The Top Ten Topical Skin Treatments To Use With Light Therapy

In a Nutshell - Some Common Questions Answered

1. What skincare steps or products should I use before and after red light therapy?

• Answer: Clean the skin before therapy. You may apply hydrating or targeted serums after the session to nourish the skin. Some products that are typically applied before a red light therapy session are: Hyaluronic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Essential Oils, CBD Oil, Azelaic Acid. These can be applied before red light therapy to hydrate, exfoliate, and soothe the skin, enhancing light penetration and effectiveness while targeting specific skin concerns like acne, dryness, or inflammation.  
  
  Some that are usually applied after red light therapy are: Aloe Vera, Castor Oil, Coconut Oil, Collagen, Copper Peptide, Green Tea, Jojoba Oil, Lotion, Methylene Blue, Retinol, Rosehip Oil, Serum, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Witch Hazel, Peptides, Antioxidants, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Ceramides, Squalane, Zinc Oxide, Beta-Glucans. These are applied after red light therapy to hydrate, soothe, repair, and protect the skin, enhancing the therapeutic effects of the treatment and promoting recovery, rejuvenation, and protection against environmental stressors.

2. How and when should I use serums with red light therapy?

• Answer: Apply serums that enhance light absorption, like those with hyaluronic acid, before therapy. Use nourishing serums after the session. A detailed list of serums, vitamins, oils and serums is given in this article towards the end. 

3. Do I really need a lotion or serum with red light therapy?

• Answer: The short answer is no. If you clean your skin before your red light therapy sessions and follow that with whatever cream or conditioner you typically use, you should be good. Anything extra would depend on your specific circumstances and a qualified dermatologist's advise.

4. How effective is red light therapy for treating acne?

• Answer: Red light therapy can reduce inflammation and bacteria in acne-prone skin, usually showing improvements after a few weeks of consistent use.

5. How effective is red light therapy for anti-aging and wrinkles?

• Answer: Red light therapy can promote collagen production, aiding in skin tightening and reducing wrinkles, with visible results often within a few months of consistent use.

6. Is red light therapy safe, and are there any side effects?

• Answer: Yes, it’s safe for most skin types. Side effects are rare but may include temporary redness or irritation.

7. How should I use red light therapy for different parts of the body?

• Answer: Position the device to target the specific body part, ensuring the light adequately covers the treatment area, for durations typically between 5-20 minutes. Choose a device wisely, look for devices that offer a large number of red and NIR wavelengths.

8. Can red light therapy help manage pain and inflammation?

• Answer: Yes, red light therapy may reduce pain and inflammation, often requiring regular sessions over several weeks for noticeable improvements.

9. How long and how often should I use red light therapy for optimal results?

• Answer: Sessions often last between 5-20 minutes, with frequencies ranging from daily to several times a week, depending on the treatment goal.

The use of lotions, creams, or serums with light therapy is a hot topic. Many products are advertised as preparing your skin for light therapy or strengthening and accelerating its results. Are these claims true?

In this article, we will discuss the merits of topical skin treatments and identify the top ten products to use on your skin to supplement light therapy.

Do Topical Skin Treatments Affect the Results of Light Therapy?

Not necessarily. Skin creams, lotions, and serums can be effective in their own right; however, light therapy acts independently by penetrating your skin with light wavelengths to create a biological reaction. Some products, however can exfoliate or hydrate the skin before red light therapy, thereby increasing penetration.

Blue light penetrates your dermis (just below your skin’s surface). It kills acne-causing bacteria, reduces cellulite, decreases the appearance of spider veins, and heals superficial wounds and scars.

The longer wavelengths of red LED and near-infrared (NIR) light penetrate more deeply, reaching the mitochondria of your cells to increase cellular energy. This activates the production of collagen and elastin, proteins essential for keeping your skin firm and young-looking. Light therapy induces anti-aging and healing through your body’s natural processes.

Blue and red are the most common forms of light therapy, but others are also available. Each has its own set of uses and benefits based upon wavelength.

No matter what type of light therapy you use, it acts on its own. The results of light therapy are unrelated to other skin products used.

Most topical skin products claiming to be specially formulated for light therapy contain the same basic ingredients as other lotions but are more expensive. You can compare ingredient lists and see for yourself that “light therapy” skin serums have the same fundamental composition as other skin products.

Although topical skin products do not impact the results of light therapy, they can act as an effective supplement.

