Can I Use the Red Light Therapy Face Mask Before or After Applying Makeup?

You've invested in a red light therapy mask, excited to unlock its rejuvenating benefits for your skin. But as you start to build your red light therapy makeup routine, a common question pops up: should you use your mask before or after applying your makeup? The short answer is a clear and simple one: always use your red light therapy mask before applying makeup.

This might seem straightforward, but understanding the “why” behind this rule is key to getting the most out of your at-home light therapy sessions. Think of your skin as a canvas. For any treatment to be truly effective, the canvas needs to be clean and prepped. Let’s dive into how to perfectly time your red light therapy for a radiant complexion that glows from within, even before you reach for your foundation.

The Science Behind the Glow: How Red Light Therapy Works

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of your skincare schedule, let's talk about the magic of red light therapy. This technology, which has its roots in NASA-led research, uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to energize your skin cells. This boost of energy helps your skin’s natural processes, like collagen production, to work more efficiently. The result? Visibly firmer, smoother skin with a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Why a Clean Face is Non-Negotiable

For red light therapy to work its wonders, the light needs to penetrate your skin without any obstructions. Here’s where makeup, sunscreen, and even excess oil come into play. These products can form a barrier on your skin’s surface, blocking the light from reaching the deeper layers where it's needed most. Whether it's a liquid foundation, a powder, or even a tinted moisturizer, these formulas create a physical layer on the skin. Ingredients commonly found in makeup and SPF, like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, are designed to reflect light, which is great for sun protection but counterproductive for light therapy. They can literally bounce the therapeutic red light away from your skin, preventing it from doing its job.

Think of it like trying to water a plant with a plastic sheet over the soil; the water will just run off without nourishing the roots. The same principle applies here. Applying your red light therapy mask over makeup will significantly reduce the benefits of your session, making it a less-than-optimal use of your time and your device. To ensure every minute of your treatment counts, starting with a completely clean face is a must. This is one of the most important light therapy application tips to remember.

Your Ultimate Red Light Therapy Skincare Schedule

Integrating a red light therapy mask into your life doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, it can be a relaxing and rewarding part of your daily ritual. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating the perfect red light therapy mask skincare schedule that sets you up for success.

Step-by-Step Guide to Your Pre-Makeup RLT Session

To get the most out of your Solawave treatment and create a perfect base for your makeup, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Start with a Squeaky-Clean Face: 

Begin by thoroughly cleansing your skin to remove all traces of makeup, dirt, and oil. If you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen, consider a double cleanse. Start with an oil-based cleanser to break down products, followed by a gentle, pH-balanced water-based cleanser to wash everything away without stripping your skin's natural moisture barrier. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel.

Step 2: Boost Your Results with a Serum

For an extra boost, you can apply a serum specifically designed to be used with red light therapy. Solawave's LightBoost Red Light Therapy Hyaluronic Serum is an excellent choice. This innovative serum is formulated to enhance the effects of your light therapy session while providing your skin with a dose of hydration. Simply apply a thin layer and allow it to absorb before using your mask. This serum also doubles as the perfect activating serum for our red light therapy wand.

Step 3: Your 3-Minute Pro-Level Facial with Solawave

Now for the main event. Settle in with the new Wrinkle Retreat Pro Light Therapy Face Mask. This next-generation mask is designed for superior comfort with its flexible, medical-grade silicone that contours to your face. The best part? The treatment takes just 3 minutes. In that short time, 320 LEDs deliver four wavelengths of light—Amber, Red, Deep Red, and Near-Infrared—to offer deeper, more targeted rejuvenation. This quick, spa-like session is easy to fit into any schedule. Consistency is key, so aim to use it 3 to 5 times per week to see visibly smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin.

Step 4: Lock in the Goodness

After your 10-minute session, it's time to nourish your freshly treated skin. This is the perfect moment to apply targeted treatments, as your skin is highly receptive.

• Apply Serums: Start with a hydrating or treatment serum. If you're looking to tackle texture and uneven skin tone, our LightBoost Niacinamide Face and Neck Serum is a fantastic option to layer on post-therapy.
• Target the Eyes: The delicate skin around your eyes needs special attention. Gently tap on an eye cream like our LightBoost Collagen Caffeine Eye Cream to help reduce the appearance of puffiness and fine lines.
• Moisturize: Finish by applying a good moisturizer to hydrate your skin and lock in the benefits of the treatment. Our LightBoost Face and Neck Cream is scientifically formulated to work in synergy with light therapy, leaving your skin feeling soft and supple.

