Best Skincare Products to Use with LED Light Therapy

Written by Our Editorial Team
6 MIN

IN THIS ARTICLE:

Many of us are discovering the incredible benefits of LED light therapy for skincare. With Red and Blue light therapies becoming increasingly popular.

Red light therapy offers benefits such as reducing fine lines, sagging skin, sun damage and wrinkles, along with stimulating the production of collagen for improved skin elasticity, and a more youthful appearance. Blue light therapy is primarily used to reduce acne breakouts and inflammation, along with preventing scarring.

But the most frequently asked question is, can you use LED light therapy along with your everyday skincare products?

If you are like most people, you have a set skincare regime and at least one or two hero products you can’t live without! It may be that favourite magic serum or your perfecting eye cream, and you depend on these products to feel your best. But, you’ve heard nothing but good things about at home LED light therapy devices leaving you eager to try.

Wondering if LED light therapy will enhance the results of your hero skincare products when combined, or whether it will cause problems? Continue reading to learn which skincare products are most effective paired with LED light therapy, and what should be avoided.

Before anything else, it’s important to understand the basics of how LED light therapy works. LED means light-emitting diode. It works by emitting lights in different wavelengths/spectrums, which have different skincare benefits. For more information on how it works check out this article.

People turn to LED light therapy to fix skin problems such as acne as well as reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Each light targets specific areas and skin concerns. Red light therapy is used for fine lines and wrinkles. Blue lights are used to improve acne and prevent breakouts by killing the acne-causing bacteria. Knowing the difference between LED lights will help you determine which treatment best suits your needs to achieve the greatest results.

How Skincare Products React to LED Light Therapy

The reactions skincare products have to LED lights does vary depending on their chemical formulas and the type of light being used. It is very important to review the best practices for applying your preferred skincare and beauty products before, during and after LED light therapy.

Serums and Eye Creams

Fine lines in the delicate skin around the eyes can be reduced overtime using red light therapy treatments. Incorporating an anti-aging eye cream or serum after your LED light therapy session may help speed up the results. For best results, try to use products containing Vitamin C, Retinol or Peptides.

BHAs and Salicylic Acid

Beta Hydroxy Acids, better known as BHAs, penetrate deep into your skin to dry out excess oils and exfoliate dead skin cells to unclog your pores. Often included in cleansers, ointments and creams designed to prevent and treat acne. BHAs can cause skin sensitivity. Products containing BHAs can work well in conjunction with blue light therapy when treating breakouts. Although, many people choose blue light therapy alone to treat acne, as their skin is too sensitive for BHAs.

Retinol

Retinoid popularity has quickly grown over the last few years. This common anti-aging ingredient is known to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen along with encouraging cell regrowth and replacement. Retinol is a great ingredient to use before bed, and found in products like moisturisers and serums. Combining retinol and LED light therapy together was previously considered inadvisable. However, science has now shown us that products containing retinol are safe to use after a LED light therapy session, not before.

Make up

It is always encouraged to ensure your skin is washed prior to LED light therapy treatments however, make up should not interfere with the effects of the LEDs. It is important to note one exception. If your foundation or any other product applied to your face before your treatment contains sunscreen it will block some of the light waves.

Sunscreen Interferes with LED Light Therapy

When you are using any skincare product in combination with LED light therapy, it is very important to keep in mind and always check the ingredients for sunscreens. As mentioned earlier, sunscreen will block a broad range of light waves and this will reduce the effects of your LED light therapy treatment. Meaning it will take longer to see the desired results. Be sure to read the labels on all skincare products, particularly, make up and moisturiser. If they contain sunscreen, wash your skin thoroughly prior to any light therapy treatment.

How Do You Prepare Your Skin for LED Light Therapy?

Taking care of your skin is the best way you can prepare your skin for LED Light Therapy. Ensuring you stay hydrated, get sufficient sleep, eat for health, and limit exposure to the sun. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser before using your at home LED light therapy device, or alternatively, use the device at the start of the day before applying any products to your face. A handy hint, take some before and after photos so you can track your progress along your journey to new skin!