.
Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) rays that prompt overall skin darkening. The sun's UV rays make the pigment cells overproduce, leading to hyperpigmentation.
Pregnancy, use of hormonal forms of birth control, and menopause commonly lead to hyperpigmentation. These conditions and drugs affect estrogen and progesterone, the female sex hormones. Hormonal changes are the leading cause of melasma in women.
Many issues can cause skin trauma or inflammation, including friction, cuts, bug bites, wounds, acne breakouts, or a skin condition like eczema. Due to the inflammation, melanin cells overproduce, leading to a darker spot after the healing of the trauma.
Some types of medication can also contribute to hyperpigmentation. These include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), hormonal birth control pills, antibiotics, antimalarials, and anti-seizure medications.
You can also get hyperpigmentation when under medications that increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight, like retinoids and some blood pressure medicines.
The most effective treatment of dark spots depends on the cause of hyperpigmentation. A healthcare provider will diagnose and treat any root cause of the discoloration.
Before recommending a mode of treatment, a dermatologist will consider factors like:
When all the facts are known, your healthcare provider can recommend one or a combination of options for treating hyperpigmentation. The main include:
These products help fade dark spots on the skin. They use vitamin C, azelaic acid, glycolic acid, and kojic acid. These ingredients contain antioxidants that promote skin rejuvenation and have anti-aging properties.
They can also help slow down the melanin production. You must consult your healthcare provider on the safety and quality of skin care products sold over the counter. They also help with sun protection.
These are ointments that are stronger than OTC topicals. You can only get it with a prescription. You must use these ointments as per the prescription. Prescription topical medications have the potential of causing a reaction or sensitivity due to their strength. Standard types include:
Chemical peels are an in-office procedure that helps remove excess pigment from the skin using a medical chemical solution.
It is another dermatological skincare routine involving a device that buffs off an outer layer of the skin. It helps treat uneven skin tone and eases the absorption of other topical medications into the skin.
An in-office procedure that uses a device with tiny needles to create microscopic wounds in the skin. The scars help stimulate collagen production in the skin.
As these minor wounds heal, your skin achieves a more even skin tone, reducing the look of discoloration.
It is a non-invasive treatment for uneven skin tone, even at home. It uses devices that focus light wavelengths on the skin. The device uses light-emitting diodes that do not produce heat. They produce red light or near-infrared light to help in treating hyperpigmentation.
Red light therapy can help with hyperpigmentation. The use of red light for skincare is increasing in popularity due to its painless procedure and positive results. It also has fewer side effects, unlike other skincare products.
Low-level light therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation uses red and near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths of light. When you use red light, it triggers a positive biochemical effect in the skin cells. LED therapy uses a continuous and adjustable pulse width of 400-800nm wavelengths.
Red light works in skin cells in various ways to improve skin health, including:
The mitochondria absorb the light particles and use them to make ATP. This is the primary energy for a cell and helps cells work better. ATP also promotes cell rejuvenation.
Collagen helps in the making of elastin, which improves skin texture. Collagen helps increase skin elasticity. Red light therapy reduces fine lines and wrinkles by lifting and tightening lax skin.
Red light helps in angiogenesis and the formation of new blood vessels. The action helps to increase blood circulation where there's skin damage or trauma.
Enhanced blood circulation helps deliver oxygen and electrons that help cells in their work.
Studies show the effectiveness of red light in treating acne vulgaris. RLT reduces inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions.
Red light therapy also helps to reduce the excretion rate of sebum oil in the skin. You can combine red and blue light in therapy when treating acne vulgaris.
Dermatologists also use red light therapy to treat other common skin concerns that can cause hyperpigmentation like:
Before starting on any medication, you must consult with your healthcare provider. A dermatologist will not only diagnose the root cause of the dark spots but will also guide you on the best medication to use for your hyperpigmentation.
Dermatologists recommend the use of red light therapy at home.
Dermatologists recommend the following when selecting a red light device to use at home:
Red light therapy devices come in various designs, sizes, and capabilities. Small laser devices focus the light on a specific spot, and panels cover a larger skin area.
Traditionally, red light therapy was only available at dermatologist's offices. But this effective skincare treatment is now available at home with any red light therapy device, like the RedLiteX Pro series panels.
Our devices give you a convenient and cost-effective treatment of hyperpigmentation. We are here to guide you on how to use red light for your hyperpigmentation
Guideline for using red light therapy at home to treat hyperpigmentation:
Red light therapy devices are made to target specific treatments. You need a device that targets your treatment goals for home use. An example is an LED face mask that works on your facial skin. Red light Panels are more powerful and can treat various conditions.
You should only buy FDA Class II medical devices. Look for suppliers offering warranty and repair services.
Red light devices can range between $200 to over $1,000 depending on capability, size, and other added features.
It's essential to clean your skin thoroughly before starting any red light therapy session. Clean skin allows the wavelengths of red light to penetrate more effectively. A deeper penetration into the dermis enables light photons to work better.
Every medical equipment comes with specific instructions on its operation and usage. Following the instructions ensures your safety and the device's efficiency during therapy.
Most manufacturers recommend using the device 3-5 times a week. The instruction manual will guide you on the length per session and safe distance during use.
Although red light therapy devices do not produce UV light, it is essential to wear eye goggles. Red light is generally safe, but you must protect your eyes from potential damage.
While red light therapy is safe, using your device when too close to it can lead to overheating and skin damage. Most manufacturers recommend using the red light device at 6-36 inches from the equipment.
You must not cover the target area in clothing as this reduces penetration. Ensure your skin is also free of any makeup or sunscreen.
If you are using red light therapy for the first time, start with short sessions of 10 minutes. After a few sessions, you can work up to using the device for 15-20 minutes.
We recommend performing a patch test before targeting larger areas to test your skin reaction to laser treatment. Minimize exposure if the treated area looks red, feels tight, or develops some other condition.
Consistent use is vital for red light therapy's effectiveness in treating hyperpigmentation. You must stick to the routine to get an even skin tone over the long run.
The more regularly you use your RLT device, the better the results will be. You must set aside time for your weekly sessions and follow the schedules. Consistency in therapy helps your skin gradually improve as the red light reduces discoloration and promotes overall skin health.
You can take photos of the area you want to treat before starting. As time progresses, compare your skin with the image to see progress.
A dermatologist will also help you monitor the progress and give recommendations for any variation in therapy.
While red light works great in reducing dark spots, it does not substitute the need for sunscreen. You protect your skin from further damage by using sunscreen.
You need to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen before going outside. Sunscreen helps prevent the formation of new dark spots and protects the progress you're achieving during red light therapy.
The length of any treatment depends on various factors. They include the disease's extent, age, therapy consistency, and risk factors. Red light therapy can start showing results for hyperpigmentation treatment in 3-5 weeks.
Red light therapy sure has therapeutic effects in treating hyperpigmentation. You should always consult a dermatologist before starting a new treatment to treat dark spots.
We also recommend preventing dark spots by keeping your skin hydrated and avoiding sun exposure. Always wear sunscreen for protection against direct sunlight and UV rays.
You can seek a red light therapy panel to care for your skin and help with other medical conditions.
