Skip to content
Light Therapy is an innovative skincare technology that uses specific wavelengths of light to address various skin concerns from wrinkles to dark spots and much more, offering a non-invasive, painless method for upgrading at-home skin routines. Among the different types of Light Therapy, Red Light Therapy is typically considered the most popular for its ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin looking healthy and rejuvenated.
With Light Therapy being easy to add into everyday skincare routines, a common question that comes up is: should you use Red Light Therapy before bed? Here's everything you need to know about how light plays a role in sleep, and how different forms of Light Therapy may or may not affect your sleep/wake cycle.
Understanding the Sleep/Wake Cycle (aka Our Circadian Rhythm)
Your body's natural sleep/wake cycle, known as the circadian rhythm, is a finely tuned internal clock that regulates your daily patterns of sleep and alertness. This rhythm is primarily influenced by the presence of daylight (which signals your body to wake up and stay alert during the day) and the absence of light (which cues your body to wind down and prepare for rest at night).
Exposure to different types of light can affect this balance. Blue Light, commonly emitted from electronic devices like smartphones and computers, is particularly known for its ability to stimulate feelings of wakefulness. This type of light mimics daylight, sending signals to your brain that it's time to be awake and alert, which can interfere with your ability to fall asleep if you're exposed to too much of it after actual daylight has left the building.
When it comes to the kind of light you'd use in your skincare routine, Red Light Therapy does not stimulate the brain to wake up, making it an ideal choice for nighttime use. Even Blue Light Therapy skincare devices can become a part of your evening regimen without disrupting your natural sleep cycle (more on that in a bit).
Red Light Therapy and Its Benefits
Red Light Therapy in terms of skincare refers to the use of specific wavelengths of light to reduce the appearance of signs of skin aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. Treatment ultimately helps to visually smooth the complexion, creating healthy-looking, glowing skin.
Red Light does this by supporting healthy collagen production; collagen is responsible for supporting structure and firmness within the skin, and as it decreases naturally with age, you can see why support in its production can make such a difference for signs of skin aging.
One of the standout features of Red Light Therapy is its suitability for use in virtually any at-home skincare routine. Unlike Blue Light, which can stimulate the brain and interfere with your sleep cycle, Red Light does not trigger wakefulness. This makes it an excellent addition to your evening skincare routine, allowing you to reap its aesthetic benefits without compromising your ability to unwind and prepare for a restful night's sleep.
Blue Light Therapy: A Nighttime Option?
When you hear "Blue Light," you might immediately think of the light emitted from screens—phones, tablets, and computers—that can disrupt your sleep by signaling your brain to stay awake.
However, it's important to distinguish this from the Blue Light used in skincare therapy. Blue Light Therapy skincare devices are intentionally designed for directly targeting skin concerns, which is why you can use our FDA-cleared Red and Blue Light Therapy pimple spot treatment device anytime, whether during your morning routine, evening routine, or anything in between.
Unlike the intense Blue Light from screens, our device delivers a controlled, low-intensity light that precisely delivers Blue Light to the spot you're treating. Plus, the treatment is brief, lasting only three minutes per spot, so you can rest assured knowing that this specifically targeted, quick exposure to Blue Light won't interfere with your ability to wind down and relax before bed.
Light Therapy vs. Chromotherapy vs. Phototherapy
Navigating the world of light-based treatments can be complex, as Light Therapy, Chromotherapy, and Phototherapy sound similar but actually each serve distinct purposes, ranging from promoting overall wellness and mood to addressing specific health conditions to enhancing skin appearance.
What Is Chromotherapy?
Chromotherapy, often referred to as color therapy, is a holistic healing practice that utilizes the visible spectrum of light and color to influence a person's physical and emotional well-being. Rooted in the belief that different colors can evoke specific responses in the body and mind, Chromotherapy aims to restore balance and harmony by harnessing the psychological and physiological effects of color.
At its core, Chromotherapy involves whole-body light exposure, where specific colors are used to address various wellness and mood-related concerns. Each color in the spectrum is believed to have unique properties and effects.
