How Often Should You Do Red Light Therapy?How Often Should You Do Red Light Therapy?

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How Often Should You Do Red Light Therapy?

by John Tsenekos | June 01, 2024

Red light therapy is gaining a lot of popularity, and for good reason; it reduces the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, and puffiness head-on, revving up your skin's natural radiance. With regular sessions, you can say goodbye to dullness, and hello to a glowing, more luminous you. 

With its growing popularity, many are curious about how often you should do red light therapy sessions. Get ready to refresh your daily routine with the power of red light therapy. We’re breaking down the ideal frequency for making it a skincare staple.

What Is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that sends specific wavelengths of red light into the skin, getting beneath the surface to help improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and leave you looking refreshed. When skin cells absorb the red light from these devices, they're prompted to react in ways that can refine skin texture and make those pesky fine lines less noticeable. 

Red light therapy wins fans in both professional and home settings because it slips seamlessly into a regular skincare routine, without a lot of fuss or hassle.

What Is Near Infrared Light Therapy?

Using light that lies just beyond our visible spectrum, near infrared therapy penetrates deeper into the skin over regular red light, potentially revitalizing more than just the surface layer for a more radiant you. 

For a step up in skin health, many are relying on this trusted method in their personal and professional lives. It is commonly used in both professional and home settings, providing a convenient and effective option for those seeking to improve their skin's appearance.

How Often Can You Use Red Light Therapy?

The recommended frequency of red light therapy sessions varies based on many different factors, such as what skin issue the user is targeting, skin sensitivity, and the specific device used. 

Most people benefit from 2 to 3 sessions per week. Some issues may require longer or more frequent sessions, or different red light therapy devices altogether. 

Consistency is key, so maintaining a regular schedule is where the best results will happen. 

If you’re nervous to get started with a regular red light therapy routine, you can always consult with a skin care professional before getting started. 

Here are some recommended session lengths for different types of devices:

Red Light LED Face Masks: Use for 10 to 30 minutes, two to three times a week.

Red Light Therapy Devices For Face: Use three to five times a week for 10 to 20 minutes per session.

Red Light Therapy Eye Mask: Use for 20 to 30 minutes, two to three times a week.

Lady using red light therapy device on her face

How Long To Use Red Light Therapy On Your Face

Typically, red light therapy sessions on the face should range from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the device and individual preferences. 

For those new to red light therapy, starting with shorter sessions and gradually increasing the duration is recommended to give your skin a chance to get used to the treatment, especially for the face where skin can be more sensitive.

Consistency is crucial, so incorporating regular sessions into your regular skincare routine can help you stay on track.

Can I Use Red Light Therapy Every Day?

Using red light therapy daily is generally considered safe, and can be incorporated into your regular morning or evening skincare routine. Daily sessions can help maintain consistency and potentially enhance the appearance of the skin over time. 

However, it is important to monitor the skin's response and adjust the frequency if any signs of overexposure or irritation occur. Starting with shorter, daily sessions and gradually increasing the duration can help the skin adapt to the treatment. 

If you want to be sure it is okay to do red light therapy every day, consult with your dermatologist or other skin care professional for personalized recommendations.

Can You Do Red Light Therapy Twice a Day?

Some individuals may choose to use red light therapy twice a day, especially when targeting specific areas of concern. 

However, it is important to monitor the skin's response and avoid overexposure. Be cautious not to push your skin too far, and always monitor its response to avoid any negative consequences. 

Starting with once-daily sessions and gradually increasing frequency, if needed, can help ensure a balanced approach. 

Is 10 Minutes of Red Light Therapy Enough?

Ten minutes of red light therapy can be sufficient for many individuals, especially those new to the treatment or targeting specific areas of the face. This duration allows the skin to absorb the beneficial wavelengths of red light, potentially stimulating natural processes that enhance skin appearance. 

