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LED light therapy can have a multitude of benefits for your skin and can help a number of skin conditions all over your body, especially for the face. However, the skin can be left dry and irritated afterward so to enhance the therapy you should be using a serum along with it. That is why here at BeautiClassy, I have tested and reviewed the 10 best serums to use with LED light therapy to enhance your light therapy and help enhance its effectiveness of it!
Top 10 Best Serum to Use with LED Light Therapy
Image | Product Name | Price On Amazon |
---|---|---|
Best Overall MMSkincare MMRepose Serum Moisturizer | Check Price | |
Best for Wrinkles Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle Treatment: Visibly Firm | Check Price | |
Best for Dark Spots Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment Face Serum | Check Price | |
Best for Skin Blemishes THE ORDINARY Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% | Check Price | |
Best for Fine Lines Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant | Check Price | |
Best for Irritated Skin MIZON Collagen Line Original Skin Energy Collagen 100 | Check Price | |
Best for Hyperpigmentation TULA Skin Care Hello Radiance Illuminating Face Serum | Check Price | |
Best Vegan – ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 | Check Price | |
Best Anti-Aging TruSkin Vitamin C Serum for Face | Check Price | |
Best Enhances Skin Texture SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum | Check Price |
1. Best Overall – MMSkincare MMRepose Serum Moisturizer
Specification
- Item form: Pump
- Skin Type: All
- Active Ingredient: Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, gamma-linolenic acid, niacinamide
- Size: 1 fl oz. (30 ml)
- Scent: Botanical
Description
Get the best of the best serum that you can use for LED light therapy in the MMSkincare MMRepose Serum Moisturizer to help keep your skin in tip-top shape!
Features
Anti-aging properties: keeps your face wrinkle-free with stimulated collagen production
Botanical skin repair: helps to repair your skin with the help of cucumbers
Radiant skin: rejuvenates your skin with ample hydration
How to use
To use this special serum, you will need to pair it with the MMSphere to really help activate the active ingredients in the serum. So first wash your face with a gentle cleanser or face wash and pat dry your face with a towel to keep it damp to the touch. Then take a bit of the serum on your hands and rub it between them. Then apply it directly to the face in a circular motion until it is absorbed into the skin. Right afterward, use the MMSphere for about 10 to 20 minutes on your face.
Expert Verdict
When you need a serum to help keep your skin in the best shape possible after LED light therapy, then what you really need is the MMSkincare MMRepose Serum Moisturizer! It is a hydrating serum that returns the lost moisture from LED light therapy. It has so many active ingredients that all work in tandem to keep your skin wrinkle-free and repaired with the production of collagen on your skin to keep it clear. It forms an effective barrier to help keep your face well-protected from environmental damage as well.
The only downside is that you really need the accompanied MMSphere to really get the best out of the product because the active ingredients are activated through the light. This can make the overall all the more expensive but that’s a small price to pay for one of the best products on the market!
The reason why I rank this serum higher than the other ones is because it does all of what you will need for your skin after LED light therapy without any consequences that serums usually bring to your face. It tackles all the blemishes you might get with age and helps to give you back a clear and rejuvenated face as a result!
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Rejuvenates skin | Has to be paired with MMSphere |
Protective barrier against environmental damage | |
Collagen keeps wrinkles from forming |
2. Best for Wrinkles – Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle Treatment: Visibly Firm
Specification
- Item form: Pump
- Skin Type: Dry
- Active Ingredient: Retinol, bakuchiol, rambutan, and ferulic acid
- Size: 1 fl oz. (30 ml)
- Scent: Ferulic acid
Description
Get rid of wrinkles from your aging face with the help of Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle Treatment: Visibly Firm!
Features
Gentle retinol: while retinol can be harsh, the retinol used in this serum is much safer
Improved texture and elasticity: keeps your skin firm and more even skin tones
Ferulic acid: gives protection from the sun and reduces the irritation on your skin
How to use
First, wash your face with a gentle cleanser or face wash and pat dry your face with a towel to keep it damp to the touch. Then take a bit of the serum on your hands and rub it between them. Then apply it directly to the face in a circular motion until it is absorbed into the skin. You should be using this at night and pair it up with sunscreen in the morning to help protect your skin.
Expert Verdict
The problem with aging is wrinkles and loss of skin elasticity. But with the Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle Treatment: Visibly Firm, you get to counteract all those problems with a gentle retinol formula that keeps your skin wrinkle-free and without its common side effects! It works best as a nightly serum to restore your face’s hydration after an LED therapy session while the primrose extracts help to make your face visibly more firm. Ferulic acid is something that a lot of people are hesitant about because of its smell but it is necessary to counteract the retinol effects on your skin and also help you protect from the sun. However, while it might help with wrinkle reduction, it doesn’t totally get rid of it. But that is why you are pairing this up with LED light therapy so you get the best of both worlds!
