7 Retinol with Red Light Therapy Facts for Anti-Aging Skin

Retinol with red light therapy is safe and effective.

The treatments work together to reduce wrinkles, lines, and sagging and to improve skin tone.

This post will explore safely and effectively using red light therapy with retinol to achieve smoother, younger-looking skin.

You’ll learn the best practices, the correct order of application, and the benefits of this dynamic duo.

Takeaways:

• Retinol and red light therapy help with wrinkles, lines, and sagging.
• Combining retinol and red light therapy is safe.
• Use red light therapy before applying retinol.

Retinol With Red Light Therapy Facts

1. What is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy uses low-level wavelengths to penetrate the skin, promoting collagen production and reducing inflammation. This non-invasive treatment helps diminish fine lines, wrinkles, and scars by boosting cellular repair processes. Many find it effective due to its gentle approach and minimal side effects.

It works by boosting energy in cells through cell mitochondria. This increases the production of fibroblasts, which are needed for making collagen, which keeps the skin firm and elastic. Red light therapy also boosts blood flow and cuts down on swelling, making the skin healthier. Better blood flow and cell energy help heal wounds faster and lessen long-lasting pain.

Different color lights work in unique ways for the skin:

• Red and infrared light have similar effects. Infrared goes deeper into the skin than red. These wavelengths reduce inflammation, trigger elastin and collagen production, and create adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body’s biological “batteries.
• Blue light is similar to ultraviolet on the electromagnetic spectrum. However, blue light is safe, while ultraviolet is not. It is more energetic than red and infrared light, which is why it can kill bacteria involved in skin issues. Blue is helpful in reducing symptoms of acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
• Green and yellow light are soothing. They reduce inflammation, irritation, and redness, helping the skin look smoother. Green also helps reduce the pain of migraine headaches.

Red light therapy is great for the skin in many ways. It cuts down on swelling, increases collagen, and improves circulation. It’s an amazing choice for making your skin look younger. Studies prove it also quickens the healing of wounds and eases long-lasting pain like in fibromyalgia. It’s safe for any skin type, with very few side effects and no need to stop other activities during treatment.

2. What is Retinol?

Retinol is a strong form of Vitamin A used in many skincare products. It accelerates cell turnover which gives skin a youthful and plump look. It also fade wrinkles, even out the skin tone, and clear up acne.

Putting retinol on your skin can lessen wrinkles and make your skin feel nicer, but, it might sting a bit and make you more likely to get sunburned. Used with red light therapy, it can boost results for your skin.

It speeds up how quickly your skin cells renew. Retinol goes through the skin’s outer layer and into the deeper one. It tells the skin to make more collagen, making your skin bounce back and look firm.

Studies show retinol smoothes away fine lines and wrinkles in about three months. By two months, it even makes the lines around the eyes and neck better. It’s also great for dealing with sun damage, rough skin, and dark spots.

Still, it can have some bad effects. While many people can use over-the-counter retinol safely, it might make your skin dry or start peeling. You’ll also need to shield your skin from the sun. A few people, less than 10%, might see things like an acne breakout or skin color changes.

3. Safety Combining Retinol With Red Light Therapy

Individually and together, retinol and red light therapy result in fewer wrinkles, less sagging, a smoother tone, and fresh, plump cheeks.

Retinol is safe to use with red light therapy. Red light therapy enhances retinol’s collagen boost. More importantly, it accelerates the rate at which retinol works to reduce wrinkles.

This is because retinol is an irritant, and red light therapy accelerates the healing process. Red light therapy helps with dermarolling for the same reason. Retinol and dermarolling create injuries, and the healing is how you get fresher skin with fewer wrinkles. Red light therapy speeds the rate at which you heal from those therapies.

Retinol and red light therapy have remarkably similar benefits but mostly for different reasons. As I said, retinol creates an irritation to work. Red light therapy lends energy to the cells to boost “biological batteries” the skin uses to heal. Both treatments trigger the productio of collagen, increase cell turnover and even out skin tone.

