Key Takeaways
· Red light therapy for melasma leverages gentle low-wavelength light to boost circulation, stimulate collagen, and help fade pigment while supporting overall skin renewal.
· A sauna red light therapy kit or infrared sauna 1-person model offer safe, at-home solutions that can be paired with topical creams or other dermatologist-prescribed treatments.
· Benefits include reduced inflammation, improved wound healing, healthier skin texture, and prevention of pigment darkening when combined with sunscreen.
· Progress is gradual and consistent use of red light therapy daily, alongside patience and sun protection, provides optimal results. Expect several weeks to notice significant changes.
· For best results, integrate infrared sauna wellness regimen and skin protocol support into your full skincare and wellness routine.
Red light therapy devices have been proven to help manage Melasma. Read the blog post below to learn more.
Between 1.5 and 33 percent of the population may develop melasma at some point in their life, and it's particularly common among pregnant women and women of reproductive age.
Are you struggling with this common skin disorder? If so, red light therapy may be an effective tool for you to add to your skincare routine.
Everything you need to know about the connection between red light therapy and melasma is explained below.
What Is Melasma?
Melasma is a disorder that causes an overproduction of melanin, which is responsible for the pigment of the skin.
People with melasma develop light brown, dark brown, or blue-gray-colored patches on their skin. These patches may be flat or freckle-like, and they often occur on the cheeks, upper lip, and forehead, as well as on the forearms.
Melasma is often referred to as the "mask of pregnancy" because it often affects pregnant women. These spots may get darker or lighter over time, and they tend to get worse during the summer and better during the winter.
Melasma may be caused or worsened by hormonal changes, sun damage, and/or reactions to skincare products.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy is a treatment that uses low wavelength red light to target the cells and heal the skin. It is used to address a variety of skin conditions, including acne, scarring, wrinkles, and fine lines.
Many people now pair their skincare routines with indoor or outdoor infrared sauna sessions for added relaxation and to further enhance skin vitality. An infrared sauna can be a great addition to a home wellness regimen, especially when targeting stubborn pigment issues like melasma.
Other Red Light Therapy Benefits
In addition to treating many different skin ailments, red light therapy may also be used to address chronic muscle pain and speed up wound healing. Some people use it for stress relief and immune system support, too.
To learn more about infrared therapy: Red light therapy and its benefits
Combining red light therapy with a luxury home sauna can yield even greater results for total skin rejuvenation and systemic wellness.
For the best home solutions and expert guidance, check the best infrared saunas collection.
Does Red Light Therapy Help Melasma?
After reading through some of the benefits of red light therapy, you might be asking questions like "Will red light therapy help melasma?" or "Does red light therapy make melasma worse?" or even "does red light therapy cause hyperpigmentation?" / "Does red light therapy make hyperpigmentation worse?"
The short answer is that yes, red light therapy can improve melasma symptoms and, no, it will not make this issue worse. The following are some specific ways that red light therapy helps melasma:
Improved Circulation and Cell Repair
One of the greatest benefits of red light therapy is that it increases blood flow to targeted areas. If you're dealing with discoloration on your face, for example, improving blood flow to that location can help to speed up cell repair and remove excess melanin from the skin faster.
If you're considering at-home options, home sauna installation that includes an integrated red light therapy panel offers a highly effective, spa-like experience. A professional install ensures optimal device placement for skin and relaxation benefits.
Reduced Inflammation
Some researchers have found that melasma is associated with increased levels of inflammation in affected areas. Inflammation can also worsen melasma symptoms and exacerbate the presence of dark patches.
Red light therapy does a great job of reducing inflammation and soothing the skin after it's been irritated, so it can be a good tool for those struggling with melasma.
Increased Collagen Production
Red light therapy can increase collagen production, too. Collagen is a protein that is abundant in the skin and plays an important role in the body's healing processes. By increasing collagen levels, red light therapy can help to support healing and skin repair. It can also make the skin more resilient to damage in the future.
To maintain comfort and optimize sessions, enhance your routine with the right sauna accessories—from ergonomic benches to temperature gauges and aroma diffusers—further supporting your skin and well-being.
Prevent Future Damage
Speaking of being resilient to damage, red light therapy can help to strengthen the skin and make it less prone to sun damage in the future. When it's combined with other protective measures like regular sunscreen application, red light therapy can be a good preventative tool to keep your skin looking healthy and even-toned.
How to Use a Red Light Therapy Device for Melasma Treatment
If you're interested in using red light therapy for dark spots or melasma, investing in an at-home device is a great choice. This allows you to enjoy the benefits of red light therapy anywhere, without having to drive to a med spa or dermatologist's office.
For those already using a home sauna, including a combination sauna and red light therapy setup is a powerful approach. Look for smart “plug-and-play” devices, especially if you plan on adding them to your luxury home sauna for multi-purpose wellness.
If you are beginner to infrared home saunas, read: Beginners tips on how to use a sauna
For those who have never used red light therapy before, here are some tips to help you see the best results:
Choose the Right Device
Start by picking a red light therapy device that works for your needs and budget.
If you're dealing with discoloration on a small area like the face or forearm, a portable device may be a good solution that's more affordable than full-sized panels.
However, if you want to address other issues in addition to melasma, full-sized sauna panels may be more helpful and cost-effective in the long run.
Start Low and Slow
Start with short sessions in front of the red light therapy panel(s). You don't have to worry about getting burned by the panels (you'll just feel a gentle, warming sensation), but it's easier to build a habit of regular treatments if you start low and slow. This can help you avoid potential side effects or skin irritation, too.
Be Consistent
You'll see the best results if you're consistent. Red light therapy takes time to be effective, so you'll need to sit in front of your device every day (or at least several times per week) if you want to notice significant changes.
Be Patient
Remember, red light therapy is not a quick fix. It will likely take several weeks for you to see improvements in your melasma and your overall skin health, so be patient and stick with it.
Combine Red Light Therapy with Other Treatments
Finally, don't be afraid to combine red light therapy with other treatments.
For example, you could mix red light therapy and hydroquinone (a type of skin bleaching agent that is very effective at treating melasma and other types of discoloration). This may help you to speed up your progress and see results a bit faster.
Try Red Light Therapy for Melasma Today
Are you tired of dealing with melasma? Are you ready to say goodbye to dark spots for good?
If so, adding red light therapy to your skincare routine is an excellent solution.
Not sure which red light therapy tool you want to use? Check out our collection of at-home devices today to find the perfect one for your home!
Reach out today and find out more from our sauna experts.
FAQs
Which LED light is best for melasma?
Red or near-infrared light delivers the deepest benefits for melasma, reducing inflammation and stimulating collagen. Choose devices labeled as a sauna red light therapy kit or high-quality at-home panel.
What is the fastest way to reduce melasma?
There’s no instant cure. Combine red light therapy, topical treatments, gentle skincare, and strict sun protection for best long-term outcomes.
What factors make melasma worse?
Sun exposure, hormonal changes, certain skincare products, and excess heat or irritation can worsen melasma. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen and gentle routines to prevent flare-ups.
Where should red light therapy NOT be used?
Do not use on infected or cancerous skin, or over the thyroid gland without medical advice. Always follow your red light device’s usage instructions for safety.
Is red light therapy good for melasma?
Yes, consistent use of red light therapy for melasma is safe and effective for reducing pigmentation and inflammation, especially as part of a comprehensive skincare plan.
