It’s a straightforward question with a straightforward answer. Yes, suncream applied before a red light therapy session can reduce how much light reaches your skin.
But that does not mean suncream and red light therapy cannot work together, it’s the order you use them in that matters.
Why suncream affects red light therapy
Suncream is designed to block, scatter, and absorb UV light. When applied to the skin before using an LED mask, sunscreen forms a surface layer that can alter how light passes through the skin, depending on the formulation.
Because red light therapy relies on light reaching the skin, it’s important that the skin is free from any product to prevent affecting how much light is transmitted.
This doesn't mean you should avoid using suncream alongside your red light therapy sessions, it just means the two shouldn't be on your skin at the same time.
How to use suncream and red light therapy together
If you use your LED mask in the morning
- Cleanse thoroughly to remove any overnight products
- Complete your red light therapy session (10 minutes) on clean, dry skin
- Apply your serum and moisturiser
- Apply SPF 30+ or higher as your final step before going outside
If you use your LED mask in the evening
- Double cleanse to remove SPF and any makeup or product buildup
- Complete your red light therapy session (10 minutes) on clean, dry skin
- Apply your evening serum, moisturiser, and any actives
Moving your sessions to the evening removes the suncream timing question altogether, although either approach works. It’s a case of personal preference and deciding which best suits your routine, either approach works.
Does LED therapy make you need more suncream?
Unlike retinol, chemical exfoliants, or certain acids, LED light therapy does not increase your skin's sensitivity to UV radiation. LED devices do not emit UV light, so your sessions won't leave your skin more vulnerable to sun damage.
That said, daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is recommended for everyone regardless of their skincare routine. If you want to understand more about why sun protection matters so much for skin health year round, consult the American Academy of Dermatology.
What about SPF in other skincare products?
It's worth remembering that SPF isn't just in dedicated sunscreens. Many everyday products contain it too, including:
- Moisturisers and day creams
- Foundations and tinted products
- BB and CC creams
If any product in your routine has an SPF rating, treat it the same way: apply it after your red light therapy session, not before.
Your skin doesn't have to choose
Used properly, suncream and red light therapy can fit into the same skincare routine without interfering with each other.
For more on how LED fits into your routine after sun exposure, read our guide on using red light therapy after sun exposure.
