Does Lotion Block Red Light Therapy? Effects on Light Penetration

Introduction: Does Lotion Block Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy is a safe, non-invasive procedure that involves the application of certain wavelengths of light. Red light therapy has gained a lot of popularity among people looking for young, healthy-looking skin and those who want to try an alternative to conventional treatments. You must have heard of its numerous advantages - eradication of inflammation, increased blood flow, and cellular regeneration. Red light therapy helps your body cells function efficiently and naturally enhances your overall health and skin condition.

Though most people like its advantages, a frequent question is - does lotion block red light therapy? The answer is a simple yes. It is usually best to have bare, clean skin prior to red light therapy. Due to the different ingredients in lotions, however, the outcome can vary. Some lotions will slow down the penetration of the light through the skin, while others will not significantly affect it. This article describes how various lotions might influence red light therapy and what to think about before using anything on your skin.

How Red Light Therapy Works

Red light therapy applies precise red and near-infrared light wavelengths to the skin. It is drug-free and non-invasive. The wavelengths initially radiate on the skin's surface before penetrating deeper tissue layers to energize natural healing mechanisms.

Red light therapy energizes the operation of mitochondria, which are the energy-producing organelles that are dedicated to generating adenosine triphosphate (ATP).[1] ATP is the cellular energy currency and powers critical cellular functions, such as repair and regeneration.

Red light therapy facilitates the healing of traumatized cells by promoting mitochondrial function and increasing ATP production.[2] It also enhances blood flow, enabling cells - particularly traumatized cells - to be supplied with more oxygen and nutrients, thus promoting faster healing.

Moreover, red light therapy relaxes the immune system by decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are associated with most diseases.[3] It naturally decreases pain and increases the synthesis of crucial proteins, such as collagen and elastin, as well as necessary hormones like melatonin and dopamine.

Unlike UV radiation, red light does not burn or damage the skin. Rather, it invigorates natural healing by enhancing blood circulation and stimulating new cell growth. Red light therapy is therefore used extensively for skincare, pain reduction, and muscle repair.

What the Research Says

While direct clinical trials on lotions as barriers to red light therapy are limited, studies on photobiomodulation highlight the importance of unobstructed light delivery to the skin for optimal mitochondrial stimulation and ATP production.[1] Research indicates that topical barriers, such as oils or occlusive agents, can scatter or absorb light, reducing penetration depth.[4] One study on low-intensity light therapy emphasized that clean skin surfaces allow for better absorption by cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria, enhancing cellular energy processes.[3]

Emerging evidence also suggests that certain lightweight enhancers, like green tea extracts, may improve light efficacy when applied sparingly, but heavy lotions generally diminish results.[5] For skin conditions, consistent bare-skin application in trials has shown reliable improvements in collagen synthesis and inflammation reduction.[2]

Types of Lotions and Their Ingredients

Mostly, people apply lotion to get soft, comforting skin, and its basic role is to restore the moisture of the skin. But there are various types of lotions, each with a definite function, and they differ in composition as well. The following are some of the most common types:

Moisturizing Lotions

These moisturizers contain ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter. They can create a thin layer on the skin to protect it against environmental pollutants, but this will also slightly decrease light absorption.

Anti-Aging Lotions

They are applied to achieve younger, smoother, and firmer skin. They have active ingredients such as retinol, peptides, and antioxidants. Some of them can absorb a little bit of light energy, but the majority are safe when they are completely absorbed before red light therapy. For more on this, see our article on serums and red light therapy.

Prescription or Medicinal Lotions

These are used to treat conditions such as fungal infections, burns, and allergies. They can have steroids, antifungals, or other active drugs that can form a barrier or hinder red light absorption based on the composition.

Cosmetic or Fragrance Lotions

Also applied to the skin to impart a temporary glow and luster. They usually include perfumes, dyes, and silicone-type compounds, which can create a surface barrier that either reflects or absorbs red light.

Do Lotions Affect Light Penetration?

Yes, some lotions can influence the penetration of red light into the skin. For red light therapy to be effective, the appropriate amount of light must reach deep into the tissues to trigger healing. Lotions cause a layer on your skin - thick or thin - to affect light penetration potentially.

Lotions can reflect, absorb, or scatter some of the light before it reaches deeper layers. The ones with heavy oils, sunscreens, or reflective substances such as zinc oxide can actually block or diminish light absorption considerably. Lightweight lotions that quickly absorb, however, might have very little or no effect.

But in most cases, it is best to rinse off any kind of lotion prior to red light therapy. Bare, clean skin allows for the low waves of red and near-infrared light to penetrate more easily into your tissues.

