Red light therapy (RLT) may help improve melasma by reducing excess melanin production and addressing other factors involved in the condition, but the research is still emerging. Studies have found promising effects from specific red, amber, and near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths, although results depend on the wavelength, dose, and treatment protocol, and there isn't yet enough evidence to consider photobiomodulation (PBM) as a replacement for established melasma treatments.
Also, near-infrared light isn't automatically bad for melasma. Laboratory and human research has found reduced pigmentation or melanin production with certain NIR wavelengths and doses, suggesting that the relationship between light exposure and melasma is more nuanced than simply avoiding all light beyond the visible red spectrum.
Key research takeaways:
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Red, amber, and near-infrared light have all shown potential for melasma. A 2024 review found promising results with 630 nm red, 585–590 nm amber, and 830–850 nm near-infrared light.
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Near-infrared light may help regulate melanin production. A laboratory study found that 830 nm and 850 nm light reduced melanin production and tyrosinase expression under specific treatment conditions.
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Human research has found improvements in melasma with near-infrared PBM. A small study found greater improvements in melasma severity and pigmentation when 940 nm photobiomodulation was added to microdermabrasion.
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Not every clinical study has found significant improvement. A small 2025 trial found no significant improvement with amber photobiomodulation or topical tranexamic acid, but the researchers noted that the study was too small to draw firm conclusions.
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Established melasma treatments still have stronger evidence. Treatments such as hydroquinone and triple-combination cream are better supported by clinical research, so red light therapy is better used as a complementary treatment.
If you're interested in adding red light therapy to your skincare routine, Novaalab offers at-home red light therapy devices, including options designed for full-face or more targeted treatment.
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Novaa Glow Therapy Mask
How Red Light Therapy May Help with Melasma
Melasma is a chronic pigmentation condition that causes brown or gray-brown patches, most commonly on sun-exposed areas of the face, and is particularly common in women and people with darker skin tones, including Fitzpatrick skin types III–VI. It develops when pigment-producing cells called melanocytes become overactive and produce excess melanin, although inflammation and changes involving other parts of the skin can also contribute. Melasma also has the potential to return, even after discoloration improves.
Several factors can trigger or worsen melasma, including:
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Sun exposure: UV exposure can stimulate melanocytes and increase melanin production.
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Visible light: Particularly shorter blue-violet wavelengths, which can contribute to pigmentation.
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Hormonal changes: Pregnancy and other hormonal influences are common melasma triggers.
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Genetics: A family history can increase susceptibility to melasma.
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Inflammation: Inflammatory and oxidative processes may contribute to persistent pigment changes.
Red light therapy may help melasma by reducing excess pigmentation while also addressing inflammation, redness, and changes in the skin associated with chronic sun exposure. A 2024 review of nine studies found promising results from specific red, amber, and near-infrared wavelengths, with photobiomodulation affecting several biological processes involved in melasma.
| Potential Benefit | How Red Light Therapy May Help | What This Could Mean for Melasma |
|---|---|---|
| Reduce Excess Pigmentation | May regulate melanin production and tyrosinase activity | Less excess pigment production could gradually reduce the appearance of melasma patches and uneven skin tone. |
| Reduce Redness and Vascular Changes | May influence vascular activity associated with melasma | Addressing redness and excess blood-vessel activity could improve another component of melasma beyond pigmentation alone. |
| Support Healthier Skin Structure | May support collagen production and photoaged skin | Supporting sun-damaged skin may complement red light therapy’s more direct effects on pigmentation and improve overall skin quality. |
Red Light Therapy May Reduce Excess Pigmentation
Red and near-infrared light may help fade melasma by reducing the excess melanin responsible for its characteristic dark patches. A 2012 laboratory study found that 830 nm and 850 nm NIR reduced melanin production and tyrosinase expression in human melanocytes, while a small human study found greater improvements in melasma severity and pigmentation when 940 nm NIR photobiomodulation was added to microdermabrasion.
This may happen because photobiomodulation influences melanogenesis, the process through which melanocytes produce melanin. Tyrosinase is a key enzyme in this process, so reducing its expression may help limit excess pigment production rather than simply addressing discoloration after it appears.
