“Red-light therapy causes dark spots on the skin.”

Research shows that people who have darker skin tones are more sensitive to visible light, such as red light, than people with lighter skin tones. This increased sensitivity can lead to hyperpigmentation, and the resulting dark spots can be more intense and long-lasting than dark spots caused by invisible light, such as sunlight.

Using cultured human melanocytes, Kim et al24 showed that NIR LED wavelengths (via PBM) effectively inhibit melanin biosynthesis and its molecular mechanisms, underlying its effects on tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein 1, and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor expression with an intracellular signaling pathway. … This pilot study demonstrates that dermal melasma might be improved without tissue damage by using pulsed PBM photons.

In our study, we observed a significant improvement of erythema, pigmentation and skin texture in melasma patients after 590 nm LED treatment.

Review of the literature revealed that differing wavelengths of light-emitting diode devices have many beneficial effects, including wound healing, acne treatment, sunburn prevention, phototherapy for facial rhytides, and skin rejuvenation. … Generally, minimal to no side effects were experienced. One patient reported post-treatment erythema that lasted 24 hours.

In two phase I, dose escalation, randomized controlled trials (Safety Trial Assessing Red-light on Skin [STARS 1 and STARS 2], n=115), we evaluated the safety and tolerability of LED-RL administered at fluences up to 640 J/cm2 on normal skin.38 Adverse events (AEs) included treatment-site erythema, hyperpigmentation, and blistering, all of which were mild and resolved without permanent sequelae.38

While it's not a miracle fix for skin issues, the AAD says that research suggests red light therapy can help - reduce fine lines and wrinkles - lighten dark spots … Check with your dermatologist beforehand if you have darker skin, since you may be more sensitive to visible light like red light, which can lead to dark spots.

This research study will test how well a light therapy mask works for women with mild to moderate hyperpigmentation (brown spots) and moderate to severe facial wrinkles, as compared to a "sham" or inactive investigational light therapy mask.

Clinical studies, in agreement with in vitro experiments and animal models, suggest that PBM effectively reduces melasma-associated hyperpigmentation. … Specific wavelengths (red: 630 nm; amber: 585 and 590 nm; infrared: 830 and 850 nm) at radiant exposures between 1 and 20 J/cm2 exert modulatory effects on tyrosinase activity, gene expression, and protein synthesis of melanocytic pathway components, and thus significantly reduce the melanin content.

Visible light (400–700 nm) may produce non-transient hyperpigmentation in skin of color. … A clinical trial demonstrated that skin of color presents higher photosensitivity to visible light, showing differences of up to 50% in the maximum tolerated dose of LED red light when compared to lighter skin types [220]. … In this study, the authors defined the mentioned maximum tolerated dose as one that did not produce an adverse effect such as non-transient erythema or hyperpigmentation.

A major concern in melasma management is the well-documented sensitivity of melanocytes to visible light, particularly within the 400–700 nm range. Visible light can activate melanogenesis independently of ultraviolet radiation. … A pivotal study by Mahmoud et al. [12] demonstrated that exposure to visible light induces darker and more persistent pigmentation in Fitzpatrick phototypes IV–VI compared with UVA1, with pigment persisting for up to 14 days.

Light emitting diode (LED) use for melasma, particularly with red or infrared light, has low evidence but may contribute to melasma treatment [146,147, 148]. … Red light has been used to both increase and decrease skin pigmentation, depending on the indication [149].

Red light therapy is promoted as a treatment for some common skin conditions, including to: - Improve wound healing. - Reduce stretch marks. - Reduce wrinkles, fine lines and age spots.

In contrast, red light (typically in the range of 620–750 nm) does not activate the same melanogenic pathways and, in some cases, has been investigated for its potential to reduce hyperpigmentation by modulating inflammation and oxidative stress.

Many in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory, repair, skin rejuvenation and healing effects that are promoted by red light.

After a few weeks of use under my eyes.I noticed that had a tremendous fat loss under my eyes and my eyes looked bruised.After two years the discoloration did not go away.

Lucibel's research allowed to choose only the red light rather than the combination of red light and infrared light, to minimize the risks for a home device. Indeed, the risk of pigmentation especially on dark skins.

This is a prospective, double-blind, split-body, randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy of low level laser therapy with red light for pigmentary disorders such as, melasma, lichen planus pigmentosus and vitiligo.

The device is intended to emit energy in the red and blue region of the spectrum, specifically indicated to treat mild to moderate acne vulgaris. … Skin Discoloration

Visible red light has been shown to stimulates melanocyte migration and proliferation resulting in repigmentation of vitiligo patches.

Overall, the treatment was effective and well-tolerated with minimal long-term side effects.

Red light: Treatment of full-face wrinkles.

Lasers and light-based modalities are used to treat a wide variety of disorders characterized by the presence of cutaneous hyperpigmentation via photothermal, photomechanical, and ablative mechanisms.

Recent professional opinions warn against the uncontrolled application of red and blue LED mask devices in place of melasma-prone individuals, as the stimulation of melanocytes with a subsequent increase of heat is possible.

One early-stage clinical trial found that at high levels, red LED lights such as those used in red light therapy can cause blistering and redness on the skin.