Should You Use Lotion Before, After, or During Red Light Therapy?

Many ask whether you should apply lotion before or after red light therapy. Here is a clear and concise answer: you shouldn't apply lotion before or during red light therapy, as it will form a barrier that prevents the red light from penetrating your skin properly.

The best time to use lotion is immediately after a session if that's your choice. This will allow the light's benefits to penetrate fully into your skin first. Certain individuals may experience dry skin after red light therapy; applying lotion afterward helps keep the skin moist and smooth. Without detracting from the therapy's efficacy, a soothing, moisturizing lotion can also calm the skin and support healing.

Lotion Types That May Block Red Light

Certain lotions will absorb the majority of the red and near-infrared light, so you should avoid using them before red light therapy. Typical lotion types that can reduce or block the penetration of red light are listed below:

In addition to reflecting and scattering light, sunscreen lotions containing physical sunblocks like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide will also significantly reduce the absorption of red light. Mineral oil, petroleum jelly, or lanolin are examples of heavy-oil-containing moisturizing creams that can leave a greasy film on the skin, preventing light from penetrating deeper tissues.

Additionally, since silicone or filler-filled cosmetic lotions can either reflect light or create a barrier on the skin, they should be avoided. Avoid using any of your prescribed medical lotions right before applying them.

Best Practices for Red Light Therapy Sessions

To get the most benefit out of red light therapy, just follow these simple steps:

Start with Clean, Dry Skin

Wash your body or face before treatment. Remove all lotion, makeup, sunscreen, and oil from your skin. Clean skin allows the light to travel deep into your tissues without any disruption.

Remove Clothing Over the Treatment Area

Expose the area you want to treat. Red light cannot penetrate clothing, so bare skin is required for effective results.

Stand at the Right Distance

Place your body 6 to 12 inches away from the light source, unless otherwise specified in your device instructions. This provides enough distance for the light to reach your skin effectively and safely.

Be Consistent

For optimal results, treat with red light 3 to 5 times a week. Sessions can be anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your condition and the equipment being used. Find out when is the best time to do red light therapy.

Avoid Lotions Prior to Therapy

As discussed above, lotions prevent light from entering. If necessary, moisturize following your treatment to calm and hydrate your skin.

Protect Your Eyes (If Necessary)

Certain red light devices are potent. When treating areas near your eyes, cover up with protective goggles, particularly if your eyes become sensitive to light. Learn more about eye safety during red light therapy.

Conclusion: Should You Use Lotion or Not?

Does Applying Lotion on the Face Block Red Light Therapy?

Yes, applying lotion on the face can create a thin or thick layer on your skin that may block or reduce the effectiveness of red and near-infrared light. So, if you are using red light therapy to achieve rejuvenated, smooth, and firm skin, it's best to avoid using lotions beforehand. This is especially true for lotions that contain oils, silicones, or sunscreen ingredients like zinc oxide. Always wipe off or cleanse your skin of any lotion before starting the therapy for best results.

What Do Users Share on Reddit About the Question: Does Lotion Block Red Light Therapy?

Users on Reddit have shared different perspectives about using lotions before red light therapy. Many report that thick or occlusive lotions, like those with petroleum jelly, reduce penetration and lessen results, while lightweight moisturizers may have minimal impact if fully absorbed. Some mention using green tea serums to potentially enhance effects. However, the general consensus among most users is that clean, dry skin works best to ensure maximum light penetration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you use moisturizer with red light therapy?

You shouldn't use moisturizer before red light therapy because it can block the light. It's better to apply it after the session to keep your skin hydrated.

What blocks red light therapy?

Anything that acts as a barrier on the skin can block red light therapy, such as sunscreen, thick lotions, oils, makeup, and clothing. Ingredients like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and silicones are especially known to reflect or absorb red light.

What should not be used with red light therapy?

You should avoid using lotions, oils, and clothing during red light therapy. Certain medications, such as anti-acne drugs, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs, should also be avoided unless approved by a healthcare professional. For example, it's important to know if you can use red light therapy with Tretinoin.

Do you need lotion for a red light therapy bed?

No, you don't need lotion for a red light therapy bed. In fact, it's better to avoid applying any lotion before your session, as it can block or reduce light absorption.

References

1. Low-Intensity Light Therapy: Exploring the Role of Redox Mechanisms
2. Near-infrared light increases ATP, extends lifespan and improves...
3. Mechanisms and Mitochondrial Redox Signaling in...
4. Effect of LED therapy for the treatment nipple fissures...
5. Reddit Discussion: Using moisturizer before red light therapy