For instance, blue is often associated with calmness and relaxation, making it a popular choice for reducing stress and anxiety. On the other hand, red is considered invigorating and energizing, potentially boosting motivation and vitality.
The practice of Chromotherapy is based on the premise that colors can influence the body's energy centers, known as chakras, which are believed to correspond to different aspects of physical and emotional health. By applying colored light to the body, Chromotherapy practitioners aim to stimulate these energy centers, promoting overall balance and well-being.
While Chromotherapy is not a replacement for medical treatment, it is often used as a complementary therapy to enhance traditional wellness practices. It can be experienced in various settings, from specialized wellness centers to home environments equipped with colored lighting systems.
In summary, Chromotherapy is a non-invasive approach that leverages the power of color to support mental and emotional health.
What Is Phototherapy?
Phototherapy, sometimes referred to as bright light therapy, is a medical treatment that utilizes specific types of light to address certain health conditions, distinct from the Light Therapy used in skincare. This therapeutic approach primarily involves the use of bright light boxes, which emit full-spectrum white light designed to mimic natural sunlight.
These light boxes are often employed to improve mental health, particularly in individuals experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that typically occurs during the fall and winter months when natural sunlight is limited. The lack of sunlight can disrupt the body's internal clock, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating.
Phototherapy aims to counteract these effects by exposing individuals to bright light, which can help support the circadian rhythm and even help improve mood. During a typical session, individuals sit near a light box for a prescribed amount of time, allowing the light to enter their eyes indirectly.
In addition to its use in treating SAD, Phototherapy is also employed in the management of certain skin disorders, such as psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic condition characterized by the rapid growth of skin cells, leading to red, scaly patches on the skin.
Phototherapy for psoriasis involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet (UV) light under controlled conditions. This exposure can help slow down the excessive growth of skin cells, reducing the severity of symptoms and improving the skin's appearance.
While Phototherapy is a valuable tool in the treatment of these conditions, it is important to note that it should be administered under the guidance of a healthcare professional to ensure safety and effectiveness.
What Is Light Therapy?
Light Therapy for skincare uses specific wavelengths of light to address targeted skin concerns, setting it apart from Chromotherapy and Phototherapy.
Unlike Chromotherapy, which focuses on whole-body light exposure for wellness and mood enhancement, and Phototherapy, which is used to treat mental health conditions and skin disorders, Light Therapy in the skincare realm is designed to improve the appearance of your skin without influencing overall mood or sleep patterns.
This type of Light Therapy employs low-level wavelengths that are carefully calibrated to penetrate the skin at precise depths. The treatment is delivered directly to specific areas of the skin, allowing for a focused approach to addressing issues such as the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne-related inflammation.
For instance, Red Light Therapy targets visible signs of aging, promoting a refreshed-looking complexion, while Blue Light Therapy is effective in combating acne-causing bacteria.
The targeted delivery and low-intensity nature of Light Therapy in skincare applications ensure that it does not interfere with your body's natural rhythms or emotional state. This makes it an easy and ideal addition to any at-home skincare routine, as it can provide aesthetic benefits without the broader effects associated with other forms of light-based treatment.
How To Add Light Therapy Into Your Nightly Routine
Embarking on your Light Therapy journey can be both simple and effective with the right tools. Here are two kits that both utilize Red Light Therapy and are easy to add into your evening routine.
Wrinkle Retreat and LightBoost Serum Kit
If you're looking to combat the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles across your entire face, the Wrinkle Retreat Face Mask & LightBoost Serum Kit is an excellent starting point. This comprehensive kit combines the power of Red Light Therapy and Near-Infrared Light Therapy with our specially formulated LightBoost Serum to support healthy collagen production, visibly smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and nourish and moisturize the skin, bringing you a professional-grade solution to elevate your at-home skincare routine.
Plus, the LightBoost Serum is formulated with LightBoost technology, a proprietary ingredient that boosts the effects of your Light Therapy treatment (and it works with any device, not just this one!).
