How to use red light therapy on face (and actually see results)

Let’s be honest , the skincare space can sometimes feel like there is so much noise. Serums, peels, injectables, lot’s of trends that sometimes burn out faster than they work. If you’ve landed on this page, there is a good chance it’s because you are looking for something different. Something that doesn’t just sit on the surface of your skin and potentially clog your pores. You are actually here for a solution that helps your skin renew itself. Maybe you’ve already tried a few things that didn’t work. Or perhaps you’ve spent a little too much (or too little) chasing results and irritated your skin even further. I get it and I have been there too!

Red light therapy caught my attention not as some flashy miracle solution, but mainly because of how simple it was. There is no poking, peeling or using harsh chemicals. You don’t have to be a skincare expert, and most importantly, the science behind it is solid! And beyond skin, it may even impact deeper functions like hormone optimization, as explored in Red Light Therapy Testosterone. Can it really boost hormones? Now, for those of us that care about longevity, performance and overall vitality, good skin is not just about looks. It’s a health marker. A visible reflection on how your body may be healing, circulating and even functioning as a whole underneath the surface.  

If you’re curious about how to actually use red light therapy on your face and not just the “idea” of it, but how to build it into your routine in a way that is practical and actually works -  this guide is for you.

How to use red light therapy on face for wrinkles

Let’s start with the big question. Can red light therapy really help with wrinkles?

The short answer is yes, but probably not in the way you might think. Red and near-infrared light work mainly by stimulating your own skin’s mitochondria (yes, the same little powerhouses you might have already learned about in biology). When they’re exposed to these specific wavelengths of light (usually in the 630 to 850 nanometer range), they start producing more ATP (energy). With more energy your skin cells can now do their jobs better. Simply put: repairing damage, reducing inflammation, and most notably, producing collagen.

This process is backed by clinical research. In the study Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in dermatology, researchers confirmed that LED-based phototherapy can enhance both fibroblast activity and collagen synthesis, leading to visible skin improvements over time.

Wrinkles typically form when collagen breaks down. So, by encouraging your body to make more collagen naturally, red light therapy eventually helps soften some of those lines on your face and improve elasticity. Please keep in mind, this isn’t an overnight fix. The key is.. (you guessed it).. CONSISTENCY! Most people have shown to see noticeable results somewhere between four to twelve weeks, depending on frequency, skin type, the quality of the device and how effective the rest of their skincare routine might be.

Personal Experience with Redlight red light therapy (on face)

For me, the first signs of aging showed up as crow’s feet. Those dreadful little lines that settle around the outer corners of your eyes. It didn’t freak me out completely, but I was very curious about how to slow it down. During the 2020 lockdown, I finally had time to dig into skin care research, and spent hours every other day trying to find answers. Like most of us, I first found myself drawn to low-intervention approaches that didn’t aggravate my sensitive skin. Red light therapy (RLT) stood out to me mainly because I didn’t need to touch my face…and I didn’t have to guess what it was doing. The mechanism was very simple to understand and it made sense.

I purchased a very basic, easy to use red light device and started out four times a week for 20-minute sessions. Like most non-invasive recovery and healing methods, I didn’t notice much or see any wrinkle reduction, but I did see improvements in my skin tone. It looked more even and less tired. Around month four is when I saw the biggest shift. The crow’s feet were still there, but they didn’t look so carved and etched in like they used to. And the only thing I had changed in my routine over those 4 months was adding red light therapy. Everything else, diet, hydration, training, was already in place and steady. That’s what made it click for me and I saw it as a winner.

If you're just getting started or want to improve your setup, How to Use Red Light Therapy at Home walks through how to structure your sessions, and avoid common mistakes that can slow down results.

What should I put on my face before red light therapy?

This one comes up a lot because prior to the popularity of redlight therapy, most of us probably already had our own skincare routines. Also, it can be tempting to stack and layer all your favorite skincare products before stepping in front of the light, but less is more here. Red light therapy works best on clean, bare skin. Anything that sits on top, especially thick oils, makeup, or even sunscreen, can actually block the wavelengths we need from reaching the deeper layers of skin where all the magic happens.