Red Light Therapy May Reduce Redness and Vascular Changes
Photobiomodulation may help address the redness and increased vascular activity that can accompany melasma. In a study on people with melasma, 590 nm amber LED therapy improved erythema, melanin levels, and the area affected by melasma. Laboratory testing also found effects on processes involved in blood-vessel formation.
This matters because melasma isn't purely a pigment disorder. Increased vascularization and signaling from blood vessels may contribute to melanocyte activity, so influencing these processes could help address both visible redness and some of the signaling that contributes to persistent pigmentation.
Red Light Therapy May Support Healthier Skin Structure
Red light therapy may support the photoaged skin environment that often accompanies melasma. A study of 660 nm red LED therapy found increased type-I procollagen, reduced MMP-1, an enzyme involved in collagen breakdown, and improvements in signs of photoaging after 12 treatments.
This is relevant because chronic UV exposure doesn't only stimulate melanin production; it can also damage collagen and alter the dermal structure beneath melasma-prone skin. Supporting collagen production and repair may therefore complement red light therapy’s more direct effects on pigmentation, although this particular study wasn't conducted specifically in people with melasma.
Overall, photobiomodulation may influence several processes involved in melasma, with the most direct evidence centered on melanin production and pigmentation. How much it helps can depend on the wavelength, dose, and treatment protocol used.
Can Red Light Therapy Make Melasma Worse?
Red light therapy isn't generally shown to make melasma worse, and studies using controlled photobiomodulation have reported reductions in pigmentation rather than increased darkening. However, melasma is sensitive to environmental and treatment-related triggers, so some people may experience their melasma worsening depending on the dose, heat generated, and their individual skin response.
This is also why the effects of sunlight shouldn't be generalized to red light therapy. UV and portions of visible light can stimulate melanin production and worsen melasma, while photobiomodulation uses specific wavelengths and controlled doses to produce different biological effects.
| Question | What the Research Shows |
|---|---|
| Does red light therapy make melasma worse? | Not typically. Controlled PBM studies have reported reduced pigmentation or improved melasma, but individual responses can vary. |
| Can near-infrared (NIR) light make melasma worse? | Potentially, but part of the concern is excessive heating or tissue irritation from devices that deliver substantial thermal energy. Specific NIR wavelengths and doses have been found to reduce melanin production or improved pigmentation in research. However, if you’ve never used NIR, proceed with caution and stop if you experience any discomfort. |
| When should you stop treatment? | Stop if your melasma consistently gets darker or treatment causes excessive heat, prolonged flushing, or irritation. |
Near-infrared light can potentially aggravate melasma in some circumstances, but there isn't evidence that people with melasma need to avoid NIR light altogether. Laboratory research found that 830 nm and 850 nm NIR light reduced melanin production and tyrosinase expression, while a small human study found improved pigmentation when 940 nm NIR photobiomodulation was added to microdermabrasion. These findings suggest that the wavelength, dose, and treatment conditions matter more than simply whether a device emits near-infrared light.
If you have melasma, a few precautions can help you use red light therapy more carefully:
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Avoid excessive heat. Melasma can be aggravated by heat in some people, so treatment shouldn't leave your skin feeling uncomfortably hot or flushed for an extended period.
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Stop if pigmentation gets darker. If your melasma noticeably worsens after starting red light therapy, discontinue treatment rather than increasing or continuing exposure.
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Give irritated skin time to recover. Avoid using red light therapy over skin that's inflamed, sunburned, or irritated from treatments such as chemical peels, retinoids, IPL, or lasers until it has recovered or your dermatologist advises otherwise.
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Keep protecting against UV and visible light. Red light therapy doesn't make sunscreen any less important. Daily photoprotection remains one of the most important ways to prevent melasma from worsening or recurring.
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Check unfamiliar or changing dark spots first. If you're unsure whether pigmentation is melasma, have it evaluated by a dermatologist before treating the area with an at-home device.
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Get personalized guidance for stubborn or worsening melasma. A dermatologist can help identify triggers and determine how red light therapy fits with treatments such as hydroquinone, tretinoin, azelaic acid, or tranexamic acid.
You don't need to avoid red or near-infrared light simply because you have melasma. The more important considerations are using an appropriate dose, avoiding excessive heat, maintaining strong photoprotection, and monitoring how your pigmentation responds.
