For LED light therapy, the best serums are lightweight, water-based, and free of heavy occlusives or silicones that block light penetration. Top LED-specific choices include hydrating and activating formulas, but pure hyaluronic acid applied before or after your session is always highly effective.
“TL;DR: For optimal results with low-power LED masks, skin should be clean before red/infrared light therapy to minimise reflection and maximise light absorption. Applying serums, creams, or make-up beforehand increases reflection, reducing effectiveness.
We recommend applying your serums and moisturisers as usual after using the mask. Can I use my normal skin care products with LED mask? Yes! After using your LED mask, apply your serums and moisturisers as normal.
Retinoids and AHAs
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.
While RLT emits non-UV light, it can still interact with the body in ways that affect light-sensitive people. In conditions like lupus, the immune system is already hyper-reactive, and introducing another light stimulus may worsen symptoms or provoke unpredictable responses.
"Silent lupus" usually refers to Silent Lupus Nephritis, a condition where lupus damages the kidneys despite a complete lack of outward symptoms, visible urine abnormalities, or standard blood test flags. The only way to definitively detect it is through a renal biopsy.
Red light therapy (RLT) is a popular tool in dermatology to address several skin concerns and conditions. Its effects on inflammation and cell function have expanded its potential treatment applications to autoimmune diseases, chronic pain, and a variety of other health conditions.
For the best LED light therapy results, apply a light, water-based serum, such as pure hyaluronic acid or green tea. Apply it before treatment if you are using a wand, or after treatment if you are wearing an LED face mask on clean, dry skin.
Instead of aggressive retinoids, Korean skincare prioritizes prevention and long-term barrier health. K-beauty focuses on repairing, hydrating, and stimulating the skin with gentle, plant-based, and antioxidant-rich alternatives.
No, infrared light does not produce vitamin D. The synthesis of vitamin D in the body requires ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, which has a shorter wavelength and higher energy than infrared light.
Best after LED: Peptides, niacinamide, targeted treatments for pigmentation or aging, barrier-support serums, and yes even retinol or vitamin C if your skin tolerates it. Your skin is primed and receptive post-LED.
Red Light Therapy (620-700nm) – Best for Anti-Aging & Pain Relief
Yes, preliminary evidence suggests that red light therapy (RLT) and near-infrared light can help lower and balance cortisol levels. By promoting cellular energy and activating the parasympathetic ("rest and digest") nervous system, RLT helps counteract chronic stress.
The best thing to put on your face before red light therapy is nothing at all. For maximum effectiveness, your skin should be freshly cleansed and completely bare—free of makeup, sunscreen, and heavy creams.
Yes, you can absolutely use hyaluronic acid with red light therapy. However, for the best results, you should apply the hyaluronic acid after your red light therapy session, not before.
Pairing with Wrong Ingredients
Never combine Vitamin C serum with AHAs, BHAs, retinol, niacinamide, and benzol peroxide in the same routine. It can lead to skin flaking, drying, and irritation. Dermatologists instead recommend choosing serums with 2 or more antioxidants.
Why is Crystal Retinal the industry's best-kept secret? Board-certified dermatologist @derm. talk breaks down the science of Retinaldehyde: the Vitamin A powerhouse that works 11x faster than retinol*.
The best anti-aging serums are chosen based on the specific skin concern being targeted, whether it's fine lines, hyperpigmentation, or loss of elasticity. Dermatologists generally recommend focusing on scientifically backed ingredients like Retinol, Vitamin C, and Hyaluronic Acid to visibly reduce wrinkles and boost collagen.
Our Top Picks from the Best Korean Skin-Care Brands
In most cases, apply serums after red light therapy, not before. Using LED on clean skin allows light to penetrate effectively, and applying serum afterward supports the skin's repair and hydration process.
The serum closest to Botox, often called "Botox in a bottle," is The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10%, which uses Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 to relax facial muscles and reduce dynamic expression lines. Another top contender is SkinCeuticals P-TIOX, a premium, physician-tested peptide serum designed to treat 9 types of contraction wrinkles.
The best face serum for aging skin depends on your specific concerns:
Red light therapy (RLT) is generally safe, non-invasive, and does not use harmful UV rays. However, the primary downsides include potential skin and eye damage from misuse, cost, unpredictable results across different devices, and lack of long-term safety data.
Red light therapy (with red and near infrared light) may be used to reduce inflammation in a wide range of diseases, both acute and chronic. There are very few contraindications to red light therapy, and it can be safely used at home as part of a regular wellness regime.
Yes, 10 minutes is an ideal and highly effective duration for most red light therapy (RLT) sessions. In fact, the optimal window for most at-home devices is generally between 10 and 20 minutes.