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Red Light Therapy has been making waves for its ability to reduce the look of wrinkles and fine lines, paving the way to smoother, younger-looking skin. But with so many skincare products out there promising the benefits of Red Light Therapy, it can be a bit daunting to figure out what's best for you and how to even go about this treatment.
Each form of Red Light Therapy and every product has its own recommended treatment times, but don't worry — we're here to guide you through the noise so you can get exact guidance on how to use Red Light Therapy for max benefit, and how to pick the right Red Light Therapy device to help you meet your goals.
What Is Red Light Therapy and How Does It Work?
Red Light Therapy is a type of non-invasive skincare technology that uses wavelengths of light between 600 and 1300 nanometers to support healthy collagen production. Collagen is a vital protein that serves as one of the primary building blocks for your skin, providing structure, strength, and elasticity. Think of it as the scaffolding that keeps your skin firm and resilient. As you age, your body's natural collagen production gradually decreases, which can lead to the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and a less vibrant complexion.
Supporting collagen production is key to restoring a healthy-looking complexion since you're giving your skin the tools it needs to maintain the look of firmness and elasticity. This leads to skin that looks smoother, more radiant, and healthier.
In addition to Red Light Therapy, there are other forms of Light Therapy that can complement its effects and provide a range of benefits for your skin:
- Deep Red Light Therapy (660 nm): This powerful form of Light Therapy is especially effective at addressing visible signs of skin aging. It promotes a visibly rejuvenated complexion, helping your skin appear smoother and more radiant.
- Near-Infrared Light Therapy (830 nm, 880 nm): Known for its ability to enhance the appearance of your skin, Near-Infrared Light Therapy supports an overall look of radiance, leaving your skin looking visibly illuminated and refreshed.
- Amber Light Therapy (605 nm): Ideal for improving the look of an uneven skin tone, Amber Light Therapy also helps reduce the appearance of puffiness, giving your complexion a brighter and more balanced look.
- Blue Light Therapy (415 nm): A great option for those with acne concerns, Blue Light Therapy targets acne-causing bacteria and helps deter future breakouts by reducing sebum production, leaving your skin looking clearer and healthier.
We know how powerful each form of Light Therapy can be, which is why we combine multiple forms of Light Therapy in each device (except for our 4-in-1 Skincare Wand, which instead combines Red Light Therapy with three other forms of skincare technology: Facial Massage, Therapeutic Warmth, and Galvanic Current).
How To Pick the Best Red Light Therapy Device
Here are a few key things to look for to make sure you're getting the best Red Light Therapy devices from a sea of possible purchases available on the market:
First, look for FDA clearance. This designation means that the device has been reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration for safety and efficacy. An FDA-cleared device gives you the confidence that you're using a product that meets rigorous standards, ensuring both safety and performance.
Next, consider devices that target more than just your face. While facial care is crucial, areas like the neck and chest often go overlooked. Choosing a manufacturer with devices that can address these areas ensures comprehensive care, helping you achieve a uniformly glowing complexion. Additionally, look for devices specifically designed for delicate areas such as the eyes, as well as versatile options that you can use anywhere on your body. This flexibility allows you to tailor your skincare routine to your unique needs.
Finally, prioritize ease of use. A device that is simple to operate and seamlessly integrates into your regular routine is invaluable. The more convenient it is to use, the more likely you are to stick with it, ensuring consistent results.
How Long To Use Red Light Therapy for Wrinkles
Generally, you'll find that most Red Light Therapy devices recommend treatment times of about 10 to 20 minutes per session, several times a week. This consistent exposure allows the light to effectively support healthy collagen production and help to visibly rejuvenate your skin over time.
With that, keep in mind that consistency and patience are crucial in any anti-aging routine. While you may begin to notice some improvements in your skin's appearance after a few weeks, achieving the full benefits often requires regular use over a more extended period.
How Long To Use Our Red Light Therapy Devices for Wrinkles
Our device treatment times range from 3 minutes at the shortest to 10 minutes at the longest, working powerfully but gently so you can incorporate Light Therapy safely into your regular skincare routine for maximum benefit. Below, we'll cover how to use each device, including how long you can expect each treatment to last.
With all of our devices, we do recommend treatment three times per week for four weeks to see best results, and you can get an idea of what these results look like here in our Before & After Light Therapy photos!
Wrinkle Retreat Face Mask
The Wrinkle Retreat Face Mask is designed to provide an effective Red Light Therapy and Near-Infrared Light Therapy experience in just 10 minutes per session. This convenient treatment time makes it easy to incorporate into your daily skincare routine, allowing you to target the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines with minimal effort.
