Article: Does Red Light Therapy Help with Hyperpigmentation?

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Sep 16, 2024Concern_Dullness & Pigmentation

Does Red Light Therapy Help with Hyperpigmentation?

IN THIS ARTICLE:

5-minute read

Red light therapy is closely linked to anti-aging based on its ability to rejuvenate skin cells and boost collagen production. But what about uneven skin tone? While red light therapy has been linked to improving the appearance of hyperpigmentation ie an overproduction of pigment in the skin, the science indicates that a combination of light wavelengths may be the best approach for balancing skin tone.

The main logic here is that different light wavelengths treat different skin layers, for example, red light therapy works deep into the dermal layer to bolster cellular structure, while green light works on the bottom layer of the epidermis to break down melanin, and blue light reaches the outer epidermal layer to eliminate acne-causing bacteria.

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation essentially refers to areas of the skin that appear darker than others as a result of the overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for giving the skin its color.

Hyperpigmentation is caused by excessive sun exposure, but it can also be caused by post-inflammatory responses to injury, hormone imbalance, pregnancy and vitamin B12 deficiency. Hyperpigmentation is an umbrella term and there are several ways it manifest such as melasma, sunspots, liver spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Why Does Hyperpigmentation Affect Some People and Not Others?

While hyperpigmentation is often caused by external factors, people may have a predisposition to developing an uneven skin tone. Women and those with naturally darker skin tones, typically III or darker on the Fitzpatrick scale - darker skin tones naturally contain higher levels of melanin, and hormonal changes as triggered by pregnancy, menopause, birth control or other life changes explain this tendency.

Can Red Light Therapy Reduce Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation?

Red light therapy uses specific red light wavelengths between 600-700nm to boost collagen production and renew skin cells. While red light therapy can help to promote brighter and more rejuvenated skin cells, green light therapy is said to be the gold standard when treating hyperpigmentation. If we examine the root cause of hyperpigmentation, ie, excessive melanin production, green light therapy specifically targets the bottom epidermal layer to decrease the production of melanocytes - melanin-forming cells. To remove dark spots with LED light therapy a combination of red and green treatment modes is recommended.

What is Green Light Therapy?

Green light therapy uses green wavelengths of visible light, typically in the range of 490-570 nanometers. This specific range of the light spectrum has unique therapeutic effects on the surface of the skin and on the shallower underlying tissues. Unlike red and near-infrared light therapy, which penetrate deeper into the skin, green light is primarily absorbed in the upper layers of the epidermis. This makes it particularly effective for targeting superficial skin concerns.

What are the Benefits of Green Light Therapy?

Hyperpigmentation - green light inhibits melanin production to fade the appearance of dark spots and discoloration
Inflammation - green light has anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm redness, swelling, and irritation in the skin
Acne - the antimicrobial effects of green light can help kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce breakouts, particularly when used with blue and red light therapy
Cell renewal - the light energy from green light wavelengths can stimulate collagen production and cell turnover, leading to a more even, smoother complexion, particularly powerful when combined with red and infrared light wavelengths

Can you Combine Red and Green Light Therapy Treatments?

Yes, and you should. Best LED light therapy treatment for hyperpigmentation is certainly a combination approach. Think of green light therapy as dispersing melanin-forming cells from the epidermal layer of the skin, and red light wavelengths as bolstering the production of collagen to give skin back its firmness and elasticity. Red light triggers deep intracellular reactions to repair damaged skin cells as we age. Green light also energizes cells causing them to renew and repair, so each wavelength has a synergistic effect on the other for more dramatic skin results.

Does LED Light Therapy Damage the Skin?

LED light therapy wavelengths are safe, effective, and gentle on the skin. They trigger cellular responses to produce various benefits without damaging surrounding skin cells and tissues. LED light therapy does not heat or burn the skin and does not contain harmful UV rays that cause photoaging, fine lines, and wrinkles or increase the risk of skin cancer.

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The Takeaway: Does Red Light Therapy Help with Hyperpigmentation?

While red light therapy can treat hyperpigmenation by boosting collagen production and generating new firmer and smoother skin cells, it is not the gold standard when it comes to directly targeting the cause of hyperpigmenation. Green light wavelengths (520nm) work on the bottom epidermal layer to reduce the production of melanocytes or melanin-forming cells. Red light then penetrates deep into the dermal skin layer (600-700nm) to stimulate the production of collagen to heal and bolster surrounding tissue. Both light wavelengths join forces to treat different skin layers for a more comprehensive treatment option. Green light wavelengths also boost circulation, reduce inflammation, and target redness without damaging the skin.

written by Charlotte Rycroft

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