You can use retinol with red light therapy, as these treatments work together for better results. Red light therapy can enhance retinol’s effects by boosting collagen production, leading to smoother skin. Each has its way of boosting collagen, cell turnover, plump skin, and an even tone. The result is fewer wrinkles, less sagging, a smoother tone, and fresh, plump cheeks.

4. When to Use Red Light Therapy and Retinol

Red light therapy prepares your skin by reducing inflammation and increasing blood flow, making it more receptive to retinol. Applying retinol afterward allows its active ingredients to penetrate deeper, maximizing benefits while minimizing potential irritation.

To do retinol and red light therapy in the correct order, follow sequence 1 or 2:

Sequence 1:

Morning:

1. Wash your face
2. Pat Dry
3. Apply sunscreen if you will be exposed to sunlight

Morning, Afternoon or Evening:

1. Wash your face
2. Pat Dry
3. Do a red light therapy session
4. Apply sunscreen again if necessary

Evening:

1. Wash your face
2. Pat Dry
3. Apply retinol
4. Apply moisturizer

Sequence 2:

Morning:

1. Wash your face
2. Pat Dry
3. Do a red light therapy session
4. Apply sunscreen if you will be exposed to sunlight

Evening:

1. Wash your face
2. Pat Dry
3. Apply retinol
4. Apply moisturizer

5. Watch for Skin Sensitivity

Whether or not you use red light, retinol can cause skin sensitivity. Typical retinol side effects include redness, dryness, and irritation. Luckily, red light therapy is an excellent way to reduce these symptoms. You can also use soothing products like hyaluronic acid and avoid initially combining retinol with strong treatments like acids or exfoliants.

Retinol can make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure. Red light therapy is shown to have an SPF 15 effect on the skin, which is the equivalent of using an SPF 15 sunscreen. But that is not a lot of protection, so use retinol at night and sunscreen in the morning.

6. Find the Best Retinol Serum

Selecting the suitable retinol serum is crucial for effective results. Look for products with stable formulations and a concentration suited to your skin type. Top-rated options include CeraVe Anti Aging Retinol Serum, The Ordinary Retinol 1%, and Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream. These serums offer potent anti-aging benefits and are well-reviewed for their efficacy.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget Your Neck!

When applying your retinol serum and doing red light therapy, remember to include your neck and décolletage. These areas often show signs of aging but are frequently overlooked in skincare routines.

Conclusion

Combining red light therapy and retinol can significantly enhance your skincare routine and provide powerful anti-aging benefits. By following the proper steps and being mindful of your skin’s response, you can enjoy smoother, younger-looking skin. Start incorporating these treatments today and embrace the journey to a more radiant you!

FAQs

Is Red Light Therapy Better Than Retinol?

Both treatments have unique benefits and can be more effective when combined. Red light therapy is excellent for boosting collagen and soothing inflammation, while retinol accelerates cell turnover and reduces fine lines. Instead of choosing one, consider integrating both into your routine for optimal results.

Can I Use Red Light Therapy and Retinol Every Day?

You can use retinol and red light therapy together and every day, but you might not want to do red light therapy every day. It’s often better to use red light therapy on the face about three to five times weekly.

How Long Does Red Light Therapy Take to Work?

Red light therapy visible results can start as early as the first treatment, but it’s more likely to take two weeks before you can see the changes. You should see excellent results in 8 weeks.

How Long Does Retinol Take to Work?

Many people see retinol improvements in three months. Maximum benefits take twelve months of daily use.

References

https://vellgus.com/can-i-use-red-light-therapy-with-retinol/
https://mitoredlight.com/blogs/mito-red-blog/retinol-and-red-light-therapy
https://hottoerak.shop/blogs/news/retinol-red-light-therapy-combination
https://www.therabody.com/us/en-us/blog/beauty/understanding-the-benefits-of-red-blue-and-infrared-light-therapy/
https://ledesthetics.com/blogs/science/how-to-safely-use-red-light-therapy-with-retinol