Shedding Light on Red Light Therapy Panels for Melasma

Melasma is a common skin condition characterised by patches of discoloration on the face, typically on the cheeks, forehead, and chin. It is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide, with women being more susceptible to its symptoms as a result of hormonal fluctuations - 10% of those affected by melasma are typically male, while the remaining 90% are often women. 

At Rojo Light Therapy, we understand the emotional impact that melasma can have on individuals. The condition can lead to feelings of self-consciousness, and low self-esteem - in a 2018 study, melasma patients reported feeling hesitant to leave the house due feelings of insecurity and self-consciousness, highlighting the emotional and broader psychological burden that the condition can have on an individual's life.  

That's why we’re committed to providing comprehensive information, alongside the potential for an alternative means of treatment to help individuals manage the appearance of melasma.

In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and rising area of treatment - focusing specifically on the use of your red light therapy panel as the accessible equipment-of-choice, in given approaches to therapy.

What is Melasma? 

The exact cause of melasma is not fully understood, but it is believed to be triggered by a combination of factors, including: 

• Hormonal Changes: Melasma can be triggered by increased levels of hormones like oestrogen and progesterone, commonly observed during pregnancy or with the use of birth control pills. These hormonal fluctuations can stimulate the overproduction of the pigment molecule melanin, leading to the development of dark patches and colouration on the skin. 

• Sun Exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun plays a significant role in the development of melasma. Sun exposure can stimulate the melanocytes in the skin to produce excess melanin, resulting in the characteristic dark patches associated with melasma. 

• Certain Medications: Some medications, including anti-seizure drugs, blood pressure medications, and retinoids, have been linked to the development of melasma. These medications can contribute to a similar overproduction of melanin in the skin, as a form of drug-induced pigmentation.

• Genetics: Melasma often has a genetic component, as it tends to run in families. Individuals with a family history of melasma are more likely to develop the condition, indicating a genetic predisposition to this skin concern. 

• Skin Type: Individuals with darker skin tones are more prone to developing melasma compared to those with lighter skin tones. Melasma is more common in individuals with darker skin tones, especially in areas with high sun exposure - alluding to a greater stimulation and prevalence of melanocytes in the skin, and a greater proportion of the skin to be afflicted with the condition as a result. This suggests that skin type plays a role in the susceptibility to melasma. 

How Can Your Red Light Therapy Panel Potentially Help To Treat Melasma

Red light therapy is believed to potentially work in melasma through a process known as photobiomodulation. As the fundamental principle bed-rocking the treatment, it’s a process that involves the absorption of NIR and red light wavelengths at the mitochondrial level via chromophore receptors - triggering a series of physiological effects involving key functions like ATP production, enhancement of cell metabolisation and more. In the context of melasma, this approach to therapy involves using specific wavelengths of red light, and their effects on melanin-producing cells in the skin. 

It’s thought to modulate the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme crucial in melanin synthesis, as well as influence gene expression and protein synthesis in the melanocytic pathway. By utilising controlled radiant exposures of precise wavelengths (such as red: 630 nm; amber: 585 and 590 nm; infrared: 830 and 850 nm), red light therapy may have the potential to reduce melanin content in the skin, which could help in managing melasma.

In a 2018 study investigating light-emitting diode (LED) treatment for patients with melasma on darker skin types, researchers aimed to address the challenge of treating this refractory skin condition in women. Conducted with 60 female participants aged between 25 and 60 years, the study enrolled individuals presenting with melasma and purposely assigned them to two groups based on their skin types. Over a period of 9 months, both groups underwent a total of 36 LED light treatments.

The findings revealed significant improvements in both subjective and objective measures of melasma. Statistical analyses corroborated these improvements, indicating a marked enhancement in the condition across both groups.

Though claims and studies suggest the potential benefits of red light therapy for melasma, it is important to note that the research in this area is still ongoing. We highly recommend consulting with a professional dermatologist to determine the most appropriate and effective treatment plan for your individual case of melasma. They can provide personalised guidance and recommendations based on your specific skin type, condition, and overall health.

Elevate Your Melasma Treatment with Rojo Light Therapy

Discover the potential benefits of red light therapy for managing melasma. Elevate your skincare routine with Rojo Light Therapy and explore how our experts can assist you in addressing your concerns. Contact us today for more information.