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Are you looking for an easier way to get luminous, refreshed-looking skin without a trip to the spa? If so, you've probably already stumbled upon options for at-home Red Light Therapy, a game-changer in the world of skincare. This innovative technology uses specific wavelengths of light to target visible signs of skin aging (especially fine lines and wrinkles), and with at-home Red Light Therapy devices more accessible than ever, you can get results in as little as a few weeks of consistent use.
And here's one of the keys to getting the most out of each treatment: proper skin prep. Think of it as setting the stage for the light to work its magic, ensuring you walk away with the best results possible. Here's everything you need to know for your best chance at getting the most transformative results from your Red Light Therapy treatment.
How To Prepare Your Skin for Red Light Therapy
Before you begin your Red Light Therapy session, it's essential to ensure your skin is both clean and dry because any residue from makeup, oils, or skincare products can create a barrier that prevents the light from effectively penetrating your skin.
With that, cleansing your skin is the first step in preparing for Red Light Therapy (similar to being the first step of the standard skin routine to prep skin for products). Aim to use a cleanser that is gentle yet effective, removing impurities without stripping your skin of its natural oils or disrupting its microbiome.
We recommend our Hydrating Gel Cleanser, which is formulated with a blend of prebiotics and probiotics that work together to nourish and support your skin's natural barrier. It includes Pro-Vitamin B5, a humectant that helps retain moisture to keep your skin feeling soft and looking supple.
Plus, our coconut-based cleanser is sulfate-free, fragrance-free, and oil-free, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, so your skin can be thoroughly cleansed without feeling tight or uncomfortable.
After cleansing, pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing, as this can irritate sensitive skin. Like dirt and other impurities, moisture can also act as a barrier, preventing the light from penetrating effectively.
Once your skin is dry, you're ready for your Red Light Therapy session, which (almost) always comes before any of your skin care products because — you guessed it — those products can interfere with the light's ability to effectively penetrate the skin and deliver results. We say almost because there is one exception to this rule: LightBoost topicals.
What Should I Put On My Face Before Red Light Therapy?
For optimal results, your face should be clean and dry before starting Red Light Therapy. This ensures the light can penetrate effectively without any barriers. The only exception to this is the use of a LightBoost topical, which is specifically designed to boost Light Therapy's effects rather than block them like virtually all other skincare products.
Our LightBoost line of topicals is a revolutionary addition to your Light Therapy skincare routine, as these topicals are specifically designed to boost the effects of Light Therapy. Developed after years of research, these topicals work synergistically with Light Therapy to amplify its benefits, helping to further reduce the appearance of visible signs of skin aging.
LightBoost Technology is crafted to complement Light Therapy by energizing your skin at a cellular level. Within our cells, mitochondria play a crucial role in producing ATP, the energy currency that fuels essential cellular activities, including collagen production. Light Therapy has been shown to energize these mitochondria, which contributes to the results of visibly diminished signs of skin aging.
Our proprietary LightBoost technology is formulated with a complex of powerful ingredients that ultimately enhance the comprehensive results of your Light Therapy treatment. Our unique formulation is made to not only energize the skin but also visibly improve the appearance of skin aging and imperfections. Additionally, it provides robust antioxidant protection, helping your skin maintain the positive effects of Light Therapy while revitalizing and enhancing the look of radiance.
The combination of LightBoost topicals and Red Light Therapy has been shown to deliver significantly better results than using either one alone.
Exploring the LightBoost Topicals
LightBoost Face & Neck Serum
As with all of the LightBoost topicals, our LightBoost Face & Neck Serum features LightBoost technology, which provides powerful antioxidants that allow the skin to maximally maintain the positive effects of light therapy. Key ingredients of this topical in particular include growth factors that support healthy collagen production, multi-peptides that visibly improve texture and radiance, and phyto stem cell extract that aids in skin renewal.
We typically recommend pairing this with our Wrinkle Retreat Red Light Therapy Face Mask and/or Neck & Chest Rejuvenating Mask, but you can use any LightBoost topical with any Light Therapy device of your choice (even one you may not get from us specifically).
LightBoost Face & Neck Rich Cream
The LightBoost Face & Neck Rich Cream truly is rich in texture and feel, which ultimately works to nourish and hydrate the skin. On top of LightBoost technology, it's made with multi-peptides for a firmer-looking complexion, vegan collagen for hydration and a look of smoothness, and pro-vitamin D to support the skin barrier.
We recommend this cream for both the Wrinkle Retreat Red Light Therapy Face Mask and Neck & Chest Rejuvenating Mask mentioned above, especially for evening routines, as this rich moisturizer can help hydrate and nourish skin through the night.
LightBoost Eye Cream
The LightBoost Eye Cream is specially formulated to target the delicate eye area. It combines LightBoost technology with vegan collagen to visibly lift and smooth, caffeine to reduce the look of dark circles and puffiness, and growth factors to support healthy collagen and elastin.
For best results, pair this eye cream with the Eye Recovery Pro Mask to diminish the appearance of dark circles, eye bags, and crow’s feet, giving you a firmer, lifted look to your eye area.
LightBoost Activating Serum
The LightBoost Activating Serum is an upgraded formula designed to enhance the performance of your direct-contact Red Light Therapy devices that can benefit from a smooth gliding surface. It features LightBoost technology, hyaluronic acid for deep hydration, nonapeptide-1 to visibly even skin tone, and an ionic mineral complex to reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Use this serum with the 4-in-1 Skincare Wand for a smooth, long-lasting glide and boosted Red Light Therapy results.
The Exception to the Exception: LightBoost & Our Blue Light Therapy Acne Device
After all that, we do want to mention one exception to LightBoost: when it comes to using our 3-Minute Bye Acne Blue Light Spot Treatment device, we do not recommend applying a LightBoost topical prior to treatment.
Blue Light needs a completely clean, dry surface to effectively target and destroy acne-causing bacteria. Any product on the skin could interfere with this process, reducing the treatment's effectiveness.
Instead of a LightBoost topical, we recommend following your Blue Light Therapy session with our Microdart Serum-Infused Patches, available in our Bye Acne Pro Kit. These patches are infused with nourishing ingredients like gotu kola, green tea, and niacinamide, providing a soothing post-treatment aftercare step. They help to calm and nourish your skin post-session so you can get the most out of your acne-fighting routine.
FAQs: Red Light Therapy & Other Skincare Products
Should I Put on Sunscreen Before Red Light Therapy?
No, sunscreen should not be applied before Red Light Therapy. The light needs a clear path to your skin, and sunscreen can block its effectiveness. Apply sunscreen after your session if you're heading outdoors to protect your skin from UV rays.
Can I Use Vitamin C Serum with Red Light Therapy?
Absolutely! Vitamin C serum can be a great addition to your routine. Apply it after your Red Light Therapy session to boost your skin's radiance and enhance the overall benefits of the treatment.
Conclusion
Getting the most out of your Red Light Therapy is all about setting the stage for your skin to truly shine. Start with a clean, dry face so the Light can do its work and target visible signs of skin aging. Don't use any product before your Light Therapy session unless it's a LightBoost topical, which is specifically designed to supercharge your Light Therapy sessions.
Ready to get started? Take our Device Quiz here to get tailored recommendations for an at-home Light Therapy device suited to your specific skin goals and skin type.
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