You really don’t need a complicated pre Red Light Therapy routine. Keep it simple. Just wash your face with a gentle cleanser, pat dry, and that’s it. If your skin is extremely dry and you feel the need to use something beforehand, it’s best to go with a lightweight, non-occlusive mist or toner that won’t create a barrier. But generally, using no products before is the gold standard for highest absorption and effectiveness.

The study Photobiomodulation for the treatment of hair loss and skin rejuvenation supports this, and emphasizes that product-free skin allows optimal light absorption and deeper cellular response during Red light therapy sessions. 

Can I use hyaluronic acid with red light therapy?

Yes, and it’s actually a great combination. However, it works best when used after your session. Hyaluronic acid helps your skin absorb and retain moisture, and red light therapy can temporarily increase the skin’s permeability, making it more receptive to all that hydration.

Applying hyaluronic acid post-session can also help seal in the hydration while your skin is in a prime and highly receptive state. It also helps calm any tightness or dryness you might feel, especially if you’re doing longer sessions or using higher-powered red light panels. Just remember: don’t overthink it. One or two quality skincare products after your session is more than enough to produce positive results. This entire thing is about supporting your skin’s natural processes, not overwhelming them.

And if you're wondering whether this absorption benefit with hyaluronic acid is real, the study “The nuts and bolts of low-level laser (light) therapy” explains in more detail how red and near-infrared light increases cellular permeability and circulation. All of which can enhance the effectiveness of quality topical activities applied afterward.

What serum is good for red light therapy?

If you’re looking to stack and maybe combine your red light routine with targeted skincare, you want to focus on key ingredients that complement what RLT is already doing for your skin: stimulating collagen, repairing damage, and slowly improving tone.

Peptides are a great choice because they directly support collagen production. Vitamin C is another popular favorite, especially in a morning routine (though it is best to skip it if you’re using a stronger form that can cause irritation and sensitivity). Niacinamide also works and is another excellent option for evening out tone and reducing inflammation, and it pairs well with most other actives.

Just avoid using harsh exfoliating acids or retinol/retin-A right before red light. Your skin is already being stimulated and adding those can tip things into irritation territory which we do not want. If you are already using actives like retinol, try to alternate days/nights you don’t use red light therapy nights or apply them several hours later.

This isn’t about turning your face into a chemistry lab and hoping for the best. It’s about working with your body’s tendencies and not against it.

⭐Final Takeaway:

Red light therapy won’t erase every single line on your face. But if you use it consistently, it can help your skin function better, look much brighter, and age more gracefully. It’s a low friction, low risk tool, and when used as part of an effective routine, it delivers.

The biggest mistake people make is either overdoing it or giving up too soon. You can almost think of it like training. The results come with time, consistency, and good recovery. Our skin is no different. If you’re already doing the right things: eating well, getting quality sleep, and staying hydrated, red light therapy is the next layer of intelligent self care. Another emerging topic worth exploring is covered in Does PEMF Therapy Really Work? Here's what you need to know”, which looks at how electromagnetic fields may support overall recovery and resilience.

Red light therapy. Start simple. Stick with it. Track your progress and any changes over three to four months. You’ll be surprised at how much can change. Not just in your appearance, but in the way you feel when you look in the mirror and see progress you’ve earned.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use red light therapy on your face every day?

You can, and many people actually do. If you're using a quality red light therapy device and sticking to reasonable session times (5 to 20 minutes), daily use is typically safe for most skin types. That being said, consistency really matters more than frequency. Four to five times a week is a sweet spot for most people.

Should I do red light therapy in the morning or at night?

Both work. It really just depends on your routine. Some people like doing it at night to wind down and stack it together with their skincare. Others prefer morning use to help wake up the skin and energize the face. What matters most is that you do it consistently.

Can red light therapy replace other anti-aging treatments?

It depends on what you're already using. Red light therapy can absolutely reduce fine lines, improve skin tone, and support collagen production. All without the use of chemicals or significant downtime. But for deeper wrinkles or volume loss, it’s often best used as part of a broader routine. Think can think of it as your recovery tool, not your only tool.

If you are interested in further enhancing your skincare and wellness journey, you might find these other articles insightful: 

✅ Red Light Therapy Testosterone. Can it really boost hormones?

✅Does PEMF Therapy Really Work? Here's what you need to know

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. Always consult your qualified healthcare professional before beginning any new health, wellness or recovery regimen.