Face Serums and Light Therapy: Which Combinations Work Best for Different Skin Types

Combining face serums with light therapy is one of the most effective ways to boost your at-home skincare routine. If you’re searching for the best face serum to use with light therapy or wondering which face serums for light therapy work for your skin type, you’re in the right place. This guide breaks down the science, the best combinations, and how to create a routine that delivers real results—no matter your skin type.

Why Combine Face Serums and Light Therapy?

Light therapy, especially with devices like LED masks, stimulates skin cells, boosts collagen, and helps treat concerns like wrinkles, acne, and uneven tone. When you pair this with the right serum, you can enhance absorption and target your skin’s unique needs more effectively.

LED therapy increases the skin’s permeability, allowing active ingredients in serums to penetrate deeper and work better. This means the right serum and red light therapy combinations can help you see faster, more visible improvements in your skin.

$104 Savings

4.6

Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars

4.6 / 5

Eye Recovery Pro Kit

To visibly revive tired eyes

$293 $189

SHOP NOW

How Light Therapy Works for Different Skin Types

Red Light Therapy

• Best For: Aging, dry, or sensitive skin
• Benefits: Stimulates collagen, reduces fine lines, improves elasticity, soothes inflammation.

Blue Light Therapy

• Best For: Oily, acne-prone skin
• Benefits: Targets acne-causing bacteria, reduces breakouts, calms redness.

Green Light Therapy

• Best For: Sensitive, redness-prone, or uneven skin tone
• Benefits: Calms irritation, reduces redness, helps with hyperpigmentation.

Best Serum and Light Therapy Combinations by Skin Type

Dry or Mature Skin

Recommended Light: Red or infrared
Best Serum for LED Mask: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, ceramides

Why it works: Red light therapy boosts collagen and skin repair, while hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates and plumps the skin. Peptides help strengthen the skin barrier and improve elasticity.

Routine Example:

1. Cleanse skin.
2. Use red light therapy device.
3. Apply hyaluronic acid or peptide serum.
4. Follow with moisturizer and sunscreen (AM only).

Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

Recommended Light: Blue
Best Serum for LED Mask: Salicylic acid, niacinamide

Why it works: Blue light kills acne-causing bacteria, while salicylic acid unclogs pores and niacinamide reduces oil and inflammation.

Routine Example:

1. Cleanse skin.
2. Use blue light therapy device.
3. Apply salicylic acid or niacinamide serum.
4. Moisturize lightly.

Combination Skin

Recommended Light: Red or multi-spectrum
Best Serum for LED Mask: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C

Why it works: Red light balances oil and hydration. Niacinamide soothes and regulates oil, hyaluronic acid hydrates, and vitamin C brightens and protects.

Routine Example:

1. Cleanse.
2. Use multi-spectrum or red light device.
3. Apply niacinamide or vitamin C serum.
4. Moisturize.

Sensitive or Redness-Prone Skin

Recommended Light: Green or red
Best Serum for LED Mask: Antioxidant serums, calming peptides

Why it works: Green light calms irritation, red light soothes, and antioxidant serums protect and strengthen the skin barrier.

Routine Example:

1. Cleanse.
2. Use green or red light therapy.
3. Apply antioxidant or peptide serum.
4. Moisturize with gentle, fragrance-free cream.

$152 Savings

4.8

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars

4.8 / 5

Neck & Chest LED Mask w/ LightBoost Cream Kit

To visibly firm & even skin tone

$351 $199

SHOP NOW

Enhancing Your Skincare Routine with Light Therapy and Serums

Integrating light therapy with your daily skincare routine can bring noticeable improvements over time. Consistency is key, and using the right serums tailored to your skin type will maximize the benefits. For example, if you have dry skin, incorporating a rich hydrating serum after your light therapy session can help lock in moisture and improve skin texture.

Moreover, understanding the timing of application is important. Applying serums immediately after light therapy allows your skin to absorb active ingredients more effectively, thanks to the increased permeability caused by the light treatment. This means your skin can better utilize ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants.

Tips for Best Results

• Use your light therapy device regularly, ideally 3-5 times per week.
• Always cleanse your skin thoroughly before treatment to remove dirt and oils.
• Avoid using harsh exfoliants or irritating products on treatment days.
• Follow up with a serum that suits your skin type and concerns.
• Protect your skin with a mineral-based sunscreen during the day.

Understanding Light Therapy Safety

While light therapy is generally safe, it’s important to follow manufacturer guidelines and consult with a dermatologist if you have specific skin conditions or concerns. Avoid using light therapy devices if you are pregnant, have photosensitivity, or certain medical conditions.

Combining Products for Optimal Care

Using products from trusted brands like Solawave ensures that your serums and devices are designed to work together. Their LightBoost™ serums are formulated to complement their light therapy devices, enhancing the overall effectiveness of your skincare routine.

By adding these practices to your regimen, you can enjoy healthier, more radiant skin with the combined power of serums and light therapy.

Ingredients to Use and Avoid with Light Therapy

Ingredients That Boost Results

• Hyaluronic Acid: Deep hydration, plumping.
• Vitamin C: Brightening, antioxidant protection.
• Niacinamide: Reduces redness, regulates oil, soothes.
• Peptides: Strengthen, firm, and hydrate skin.
• Copper Peptides and Bakuchiol: Support collagen, gentle anti-aging.

