The Do’s and Don’ts of LED Light Therapy
LED light therapy has become an increasingly popular skincare treatment, and it’s easy to see why. Known for its non-invasive approach to improving skin health, reducing inflammation, and promoting collagen production, LED masks and devices have become a staple in many skincare routines.
Whether used at home or in a professional setting, there are a range of LED light therapy benefits for various skin concerns.
However, with growing interest in this technology, many people may have questions about how it fits into their daily routines, medical conditions, and existing skincare treatments.
What Are The Benefits of LED Light Therapy?
LED light therapy has many benefits, and as we age, our skin becomes more prone to dryness and thinning, which can cause fine lines and wrinkles to appear due to the loss of collagen and elastic tissue.
This typically happens in our 30’s, when collagen and elastin start to break down, but other skin concerns can also include hyperpigmentation, dull skin and sun damage during this time.
In our 40’s, our skin thins, and age spots may start to appear on our skin. And once we hit our 50’s, our skin elasticity starts to decrease.
So, how does LED light therapy work? LED light therapy, specifically red light therapy, works at each stage of your skin, and reaches the deeper layers to boost collagen and elastin production—resulting in firmer, younger looking skin.
This is through the help of both red and near-infrared LED’s, which work on a cellular level to target any problem areas.
With the help of LED light therapy, you can reduce fine lines and visible signs of aging in around 4 weeks, and boost collagen production for healthy, youthful looking skin.
An LED light therapy mask is a great choice to target your full face, and our red light therapy LED mask is designed for effortless rejuvenation in a simple 10-minute treatment. It is also clinically proven to reduce wrinkles by up to 35% in just 4 weeks. You can purchase this on Amazon.
Our red light therapy LED mask also comes in our hydrate and glow red light skincare bundle, which can also be purchased on Amazon. This bundle contains 15 hydrogel LED-optimised sheet masks, designed to work together with the LED light therapy mask for maximum results.
If you’re wanting to solely focus on your under eyes, our red light therapy LED eye patches + hydrocolloids are designed to brighten, firm, and depuff under eyes—all in just 6 weeks. You can also purchase this bundle on Amazon.
So, now you know the benefits of LED light therapy, you may be wondering if this is right for you.
As such, the team here at SmoothSkin have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about LED light therapy, from its use during pregnancy and after botox, to how it interacts with makeup, tattoos, and medication.
The Most Asked Questions about LED Light Therapy, Answered
1. Can you do red light therapy while pregnant?
LED light therapy, and specifically red light therapy, should not be used if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
This is because the device has not been tested on those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, so the risks are currently unknown.
2. Can I use LED light therapy after botox?
Yes, LED light therapy can be used after botox, and can actually help reduce redness, swelling, and bruising.
However, it’s advised to wait at least 24-72 hours after your procedure before doing any light therapy as this allows time for the botox to settle, and avoid any potential interference with the treatment.
3. Can I use retinol and LED light therapy?
When it comes to mixing retinol and LED light therapy, caution is needed. This is because both treatments can increase the sensitivity of our skin, so it’s wise to start slowly and monitor your skin’s response.
However, if you are using a prescribed dose of Retin A, using an LED light therapy device is not recommended, and should not be used for at least five days before LED light therapy treatment.
Overall, you can use retinol with LED light therapy devices, as long as there is no exposure to light risks. But if you’re unsure, using a lower-strength retinol and spacing out your LED sessions can help to minimise the risk of irritation. It’s also important to remember to apply SPF during the day, as your skin will be more susceptible to UV damage.
4. Can I wash my face after LED light therapy?
Yes, you can wash your face after LED light therapy, but it’s best to use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser with lukewarm water to avoid any irritation that might occur on your skin.
It’s also recommended to pat the skin dry with a soft towel rather than rubbing it, as this will also help to maintain the benefits of the treatment, whilst protecting any sensitive skin.
5. Can you wear makeup after LED light therapy?
You can wear makeup after LED light therapy, especially if your skin feels calm and not irritated. However, it’s ideal to wait at least 10–15 minutes to allow your skin to fully absorb the benefits of the treatment before applying any cosmetics.
Using non-comedogenic and gentle makeup products will help keep your skin healthy and avoid clogging pores, further supporting the LED light therapy treatment.
6. Can you exercise after LED light therapy?
Light to moderate exercise is generally safe after LED light therapy, but it’s best to avoid intense workouts immediately following treatment, so it’s recommended to wait at least 24 hours.
Heavy sweating and increased blood flow can potentially interfere with the skin’s healing and absorption process, especially if you’ve had a high-intensity session.
7. Does red light therapy affect tattoos?
In general, LED light therapy does not negatively affect tattoos. The wavelengths used in red light therapy penetrate the skin to stimulate cellular activity without interfering with any ink pigments.
This means your tattoo will not fade or be damaged by LED light therapy, but if the tattoo is new and still healing, it’s best to avoid treating that area until the skin has fully recovered, as the skin will be more sensitive during the healing process.
8. Can I take medication when doing LED light therapy?
In many cases, it’s safe to take medication while undergoing LED light therapy.
However, certain medications, particularly those that increase photosensitivity, such as some antibiotics or acne treatments, can make your skin more reactive to light, and cause a severe skin reaction.
As such, it’s important to check with your doctor or GP before beginning treatment, especially if you’re on any regular medication.
9. Can I fake tan when doing red light therapy?
Yes, you can fake tan alongside LED light therapy. However, it’s key that you do any fake tan after your light therapy treatments.
You should not fake tan before doing red light therapy, this is because the pigments in your fake tan can interfere with the effectiveness of your treatment. If you are looking to continue your fake tanning routine alongside LED light therapy, you should always do your light therapy before applying any fake tan to your face.
10. How long should you use led light therapy devices for?
Typically, LED light therapy sessions should be done for at least 10 minutes, 3-5 times per week, but this can change depending on your needs for the treatment.
Before starting LED light therapy, it’s always recommended to do a patch test. This can be done by placing the device on a small area, such as your inner arm, and completing the full treatment time.
After 6 hours, check the area for any signs of irritation or sensitivity.
As well as this, excessive overuse of LED light therapy devices can cause skin irritation, so it’s crucial that you follow the correct advice and information given to you to use it safely.