How to Use Red Light Therapy for Melasma
When using red light therapy for melasma, the goal is controlled, consistent light exposure without adding triggers that can stimulate more pigmentation. There isn't one established photobiomodulation protocol for melasma, but research provides useful guidance on wavelengths and dosing, while melasma research makes photoprotection especially important.
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Choose a wavelength that has been studied for melasma. Research has found promising results with 630 nm red, 585–590 nm amber, and 830–850 nm near-infrared light, although no single wavelength has been established as the best color of LED light for melasma. Near-infrared light also doesn't necessarily need to be avoided. Specific NIR wavelengths and doses have reduced melanin production in research.
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Start with 10 to 20 minute sessions, 3 to 5 times per week. Melasma photobiomodulation studies have used different protocols, with the 2024 review identifying radiant exposures ranging from 1–20 J/cm². Because the biological response can change with dose, longer or more frequent sessions shouldn't be assumed to fade dark spots faster.
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Use red light therapy consistently for several weeks. Clinical research has generally evaluated photobiomodulation over approximately 8 to 12 weeks. At-home devices may recommend more frequent use depending on their output and treatment time, so follow the protocol designed for your device. Take photos every few weeks under the same lighting to track changes in the borders, size, and darkness of your melasma patches.
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Pair red light therapy with strong UV and visible-light protection. Photoprotection is a core part of melasma management because both UV exposure and visible light can stimulate pigmentation. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and consider a tinted sunscreen containing iron oxides for additional visible-light protection, particularly if you have a darker skin tone.
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Watch for darkening rather than pushing through it. Melasma is highly responsive to environmental and treatment-related triggers, so new or worsening pigmentation is a reason to reassess your routine rather than increase your exposure. If your patches become noticeably darker, stop treatment and consider discussing your device, skincare products, and overall melasma regimen with a dermatologist.
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Use red light therapy as one part of your melasma routine. Red light therapy can complement treatments that target pigmentation through different pathways, but current international guidance gives stronger support to photoprotection and established treatments such as hydroquinone-based combination therapy, azelaic acid, and tranexamic acid when appropriate. A dermatologist can help determine how photobiomodulation fits alongside your existing skincare or prescription treatment.
For melasma, consistency and controlled exposure matter more than maximizing treatment time or frequency. Follow your device's recommended session length and frequency, and give your routine around 8 to 12 weeks before evaluating your overall response, unless your pigmentation gets darker or you experience another reason to stop sooner. You should also continue daily UV and visible-light protection throughout treatment.
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How Long Does Red Light Therapy Take to Work for Melasma?
If red light therapy helps your melasma, expect changes to develop over approximately 8 to 12 weeks of consistent treatment rather than after a few sessions. A practical starting routine is 10 to 20 minutes per session, 3 to 5 times per week, unless your device provides different instructions based on its wavelength and output.
Consistency matters more than increasing your exposure. Stick with the recommended session length and frequency throughout the 8-to-12-week period rather than adding longer or more frequent sessions to try to fade pigmentation faster. Because researchers haven't established one optimal photobiomodulation protocol for melasma, your dermatologist or healthcare provider can also help determine an appropriate session length and frequency based on your skin, melasma, device, and any other treatments you're using.
| Timeline | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| After the first few sessions | Visible changes may be subtle or absent. Focus on consistent treatment and watch for any unexpected darkening or irritation. |
| Around 8 weeks | With consistent use, improvements may become easier to evaluate. In one small melasma study, participants received one 940 nm NIR treatment per week for eight weeks, with greater improvement on the PBM-treated side. |
| Around 12 weeks | Compare standardized photos to assess changes in the darkness, size, and overall appearance of melasma patches. Research has evaluated clinically measurable changes around this point. |
| Long term | Melasma is chronic and prone to recurrence, so maintaining sun and visible-light protection remains important even if pigmentation improves. |
Several factors can affect how quickly or noticeably your melasma responds:
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Wavelength and dose: Different wavelengths, irradiances, treatment times, and treatment frequencies can produce different biological effects.
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Melasma severity and depth: Melasma varies between individuals, and the depth and characteristics of the pigmentation can influence treatment response.
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Sun and visible-light exposure: Continued exposure can stimulate pigmentation and work against improvements, making consistent photoprotection especially important.
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Skin tone: Melasma is particularly common in darker skin tones, and skin phototype can influence pigmentation responses and treatment planning.
