Noticing age spots popping up like uninvited guests? You’re not alone. So, does Red Light Therapy fade age spots? Short answer: yes, it can soften and lighten them over time, but it won’t erase them. If you're curious about how it works, how long results take, and whether it’s worth adding to your routine, keep reading.

Can Red Light Therapy Fade Age Spots?
An Indirect Approach to a More Even Skin Tone
Red Light Therapy isn’t a magic eraser, but it does nudge the skin toward a brighter, more balanced look. Many people jump online looking at red light therapy hyperpigmentation before and after photos hoping for dramatic transformation. What RLT really does is improve the overall health of the skin. When the skin functions better, age spots naturally become less noticeable.
Understanding Age Spots (Solar Lentigines)
What Causes These Patches of Hyperpigmentation?
Age spots are the result of years of UV exposure, which overstimulates pigment-producing cells. They show up on the face, hands, chest, and shoulders which is why so many people specifically wonder whether red light therapy fades age spots on the face. Add in genetics, hormones, and the natural ageing process, and those little brown patches settle in and refuse to leave.
How Red Light Therapy Can Improve the Appearance of Age Spots
It's Not a Spot Remover, It's a Skin Health Booster
If you think of RLT as a gentle long-term support system rather than a targeted removal tool, you’ll have the right expectations. It boosts your skin’s repair processes, which indirectly softens the look of dark spots.
Mechanism 1: Promoting Healthier, More Even Skin Cell Turnover
RLT encourages your skin to shed older, pigment-packed cells more efficiently. Over time, this can help the complexion look smoother. This gradual change is why comparing red light therapy hyperpigmentation before and after photos can sometimes look impressive… and sometimes subtle.
Mechanism 2: Reducing Inflammation that Can Lead to Pigmentation
Inflammation is a major driver of uneven tone. RLT calms the skin, helping prevent those stubborn patches from becoming darker or more defined.
Mechanism 3: Boosting Collagen for a Healthier Complexion Overall
Collagen won’t break down pigment, but it transforms the surrounding skin. When everything looks firmer and brighter, spots look softer by comparison.

Red Light Therapy vs. Targeted Pigmentation Treatments
RLT vs. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
IPL goes after pigment aggressively with high-energy light pulses. It works fast and can be dramatic. If you’re asking what color light therapy for dark spots, IPL would be the “strong” option. RLT takes a calmer approach, it doesn’t attack pigment directly but improves the skin around it.
RLT vs. Chemical Peels and Lasers
Chemical peels and resurfacing lasers remove layers of skin to reveal fresher, lighter-looking tissue. They can deliver big results but come with downtime and higher risk. RLT, by contrast, works slowly in the background, supporting the skin without irritation.
Setting Realistic Expectations
RLT Can Make Skin Brighter and Healthier, Making Spots Less Noticeable
RLT often improves brightness, texture, and hydration before pigmentation changes. It’s the overall glow that makes age spots blend in, which many people love even if the spots don’t vanish entirely.
Why It Won't Erase Dark Spots Completely
Age spots sit deep in the pigment layers, and RLT doesn’t break apart melanin. If you’re aiming for total removal, targeted devices like IPL or fractional lasers are the better match.
How to Use RLT for Uneven Skin Tone
The Importance of Consistency
People often ask how long red light therapy fades age spots, and the answer depends entirely on routine. Most users notice a more even tone around 6–12 weeks. It’s a slow build, like strength training for your skin rather than a sprint.
Combining RLT with a Skincare Routine for Hyperpigmentation
Pairing RLT with a smart routine helps you get better results. Vitamin C boosts brightness. Niacinamide regulates pigment. Retinol supports cell turnover. And daily sunscreen stops new spots from forming. RLT is the supportive friend that makes everything else work better.

Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see an improvement in skin tone?
Most people notice subtle brightness in 4–6 weeks and more visible softening of age spots after 8–12 weeks.
Can red light therapy make age spots darker?
Not typically. If anything looks darker immediately after treatment, it’s usually due to increased circulation and fades quickly.
Is green light therapy better for pigmentation?
Green light is sometimes used for surface pigmentation concerns, but RLT is still the most researched option for overall complexion support and skin health.