LED light therapy for deeper skin tones: what to know first
Deeper skin can use LED masks, but visible light can affect pigmentation. Start slower and bring your dermatologist in.
Halvia editorial team · August 27, 2026 · 6 min read
Skin with more melanin absorbs more visible light. That is part of why darker skin is more prone to dark marks after breakouts or irritation, and it is why LED guidance often adds a note for Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI.
Visible light and pigmentation
A study by Mahmoud and colleagues in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2010) found that visible light could induce pigmentation in skin types IV to VI that lasted longer than pigmentation from UVA in the same people. The study used a different light source and higher doses than an LED mask, but it is a good reason to start carefully.
A careful way to start
Talk to your dermatologist first, especially if you have melasma or a history of dark marks.
Begin with three sessions a week for the first month.
Photograph your skin in the same light each week and watch for darkening.
Stop and check in with your dermatologist if you see new darkening.
A dermatologist can help set a starting schedule for melasma-prone skin.
Why we say this up front
Halvia's product pages list Fitzpatrick types I to IV as the main fit and ask types V and VI to check with a dermatologist first. Our skin quiz asks about this and slows the suggested schedule when you tell us your skin is deep or pigment-prone.
Source: Mahmoud BH et al. Impact of long-wavelength UVA and visible light on melanocompetent skin. J Invest Dermatol. 2010;130(8):2092-2097.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk to a dermatologist about any skin condition.
Keep reading
The science · 6 min read
Red vs near-infrared light: what each wavelength does
Red light you can see. Near-infrared you cannot. Here is why most masks use both, and what the studies actually tested.
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Halvia is a design mockup created by Seed Light to demonstrate what a modern skincare website can look like. The business, its people and contact details above are fictional; any resemblance to real firms or persons is coincidental. Like what you see? WhatsApp Seed Light about a website for your business.
Demo mockup
Like this website?
Halvia is a fictional skincare demo built by Seed Light. We design and build websites like this for real Malaysian businesses.
