Best Skincare to Use with Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy (RLT) has quickly become one of the most popular non-invasive treatments for achieving radiant, youthful skin. From celebrities showcasing LED masks on social media to dermatologists recommending it for acne, fine lines, and wound healing, it’s clear that red light therapy is more than just a passing trend.

But here’s the secret that many people overlook: the skincare you use before and after red light therapy can dramatically affect your results. Choosing the right products will not only maximize the benefits of each session but also help protect your skin and avoid unnecessary irritation.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll cover why skincare matters when using red light therapy, the best products to pair with it, what ingredients to avoid, and how to create a routine that works in harmony with your LED treatments.

Why Skincare Matters with Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy works by using low-level wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to penetrate the skin. These wavelengths stimulate the mitochondria in your cells—the “powerhouses” responsible for producing ATP (energy). With more energy available, your skin can repair itself faster, boost collagen and elastin production, and reduce inflammation.

However, the condition of your skin when you step into an RLT session plays a huge role in how effective the light will be. If your skin is covered in heavy creams or makeup, the light may not penetrate as deeply. On the other hand, using complementary skincare products like antioxidants and hydrating serums can amplify the results, making your treatments even more effective.

Skincare to Use Before Red Light Therapy

Before your session, your skin should be clean, hydrated, and prepped for maximum light absorption.

1. Gentle Cleanser

Start with a mild, sulfate-free cleanser to remove dirt, sunscreen, and makeup. Cleansing ensures there’s no barrier between the light and your skin, allowing for deeper penetration. Avoid harsh foaming cleansers that strip the skin, as they can leave your face feeling tight and irritated.

Good options include: cream cleansers, micellar water, or hydrating gel cleansers.

2. Antioxidant Serums

Red light therapy stimulates repair and regeneration, and pairing it with antioxidants can give your skin extra protection against free radicals. Popular antioxidants include:

• Vitamin C – brightens and boosts collagen synthesis.

• Niacinamide – calms redness, supports the skin barrier, and reduces pore appearance.

• Green tea extract – known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory effects.

• Resveratrol – a potent antioxidant that protects skin from environmental stressors.

3. Hydrating Serums

Hydration enhances the effects of RLT because plump, well-hydrated skin allows light to penetrate more effectively. Serums with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera are ideal.

💡 Tip: Stick to lightweight, water-based serums before treatment. Thick creams and oils may block some of the light from reaching deeper layers.

Skincare to Use After Red Light Therapy

Once your session is done, your skin is in a state of repair. This is the perfect time to nourish and protect it with the right products.

1. Moisturizer

Use a moisturizer to lock in hydration and support your skin barrier. Look for formulas with:

• Ceramides – strengthen the skin’s protective barrier.

• Peptides – signal your skin to build more collagen and elastin.

• Squalane – lightweight hydration that mimics natural skin oils.

2. Sunscreen (Daytime Only)

Even though red light therapy itself doesn’t emit UV rays, your skin will be more active and vulnerable after treatment. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is essential if you’re heading out during the day.

3. Soothing Serums

If your skin feels a little warm or reactive after RLT, calming ingredients like aloe vera, centella asiatica (cica), and panthenol can help reduce sensitivity and support healing.

 

Ingredients to Avoid with Red Light Therapy

While some products complement RLT beautifully, others can cause irritation when used too close to your session.

• Retinoids (Retinol, Tretinoin, Retinaldehyde) – These powerful anti-aging ingredients increase cell turnover, which can make your skin more sensitive when combined with light therapy. Use them at night on non-RLT days.

• AHAs and BHAs (Glycolic, Lactic, Salicylic Acid) – Chemical exfoliants may cause redness or dryness when layered with light therapy. Save them for alternate evenings.

• Benzoyl Peroxide – Often used for acne, but it can interfere with the benefits of light therapy and cause dryness.

• Harsh Physical Scrubs – Exfoliating scrubs leave skin vulnerable and can increase irritation post-treatment.

Sample Skincare Routine with Red Light Therapy

To help you put it all together, here’s a sample routine designed for someone using red light therapy a few times per week.

Morning Routine (with Red Light Therapy)

1. Gentle cleanser

2. Red light therapy session

3. Antioxidant serum (Vitamin C or Niacinamide)

4. Hydrating serum (Hyaluronic acid)

5. Lightweight moisturizer

6. Broad-spectrum SPF 30+

Evening Routine (no RLT)

1. Gentle cleanser

2. Exfoliating serum (AHA/BHA) or Retinol (if tolerated)

3. Nourishing moisturizer

Weekly Add-Ons

• Sheet masks with hydrating ingredients after RLT for an added boost.

• Barrier repair creams on nights when your skin feels sensitive.