How Red Light Therapy Can Treat Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation, often marked by one or two dark spots, can be a source of discomfort. However, there's hope in the form of red light therapy, offering a path to smoother, more even-toned skin. More evidence shows that red light therapy for hyperpigmentation is a safe and effective approach to treating skin-darkening acne and scars.

 

Let's find out how red light therapy can treat hyperpigmentation more effectively than other treatments.

 

 

What causes Hyperpigmentation?

In hyperpigmentation, there is increased production of melanin, a pigment that gives skin its color. The extra melanin is produced when the skin cells are under stress or injured, leading to dark spots or freckles. It can occur due to the following reasons:

• sun exposure
• stress-induced cortisol
• skin inflammation, i.e., eczema, lupus, wounds, or acne
• hormonal changes in pregnancy, birth control, and menopause
• certain medications or topical treatments
• an improper skin care product
• severe medical conditions, i.e., Addison's disease and hemochromatosis
• age

 

Types of Hyperpigmentation

 

Based on the causes, there are three main types of hyperpigmentation:

1. Melasma

• Also known as chloasma or mask of pregnancy, it leads to large patches or blotches of darkened skin.
• due to hormonal fluctuations, i.e., estrogen and progesterone.
• Mostly affects pregnant females, those taking birth control pills, and individuals with medium to darker skin.
• Appears mostly on the face, forehead, and abdomen, while sometimes on the arms or neck.

2. Age Spots or Sun Spots

• Also known as liver spots or solar lentigines, dark/tan lesions appear after age 40.
• Mostly affects older adults or when exposed to the sun for longer.
• Appears on the face, shoulders, hands, and other sun-exposed areas.
• Photodamage increases skin cancer risk.

3. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

• Causes patches or spots of darkened skin.
• Due to trauma, inflammatory conditions like acne, burn wounds, chemical exposure, irritation, or atopic dermatitis, etc.
• Mostly affects medium or dark-skinned individuals.
• Anywhere on the body.

 

 

How Red Light Therapy Works on Hyperpigmentation

Red light therapy (RLT) is a form of photomedicine, a health treatment that uses light of various frequencies to address different diseases.When it comes to treating hyperpigmentation, red light therapy takes the edge off by penetrating the skin layers and stimulating cellular processes. For example, the JOVS Alva Wireless LED Light Therapy Device offers a world of possibilities and provide an even skin tone free of redness and pigmentation.

 

But how red light therapy can treat hyperpigmentation? Let's understand the mechanism behind it.

Deep Penetration

The mechanism of red light therapy is based on the ability to excite cells in layers deep within the skin. It enhances circulation, which means that oxygen and nutrients in the skin cells are improved. It then assists in skin lightening and the removal of blemishes.

 

Increase Energy Production

Red light therapy can activate the mitochondria in damaged cells and enhance energy generation. Your cells then break down the energy to repair and reduce any hyperpigmentation you have been experiencing.

 

Suppress Excessive Melanin

Research has also shown that red light therapy slows down melanin synthesis by inhibiting the functioning of tyrosinase, the enzyme involved in the formation of melanin. The wavelengths utilized in red light therapy are lengthy, and hence, they can penetrate through tissue layers, where they control excess melanocyte activity.

 

Enhance Skin Protection

Red light therapy for hyperpigmentation also prepares the skin for resistance against harmful UV rays. By stimulating the production of protective proteins, it effectively prevents future sun damage.

 

Boost Collagen Productio

Also referred to as photobiomodulation, red light triggers collagen and elastin production, which are vital skin health proteins. This helps plump the skin, smooth out wrinkles, and create an even, glowing complexion.

 

 

Seek Medical Care for Severe Hyperpigmentation

Many people are concerned about their skin appearance and use home treatment for hyperpigmentation. If you've used over-the-counter remedies for several weeks and the skin's color has not changed, you should seek professional help.

 

Proper skin treatment is important to determine the underlying cause, e.g., hormonal disorders or autoimmune diseases. Severe hyperpigmentation, characterized by widespread dark patches, becomes resistant to OTC treatments or home remedies. The stubborn dark spots can worsen pigmentation and also affect emotional health by lowering self-esteem. Therefore, you might require a dermatologist for a thorough skin examination and a personalized treatment.

 

 

Brighten up with Red Light Therapy

Sick of those nasty skin blemishes and skin discoloration? Red light therapy is emerging as a game-changer in tackling skin discoloration issues.

Red light therapy to treat hyperpigmentation is one of the most effective solutions, and to top it off, it is very gentle on the skin. Being in the low-frequency range, red light therapy for hyperpigmentation is non-toxic and non-invasive, making it suitable for all skin types and tones.

Compared to other treatments, RLT enhances blood circulation in the tissues, relieves inflammation, and minimizes redness. This is why people are so fascinated by how it makes people look younger and have brighter skin again.