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Enhancing Your Skincare Routine with Handheld Light Therapy Wands
Beauty

Enhancing Your Skincare Routine with Handheld Light Therapy Wands

17 March 2025


Can Handheld Light Wands Really Improve Your Skin?




What if you could point something at your skin — in the comfort of your own home, no less — and decrease skin problems like wrinkles and acne? That’s the promise of light wands.



Light therapy wands feature LED (light emitting diode) lights in various colors. “LED devices are commonly used in skin care for their anti-inflammatory and anti-aging benefits. These treatments are available both in the office and at home with the development of individually used devices,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology and an associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.




When you’re looking to use one of these devices at home, you can purchase one over the counter. Wands are in the same category as LED masks, but they differ in that they cover a smaller surface area than a mask that is applied over the entire face.



Are Light Therapy Wands Safe to Use?




Most of these LED devices use red light. “Red light therapy has been shown in clinical trials to calm the skin and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The benefits are thought to be due to collagen stimulation,” explains Dr. Zeichner.



In addition, red light is also very safe, says Lauren Fine, MD, a dermatologist based in Chicago. Of the at-home devices one can use, such as a microneedling device, LED wands tend to be safe because they don’t break or manipulate the skin, which can cause a reaction. If you’re looking for an at-home device, an LED device can be a good choice. There is also no downtime associated with using them.




Indeed, research published in the April 2020 Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that, overall, “light emitting diode (LED) phototherapy is a promising treatment modality for photorejuvenation, as it is safe, noninvasive, accessible, and can be easily combined with other treatment options,” the authors conclude.



“In general, LED light has been around for a long time to treat atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, and vitiligo, and it’s been newly found to help reduce some of the signs of aging,” says Gretchen Frieling, MD, a triple board-certified dermatopathologist in Wellesley, Massachusetts. While your dermatologist’s office may also use light treatment, these at-home handheld devices are a lower strength, she says.




Also important to note is that light therapy wands are FDA-cleared, which is a lesser designation than FDA-approved. “‘Cleared’ means that the device is useful and shown to produce results similar to other products on the market. It does not mean it’s FDA-approved like a prescription medication,” explains Dr. Frieling. That is okay in terms of safety, but it’s helpful to understand the difference.



One exception to safety is blue light. “There’s a big red flag around blue light because it can stimulate melanin production, particularly in people who have darker skin types, increasing the risk of hyperpigmentation. If treating yourself at home, I recommend sticking with red,” says Frieling.




How Do Light Therapy Wands Work?



There are different types of light: ultraviolet light, such as UVA and UVB rays from sunlight, and visible light, which is where red and blue light come in. (These are the two main light colors used in dermatology, says Frieling.)




Different colors of light have different wavelengths, and penetrate skin to different depths. This is why various LED devices may have different effects. Compared with red light, blue light has a shorter wavelength (420 to 440 nanometers) that penetrates skin on a superficial level, which is why it’s been used for acne, as it can kill bacteria, one cause of acne.



Most often, though, you’ll find red lights in LED light wands, which have a longer wavelength (630 to 680 nanometers). Red light reaches deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production. “With more collagen production, you get more volume in the skin and less wrinkling,” says Frieling.




What Are the Potential Benefits of Light Therapy Wands?



A systematic review and meta-analysis published in July 2023 in Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine of 31 studies concluded that both red and blue LEDs are effective in treating acne, and red can be used to rejuvenate skin by stimulating collagen and decreasing inflammation.




“I believe in the technology, and I think it works,” says Dr. Fine. But it’s important to maintain realistic expectations. “You can expect mild to moderate improvement in overall skin quality, and perhaps acne if used consistently,” she explains. Another catch is the wand must be used consistently for the amount of time recommended (by the device manufacturer) to create results.



To make the most of your treatment, Frieling recommends exfoliating skin before using an LED device (to get rid of dead skin cells, allowing the light to penetrate more effectively) and moisturizing after.




Frieling adds that if you’re going to use a light wand device, do so as part of a well-rounded skin-care routine, such as including a retinoid (which works on both acne and collagen stimulation). This is a good time to talk to your dermatologist about where this can fit in and, depending on your skin conditions or goals, what else — topicals, injectables, in-office lasers, you should be using. “Using a red LED light for the rest of your life won’t prevent skin aging,” she says.



One light therapy wand to consider, says Zeichner, is the Solawave 4-in-1 Facial Wand ($110, Amazon.com). This device looks like a razor, and utilizes red light therapy, microcurrent therapy, facial massage, and warmth for a more full-package treatment than other light therapy wands on the market. “Microcurrents are low-level electrical pulses thought to strengthen the foundation of the skin. Vibrations offer massaging benefits to depuff,” he explains. In addition, Zeichner notes that the small size of the device makes it easily portable. Plus, it costs less than other products in this category.




Are There Any Downsides to Light Therapy Wands?



“Just because you can get one of these tools without a prescription or doctor’s visit doesn’t mean that it’s the best or safest choice for your skin,” says Fine. Here are a few considerations.




May Interact With Medications



Certain medications can make your skin photosensitive, says Fine. This means it will be more sensitive or have an unusual reaction to sources of light, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Some medications that can increase your sensitivity to the sun include certain antibiotics, antifungals, antihistamines, and diuretics, among others, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is a reason to talk to a dermatologist before using an LED light wand.


May Be Time-Consuming

A handheld wand covers a very small surface area, and if you have to spend minutes on each section of the face, using one can become onerous and take a lot of time. “If I invest in a home light device, I think it makes more sense to do the full face with a mask. These can be pricey, and you’d get more of a benefit with something that has more coverage,” says Fine.

Could Trigger Irritation

If your skin is excessively dry or sensitive or you have open sores on your face from acne, Fine cautions that an LED light device could trigger more irritation. In addition, though red light can be used to ease skin redness, it can also cause skin redness in particularly sensitive people that “sticks around for hours.” “For people who get red easily, I’d be cautious,” she says.

The Takeaway

Handheld light therapy wands are an at-home skin treatment option that use different wavelengths of LED light to penetrate your skin and target acne, lines, wrinkles, and uneven tones and textures.

Experts recommend using red light only, as blue light could cause discoloration.

Ask your dermatologist if your skin could benefit from one of these devices and how it might fit into your overall skin-care routine.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
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