Step 5: Perfect Your Canvas for Makeup

In the morning, always finish your routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Once your skincare products have fully absorbed, your skin is perfectly prepped for makeup application. You’ll likely notice that your makeup goes on smoother and your skin has a natural radiance peeking through. You might even find you need less foundation than before!

Building a Consistent Red Light Therapy Routine

The key to achieving and maintaining your skin goals with red light therapy is consistency. Think of it like a workout for your skin; results come from regular effort, not a single session. The benefits of red light therapy are cumulative, building over time as consistent sessions stimulate skin cells and support collagen production.

For optimal results, we recommend using your Solawave Wrinkle Retreat Pro mask 3-5 times a week. Each session is a quick and effective 3 minutes. After an initial period of 4-12 weeks, you can transition to maintenance sessions 2-3 times a week to keep your skin glowing.

To make it a habit, try "habit stacking." Pair your 3-minute session with another part of your daily routine. You could use your mask while listening to a morning podcast or during a moment of evening calm. The best time for your red light therapy session is whatever time works best for you and your lifestyle—as long as you stick with it.

Getting the Most from Your Solawave Investment

When you choose Solawave, you're not just buying a skincare device; you're investing in a piece of technology that's backed by science and loved by experts.

Advanced Technology for Visible Results

Our hero product, the Wrinkle Retreat Pro Light Therapy Face Mask, is our most advanced full-face treatment. It uses four powerful wavelengths, Amber, Red, Deep Red, and Near-Infrared light—to deliver comprehensive skin rejuvenation in just 3 minutes. For those who prefer a more hands-on, targeted approach, our award-winning red light therapy wand combines four technologies in one sleek device: Red Light Therapy, Galvanic Current to boost serum absorption, Therapeutic Warmth, and a gentle Facial Massage.

We also offer specialized solutions like our red light therapy eye mask to specifically focus on crow's feet and the delicate under-eye area. And because skincare shouldn't stop at the chin, our Neck & Chest Red Light Therapy Mask Kit provides targeted rejuvenation for these often-neglected areas.

All Solawave devices are FDA-cleared, which means they have been reviewed by the FDA for safety and effectiveness. This is an important factor to consider when choosing an at-home light therapy device, as many brands on the market do not have this clearance, leaving their safety and efficacy in question.

A Smart Choice for Your Skin and Your Wallet

We believe that everyone deserves to have access to high-quality skincare. That's why we're proud that many Solawave purchases may be eligible for coverage with FSA/HSA funds, making our devices an even more accessible investment in your long-term skin health.

The Solawave Promise: Science-Backed Skincare

At Solawave, our mission is to empower you to take charge of your skin with proven technologies that deliver professional-level results at home. We are a 30+ award-winning skincare brand focused on integrating science-backed, FDA-cleared light therapy with innovative skincare ingredients. Recommended by dermatologists and estheticians, our devices are designed to be a seamless, effective, and even enjoyable part of your daily ritual.

Ready to start your journey to radiant skin? You can explore our full range of award-winning devices and our complete skincare collection at Solawave. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram for more tips, tricks, and skincare inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some quick answers to other common questions about red light therapy:

Can I do red light therapy every day?

While you can use red light therapy every day, we recommend 3-5 sessions per week for the best results, especially when you're just starting out. This gives your skin time to respond to the treatment.

Is 3 minutes of red light therapy enough?

Yes, a 3-minute session is an effective amount of time for a red light therapy treatment, especially for improving skin health and appearance. All of our Solawave masks are designed for 3-minute sessions.

How often should I use a red light therapy mask?

For the Solawave Wrinkle Retreat Pro mask, we recommend 3-5 sessions per week, with each session lasting just 3 minutes. After an initial period of consistent use (typically 4-12 weeks), you can switch to maintenance sessions 2-3 times per week to keep your skin glowing.

Is red light therapy safe during pregnancy?

While red light therapy is a gentle and non-invasive treatment, we always recommend consulting with your doctor before starting any new skincare treatment during pregnancy.

Can I use any serum with my red light therapy mask?

For the best results, it is ideal to use a serum specifically formulated to be used with red light therapy, such as our LightBoost Red Light Therapy Hyaluronic Serum. Some ingredients in regular serums might block the light or cause sensitivity.