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Red Light Therapy has emerged as a popular, non-invasive treatment that offers a multitude of benefits for the complexion. By using specific wavelengths of Red Light, this skincare treatment helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while also rejuvenating the skin for a radiant glow.
As more people incorporate Red Light Therapy into their skincare routines, a common question is: should you close your eyes during your Red Light Therapy session? Let's go over how Light Therapy works, and touch on best practices for using Red Light Therapy in the eye area.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red Light Therapy is a non-invasive skincare treatment that utilizes specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin and support collagen production, a protein necessary to help maintain the skin's structure and elasticity.
The benefits of Red Light Therapy for skin health and appearance are extensive. It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, visibly smooths out skin texture, and rejuvenates the overall complexion. Additionally, Red Light Therapy can help diminish the appearance of inflammation and redness caused by acne, visibly brighten dark circles, and reduce the look of puffiness in the skin.
Red Light Therapy also works very well alongside other types of Light Therapy technology, including Blue, Amber, Deep Red, and Near-Infrared, which all offer their own benefits for improving the complexion.
Is Red Light Therapy Dangerous for Eyes?
Red Light Therapy is generally considered safe for use when following manufacturer instructions, but we all tend to take a “better safe than sorry” approach when it comes to using technologies and devices that are new to us.
Thankfully, numerous studies and clinical trials have explored the safety and efficacy of Red Light Therapy. Research has shown that when used correctly, Red Light Therapy is generally able to provide its skincare benefits without adverse effects to the skin or otherwise. The wavelengths used in Red Light Therapy are typically in the range of 600 to 650 nanometers, which is considered safe for skin and superficial tissues.
These wavelengths are not as intense as ultraviolet (UV) light, which is emitted at wavelengths of 100 to 400 nanometers. Ultraviolet light, particularly UV-A and UV-B rays from the sun, is well-known for its potential to cause damage to the eyes. Prolonged exposure to UV light can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration, and photokeratitis, which is akin to a sunburn of the eye.
An additional step you can take to ensure you’re using a safe, proven device is to look for FDA-cleared devices (like ours here at Solawave!). FDA-cleared devices have been rigorously tested and evaluated to meet the FDA’s safety and efficacy standards, so you have an extra layer of reassurance knowing your device has passed the ultimate quality assurance test.
So to sum it up: while the eyes are exposed to light during treatment, the type of light is much safer than the UV light we typically work very hard to protect our eyes (and skin) from.
Can You Use Red Light Therapy If You Have an Eye Condition?
If you have an existing eye condition such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, or chronic dry eyes, you should consult with your medical care provider about whether or not photobiomodulation is safe and appropriate for your case, specifically. While Red Light Therapy is generally safe, individuals with specific eye conditions should take extra precautions before beginning treatment to avoid any potential risks, even with the availability of goggles and eye-specific devices.
Do You Need Eye Protection For Red Light Therapy?
While many types of light-based skincare treatments such as tanning do warrant that you should wear eye protection such as goggles during treatment, separate eye protection isn't typically recommended by the manufacture of Red Light Therapy devices specifically designed for the face and eye area.
Because Red Light is emitted at wavelengths known to be safe for skin and superficial tissue, eye protection typically is not needed, as opposed to UV Light treatments that are at a wavelength known to damage our eyes and skin (which is why sunscreen and sunglasses are so important).
Our at-home Light Therapy devices, for example, are designed so that you don't need to purchase separate, additional eye protection for treatment. We include detachable protective eyewear that can help block light from the eyes for additional protection.
So, Eyes Open or Closed During Red Light Therapy?
For our devices, you can choose to either keep your eyes open or closed. Most users end up closing their eyes as they use their treatment session as a chance to kick back and relax, but it is not mandatory to do so. That said, some users with light sensitivity may find it more comfortable to keep their eyes closed for the duration of the treatment since the LED lights on our masks are in close proximity to the eye area.
The Best Red Light Therapy For Eyes
Red Light Therapy is powerful, but still gentle enough to be able to treat the delicate skin around the eyes, an area often prone to signs of skin aging and fatigue.
The Eye Recovery Pro Light Therapy Mask is specifically designed to target this sensitive region, providing a focused treatment that can help rejuvenate and refresh your eye area.