Its hands-free design allows you to multitask or relax while the mask works to visibly rejuvenate your skin, and with consistent use, you'll notice a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, revealing a healthier-looking, glowing complexion!
Place the Wrinkle Retreat Face Mask comfortably over your face, ensuring it fits snugly and securely, using the attached straps to adjust the tightness as needed. Turn on the device using the power button, and relax as the therapeutic light gets to work. The mask is designed to deliver consistent and even light exposure across your face, and it will automatically turn off when your session is done.
Rejuvenating Neck & Chest Mask
The Rejuvenating Neck & Chest Mask offers a targeted Red Light Therapy and Near-Infrared Light Therapy experience, focusing on areas often neglected in most skincare routines. With a quick 10-minute treatment time, this mask is designed to visibly reduce fine lines, wrinkles, creasing, and uneven texture on the neck and chest for a smoother and more radiant look.
To begin, ensure your neck and chest are clean and free of any skincare products. Position the Rejuvenating Neck & Chest Mask over the neck, adjusting the straps to fit securely but comfortably. As with the Wrinkle Retreat Face Mask, you'll turn on the device by holding the power button, then sit back and relax for your 10-minute session. You can continue with your regular skincare routine if you'd like, or take a few moments to just enjoy the self care!
Bye Acne Pimple Spot Treatment
The Bye Acne Pimple Spot Treatment is a powerful tool designed to tackle acne concerns with precision. Utilizing both Red Light and Blue Light Therapy, this device targets acne-causing bacteria while also helping to reduce the appearance of blemishes, all in just 3 minutes per spot.
To use the Bye Acne Pimple Spot Treatment, start by cleansing your skin to remove any dirt, oil, and impurities. Pat your skin dry, then position the device directly over the pimple (or area of concern). Turn on the device by holding the power button, and hold it in place for the recommended 3-minute treatment time. The device will automatically shut off when the treatment is complete!
The Blue Light Therapy works to destroy acne-causing bacteria and reduce sebum production, helping your skin look clearer and healthier and deterring future breakouts. Red Light Therapy complements this work by visibly calming redness and promoting a radiant-looking glow.
Eye Recovery Pro Mask
The Eye Recovery Pro Mask is expertly designed with four different types of Light Therapy (including Red Light, Deep Red Light, Near-Infrared Light, and Amber Light) to visibly rejuvenate the delicate skin around your eyes, helping to reduce the appearance of multiple signs of skin aging, including wrinkles, crow's feet, dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and more. With a quick 3-minute treatment time that covers both eye areas, this mask is a convenient way to refresh your eye area and achieve a brighter, more refreshed look.
Begin by ensuring your eye area is clean and free of any makeup or skincare products. Place the Eye Recovery Pro Mask comfortably over your eyes, adjusting the straps to fit securely. Turn on the device by holding the power button, and relax as our most powerful concentration of Light Therapies do their thing.
4-in-1 Skincare Wand
The Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand is a versatile tool that combines Red Light Therapy, Galvanic Current, Therapeutic Warmth, and Facial Massage to holistically upgrade your skincare routine. Designed to target multiple areas, this wand helps smooth out the appearance of wrinkles and promote a glowing complexion. Each treatment area requires just 3 minutes, allowing you to treat all four quadrants of the face and neck in a maximum of 12 minutes over 4 treatments.
Start with a clean face and neck to ensure optimal results. Apply our LightBoost Wand Activating Serum or Skin Therapy Activating Serum to the area you're treating to optimize your wand's performance and glide while also delivering nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides to your skin. Turn on the 4-in-1 Skincare Wand and gently glide it over the desired area for 3 minutes in upward, outward motions.
The combination of Red Light Therapy and other skincare technologies works synergistically to visibly rejuvenate your skin by combating the look of fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness. Repeat the process for each quadrant of your face and neck, ensuring a comprehensive treatment in just 12 minutes.
2-in-1 Mini Red Light Therapy Wand
Ideal for beginners to Red Light Therapy, the 2-in-1 Skincare Mini is a compact and powerful device designed to deliver targeted skincare benefits. Designed with portability and effectiveness in mind, the 2-in-1 Skincare Mini is perfect for on-the-go skincare and travel. Combining Red Light Therapy and Near-Infrared Light Therapy with Therapeutic Warmth, this wand is perfect for addressing specific areas of concern and visibly rejuvenating your skin for a glowing complexion.