Should You Use a Topical Skin Treatment Before LED Light Therapy? During? After?

You typically don't need to use any type of skin lotion, cream, or serum before or during light therapy. This is true whether you are using an acne mask, wand, light panel, or any other device. Except, like mentioned above, in cases where you have been advised by a dermatologist.

Light therapy is most effective when there is nothing between your skin and the light being radiated upon it. Topical skin treatments can create a barrier. Some creams, makeup, and sunscreens may even contain ingredients that are light reflective and prevent your skin from absorbing light optimally.

Immediately before a light therapy session, you should cleanse your skin with a gentle product free of perfumes and dyes (or other drying agents). Gently pat your skin dry and do not apply any topical treatments. Clean, fresh skin during light therapy yields the best results.

After treatment, you can apply a gentle moisturizer. It is best to refrain from intense, targeted serums directly following treatment.

The Top Ten Topical Skin Treatments To Use Before or After A Light Therapy Session

Topical Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent cancer, promotes collagen production, treats scars, and provides anti-aging benefits [1]. It helps reverse the effects of sun damage [2], keeps your skin firm and smooth, and boosts the effectiveness of sunscreen.

• Use: Commonly used post-therapy.
• Note: Vitamin C can enhance the skin-rejuvenating and brightening effects of red light therapy by offering antioxidant benefits.

Suggested Reading: Vitamin C and Red Light Therapy: Can They Work Together?

Topical Vitamin D

Vitamin D from the sun comes with harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Topical vitamin D provides the same benefits to your skin without any damage. Vitamin D is especially effective for treating skin rashes, eczema, psoriasis, and healing burns. [3] It increases the growth of skin cells and improves their metabolism.

Topical Vitamin E

Vitamin E signals your skin to fight free radicals, pollutants, and UV rays that damage your skin [2]. It is a great source of hydration and anti-aging [1]. Vitamin E deeply penetrates your skin to provide a broad defense against aging, and to minimize the appearance of existing fine lines and wrinkles. It is widely believed that Vitamin E is powerful for healing scars; however, there is not yet enough scientific evidence to validate this assertion.

• Use: Generally applied post-therapy.
• Note: Vitamin E may complement the skin-healing effects of red light therapy by providing additional antioxidant support.

Topical Vitamin K

Vitamin K is especially effective for healing scars and wounds [4], reducing swelling, and decreasing the incidence of bruising [5].

A note about vitamin creams: Topical vitamins provide your skin with 20 times the level of absorption of oral vitamins, making them highly effective. However, only your skin is reaping the benefits. Oral vitamin supplements are still recommended for overall health.

Collagen

Because collagen has a large molecular structure, topical treatments have difficulty penetrating the skin. Topical collagen application does not necessarily elevate collagen levels within the skin; however, it contains vitamin A, vitamin C, and safflower oil, which all prevent the breakdown of existing collagen. Thus, collagen creams are a good means of collagen maintenance.

• Use: Products are often applied post-therapy.
• Note: Collagen products may enhance the skin-rejuvenating effects of red light therapy by supporting skin elasticity and health.

Retinol

Retinol is derived from Vitamin A. It is well-known as an effective acne treatment and for reducing wrinkles and sun damage. [6] One downside is that some retinol products can be harsh on the skin.

• Use: Generally used post-therapy.
• Note: Retinol can complement the anti-aging effects of red light therapy but should be used cautiously to prevent potential irritation.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent rich in antioxidants. It is a non-irritating acne treatment, has skin cancer prevention capabilities, and can also relieve the painful itch of eczema and other skin conditions. [7]

Omega Fatty Acids

Omega fatty acids cannot be produced by your body. They are found in fish, flaxseed, and plant and nut oils. When applied topically, omega fatty acids can help maintain smooth skin, increase hydration, and strengthen skin against environmental damage.

Aloe Vera

Natural aloe vera gel from the aloe cactus plant contains vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and amino acids. Aloe relieves burns (including sunburn), treats cold sores, reduces inflammation, and soothes the effects of eczema and rashes. [8]

• Use: Often applied post-therapy.
• Note: Known for its soothing and healing properties, aloe vera can help calm the skin after red light therapy, aiding in recovery and hydration.

Sunscreen

Never underestimate the importance of sunscreen. Protecting yourself from harmful UV rays is the ultimate proactive, preventative anti-aging method.