One of the key benefits of using the Eye Recovery Pro Light Therapy Mask is its ability to simultaneously work to reduce the appearance of dark circles, crow's feet, 11s, puffiness, and fine lines and wrinkles thanks to its use of four different wavelengths of Light Therapy: Amber, Near-Infrared, Red, and Deep Red. By supporting collagen production, the mask helps to visibly brighten the under-eye area, giving you a more rested and vibrant look.
Also an option for using Red Light Therapy for the eye area is a full-face Red Light Therapy mask. Our Red and Infrared Light Therapy LED Face Mask delivers the benefits of Red Light Therapy to the entire face, including the eyes, to help target signs of skin aging and help rejuvenate the skin for a healthy-looking glow. Using Red and Near-Infrared Light, this mask helps to visibly brighten skin and enhance its texture, smoothness, and softness.
How To Use Red Light Therapy For the Eye Area
Using our Red Light Therapy devices around the eyes is an easy, straightforward process that can be easily incorporated into your regular skincare routine. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
- Cleanse Your Face: Begin by thoroughly cleansing your face to remove any makeup, dirt, or oils. This ensures that your skin is ready to absorb the benefits of Red Light Therapy. (We recommend our Hydrating Gel Cleanser, which cleanses away impurities without stripping your skin of its natural beneficial oils!)
- Prepare Your Red Light Therapy Device: Ensure your mask is clean and fully charged. For both the Eye Recovery Pro and LED Face Mask, simply place over your face, and secure with the strap.
- Activate the Mask: We've designed our masks to be as easy as possible to use — simply hold down the power button, and the mask will turn on and automatically start treatment.
- Relax and Enjoy: Sit back and relax while the mask works its magic. For the Eye Recovery Pro, treatment takes just 3 minutes. For the full-face LED Mask, you can enjoy a 10-minute treatment.
- Remove the Mask: When the treatment is complete, each mask will automatically shut off. Gently remove the mask and store it in a clean, dry place.
- Follow Up with Skincare: From here, you can continue with your regular skincare routine! We recommend a peptide serum and nourishing moisturizer at minimum; an eye cream can also help restore some radiance to the eyes, as well, especially an overnight cream!
Other Common FAQs About Red Light Therapy
Below are a few more of the most common questions we get from new users:
How Long Does It Take To See Results From Red Light Therapy?
The timeline for seeing results from Red Light Therapy can vary depending on individual skin conditions and consistency of use. Generally, our users see noticeable improvements in skin texture and appearance as soon as 4 weeks of regular use (we recommend at least three days per week).
Can Red Light Therapy Help With Acne?
Yes, Red Light Therapy can help reduce the appearance of inflammation and redness caused by acne. Even better, it can be used with Blue Light Therapy, which targets the bacteria behind acne. Our 3-Minute Spot Treatment uses both Red and Blue Light Therapy to combat breakouts!
Is Red Light Therapy Safe For All Skin Types?
Red Light Therapy is generally safe for all skin types, and its non-invasive nature makes it suitable for individuals with sensitive skin.
However, certain individuals should avoid using it. This includes those under the age of 22, individuals with allergies to silicone or plastics, those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, those with cancer or epilepsy, and individuals with Fitzpatrick V or VI skin type.
For a comprehensive list of contraindications, please refer to the Contraindications and Warnings section of the Instruction Manual. If you have any medical concerns, such as a medical illness, or if you've recently undergone facial surgery, it is advisable to consult your physician before using this device.
Conclusion
Red Light Therapy offers a multitude of benefits for skin health and appearance, including reducing the appearance of fine lines, visibly smoothing wrinkles, and rejuvenating the skin. With extensive research done on its safety and efficacy, it's safe to say that most Red Light Therapy sessions don't require you to close your eyes or use additional safety devices not included from the manufacturer. That said, some people's eyes are more sensitive to light exposure, so using protective goggles or keeping your eyes closed can help if you notice some discomfort or strain from the brightness.
Looking to learn more about what Red Light Therapy can do, safely and effectively? Check out our Before and Afters to see what our devices can do for your skin!
Sources:
- Red Light Therapy: Benefits, Side Effects & Uses
- 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 - PMC
- Protecting your eyes from the sun’s UV light | National Eye Institute
