Why does it seem that once you find the perfect skincare routine, there's suddenly a new concern to tackle? Whether you're noticing early signs of aging or your acne is appearing well past puberty, finding the right balance of products for the perfect skincare routine can be even more daunting.
One burning question you may ask yourself is can you use blue light therapy with tretinoin? Yes, you can! With the right approach. Unlike retinol, tretinoin is a stronger retinoid and needs to be used with caution. Using both blue light therapy (BLT) and tretinoin can enhance the effectiveness of your skincare routine for issues like acne, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and more.
Here's your guide to tackling the burning questions like a pro. Let's explore how you can improve your skin regime with blue light therapy and tretinoin.
What Is Blue Light Therapy?
As at-home LED light therapy is gaining popularity, you can enjoy a spa-like treatment in the comfort of your home. Using blue light therapy masks is as easy as applying a sheet mask. Numerous studies have shown new benefits of LED masks for various skin condition, such as:
- Hyperpigmentation
- Wrinkles
- Acne
- Actinic keratosis
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Rosacea
- Sun damage
This is why these devices have gained more popularity and are quite user-friendly. Blue light therapy is a non-invasive and pain-free procedure primarily used for inflammatory acne. It can kill acne-causing bacteria, soothe skin to help it heal, and prevent future breakouts. It also balances sebum production without making your skin too dry as excessive sebum production is one of the main causes of acne.
What Is Tretinoin
Those who’ve faced serious breakouts may already be familiar with this. In the retinoid hierarchy, tretinoin takes the crown. It’s a potent topical retinoid treatment that can be used on the skin.
It was first approved by the US Food & Drug Administration in 1971 as an effective acne treatment. This retinoic acid is a vitamin A derivative and comes in various forms:
- Cream
- Gel
- Lotion
- Liquid
- Microsphere gel (a form with slow-release properties)
- Emollient cream
- Foam
- Solution
It works by stimulating collagen production and increasing cell turnover. The strength of the topical you use depends on your skin's tolerance for such a powerful ingredient. It’s only for tretinoin that one asks, can you use blue light therapy with tretinoin? Keep reading, we’ll explain how to use it in detail!
How to Use Blue Mask Therapy with Tretinoin?
Potentially, combining different skincare treatments can enhance their benefits. However, it’s essential to consider several factors with any new treatment. With using blue light therapy and tretinoin together, one must be cautious. Here's what you need to do.
Patch Testing Protocol
A patch test is crucial before incorporating any new skincare product into your routine and the same applies to using blue light therapy with tretinoin. Follow these steps to ensure you minimize the risk of skin irritation or adverse reactions:
- Select a discrete area of skin, such as the inside of your forearm.
- Gently clean the area with mild soap and water, and pat it dry with a clean towel.
- Apply a pea-sized drop of tretinoin to the area, and massage it in, making sure it gets absorbed.
- Wait for 15-20 minutes to ensure the product has been absorbed into the skin.
- Following the DermForge user Manual, prepare the LED Light Mask for use.
- Using the guidelines for time and distance, apply the blue-light therapy mask to the selected area.
- Observe the area for 24-48 hours without applying any other products.
- Monitor for signs of redness, itchiness, irritation, and swelling.
If you notice any adverse reactions, wash the area immediately and stop using the two together. However, if everything goes well, you can use tretinoin with blue light therapy, but make sure to do so cautiously!
Gradual Introduction
Allow your skin to acclimate to the new treatments by starting with small dosages. When using combination therapy with blue light and tretinoin, gradually introduce both products. Once your skin has adjusted, you can slowly increase the intensity and duration of the treatment.
Optimal Timing
To avoid potential adverse effects, try using blue light therapy and tretinoin on separate occasions. Undergo blue light therapy during the day and apply tretinoin at night. This approach helps prevent increased sensitivity or interaction, allowing you to get optimal benefits without the worry of compromising their effectiveness.
