How Light Therapy Can Upgrade Your Skincare Routine at Home

John Tsenekos

August 11, 2025

7 MINS READ

If you’re looking to upgrade your skincare routine at home, Light Therapy might be the game-changer you’ve been searching for. This innovative approach uses specific wavelengths of light to help your skin look brighter, smoother, and more refreshed. Whether you want to reduce the look of fine lines, smooth out wrinkles, or calm the appearance of pimples, Light Therapy offers a gentle, non-invasive way to support healthier-looking skin. With easy-to-use devices now available for at-home use, it’s never been simpler to bring a professional touch to your daily self-care ritual. Let’s explore how Light Therapy can fit seamlessly into your skincare routine and help you achieve that luminous, glowy complexion.

What Is Light Therapy in Skincare?

Light Therapy in skincare is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to support the appearance of healthier, more radiant skin. By delivering targeted light energy to the skin’s surface, this approach can help address a range of visible skin concerns, making it a popular addition to modern skincare routines.

There are several types of Light Therapy, each offering unique benefits for your skin’s appearance:

Red Light Therapy can help target visible signs of aging and promote skin rejuvenation, helping to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Blue Light Therapy helps destroy acne-causing bacteria and helps deter future pimples by reducing sebum (oil) production, making it ideal for those looking to minimize the appearance of acne-related inflammation.
Amber Light Therapy helps improve the look of uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation, reducing the appearance of puffiness and giving skin a brighter, more luminous look.
Near-Infrared Light Therapy rejuvenates the appearance of skin and supports its overall radiance, leaving your complexion looking refreshed and glowy.

How Does Light Therapy Work to Support Healthier-Looking Skin?

Light Therapy supports healthier-looking skin by delivering specific wavelengths of light that are absorbed by the skin’s cells. When the skin is exposed to this targeted light, cell components called chromophores absorb the energy. This gentle process helps activate natural cellular functions, encouraging the skin to renew itself and maintain a vibrant, refreshed appearance. As the light energy is absorbed, it helps skin cells work more efficiently, supporting healthy collagen production, calming visible inflammation, and promoting a brighter, more even skin tone. Over time, this can lead to smoother, more luminous skin with a healthy glow, all without the need for harsh treatments or downtime.

What Are the Different Types of Light Therapy and Their Benefits?

Light Therapy offers a range of options, each designed to address specific skin concerns and help you achieve a healthier-looking complexion. Here’s how each type can support your skincare goals:

Deep Red Light Therapy Deep Red Light Therapy is known for targeting visible signs of aging. By supporting healthy collagen production, it helps reduce the look of fine lines and smooth out wrinkles. This type of light therapy can also promote skin rejuvenation, leaving your skin looking firmer and more refreshed.

Blue Light Therapy Blue Light Therapy is especially helpful for those dealing with pimples. It works by destroying acne-causing bacteria on the skin’s surface and reducing sebum (oil) production. This process helps deter future breakouts and calms the appearance of acne-related inflammation, so your skin looks clearer and more balanced.

Amber Light Therapy Amber Light Therapy is ideal for helping improve the look of uneven skin tone and reducing the appearance of puffiness. It helps brighten areas that may look dull or tired, such as under the eyes, and gives your skin a luminous, glowy appearance.

Near-Infrared Light Therapy Near-Infrared Light Therapy helps rejuvenate the appearance of skin and supports its overall radiance. This type of light penetrates deeper layers, helping your complexion look visibly illuminated and refreshed. It’s a great option for anyone seeking a brighter, healthier-looking glow.

How Can Light Therapy Upgrade Your At-Home Skincare Routine?

Light Therapy, particularly when using an FDA-cleared device, can elevate your at-home skincare routine by offering professional-level benefits in the comfort of your own space. By integrating Light Therapy into your regimen, you’re giving your skin targeted support that goes beyond what traditional creams and serums can provide.

With regular use, Light Therapy can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, smooth out wrinkles, and brighten the look of dark circles, giving your skin a refreshed, luminous glow. It can also help calm visible redness and reduce the look of pimples, making your complexion appear clearer and more even. Because Light Therapy is gentle and non-invasive, it fits seamlessly into your routine without causing irritation or requiring downtime.

Adding Light Therapy to your skincare ritual allows you to personalize your approach, focusing on your unique skin goals. Whether you want to visibly rejuvenate your skin, depuff under your eyes, or simply maintain a healthy, glowy complexion, Light Therapy can offer a simple, effective way to upgrade your self-care routine and help your skin look its best.

When Should You Use Light Therapy in Your Skincare Routine?

Light Therapy is most effective when used on freshly cleansed, dry skin. This is because clean skin allows the light to penetrate more efficiently, ensuring you get the full benefits of your device. Ideally, Light Therapy should be used as one of the first steps in your skincare routine, right after cleansing and before applying heavier creams or oils.

You can incorporate Light Therapy into your routine either in the morning or at night, depending on your lifestyle and preferences. Some people enjoy using Light Therapy in the morning to give their skin a refreshed, luminous look for the day ahead. Others prefer to use it in the evening as a relaxing self-care ritual that helps their skin recover from daily stressors. The most important factor is consistency. Using Light Therapy regularly, whether daily or several times a week, can help you achieve and maintain visible results over time.

If you’re using other skincare treatments, such as exfoliating acids or retinol, it’s best to use Light Therapy on days when your skin isn’t being exposed to these stronger ingredients. This helps prevent the possibility of irritation and keeps your skin comfortable.

In What Order Should You Use Light Therapy?

To maximize the benefits of Light Therapy and ensure your skin absorbs the treatment effectively, follow this detailed order in your skincare routine:

Cleanser: Begin by thoroughly cleansing your face to remove makeup, sunscreen, oil, and impurities. This step is crucial because any residue on the skin can block the light and reduce its effectiveness.
Toner (Optional): If you use a toner, apply it after cleansing. Toners can help balance your skin’s pH and prep your skin for the next steps, but make sure your skin is dry before starting Light Therapy.
Serum: Before starting your Light Therapy session, apply a lightweight, hydrating serum to the area you’re treating. Look for a formula with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides, which can help cushion the device, support a smoother glide, and enhance hydration for visibly plumper, brighter-looking skin. Using a serum designed to complement Light Therapy can also help boost the overall benefits of your treatment. Avoid applying serums with strong active ingredients, such as retinol or acids, immediately before your session to keep your skin comfortable.
Light Therapy: Use your Light Therapy device according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Glide or hold the device over your skin, focusing on areas where you want to see improvement, such as the forehead, cheeks, or jawline. Most devices require just a few minutes per area. Be gentle and avoid pressing too hard.
Moisturizer: After your Light Therapy session, apply a moisturizer to lock in hydration and support your skin’s barrier. This step helps soothe the skin and maintain the benefits of your treatment.
Sunscreen (Morning Routine): If you’re using Light Therapy in the morning, always finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage. Light Therapy can make your skin look brighter and more radiant, but it’s important to protect your skin from UV exposure to maintain your results and prevent further signs of skin aging.

Tips for Best Results:

Use Light Therapy consistently, following the recommended frequency for your device.
Pair Light Therapy with gentle, nourishing skincare products to support your skin’s natural glow.
Avoid using harsh exfoliants or strong actives immediately before or after your session to keep your skin comfortable.
Listen to your skin. If you notice any sensitivity, adjust your routine as needed.

Ready to upgrade your skincare routine with the latest in Light Therapy technology? Explore all Solawave Light Therapy devices here and discover the perfect tool to help you achieve radiant, healthier-looking skin at home.

Sources: