Should You Keep Your Eyes Open or Closed During Red Light Therapy?

Red Light Therapy has emerged as a popular, non-invasive treatment that offers a range of benefits for the complexion. By using specific wavelengths of red light, this skincare technology helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while rejuvenating the skin for a radiant, healthy-looking glow.

As more people incorporate Red Light Therapy into their skincare routines, a common question comes up: Should you keep your eyes open or closed during your session? Here is everything you need to know about how Light Therapy works around the eye area, along with best practices for safe and effective use.

What Is Red Light Therapy?

Red Light Therapy is a non-invasive skincare treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin and support collagen production, a protein essential for maintaining the skin's structure and elasticity.

The benefits of Red Light Therapy for skin health and appearance are extensive. It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, visibly smooths skin texture, and rejuvenates the overall complexion. Red Light Therapy can also help diminish the appearance of inflammation and redness caused by acne, visibly brighten dark circles, and reduce the look of puffiness.

Red Light Therapy also works effectively alongside other types of Light Therapy technology, including Blue, Amber, Deep Red, and Near-Infrared, each of which offers its own benefits for improving the complexion. The Solawave red light therapy face mask , for example, combines four wavelengths: Amber (605nm), Red (630nm), Deep Red (660nm), and Near-Infrared (830nm) through 320 medical-grade LEDs in a single 3-minute session.

Is Red Light Therapy Safe for the Eyes?

Red Light Therapy is generally considered safe when following the manufacturer's instructions. It is natural to take a cautious approach when using any new technology near the eye area, and understanding the science behind the safety can provide helpful reassurance.

Numerous studies and clinical trials have explored the safety and efficacy of Red Light Therapy. Research has shown that when used correctly, Red Light Therapy delivers its skincare benefits without adverse effects to the skin or surrounding areas. The wavelengths used in Red Light Therapy devices are typically in the range of 600 to 850 nanometers, which is considered safe for skin and superficial tissues.

These wavelengths are not as intense as ultraviolet (UV) light, which is emitted at wavelengths of 100 to 400 nanometers. Ultraviolet light, particularly UV-A and UV-B rays from the sun, is well-known for its potential to cause damage to the eyes. Prolonged exposure to UV light can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration, and photokeratitis, which is essentially a sunburn of the eye. Red Light Therapy does not carry these risks because it operates at entirely different, safer wavelengths.

An additional step you can take to ensure you are using a safe, proven device is to look for FDA clearance. At-home options like Solawave are FDA-cleared, making them safe and reliable for regular use. FDA-cleared devices have been rigorously tested and evaluated to meet safety and efficacy standards, giving you an extra layer of confidence. With more brands entering the market without FDA clearance and therefore uncertain safety protocols, this distinction matters more than ever.

To summarize: while the eyes are exposed to light during treatment, the type of light used in Red Light Therapy is fundamentally different from and much safer than the UV light we typically work hard to protect our eyes and skin from.

Can You Use Red Light Therapy If You Have an Eye Condition?

If you have an existing eye condition such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, or chronic dry eyes, you should consult with your healthcare provider about whether Red Light Therapy is safe and appropriate for your specific situation. While Red Light Therapy is generally safe, individuals with specific eye conditions should take extra precautions before beginning treatment to avoid any potential risks, even with the availability of protective goggles and eye-specific devices.

Do You Need Eye Protection for Red Light Therapy?

While many types of light-based treatments, such as tannin,g require eye protection like goggles during use, separate eye protection is not typically required by the manufacturers of Red Light Therapy mask devices specifically designed for the face and eye area.

Because Red Light is emitted at wavelengths known to be safe for skin and superficial tissue, additional eye protection beyond what is included with the device is generally not needed. This is in contrast to UV light treatments, which operate at wavelengths known to damage both eyes and skin, which is why sunscreen and sunglasses are so important in daily life.

Solawave at-home Light Therapy devices are designed so that you do not need to purchase separate, additional eye protection. The red light therapy face mask includes detachable protective goggles that can help block light from the eyes for added comfort and protection. The mask itself is made from flexible, medical-grade silicone that contours to the face, helping to prevent light leakage.

Eyes Open or Closed During Red Light Therapy?

For Solawave devices, you can choose to keep your eyes open or closed during your session. Most customers end up closing their eyes, using their treatment session as a chance to relax and unwind. However, closing your eyes is not mandatory.

That said, some customers with light sensitivity may find it more comfortable to keep their eyes closed for the duration of the treatment, since the LEDs on the masks are in proximity to the eye area. If you experience any discomfort or strain from the brightness, simply close your eyes or use the protective goggles included with your device. Both approaches are perfectly safe.

The key takeaway is that you should do whatever feels most comfortable for you. Whether you prefer to close your eyes and enjoy a few minutes of relaxation or keep them open while you multitask, you are getting the same skincare benefits either way.

The Best Red Light Therapy for the Eye Area

Red Light Therapy is powerful yet gentle enough to treat the delicate skin around the eyes, an area often prone to the earliest visible signs of skin aging and fatigue.

Red Light Therapy Eye Mask

The red light therapy eye mask is specifically designed to target the sensitive eye region, providing focused treatment that can help rejuvenate and refresh the area. It uses four wavelengths of Light Therapy: Amber, Red, Deep Red, and Near-Infrared, to simultaneously address multiple concerns in a single 3-minute session.

The eye mask can help reduce the appearance of dark circles, crow's feet, 11 lines between the brows, puffiness, and fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. By supporting collagen production in this delicate area, the mask helps to visibly brighten the under-eye area, giving you a more rested and vibrant look.

For enhanced results, pair the eye mask with the LightBoost Collagen Caffeine Eye Cream applied after your session. This targeted formula is designed to complement Light Therapy treatments with peptides and caffeine that support the eye area.

Red Light Therapy Face Mask

The red light therapy face mask delivers the benefits of Red Light Therapy to the entire face, including the eye area, through 320 medical-grade LEDs in just 3 minutes per session. Using Red, Deep Red, Amber, and Near-Infrared Light, this mask helps to visibly smooth fine lines, support firmness, and enhance skin texture, smoothness, and radiance across the full face.

Many customers use both the face mask and the eye mask as part of a comprehensive routine, addressing the full face and providing extra targeted attention to the delicate eye area.

Red Light Therapy Wand

The red light therapy wand offers another approach for treating the eye area with precision. It combines Red Light Therapy at 630nm with therapeutic warmth, galvanic current, and facial massage, allowing you to gently glide the device around the orbital bone and target crow's feet, under-eye puffiness, and fine lines. For best results, pair the wand with the LightBoost Activating Serum applied before your session, as the galvanic current technology requires a water-based serum to function optimally. Each treatment zone takes 3 minutes, with a total session time of 12 minutes across four zones.

How to Use Red Light Therapy for the Eye Area

Using Solawave Red Light Therapy devices around the eyes is a straightforward process that fits easily into any skincare routine. Here is how to get started.

Step 1:

Cleanse your face. Begin by thoroughly cleansing your face to remove any makeup, sunscreen, dirt, or oils. This ensures your skin is ready to absorb the full benefits of Red Light Therapy.

Step 2:

Complete your Light Therapy session. For the red light therapy face mask or the red light therapy eye mask , place the device on clean, dry skin with no products applied beforehand. Secure the strap, hold the power button to turn on the device, and relax while the Light Therapy works. The face mask completes its session in 3 minutes, and the eye mask also takes just 3 minutes. Each device automatically shuts off when the session is complete.

If you are using the red light therapy wand , apply the LightBoost Activating Serum to the treatment area first, then gently glide the wand around the eye area using upward and outward motions for 3 minutes per zone.

Step 3:

Follow up with skincare. After your session, continue with your regular skincare routine. Apply the LightBoost Niacinamide Face and Neck Serum for barrier support and texture improvement. Apply the LightBoost Collagen Caffeine Eye Cream around the eye area for targeted care. Finish with the LightBoost Face and Neck Cream to lock in hydration and support firmness.

Step 4:

Store your device. Gently remove the mask or wand and wipe it down with a soft, damp cloth or a Solawave Device Cleaning Wipe. Store it in a clean, dry place in the included storage bag or case.

For optimal results, use your chosen device 3 to 5 times per week. Once-a-week sessions are unlikely to deliver the visible improvements most customers are looking for, so building consistent sessions into your weekly routine is essential. The short session times (3 minutes for the masks) make consistency easy to maintain.

For a comprehensive routine that extends beyond the face, the Neck and Chest Pro Light Therapy Mask addresses the often-neglected skin below the jawline.

Many Solawave purchases may be eligible for coverage with FSA/HSA funds, making the investment more accessible.

Explore the full Solawave collection to find the right devices and products for your skincare goals.

Conclusion

Red Light Therapy offers a range of benefits for skin health and appearance, including reducing the appearance of fine lines, visibly smoothing wrinkles, and rejuvenating the skin for a radiant, healthy-looking glow. With extensive research supporting its safety and efficacy, it is reassuring to know that Red Light Therapy sessions do not require you to close your eyes or use additional safety equipment beyond what the manufacturer includes.

That said, some people's eyes are more sensitive to light, so using the included protective goggles or simply keeping your eyes closed can help if you notice any discomfort or strain from the brightness. Whether you choose to close your eyes and enjoy a few minutes of relaxation or keep them open while you go about your routine, the benefits are the same.

Ready to explore what Red Light Therapy can do for your skin? Browse the full range of Solawave skincare devices and discover how consistent, science-backed routines can help you achieve smoother, more radiant-looking skin from the comfort of home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I keep my eyes open or closed during Red Light Therapy?

Either option is safe with Solawave devices. Most customers choose to close their eyes and use the session as a moment to relax, but keeping your eyes open is perfectly fine. If you experience any discomfort from the brightness, close your eyes or use the protective goggles included with the red light therapy face mask . Both approaches deliver the same skincare benefits.

Is Red Light Therapy dangerous for the eyes?

No. The wavelengths used in Red Light Therapy (typically 600 to 850nm) are considered safe for skin and superficial tissues. They are fundamentally different from ultraviolet (UV) light, which operates at much shorter wavelengths (100 to 400nm) and is known to cause eye damage. Red Light Therapy does not carry the same risks as UV exposure. Solawave devices are FDA-cleared and include protective goggles for added comfort.

Do I need to buy separate goggles for Red Light Therapy?

No. Solawave devices are designed so that separate eye protection is not required. The red light therapy face mask includes detachable protective goggles for customers who prefer additional light blocking. The mask's flexible, medical-grade silicone design also helps prevent light leakage.

Can Red Light Therapy help with dark circles and under-eye puffiness?

Yes. The red light therapy eye mask is specifically designed to target the delicate skin around the eyes, addressing dark circles, puffiness, crow's feet, and fine lines in a single 3-minute session using four wavelengths of Light Therapy. The red light therapy face mask also treats the eye area as part of full-face coverage. Pairing either device with the LightBoost Collagen Caffeine Eye Cream applied after your session can enhance results.

How long does it take to see results from Red Light Therapy around the eyes?

Most customers notice subtle improvements in skin radiance and a more refreshed appearance within a few weeks of consistent use. More significant results, such as visible reduction in fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness, typically develop over several weeks to a few months of regular sessions at 3 to 5 times per week. Consistency is the most important factor for achieving visible results.

Can I use Red Light Therapy if I have an eye condition?

If you have an existing eye condition such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, or chronic dry eyes, consult with your healthcare provider before starting Red Light Therapy. While the treatment is generally safe, individuals with specific eye conditions should take extra precautions and receive personalized guidance from their provider.

Is Red Light Therapy safe for all skin types?

Red Light Therapy is generally safe for all skin types, and its non-invasive nature makes it suitable for customers with sensitive skin. However, individuals with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI) should consult their dermatologist before use, as higher melanin concentrations can increase light absorption. If you are pregnant, always consult with your doctor before using any new treatments or devices. Solawave devices are designed for customers who are 18 years of age or older.

Can Red Light Therapy help with acne around the eyes?

While acne is less common directly around the eye area, Red Light Therapy can help reduce the appearance of redness and inflammation associated with breakouts on other parts of the face. Blue Light Therapy specifically targets acne-causing bacteria and is particularly effective for active breakouts. The Solawave Bye Acne Pimple Spot Treatment uses both Red and Blue Light Therapy to address blemishes in a focused 3-minute session.

What is the difference between the eye mask and the face mask for treating the eye area?

The red light therapy eye mask is specifically designed for the delicate skin around the eyes, delivering concentrated Light Therapy to this targeted area. The red light therapy face mask provides full-face coverage, including the eye area, along with the forehead, cheeks, jawline, and other zones. Many customers use both devices for a comprehensive routine: the face mask for overall rejuvenation and the eye mask for extra focused care around the eyes.

How often should I use Red Light Therapy for the eye area?

For optimal results, use your chosen device 3 to 5 times per week. The red light therapy eye mask completes a session in just 3 minutes, making it easy to maintain a consistent schedule. Once-a-week sessions are unlikely to deliver the visible improvements most customers are looking for. Consistency is what drives real, noticeable results over time.

What skincare products should I use after Red Light Therapy around the eyes?

After your session, apply the LightBoost Collagen Caffeine Eye Cream gently around the orbital bone for targeted eye area care. Follow with the LightBoost Niacinamide Face and Neck Serum for the rest of the face and neck, then seal everything with the LightBoost Face and Neck Cream to lock in hydration and support firmness.