Retinol and red light therapy are two of the most popular anti-ageing tools in skincare right now. Both help to improve the appearance of fine lines and texture, and yes, you can use them in the same skincare routine.
When used correctly, red light therapy and retinol can complement each other. What matters is the order you use them in.
What is retinol?
Retinol is a cosmetic form of Vitamin A, commonly found in over-the-counter skincare products, typically included in serums and creams. As part of the retinoid family, it's one of the most well-researched ingredients used to improve the appearance of ageing skin.
Clinical research on retinol and skin ageing shows it may help support the appearance of firmer, smoother-looking skin, encourage the look of renewed texture, and improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone over time.
What does red light therapy do?
Red light therapy works differently to retinol, but towards a similar goal. Where retinol works on the skin's surface and just below, red and near-infrared wavelengths go deeper. Used consistently, a red light therapy mask can help to improve the appearance of fine lines and skin plumpness over time.
For more on what red light therapy can do for you, read our guide on red light therapy benefits at home.
Using an LED mask and retinol in the right order
One thing that is non-negotiable when using an LED mask and retinol is the order you use them in. Retinol should always be used after your LED session, never before.
This is because LED light may affect the stability of retinol, making it less effective, while any product left on your skin, including retinol, can stop light from penetrating your skin properly when using an LED mask.
If you're using both, it's best to make retinol part of your evening routine.
How to use retinol and red light therapy together safely
Step 1: Cleanse
Start with clean, dry skin. Remove any makeup, SPF, or product before your session and make sure your skin is dry.
Step 2: LED therapy
Complete your red light therapy session. For the CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask, this means 10 minutes of use, 3 to 5 times a week.
Step 3: Apply retinol
After your LED session, continue with your evening routine, including your chosen retinol serum or retinol cream. If you use other actives, our blog on active ingredients every skincare routine needs can help you get the order right.
Step 4: Moisturise
If yet to moisturise, follow with a face cream to help balance and hydrate your skin, especially if you are new to retinol or using it more frequently.
Step 5: SPF the next morning
Retinol can increase your skin's sensitivity to UV radiation, so applying broad-spectrum SPF the following morning is essential. This is good practice regardless of whether you are using red light therapy.
Tips for using retinol and red light therapy together
Start slowly with retinol
If you are new to over the counter retinol, introduce it gradually. Use a few times a week to begin with and build up slowly as your skin adjusts to help minimise any initial dryness or sensitivity.
Use retinol in the evening
Retinol increases your skin's sensitivity to sunlight, so daytime use can lead to irritation. UV exposure can also break it down before it has a chance to work, which is why applying it consistently in the evening helps your skin get the most out of it.
Support your skin
Retinol is known to support skin's natural renewal process, which can leave it more prone to dryness while your skin adjusts. A moisturiser with supporting ingredients, like ceramides or hyaluronic acid, helps keep skin comfortable while you're building up your routine.
Be consistent
Both retinol and red light therapy work cumulatively. Results build over weeks and months, sticking to your routine is what produces visible change over time.
A routine that works for your skin
Red light therapy and retinol are each well-researched in their own right. Used together in the right order, they work together from the surface down – a perfect combination in any skincare routine.