Starting with shorter sessions like 10 minutes can help the skin gradually adapt to the therapy, minimizing the risk of overexposure or irritation. As users become more accustomed to the treatment, they may choose to extend the duration based on their skin's response and personal goals.

An image of a women holding up a LED red light therapy mask

Can You Do Too Much Red Light Therapy?

While red light therapy is generally safe, it is possible to overdo it, leading to potential skin irritation or diminishing returns. A gentle approach is essential when it comes to your skin. 

Overexposure can bring on a wave of redness, dryness, and sensitivity. Starting with shorter sessions and gradually increasing the duration and frequency can help prevent overuse. 

How To Do Red Light Therapy At Home

Red light therapy can be conveniently performed at home with the right equipment and a few simple steps. 

First, choose a high-quality FDA-cleared red light therapy device designed for home use. 

Cleanse the skin thoroughly before starting the session to remove any makeup or impurities. 

Position the device at the recommended distance from the skin according to the manufacturer, and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the duration of the session, typically between 10 to 20 minutes. 

What Are The Benefits of Red Light Therapy?

Reducing the Appearance of Fine Lines

Red light therapy is renowned for its ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines. Red light therapy reaches deep into your skin, giving your tissues a helping hand to quietly relax stubborn fine lines that come with age. 

Smoothing Out the Appearance of Wrinkles

In addition to fine lines, red light therapy can also smooth out the appearance of wrinkles. Improved skin elasticity means a softened appearance of deep wrinkles. Facial features shine brighter with a skin texture that's radiant and even, making all the difference in how you look and feel.

Relieving Acne

 For those who've tried everything to banish the redness and puffiness caused by acne, red and blue light therapy is worth considering. 

Blue light therapy is known to help reduce the appearance of acne. Skin responds to both blue light and red light therapy by revealing a firmer, more even tone, eliminating the look of redness and irritation that acne can have on the skin. 

Brightening the Appearance of Dark Circles

For those struggling with dark circles, red light therapy offers a potential solution. Red light therapy can brighten the appearance of the eyes and under-eye areas, leading to a more awake and refreshed look, and reducing the tired appearance that dark circles often cause.

Rejuvenating Skin

Red light therapy is also known for its skin rejuvenation benefits. By supporting natural processes within the skin, the therapy can promote a more youthful and revitalized appearance. This overall rejuvenation can enhance the skin's texture and tone, contributing to a healthier and refreshed overall look.

Depuffing Skin

Another benefit of red light therapy is its ability to depuff the skin. The therapy can reduce the appearance of swelling and puffiness, particularly around the eyes and cheeks. This can result in a more contoured and defined facial appearance that makes for younger-looking skin.

Energizing Skin

Red light therapy can energize the skin, giving it a more vibrant and lively appearance. The light helps promote a healthy glow that radiates vitality. This energizing effect can make the skin look more youthful and radiant.

 

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How Long Until I See Results From Red Light Therapy?

The time it takes to see results from red light therapy can vary based on individual skin types, the specific concerns being addressed, and the consistency of the treatment. 

Generally, users may start to notice subtle improvements in their skin's appearance within a few weeks of regular use. 

For more pronounced results, such as a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles or an improvement in skin texture, it may take several months of consistent therapy. 

Patience and adherence to a regular treatment schedule are key to achieving the best outcomes. Visit our  red light therapy before and after results page to learn more.

Conclusion

Red light therapy has emerged as a popular and effective method for enhancing the appearance of the skin, offering a range of benefits from reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to brightening dark circles and depuffing the skin. 

Understanding the optimal frequency and duration of sessions can help users incorporate this therapy into their skincare routines effectively. 

For those ready to experience the benefits of red light therapy, exploring our 4-in-1 Advanced Skincare Wand, the red light therapy mask, and other Solawave offerings can be a valuable step towards achieving a more radiant and youthful appearance.

 

Sources:

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3926176/
  2. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/8/4483
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4126803/
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10311288/

 

 

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