Red light therapy is one of the most popular trends in skincare, but it’s far from new. The concept of light therapy has existed since medieval times, and light therapy as we know it today has been around for over 100 years.
With red light therapy receiving so much attention, you may wonder if you can do it twice a day to maximize your benefits. Learn more about red light therapy and how often you should use it for optimal results.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy involves exposing your skin to specific wavelengths of red light via an LED light therapy device.
As you may already know, light comes in many wavelengths. Each color of light corresponds with a different wavelength. Different colors of light therapy offer various benefits for the skin due to the penetration depth on the skin. For instance, blue light therapy can help fade the appearance of breakouts, while red light therapy harnesses the benefits of red light specifically to encourage skin rejuvenation.
There are two main types of red light therapy: regular red light therapy and near-infrared light therapy. Both are known for their ability to refresh aging skin's appearance, but near-infrared light can penetrate deeper than normal red light. Near-infrared light treatments are often used for other health treatments, such as muscle recovery, while regular red light therapy supports the skin’s general well-being.
What Are the Skincare Benefits of Red Light Therapy?
Regarding skincare, red light therapy (also known as photobiomodulation and low-level laser therapy) is primarily known for smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It does this by encouraging skin rejuvenation and fueling the mitochondria in your skin, which can help the skin look fuller and smoother. Red light therapy can also help promote blood flow, which can help your skin look more vibrant overall. This also helps minimize the appearance of other blemishes.
One of the most significant benefits of red light therapy is its accessibility. Compared to other skin treatments like lasers and injections, red light therapy is more affordable and requires zero downtime. Additionally, this non-invasive treatment is pain-free and incredibly easy to perform at home with a handheld device - no need to schedule a spa appointment.
Can You Do Red Light Therapy Twice a Day?
Since red light therapy is non-invasive and relatively gentle on the skin, many users wonder if it can speed up results by performing extra treatments at home. While there may not be a significant risk to treating skin twice daily, it’s unlikely to produce more dramatic results and could irritate if the skin is overexposed to light. Just like high-quality active ingredients, it’s best to use just the right amount of this treatment so you don’t over-treat skin.
How To Use Red Light Therapy at Home
In general, it’s best to use LED red light therapy on clean, dry skin for optimal treatment results. This allows wavelengths to penetrate your skin for more profound benefits. Most treatments can be performed morning or night - whichever suits your schedule.
Choose Your Device
To enjoy the benefits of red light therapy in your own home, it’s essential to choose your device carefully. Not all red light therapy devices are created equal.
It’s imperative to choose a device that’s safe and effective. One of the easiest ways to spot a safe device is to look for FDA clearance. This means that the device has been rigorously tested to the highest safety standards and will not cause harm if used properly.
Two highly rated at-home red light devices are from NuFACE®:
- NuFACE Trinity® and Wrinkle Reducer: This FDA-cleared device uses microcurrent technology to help smooth the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
- Trinity+ and Wrinkle Reducer Attachment: This advanced smart device connects to the NuFACE smart app to deliver app-exclusive treatments to target areas and smooth visible lines and wrinkles.
If you already have one of these devices, you can purchase the matching Wrinkle Reducer Attachment to start experiencing the benefits of red light therapy. In addition to red light treatment, these devices are equipped with microcurrent attachments to treat down to the MUSCLES for a lifted, toned look. This can also help smooth and tighten skin.
Prepare Your Skin
Once you’ve chosen your device, start your routine by cleansing with an oil-free cleanser. This helps clear your skin of debris so it can soak up the red light.
Start Red Light Therapy
If you’re using a NuFACE TRINITY+ or Trinity Device, attach your Wrinkle Reducer Attachment. After cleansing your skin, turn on your device. You’ll notice that lights only pulse when placed on the skin. This helps enhance skin absorption of light and preserve the lifespan of your LED.
Place the attachment on your treatment area and leave it on until you hear the beep, which signals you can move on to another treatment area or end your treatment. All you need is 3 minutes for each treatment zone! You can use this device beneath the eyes to smooth visible lines, next to the eyes to smooth crow’s feet, forehead lines, and smile lines.
When you first begin treatments, aim to use your device 5 days a week for 60 days. After your first 60 days, you can cut back to 3-4 times a week to maintain your results.
Finish Your Skincare Routine
Once your treatment is over, you can apply your serums and moisturizers. You can tailor this step to whatever skin concerns you want to address. Make sure these products are designed for your skin type, as this can enhance the effectiveness of red light therapy. By using products designed specifically for normal, oily, dry, or combination skin, you can experience your skin's full potential.
Be Careful in the Sun
Finally, take extra precautions when you spend time in the sun. While wearing sunscreen is always essential, red light therapy treatments can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. This side effect can last up to 48 hours.
Full-body sunscreen application can also help your skin look youthful for longer, as sun exposure is one of the main contributors to premature aging.
The Bottom Line
Red light therapy is far from a new phenomenon; its benefits are well-documented. This treatment can help smooth lines, enhance radiance, and promote cell turnover for improved skin texture. To ensure safety and efficacy, it’s important to select a safe, FDA-cleared device and use it only as recommended.
We recommend using NuFACE Trinity or TRINITY+ Wrinkle Reducer up to five days a week first, then dropping it to three to four days weekly for maintenance.
For more skincare advice, visit the NuFACE blog.
Sources:
LED Light Therapy: How It Works, Colors, Benefits & Risks | Cleveland Clinic
Red Light Therapy: Benefits, Side Effects & Uses | Cleveland Clinic
Red Light Therapy Pros And Cons | Joshua York Legacy Foundation