Begin with clean dry skin, free of makeup, lotion, sunscreen, or other products. Pop out the comfort grip, slide it between two fingers, and hold down the power button until the device turns on. Glide it over the targeted area in flow, gentle motions for 3 minutes. The lights on the device will flash to let you know when your 3-minute treatment time has completed and it’s time to move on to the next area. The device will automatically turn off after 12 minutes and (a max of 4 sessions).
Repeat the process for any additional areas you wish to treat!
Red Light Therapy Skincare Routine
You can easily incorporate Light Therapy into any skincare routine — just make sure you cleanse and dry your skin, then add in your Light Therapy treatment of choice before moving on to your regular products. Easy, right?
That said, if you're looking for a little more guidance on what a thorough skincare routine looks like, here's a step by step recommendation for a skincare routine that includes both our LightBoost topicals and Light Therapy treatments:
Step 1: Cleanse and Dry
Start by thoroughly cleansing your skin to remove impurities, makeup, and excess oil. Choose a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type. Use lukewarm water to rinse, then pat dry with a clean towel.
Step 2: Apply LightBoost Topical
You can boost the effects of your Light Therapy treatment by applying one of our LightBoost topicals. Our proprietary LightBoost technology is designed to visibly energize your skin and help reduce the appearance of signs of skin aging when used in conjunction with Light Therapy.
The topical you use will depend on what area you're treating and whether you prefer a serum or cream:
- LightBoost Face & Neck Serum: Apply this serum to your face and neck if you're using the Wrinkle Retreat Face Mask or Neck & Chest Rejuvenating Mask.
- LightBoost Face & Neck Rich Cream: Use this rich cream on your neck and chest, especially when pairing with the Wrinkle Retreat Face Mask or Neck & Chest Rejuvenating Mask.
- LightBoost Eye Cream: Gently apply this cream around your eyes if you're using the Eye Recovery Pro Mask.
- LightBoost Wand Activating Serum: Use this serum to help optimize the glide of the 4-in-1 Skincare Wand while also boosting the effects of the Red Light.
Step 3: Light Therapy Treatment
Proceed with your Light Therapy session using your chosen Solawave device. Follow the recommended treatment times for each device as noted above (though the device helps keep track of that for you and will automatically turn off when your treatment is complete!). The therapeutic light will work in synergy with the LightBoost topical to visibly rejuvenate your skin.
Step 4: Tone
After your Red Light Therapy session, apply a toner to help balance your skin's pH and prepare it for better absorption of subsequent products. Select a toner that complements your skin type, whether it's hydrating, calming, or clarifying. Gently pat the toner onto your skin using a cotton pad or your fingertips for even application.
Step 5: Apply Serums
Apply any additional serums that address specific skin concerns, such as hydration, brightening, or countering signs of aging. Gently press the serums into your skin, allowing them to absorb fully before proceeding. Feel free to layer these serums on top of the LightBoost serum from Step 2 for additional benefits.
Step 6: Moisturize
Lock in hydration by applying a moisturizer tailored to your skin type. This step helps to maintain your skin's moisture barrier, which helps protect against environmental stressors. Choose a formula that addresses your specific needs, whether it's extra hydration, oil control, or soothing sensitive skin.
Step 7: Eye Cream
If you haven't already used the LightBoost Eye Cream, apply your regular eye cream at this stage. Gently tap it around the eye area to provide hydration and protection to this delicate skin.
Step 8: Sunscreen (Morning Routine Only)
In the morning, complete your routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. This step helps prevent sun damage, which is a primary culprit of premature signs of skin aging.
Conclusion
Adding Red Light Therapy to your skincare routine can truly elevate your skincare routine, giving you that healthier-looking, glowing complexion you've been aiming for with just one extra step in your regular routine.
With Solawave's innovative devices, you can easily fit this powerful treatment into your day, with each treatment duration ranging from just 3 minutes to 10 minutes at most. It's never been simpler to upgrade your routine and enjoy the benefits of professional-grade Red Light Therapy skin rejuvenation right at home.
Solawave is all about bringing you the best in skincare technology, with FDA-cleared devices designed to visibly tackle wrinkles, fine lines, and more. Our expertise ensures you're getting science-backed technology with proven results. So why not embrace the future of skincare with Solawave and see the difference for yourself? Your skin will thank you!
Click here to take our Skin Quiz and get matched to the right device for your skin goals, or explore our Light Therapy Before & After Photos here to see for yourself how this innovative tech can make a visible difference in your skin!
Sources:
- A Controlled Trial to Determine the Efficacy of Red and Near-Infrared Light Treatment in Patient Satisfaction, Reduction of Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Skin Roughness, and Intradermal Collagen Density Increase
- Collagen – The Nutrition Source, Harvard University
- Device Approvals and Clearances | FDA
