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Can At Home Light Therapy Help Relieve the Look of Dry Skin?

John Tsenekos
August 12, 2025
9 MINS READ

Dry skin is something many of us experience, especially as the seasons change or as we get older. It can leave skin feeling tight, rough, or looking a little dull, and home remedies are often not enough. Recently, more women are turning to at-home Light Therapy devices as a way to support healthier-looking, hydrated skin without the need for frequent spa visits. Red Light Therapy, Near-Infrared Light Therapy, and Amber Light Therapy are gaining attention for their ability to visibly rejuvenate skin, brighten the complexion, and help skin look fresh and luminous. These gentle, non-invasive treatments can easily fit into your daily routine, offering a new way to care for your skin right at home.

What Causes Dry Skin and Its Causes?

Dry skin can show up for a variety of reasons, and understanding these causes, often with the guidance of a dermatologist, can help you better care for your skin. One of the most common reasons is a lack of moisture in the outer layer of the skin, which can make it feel rough, flaky, or even itchy. As we age, our skin naturally produces less oil, which can make dryness more noticeable.

Environmental factors play a big role, too. Cold weather, low humidity, and exposure to wind can all strip moisture from the skin. Indoor heating and air conditioning can also dry out the air, making skin feel even more parched. Hot showers, harsh soaps, and over-exfoliating can further disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, leading to increased dryness.

Lifestyle habits matter as well. Not drinking enough water, spending long hours in the sun, or using skincare products with drying ingredients can all contribute to dry skin. Even stress and lack of sleep can affect how your skin looks and feels.

How Can Light Therapy Support Healthier-Looking Skin?

Red Light Therapy is known for its ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and help skin look smoother and more radiant. It supports healthy collagen production, which can make skin feel firmer and look more refreshed. Near-Infrared Light Therapy goes a bit deeper, rejuvenating the appearance of skin and supporting overall radiance. This can be especially helpful for skin that feels dry or looks dull, as it helps skin appear more vibrant and glowy.

Amber Light Therapy is another option that helps improve the look of uneven skin tone and reduces the appearance of puffiness. It’s especially beneficial for brightening the complexion and giving skin a visibly illuminated, healthy look. Together, these Light Therapy options can help skin look and feel more hydrated, refreshed, and luminous, making them a great choice for anyone wanting to upgrade their at-home skincare routine.

What Is the Science Behind At-Home Light Therapy for Dry Skin?

At-home Light Therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to support the skin’s natural renewal process, all without causing discomfort or downtime. When you use a Light Therapy device, the light energy is absorbed by the skin’s surface, where it can help energize skin cells and support a healthier-looking complexion.

Red Light Therapy and Near-Infrared Light Therapy are especially well-studied for their ability to visibly rejuvenate skin. These wavelengths can help skin look smoother, brighter, and more hydrated by supporting healthy collagen production and improving the skin’s ability to retain moisture. Amber Light Therapy, meanwhile, is known for helping to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of puffiness, which can make dry skin look more luminous and refreshed.

How Does Red Light Therapy Benefit Dry, Dull Skin?

Red Light Therapy is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that can make a noticeable difference in the look and feel of dry, dull skin. By using a specific wavelength of red light, this therapy helps support healthy collagen production, which is essential for skin that looks firm, smooth, and refreshed. Collagen is a natural protein in the skin that helps maintain its structure and elasticity, but as we age, our bodies produce less of it, which can lead to dryness and a lackluster appearance. RLT may also prove useful in addressing skin concerns like hyperpigmentation.

Emerging research also suggests that Red Light Therapy may encourage the skin’s own production of hyaluronic acid, a molecule naturally found in the skin that helps retain moisture and keep skin looking plump and hydrated. The light energy stimulates skin cells called fibroblasts, which are responsible for producing both collagen and hyaluronic acid. While the increase in hyaluronic acid from Red Light Therapy is generally modest, it can still contribute to a more hydrated, glowing complexion.

How Does Near-Infrared Light Therapy Provide Deep Rejuvenation for Thirsty Skin?

Near-Infrared Light Therapy is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that goes beyond the skin’s surface to support a more radiant, hydrated appearance. Unlike visible light, near-infrared wavelengths can penetrate deeper into the skin, reaching the layers where important renewal processes take place. This deeper reach helps energize skin cells, supporting their natural regeneration, repair, and refreshment processes.

One of the key benefits of Near-Infrared Light Therapy is its ability to visibly rejuvenate the skin, making it look more luminous and healthy. By supporting the skin’s natural renewal, this therapy can help skin appear plumper and more hydrated, which is especially helpful for those experiencing dryness or a dull complexion. Near-Infrared Light Therapy also helps skin retain moisture more effectively, contributing to a softer, smoother texture and a refreshed, glowy look.

What Should You Look for in an At-Home Light Therapy Device for Dry Skin?

