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What to Use with Red Light Therapy

Written by Our Editorial Team
6 MIN

When incorporating red light therapy into your skincare regimen, it's essential to pair it with the right products to maximize results.

As this non-invasive treatment stimulates collagen production and promotes cell regeneration, choosing the right skincare ingredients to complement the therapy can amplify its benefits, leading to smoother, firmer skin.

So, if you find yourself thinking about what to use with red light therapy, let this guide lead the way.

What this article covers:

Why Pairing Products with Red Light Therapy Matters
Ideal Skincare Ingredients to Use Before Red Light
Ideal Skincare Ingredients to Use After Red Light
What to Avoid Before or After Red Light Sessions
Qure-Recommended Products for Use with the Q-Rejuvalight Pro
Common Myths About Product Interference

Why Pairing Products with Red Light Therapy Matters

Red light therapy leverages low-wavelength red light, typically in the range of 600-650 nanometers, to penetrate the skin's epidermal and dermal layers.

This light stimulates the mitochondria within skin cells, increasing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, which accelerates cellular repair, collagen synthesis, and overall skin regeneration. As a result, it can improve skin elasticity, reduce fine lines, and promote a more even skin tone.

However, red light therapy works most effectively when paired with complementary skincare products, creating a synergy that maximizes its cellular benefits.

The right skincare ingredients enhance the skin's natural ability to absorb and respond to red light.

By selecting formulations with scientifically backed, skin-compatible ingredients, you ensure that the therapy is supported both on a molecular and skin surface level.

This results in a treatment process that not only addresses immediate concerns like fine lines or redness but also builds long-term skin resilience and vibrancy.

Curious to know more about what does red led light do for skin? Check out our guide.

Ideal Skincare Ingredients to Use Before Red Light

Before using red light therapy, choose products that hydrate, firm, and calm the skin to prepare it for the treatment and boost its efficacy.

Hyaluronic Acid for Hydration

Hyaluronic acid is a game-changer when it comes to maintaining skin moisture. Its ability to attract and retain water makes it an essential ingredient for keeping the skin plump and hydrated, ensuring that red light therapy is working on well-moisturized skin.

When your skin is hydrated, red light can penetrate more effectively, leading to better results.

Pairing hyaluronic acid with red light therapy ensures the skin is not only receptive to the light's benefits but also nourished enough to support cellular repair and regeneration.

Peptides for Firming Support

Peptides are chains of amino acids that help boost collagen and elastin production in the skin. These proteins are critical for maintaining the skin's strength, elasticity, and firmness, making them an ideal partner for red light therapy.

When used before red light treatments, peptides can promote stronger skin structure and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The combination of peptides and red light therapy is particularly effective for addressing signs of aging, helping to restore a firmer, more youthful appearance over time.

Niacinamide for Calming

Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, is a powerhouse ingredient known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can help calm irritated or red skin and even out tone, making it perfect for those with sensitive or reactive skin concerns.

When used before red light therapy, niacinamide can reduce potential redness or irritation and ensure a smoother, more even texture.

Niacinamide's calming effects can also enhance the skin's natural barrier, creating an optimal environment for red light therapy to work its magic.

Ideal Skincare Ingredients to Use After Red Light

After a red light therapy session, your skin is primed for healing and rejuvenation. The right post-treatment products can enhance these effects, locking in moisture and supporting the skin's recovery.

Antioxidant-rich Serums

Antioxidants like vitamin C and E are essential for neutralizing free radicals that cause skin aging. Applying a serum rich in antioxidants after red light therapy can help protect the skin from oxidative stress, speed up the recovery process, and improve skin texture.

These serums enhance the healing process, making the most of the regenerative benefits of red light therapy.

Barrier-repair Moisturizers

Since red light therapy stimulates cell turnover, it's important to use a nourishing moisturizer afterward to lock in hydration and support the skin's barrier function.

Barrier-repair moisturizers containing ceramides or fatty acids can help restore the skin's lipid layers, preventing moisture loss and reducing the risk of dryness or irritation.

What to Avoid Before or After Red Light Sessions

While certain ingredients can enhance red light therapy, others can interfere with the process, leading to less effective or even counterproductive results.

Here are some ingredients to avoid when using red light therapy.

Retinoids and AHAs

Retinoids and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are commonly used for their exfoliating and anti-aging properties. However, they can cause skin sensitivity, especially when exposed to light.

Using these ingredients before or after red light therapy could increase the risk of irritation, redness, or dryness. It's best to avoid them for at least 24 hours before and after treatment.

Photosensitizing Ingredients

Certain ingredients, like citrus extracts, benzoyl peroxide, and hydroquinone, can make the skin more sensitive to light.

Since red light therapy is designed to activate cellular functions by stimulating the skin with light, these ingredients may lead to increased irritation or hyperpigmentation when combined with the treatment.

Avoiding these before and after therapy ensures your skin can fully benefit from the light without unwanted side effects.

Qure-Recommended Products for Use with the Q-Rejuvalight Pro

At Qure, we're committed to providing clinical-grade skincare that pairs perfectly with red light therapy. Our Q-Rejuvalight Pro red light mask is designed to amplify the benefits of light therapy, offering an effective, at-home solution for enhanced skin rejuvenation.

For an added boost, pair the Q-Rejuvalight Pro with our hypochlorous acid spray, a soothing, hydrating mist that prepares your skin for treatment and locks in moisture afterward.

For an extra dose of support, our micro dart patches deliver targeted peptides and active ingredients directly into the skin, enhancing the effects of red light therapy.

Common Myths About Product Interference

There are several misconceptions about using skincare products with red light therapy, including the belief that all products will interfere with light penetration or render treatments ineffective.

In reality, many products work synergistically with red light therapy to enhance its effects. For example, products that support hydration or firming can help the skin better absorb and respond to the treatment.

It's also important to remember that while some ingredients should be avoided, like retinoids or photosensitizing agents, many clinical-grade ingredients (hyaluronic acid, peptides, and niacinamide) are safe and beneficial when used with red light therapy.

Conclusion

Incorporating red light therapy into your skincare routine can significantly enhance skin health, but pairing it with the right products is essential to maximize its potential.

From hydration to firming support, choosing the right ingredients and formulations can amplify the therapy's results and support your skin's overall health.

At Qure, our commitment to clinically-tested, dermatologist-approved products ensures that every treatment you receive is backed by science and designed for sensitive skin.

Our Q-Rejuvalight Pro red light mask and other recommended products will help you build a comprehensive skincare routine that supports both short-term results and long-lasting skin health.

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