Red light therapy is an excellent facial treatment. But do you know the best time to use red light therapy on face? Check this article to discover more!
Similar to other medicines and treatments requiring a specific dosage that must be taken at a particular time of the day to maximize the benefits, red light therapy must be timed. To make the most out of the treatment, you must stick to a predefined schedule and follow specific guidelines.
Consistency, distance from the device, session duration, light settings, and hydration can significantly affect the outcomes you’ll get using red light therapy.
However, timing is of the essence here. Keep reading if you’re interested to discover the best time to use red light therapy on the face.
When Is the Best Time to Use Red Light Therapy on Face
The best time to use red light therapy is either in the mornings or in the evenings for best results. However, there are other instances to consider when determining the best time to use red light therapy on face.
Using red light therapy at any time of the day
Most bodily functions that affect skin health and conditions seem to be independent of timing.
CCO absorption, NO dissociation, EZ water production, and ATP production regulations don’t follow a specific circadian cycle. Therefore, these cycles wouldn’t affect red light therapy effectiveness, regardless of the timing.
You can schedule a red light therapy session at any time of the day during working hours, which suggests that you don’t have to worry about timing. Depending on the application, you can safely use red light therapy nearly any day.
If you’re going to a professional studio to get the treatment, you can consult with their employees about what’s the best time to perform the specific treatment.
Sunlight timing for red light therapy on the face
Natural sunlight is one of the main sources of red and near-infrared light. Mornings and evenings or sunrises and sunsets are when the sun delivers proportionally more of the beneficial red light.
Looking from an evolutionary standpoint, some experts suggest that our cellular circadian mechanism could be finely tuned to receive more red and near-infrared light in the mornings and evenings, as that’s when it is naturally abundant.
According to related studies, morning red light therapy is referred to as PBM pre-conditioning, while evening therapy is called a PBM repair.
Therefore, morning red light treatments might be beneficial to protect your face against damage during the day, while evening sessions may repair some of the damage done throughout the day.
Some research even showed that morning red light therapy was possibly beneficial for the eyes, while evening treatments showed no visible results.
Using red light therapy at a cooler period of the day
Studies suggest that applying red light therapy treatments to cool skin may improve skin penetration of the treatment.
High skin temperature increases blood flow and changes tissue optics, which could significantly affect photobiomodulation penetration and the effectiveness of the treatment.
In contrast, if you go to red light therapy at a cooler period of the day or use methods to cool down before treatment, you can successfully draw away circulation and reduce blood vessels, making your skin thinner and more transparent, which is very important for penetration and effectiveness.
You should try to time red light therapy when your facial skin is colder or use cryotherapy, icing, cold showers, or plunges to optimize red light penetration. If you also visit the sauna, go to red light therapy first.
Red light therapy and the circadian rhythm
Red light therapy’s effectiveness isn’t affected by your circadian rhythms. However, the circadian rhythm could be affected by RLT.
Red light therapy can induce wakefulness and alertness in the morning, delivering better focus for the day and improving sleep quality at night. In contrast, when used at night, RLT can increase melatonin production and improve sleep quality.
However, for more effective results, we recommend using RLT in the mornings. The morning treatments may give you excellent anti-aging benefits, enhance your energy for the day, and improve your sleep at night.
By considering the above factors, you should be able to determine the best time to use red light therapy on face.
However, if you’re not working with a flexible schedule, don’t let that stop you from enjoying a red light session at any time of the day.
Factors Impacting Red Light Therapy Effectiveness
Despite the timing, some other factors can add to the efficiency of the treatment or work against your favor.
Consistency
Consistency is of the utmost importance. With the safety of the treatment, you can use red light therapy daily, but the recommended use typically ranges between three to five times a week. If you aren’t consistent with the treatment, you shouldn’t expect some miraculous effects.
Session length
A general rule of thumb with red light therapy is to have your sessions last for 10 to 20 minutes. However, each body is unique and reacts to the treatment differently.
Therefore, you can consult with a professional to observe your skin’s reaction and suggest the best length for your red light therapy sessions.
Hydration
New evidence states that staying hydrated may enhance the effectiveness of red light therapy. Research suggests that hydrated cells react better to red light therapy. Although there isn’t enough research to back the claim, drinking a couple of extra glasses of water is never a bad idea.
Conclusion
Many factors could impact the effectiveness of red light therapy, and timing is one of them. Therefore, experiment with the treatment until you find what works best for your body and face. We are sure that the article helped you to determine the best time to use red light therapy on face, whether you decide to visit a professional or engage in at-home treatment.
Consult a therapy expert to assess your skin condition and recommend a suitable treatment.
Hello! I’m Nicky Rodgers.
Almost a decade ago, I got excited about the idea of employing alternative methods like red light therapy to create a healthier life.
To learn more about it, I did my Certified Light Therapist course from Photonic Therapy Institute and started looking into the intricacies of how light therapy influences several bodily processes. Before I knew it, my interest had become an obsession which resulted in this extensive blog.
Here, I offer countless well-researched articles to help you understand the benefits and uses of light therapy. I hope this information gives you a head start in your wellness journey.