Choosing the right at-home Light Therapy device can make a big difference in how effective and enjoyable your skincare routine feels. Start by looking for a device that offers the right wavelengths for your needs: Red Light, Near-Infrared Light, and Amber Light are especially helpful for supporting hydrated, radiant skin. Devices that combine these wavelengths can provide more comprehensive benefits for dryness and overall skin appearance.

Comfort is also important. Look for a device made from soft, flexible materials that fit comfortably on your face, neck, or chest. Adjustable straps and lightweight designs make it easier to use the device regularly, which is key for seeing visible results. Ease of use matters, too. Features like hands-free operation, automatic shut-off, and rechargeable batteries can help you fit Light Therapy into your daily routine without hassle.

Safety should always be a priority, especially if you have existing skin conditions. Choose devices that are FDA-cleared or have been tested for home use, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid using Light Therapy on broken or irritated skin, and check for any contraindications, such as photosensitivity or recent cosmetic procedures. If you have any concerns or medical conditions, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before starting Light Therapy at home.

Which Devices Target Dry Skin on the Face, Eyes, Neck & Chest?

When it comes to addressing dry skin, using the right at-home Light Therapy device can make a noticeable difference. Solawave offers targeted solutions for different areas of the face, eyes, neck, and chest, each designed to help skin look more hydrated, refreshed, and luminous. Here’s how each device can support your skincare goals:

Red Light Therapy Eye Mask + LightBoost Set

The Red Light Therapy Eye Mask + LightBoost Set is designed specifically for the delicate skin around your eyes, an area that often shows dryness and fatigue first. This targeted eye mask uses a combination of Red Light, Deep Red, Near-Infrared, and Amber Light Therapy to visibly brighten dark circles, reduce puffiness, and smooth the look of fine lines. Paired with the LightBoost Eye Cream, it helps hydrate and firm the under-eye area, leaving skin looking refreshed and luminous.

Wrinkle Retreat Light Therapy Face Mask

The Wrinkle Retreat Light Therapy Face Mask covers the entire face, delivering Red Light and Near-Infrared Light Therapy to support smoother, more hydrated, and glowing skin. This mask is ideal for anyone looking to address dryness, uneven tone, and visible signs of skin aging. Used regularly, it helps skin look firmer, brighter, and more radiant, making it a smart addition to any at-home skincare routine.

Neck and Chest Red Light Therapy Mask + LightBoost Kit

The Neck and Chest Red Light Therapy Mask + LightBoost Kit is designed for the often-overlooked neck and chest area, where dryness and sun damage can be especially noticeable. This device uses Red Light and Near-Infrared Light Therapy to visibly smooth texture, even out skin tone, and support firmer, more hydrated skin. The included LightBoost Cream adds an extra layer of moisture, helping these delicate areas look and feel their healthiest.

How Do You Incorporate Light Therapy Into Your Skincare Routine?

Adding Light Therapy to your skincare routine is simple and can help you achieve a more hydrated, luminous complexion right at home. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get the most out of your device:

1. Start With Clean Skin Gently cleanse your face, neck, or chest to remove any makeup, sunscreen, or impurities. Clean skin allows the light to reach the surface more effectively.

2. Apply a Hydrating Serum or Cream Before using your Light Therapy device, apply a lightweight, hydrating serum or cream, especially one with ingredients like hyaluronic acid. This helps lock in moisture and can enhance the appearance of plump, glowing skin.

3. Use Your Light Therapy Device as Directed Follow the instructions for your specific device. Whether you're using red, infrared, or blue light, most Light Therapy treatments take just a few minutes per session. The device can be used several times a week. Make sure the device fits comfortably and covers the target area.

4. Follow With Moisturizer After your Light Therapy session, apply a nourishing moisturizer to help seal in hydration and support your skin’s barrier.

5. Finish With Sunscreen (Morning Routine Only) If you’re using Light Therapy in the morning, always finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin and maintain your results.

Ready to upgrade your skincare routine and experience the benefits of Light Therapy for yourself? Explore our collection of Solawave kits, each one thoughtfully curated to help you achieve healthier-looking, more radiant skin from the comfort of home.

Sources:

  1. Photobiomodulation for the Treatment of Aging Skin: Results from a Single-Center, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Split-Face Trial | National Institutes of Health (NIH)

  2. How Stress Affects Your Face | Healthline

  3. The Impact of Environmental Pollution on Skin Aging | National Institutes of Health (NIH)

  4. Reverse Skin Aging Signs by Red Light Photobiomodulation | National Institutes of Health (NIH)

  5. Photobiomodulation and Skin Rejuvenation: A Review | National Institutes of Health (NIH)

  6. Hyaluronic Acid: A Key Molecule in Skin Aging | National Institutes of Health (NIH)

  7. Fibroblasts Produce the ECM's Structural Proteins, Such as Hyaluronan and Glycoproteins | National Institutes of Health (NIH)

  8. Red and Near-Infrared Light Therapy for Skin Rejuvenation: A Systematic Review | PubMed

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Reviewed by

This article was reviewed by a licensed master esthetician.

RasShahn Johnson-Baker

Master esthetician and licensed esthetics instructor with over 15+ years in the skincare industry.

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