Prepping for red light therapy?
Knowing what (if anything) to put on your skin beforehand helps you skip the irritation and get straight to the glow.
Here’s what you need to know for the best results.
Key Notes
- Start with a clean face—no products—for the best red light therapy results.
- Skincare products can block light penetration, reducing therapy effectiveness.
- Avoid retinoids, AHAs, and BHAs to prevent sensitivity during treatment.
- Post-therapy, use green tea, vitamin C, and peptides to boost results.
Should I Put Anything on My Skin Before Red Light Therapy?
The answer is simple. You don’t need to put anything on your skin before red LED light therapy treatment (or any other LED color treatment).
It’s important that you actually don’t put anything on your skin beforehand, especially if you’re using an at-home device, so you achieve the best results and don’t suffer any adverse reactions to the therapy.
If using an at-home device, cleanse your skin to get rid of excess oil, sunscreen, and makeup. If you’ve purchased an in-office treatment, you should check to be sure that the package includes a facial or some other type of cleanser.
If not, you should wash your face before you arrive so that your skin is fresh and clean, but skip the products you typically use after cleansing.
Why You Shouldn’t Put Products on Your Skin Before LED Light Therapy
Using skincare products after your red light therapy treatment is fine, but you should avoid using them before due to unforeseen side effects.
This is why:
They May Affect How Deeply the Light Penetrates Your Skin
Skincare products can significantly interfere with LED therapy by blocking or reducing light penetration into your skin cells:
- Makeup: Even thin layers can clog pores and create a physical barrier, preventing light wavelengths from reaching target skin cells effectively
- Sunscreen: Acts as a deliberate barrier against visible light, particularly formulas containing iron oxides which provide double protection
- Lotions/moisturizers: Many contain minerals like titanium oxide that reflect and scatter light away from the skin, reducing treatment effectiveness
For optimal results, always perform LED therapy on thoroughly cleansed, bare skin. Even products marketed as “lightweight” can create enough of a barrier to impact your treatment’s effectiveness.
They May Cause Adverse Reactions or Be Ineffective
Certain skincare products can make your skin light-sensitive, risking adverse reactions during treatments.
Key products to avoid include:
- Retinoids: While they don’t directly cause light sensitivity, they create delicate new skin that’s more vulnerable to damage. They can also break down under light exposure.
- AHAs/BHAs, hydroquinone, and citrus essential oils: These cause photosensitivity and should be avoided before LED therapy.
- Check your cosmetics and cleanse thoroughly, as these ingredients are common in many products.
Important: Don’t undergo LED therapy if you’re taking photosensitizing medications like Accutane or certain antibiotics, as this could cause skin inflammation.
They May Cause Irritation Due to Heat
Makeup and other products won’t just block the light from penetrating your skin, but they could also cause damage directly to your skin during red LED light therapy.
Some creams may have oils that could be heat-sensitive, so it’s important to consider this, especially if you’re using a red light therapy device close to your skin, like an LED face mask.
Heat can have a chemical effect on some products or separate their ingredients, and you don’t want that to occur and irritate your face during treatment.
They May Prevent You from Achieving Consistent Results
Different products contain different ingredients, so using various products on an irregular schedule could prevent you from achieving consistent results.
During studies of LED light therapy, it’s common for participants to have their faces cleaned before treatment to ensure that nothing affects the impact of red light therapy.
So, to get the best consistent results from red light therapy, you should have treatments consistently and stay on a consistent schedule of skincare before and after treatments.
How to Prepare Your Face For Red Light Therapy and Maximize Your Results
Here’s how to best prepare your skin for red light therapy:
1. Remove Makeup and Cleanse
As you prepare for your treatment, it’s okay to follow your usual skincare routine in the days leading up to red light therapy.
Just before your treatment, remove any makeup or dirt from your face with a gentle cleanser and then pat dry with a towel.
2. Wear Protective Eyewear
Red light therapy deals with visible light, which can hurt your eyes, so it’s a good idea to protect them by keeping them closed or covering them with specialized goggles, a cloth, or an eye mask.
Your best bet, however, is to use a device that has built-in eye protection features.
3. Start the Treatment
Once your skin has been cleansed and your eyes are properly protected, you can start your device and relax as you enjoy the treatment.
Begin with small time increments to see how your face and skin react, then you can increase the amount of sessions.
Your skin will probably feel dry after treatment, but this is normal. Feel free to continue with your regular skincare afterward.
4. Apply Your Products
After you’re done with treatment, you can turn off your device and wipe it if it’s an LED mask.
Then, fuel your skin with your skincare routine, applying products like you usually would.
Using products containing green tea, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, peptides, or retinol will help maximize your results.
Your face might be red after LED light therapy, so be sure to include a gentle moisturizer if it’s not already a part of your routine.
What Products Should You Use After Red Light Therapy?
Post-treatment is prime time to apply products that work with your skin goals.
A soothing toner, a targeted serum, and a hydrating moisturizer can amplify your results when layered thoughtfully. Choose products with complementary ingredients for the best boost to your red light glow.
Here are some ideal ingredients to consider in your post-red light therapy routine for maximizing benefits:
- Hyaluronic Acid: Great for hydration, it draws moisture into the skin, leaving it plump and fresh.
- Niacinamide: This anti-inflammatory powerhouse can help with redness, even out skin tone, and improve overall texture.
- Vitamin C: Known for brightening, it fights free radicals and boosts collagen, enhancing that post-treatment glow.
- Peptides: Support collagen production and firming, helping to smooth and strengthen skin.
- Ceramides: Essential for repairing the skin barrier, these lock in moisture, making them perfect after red light therapy.
- Aloe Vera or Green Tea Extract: Natural soothers that reduce irritation and calm the skin.
How Often Should You Do Red Light Therapy?
To get the best results with at-home LED light therapy devices, make sure you’re following the instructions carefully.
The recommended frequency is two to three 10-15 minute sessions per week, waiting at least two days between each session. You should see improvement within a month, although it might be sooner for some.
Ready To Light Up Your Skincare Results?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use red light therapy if I have sensitive skin?
Yes, red light therapy is generally safe for sensitive skin. Start with shorter sessions to gauge your skin’s reaction, and use gentle, hydrating products afterward.
Should I avoid certain foods or drinks before red light therapy?
There’s no need to avoid specific foods, but staying hydrated can improve skin response, supporting better results from the treatment.
Is it safe to use red light therapy every day?
Daily use isn’t usually recommended; most devices suggest 2-3 times per week for optimal results. Overuse can lead to diminished benefits and possible irritation.
Can I use facial oils after red light therapy?
Yes, facial oils are safe to use after red light therapy. Look for non-comedogenic oils like squalane or rosehip to lock in moisture without clogging pores.
Will red light therapy interfere with makeup if applied afterward?
No, red light therapy won’t interfere with makeup application. Just let your skincare products absorb fully before applying makeup to achieve a smooth, even finish.
Conclusion
Prepping your skin properly before red light therapy can make all the difference in your results.
Start with a clean, product-free face to ensure the light penetrates fully, then follow up with hydrating ingredients to lock in benefits.
Red light therapy is a powerful way to rejuvenate skin, and with a quality device, you can achieve lasting improvements from home.
Ready to elevate your skincare routine? Try the Lumi Visage 7-Color LED Face Mask for safe, professional-grade results that will leave your skin feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