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Hormonal and other triggers: Hormonal changes, sun exposure, certain medications, and other aggravating factors can contribute to persistent or recurring pigmentation.
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Other melasma treatments: Red light therapy may be one part of a broader routine that includes sunscreen, topical treatments, or dermatologist-guided therapies, making it difficult to attribute improvement to photobiomodulation alone.
Around 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use is a reasonable point to evaluate your response rather than a guaranteed deadline for results. Compare photos taken under consistent lighting and consider whether your melasma is becoming lighter, staying the same, or getting darker.
Combining Red Light Therapy with Other Melasma Treatments
Red light therapy should complement other melasma treatments rather than replace them. Established options such as hydroquinone, retinoids, azelaic acid, and tranexamic acid have stronger clinical evidence for reducing pigmentation, while red light therapy may target some of the same and additional biological processes through photobiomodulation.
| Treatment | How It Helps Melasma | How It Fits with RLT |
|---|---|---|
| Hydroquinone | Inhibits tyrosinase to reduce melanin production | May provide a more established pigment-targeting treatment, while red light therapy offers a noninvasive complementary approach |
| Retinoids / tretinoin | Increase skin-cell turnover and help improve uneven pigmentation | May complement red light therapy, but irritation from retinoids should be considered when planning a light therapy and skincare routine |
| Tranexamic acid | Targets pathways involved in melanogenesis and vascular activity | May complement red light therapy by targeting some melasma pathways through a different mechanism |
| Azelaic acid | Inhibits tyrosinase and helps reduce excess pigmentation | Can add an established topical pigment treatment alongside red light therapy |
| Chemical peels | Remove superficial pigmented skin and encourage skin renewal | Timing may need to be adjusted around red light therapy because freshly peeled or irritated skin can be more sensitive |
| Lasers / IPL | Use concentrated light energy to target pigment and other components of melasma | Shouldn't be treated as interchangeable with red light therapy because these higher-energy procedures work differently and typically require professional treatment |
Evidence reviews give stronger support to treatments such as hydroquinone, triple-combination cream, azelaic acid, and photoprotection, while laser and light procedures have produced more variable results. The best role for red light therapy may therefore be as one part of a broader melasma routine. Because different treatments target pigmentation through different pathways, combining approaches may help address more than one factor contributing to melasma.
Choosing a Novaalab Device for Melasma
The right Novaalab device for melasma depends on where your pigmentation appears and how much skin you want to treat at once. Melasma most commonly affects the face, but it can also develop on sun-exposed areas such as the neck, chest, and arms, making the size and shape of the treatment area important when choosing a device.
| If Your Melasma Affects . . . | Device to Consider | Why It May Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple areas of the face | Novaa Glow Therapy Mask | It provides hands-free, full-face coverage and includes 630 nm red, 580 nm yellow, and 830 nm NIR. |
| A smaller, concentrated area | Novaa Light Switch | Its Skin head makes it easier to direct treatment at a specific patch and includes red, yellow, and NIR wavelengths. |
| Larger areas beyond the face | Novaa Light Pad | Its flexible design can cover areas such as the neck, chest, or arms and provides 660 nm red + 850 nm NIR. |
The Novaa Glow Therapy Mask is the most straightforward choice for widespread facial melasma, while the Novaa Light Switch provides more precise coverage when pigmentation is concentrated in a smaller area. For melasma on larger areas of the body, the Novaa Light Pad offers broader, flexible coverage.
Building a Melasma Routine with Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy may help improve melasma, with research showing potential effects on excess melanin production, pigmentation, vascular changes, and the broader skin environment. Red, amber, and near-infrared wavelengths have all shown promise, and current evidence doesn't support the idea that NIR should automatically be avoided. However, results depend on the wavelength and dose, and red light therapy is best considered part of a broader melasma routine that includes consistent photoprotection and, when appropriate, other treatments.
If you want to incorporate photobiomodulation into your routine, Novaalab offers at-home red light therapy devices for different treatment areas, from full-face coverage with the Novaa Glow Therapy Mask to targeted treatment with the Novaa Light Switch and flexible coverage with the Novaa Light Pad. Choose a device that fits the area you want to treat, follow its recommended treatment protocol, and give your skin time to respond consistently.
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