Ingredients to Avoid

• Essential Oils: Can cause irritation and sensitivity, especially with light exposure.
• Chemical Sunscreens: Ingredients like avobenzone and octinoxate may react under LED light and block its effectiveness. Use mineral sunscreen instead, and only after your session.
• Retinol: Can be used after LED therapy, but avoid applying it right before your session, as it may increase sensitivity.

Choosing the Best Serum for LED Mask: What to Look For

• Skin Type Compatibility: Pick a serum that matches your skin’s needs (hydrating for dry, clarifying for oily, calming for sensitive).
• Active Ingredients: Look for proven ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, or peptides.
• No Harsh Additives: Avoid serums with alcohol, fragrance, or essential oils, which can irritate skin during light therapy.
• Brand Recommendations: For Solawave devices, the LightBoost Face & Neck Serum is designed for pre-treatment, while the Plumping Peptide Serum is ideal for post-treatment hydration and barrier support.

Comparing Solawave’s Award-Winning Devices and Serums

For those interested in advanced skincare tools, the Wrinkle Retreat Light Therapy Face Mask offers powerful red and near-infrared light therapy to visibly improve skin firmness and texture. This mask is especially effective for mature, dry, or uneven skin, delivering results in as little as 8 weeks with consistent use. The LightBoost™ Face & Neck Serum, included in the kit, primes your skin for treatment and boosts the benefits of light therapy.

$126 Savings

4.7

Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars

4.7 / 5

Wrinkle Retreat Face Mask & LightBoost Serum Kit

To visibly smooth fine lines

$425 $299

SHOP NOW

The Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand & LightBoost Set combines red light therapy with therapeutic warmth, galvanic current, and facial massage for a targeted, customizable session. This device is ideal for those wanting to focus on specific areas like smile lines or under-eye puffiness, and the LightBoost™ Activating Serum ensures a smooth glide and enhanced absorption of active ingredients.

Explore a wide range of serums and skincare products designed to complement your light therapy routine in the Solawave Skincare Collection. Each product is formulated to work seamlessly with Solawave’s devices, supporting visible renewal, hydration, and skin barrier health.

How to Layer Serums and Light Therapy for Maximum Results

• Cleanse First: Always start with clean, dry skin.
• When to Apply Serum: Most experts recommend using your LED device on bare skin, then applying your serum immediately after.
• Moisturize and Protect: Finish with a moisturizer to lock in hydration, and always use sunscreen during the day.
• Tip: For devices like the Solawave Skincare Wand, use the recommended LightBoost Face & Neck Serum before your session, then follow with a hydrating serum like the Plumping Peptide Serum after treatment.


POPULAR
4.7
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 / 5
4-in-1 Red Light Therapy Wand & Activating Serum Kit
To visibly help restore glow
$207 $207
SHOP NOW

Real Results and Expert Recommendations

Dermatologists and estheticians recommend pairing Solawave’s light therapy devices with their LightBoost™ serums for optimal results. The combination of red and near-infrared light therapy with a peptide-rich serum has been shown to visibly reduce fine lines, even skin tone, and boost radiance in as little as 8 weeks. User reviews highlight improvements in firmness, texture, and overall skin health, with many noting that the devices are easy to use and fit seamlessly into daily routines.

Solawave’s products are FDA-cleared, science-backed, and have won multiple beauty awards for innovation and effectiveness. The hands-free design of the Wrinkle Retreat Face Mask and the targeted approach of the Skincare Wand make them suitable for both beginners and experienced skincare enthusiasts.

By understanding your skin’s needs and choosing the right serum and red light therapy combinations, you can make the most of your at-home skincare routine and see real, lasting results.

Ready to try it for yourself?
For those interested in advanced skincare tools, the Wrinkle Retreat Light Therapy Face Mask offers powerful red and near-infrared light therapy to visibly improve skin firmness and texture. The Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand & LightBoost Set combines multiple technologies to target fine lines and boost radiance effectively. Explore a wide range of serums and skincare products designed to complement your light therapy routine in the Solawave Skincare Collection.

With the right combination of face serums and light therapy, your skin can look and feel its best—every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What serum should you use with light therapy?

Choose a serum that matches your skin concern: hyaluronic acid for hydration, vitamin C for brightening, niacinamide for calming, and peptides for firming. Apply the serum after your light therapy session for best results.

How to choose face serum for combination skin?

Look for lightweight serums that balance hydration and oil, such as niacinamide or hyaluronic acid. Vitamin C is also a good option for brightening and protection.

What serums are not to use with red light therapy?

Avoid serums with essential oils, chemical sunscreens, and retinol right before your session. These can cause irritation or block the light from penetrating the skin.

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

Start with clean, dry skin. If using a device-specific serum like Solawave LightBoost, apply it as directed. Otherwise, use your LED device on bare skin, then apply your serum after the session.

Are there any serums that work for all skin types with light therapy?

Yes, hyaluronic acid and peptides are gentle and effective for all skin types, providing hydration and supporting skin repair.