Bye Acne Pro Kit
For individuals with acne-prone skin, the Bye Acne Pro Kit is a must-have addition to your skincare arsenal. This device utilizes both Red and Blue Light Therapy to effectively target acne-causing bacteria as well as visibly soothe and calm red, inflamed skin. The kit also includes our serum-infused Microdart Patches for precise spot aftercare, allowing you to provide protection for spots while also delivering soothing ingredients like green tea and niacinamide.
With the device's quick and efficient three-minute treatment per spot, the Bye Acne Pro Kit offers a practical and convenient way to manage acne concerns, with most users seeing visible changes after just a few sessions!
Step-by-Step Nighttime Skin Routine with Light Therapy
If you're looking for a little more guidance on a skincare routine as a whole, here's a basic evening routine that includes Light Therapy:
-
Cleanse Your Skin: Begin by thoroughly cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove makeup, dirt, and impurities. This step ensures your skin is clean and ready to absorb the benefits of subsequent treatments. We recommend our Probiotic Hydrating Gel Cleanser, which cleanses skin without stripping it of its natural beneficial oils!
-
Pat Dry: Gently pat your skin dry with a soft, clean towel, ensuring it's free of excess moisture before applying any products.
-
Apply LightBoost Serum: Use your LightBoost cream or serum of choice to hydrate and prepare your skin for Light Therapy. Our Lightboost topicals are designed to boost the effects of Light Therapy, while also providing a nourishing base to your skincare routine.
-
Light Therapy Treatment: While each device will come with its own set of easy-to-follow steps, here are the steps for the two devices we mentioned above so you can get an idea of what to expect.
-
For Fine Lines and Wrinkles: If you're using the Wrinkle Retreat Face Mask, place the mask over your face, secure it with the straps, and hold down the power button to turn on the device and start treatment. The mask will automatically turn off after the 10-minute treatment session, so feel free to use this time as you please! As part of an evening routine, it can be beneficial to just sit back, journal, read, or have some herbal tea to help your mind and body settle down from the day.
-
For Acne-Prone Skin: If you're using the Bye Acne device, ensure your skin is clean and dry (this is our only device you shouldn’t pair with a LightBoost topical!). Position the device over the pimple and hold the power button to turn it on. Keep the device over the spot until it automatically shuts off after your 3-minute treatment. Follow with the Microdart Patch and press firmly for 20 seconds to push the microdarts into the skin for serum penetration.
-
Apply Moisturizer: After completing your Light Therapy session, apply moisturizer to lock in hydration and support your skin's barrier. This step helps maintain the benefits of the treatment, keeping your skin supple and luminous. Our Nourishing Moisturizer is made with triple hyaluronic acid for ultimate hydration, as well as our Solabiome complex to help support your skin barrier with a blend of pre and probiotics.
Conclusion
The good news is that adding Red Light Therapy into your nightly routine offers a powerful way to enhance your skincare regimen without affecting your sleep cycle. Unlike large amounts or prolonged exposure to Blue Light, which can interfere with the circadian rhythm by stimulating wakefulness, a regular Red Light Therapy treatment is perfectly suited for nighttime use.
Differentiating between Light Therapy for skincare, Chromotherapy for wellness, and Phototherapy for mental health and skin disorders will help you choose the right treatment for your needs.
Light Therapy for skincare specifically targets skin concerns without impacting overall mood or sleep patterns, thanks to its low-level wavelengths and targeted delivery, as opposed to Chromotherapy and Phototherapy which do the opposite and aim to impact mood, mental health, and more.
To seamlessly integrate Light Therapy into your evening routine, consider starting with the Wrinkle Retreat and LightBoost Serum Kit for comprehensive facial rejuvenation or the Bye Acne Pro Kit for targeted acne treatment. Or, take our Device Quiz here to get tailored recommendations for your personal skin goals!
We hope you embrace the benefits of Red Light Therapy in your nightly routine knowing that this type of Light Therapy will have you sleeping soundly knowing your skin is on a journey to visual revitalization!
Sources:
-
Circadian Rhythm: What It Is, How It Works & What Affects It
-
A Critical Analysis of Chromotherapy and Its Scientific Evolution - PMC
