What should you know about LED light for melasma?

Melasma causes areas of brown or grey-brown colour, commonly on the face, and can recur when pigment-producing cells are stimulated. Visible light, ultraviolet light, heat and irritation may all matter for some people. LED devices vary by wavelength and intensity, so a cosmetic mask should not be assumed to have the same effect as a clinician-supervised device.

A darker patch is not automatically melasma. Other causes of dark patches and uneven skin tone can look similar, and treating the wrong condition may delay the right care or worsen pigmentation. Diagnosis comes before choosing light or a procedure.

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen every day and add shade, a hat and physical barriers when outdoors. Keep products gentle, because stinging and inflammation can make uneven tone more noticeable. Do not combine a new LED device with a peel, exfoliant or pigment treatment without a clinician's instructions.

If treatment is being considered, discuss skin tone, pregnancy or hormonal medicines, past pigment changes and the exact device settings. Options such as skin brightening treatment, chemical peel, microneedling or laser toning may be suitable in selected cases, but each can also irritate skin and needs careful planning.

Arrange a dermatology assessment for a new, changing, one-sided or rapidly darkening patch, or for bleeding, crusting, pain or persistent itch. Stop a light session and seek advice for blistering, marked burning, swelling or pigment that becomes noticeably darker after treatment.

Ask whether the patch is melasma, which types of light could aggravate it, and what protection is expected during treatment. Compare LED with a chemical peel, microneedling, skin brightening treatment or laser toning, including the plan for preventing rebound darkening.