Importance of Sunscreen
No matter the temperature outside, there's no denying that sunscreen should stay a top priority in our skincare regimen. Studies suggest that tretinoin can increase sensitivity to sunlight, making the skin more prone to sunburn and damage.
We recommend applying broad-spectrum sunscreen during the days when using tretinoin as a crucial part of the process. Plus, this becomes even more important when you’re combining blue light therapy with tretinoin. It’ll help safeguard your skin from harmful UV rays.
Synergistic Effects
While not all skincare cocktails are meant to be savored, combining blue light therapy and tretinoin can have potential synergistic effects when used together. Blue light therapy allows the tretinoin to deeply absorb into the skin, potentially increasing its effectiveness.
Plus, if you want to reduce the appearance of your fine lines and wrinkles, this combination can have collagen-stimulating effects which can help improve your skin's elasticity, giving you a youthful glow.
Consulting a Professional
Still unsure? Consult a professional! Ask your dermatologist — can you use blue light therapy and tretinoin together? A professional can provide you with advice according to your medical history and specific skin condition. They could also suggest adjusting the timing and frequency of the treatment to help minimize any harmful interactions.
Benefits of Blue Light Therapy Mask
Whether you've battled acne since you hit puberty, or it started as an adult — nothing’s more frustrating than waking up to breakouts, or not being able to banish stubborn pimples. Well, luckily, DermForge LED Mask's blue light therapy can help you with that, and much more!
Boosts Collagen Production
Collagen is responsible for the skin's structural foundation. It’s a protein that helps play a pivotal role in maintaining the skin's youthful radiance, firmness, and elasticity. Unfortunately, as we age, the collagen production in our body decreases. Blue light therapy helps stimulate fibroblasts — the cells responsible for the production of collagen in your body. Thus, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and even scars.
Accelerates Wound Healing
The production of collagen and fibroblasts is equally essential for tissue repairs, which is why blue light therapy shows promising acceleration in the wound healing process.
A study indicates that blue light supports various transport systems in the body, such as hemoglobin, a red protein responsible for transporting oxygen, immune system substances, and nutrients, which can aid in faster wound healing.
Anti-inflammatory
Blue light therapy is truly a superhero with its healing properties as it’s also lethal to various species of bacteria and fungi. Throughout several sessions of therapy, you would notice symptoms of psoriasis, eczema, and other chronic inflammatory skin diseases decrease significantly. It can also soothe your skin that's irritated and sensitive, and provide overall relief.
Mood and Sleep Improvement
Now that we’ve covered the many benefits of blue light therapy for the skin, it’s also important to consider what other benefits it has to offer. Exposure to blue light can help regulate melatonin production. Melatonin is a hormone that helps manage our sleep cycle. It can also be easily absorbed by our light-sensitive retinas, and help regulate your internal clock — the circadian rhythm. You may notice positive changes in your sleep and mood thanks to it.
FAQs
Is it okay to use LED light therapy with Botox and fillers?
Absolutely! Red, near-infrared, and blue LED lights can help with the healing process of the bruises that you may have after having fillers. You can use your DermForge LED Mask before and after your procedure to speed up the healing process.
What products do not mix with tretinoin?
Unless your dermatologist tells you to, benzoyl peroxide, lactic acid, salicylic acid, citric acid, glycolic acids, and high-strength ascorbic acids should be avoided in the same area as where you used tretinoin.
How to do blue light therapy at home?
A simple DIY method of doing blue-light therapy at home is by using the DermForge LED Mask.
Discover Your Path to Spot-Free Skin
The combination of a blue-light therapy mask and tretinoin requires consideration, however, both are powerful tools in providing you with healthier-looking skin. Both products can enhance and promote each other's benefits. Make sure to do a patch test, time products at different hours, and consult a professional if needed.
Once reserved for celebrities and spas, our futuristic LED Masks can now find their way into your bathroom cabinets — and rightfully so. DermForge works with medical experts to provide you with products that can lead you to improved skin health and appearance.