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Reduces the appearance of wrinkles on your face | Mild retinol only reduces wrinkles, not get rid of it |
Visibly plump and firm skin overnight | |
Gentle retinol causes less irritation |
3. Best for Dark Spots – Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment Face Serum
Specification
- Item form: Pump
- Skin Type: All
- Active Ingredient: Lactic acid, lemongrass, arnica
- Size: 1.7 fl oz. (50 ml)
- Scent: Sweet + citrus fragrance
Description
Get the best serum for dark spots on your face with the Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment Face Serum!
Features
Brightens skin: brightens dark spots and reduces discoloration on your face
Deep exfoliation: helps to exfoliate your face for an instant glow
Clarity and smoothness: smoother, even texture with clear skin
How to use
First, wash your face with a gentle cleanser or face wash and pat dry your face with a towel to keep it damp to the touch. Then take a bit of the serum on your hands and rub it between them. Then apply it directly to the face in a circular motion until it is absorbed into the skin. You should be using this at night and pair it up with sunscreen in the morning to help protect your skin.
Expert Verdict
Dark spots are the bane of aging and something that naturally comes with it. But serums like the Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment Face Serum are what you need to help reduce the appearance of dark spots altogether! The deep exfoliant in lactic acid is paired with the arnica, lemongrass, and licorice extract to help give a brighter skin tone with almost instant results! It leaves behind firmer and smoother skin as a result that helps to even the skin tone from discoloration. From my use, I found that my skin felt a bit of irritation and it could be due to the lactic acid penetrating too deeply. So do be careful and only use about 1 pump on your face.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Instant glow | Can be a little irritating on your face |
Deep exfoliation and brighter skin tone | |
Less dark spots and even skin tone as a result |
4. Best for Skin Blemishes – THE ORDINARY Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Specification
- Item form: Dropper
- Skin Type: Oily
- Active Ingredient: Niacinamide and zinc oxide
- Size: 1 fl oz. (30 ml)
- Scent: Unscented
Description
Get rid of skin blemishes on your face with the help of THE ORDINARY Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%!
Features
Niacinamide: helps to hide blemishes and reduce acne
Zinc PCA: normalizes sebum production, especially for oily skin
Minimizes pores: helps to reduce the appearance of pores on your face
How to use
After washing your face, take about 1 to 2 drops on your hands and warm them by rubbing them together. Then apply it directly to your face through upward circular motions to help it absorb into the skin. Wait for it to dry on your face for about 10 minutes before applying a moisturizer or any other product to your face.
Expert Verdict
Blemishes and aging go hand in hand, which is why you might prefer LED light therapy to help reduce their appearance. But when it comes to utilizing a serum afterward, THE ORDINARY Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, the niacinamide, and zinc PCA are great for reducing them even further! Niacinamide is a superstar ingredient in the skincare industry where it helps to reduce acne scars, create stronger skin barriers to give extra protection, and reduce brown spots on your face. The zinc PCA is one of the best at anti-acne properties especially for oily skin which is great to help reduce the blemishes on your face even further! It can be a bit drying on the face so be sure to pair it with a moisturizer to help keep your skin properly hydrated.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Helps to reduce acne and other blemishes | Can be drying on the face |
Great for oily and combination skin | |
Stronger skin barrier |
5. Best for Fine Lines – Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant
Specification
- Item form: Bottle
- Skin Type: Normal to dry skin
- Active Ingredient: Salicylic acid, beta hydroxy acid (BHA), green tea extract
- Size: 4 fl oz. (118 ml)
- Scent: Green tea
Description
The Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant is an exfoliating serum that works to reduce fine lines on your face!
Features
Reduces appearance of pores: which in turn reduces the appearance of fine lines
Acid exfoliation: gets rid of dead cells on the skin with BHA and salicylic acid
Gives hydration: returns back the hydration lost on the face
How to use
As this is an exfoliating serum, you will want to use this with a help of a cotton pad. After cleaning your face with a cleanser, soak a cotton pad with the serum and then gently wipe away at your skin, starting from your cheeks to other parts of the face. Use a different cotton pad for different parts of the face to not get the exfoliated skin on other parts of the face. Leave it to dry afterward and apply a moisturizer after 15 minutes.
Expert Verdict
Fine lines might not be much but if left alone they can extend and take over different parts of your face! That is why the exfoliating serum in Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant is great to help reduce the fine lines on your face. With the help of LED light therapy, you are already getting some results for it but this serum enhances it even further! The acid is also very hydrating as well as exfoliating so your skin will naturally look brighter as a result. However, it can be too harsh for some skin so be sure to patch it before applying it to your face.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Exfoliating to brighter skin | Can be harsh to some skin; patch test to see if it works or not |
Hydrating exfoliation | |
Reduces appearance of pores and fine lines |
6. Best for Irritated Skin – MIZON Collagen Line Original Skin Energy Collagen 100
Specification
- Item Form: Dropper
- Skin Type: All
- Active Ingredient: Tocopherol, hyaluronic acid
- Size: 1 fl oz. (30 ml)
- Scent: Unscented
Description
LED light therapy can leave the skin irritated so the MIZON Collagen Line Original Skin Energy Collagen 100 can work to soothe and relieve your irritated skin!
Features
Allantoin soothing: helps to keep the skin soothed
Suitable for oily skin: doesn’t cause breakouts on oily skin
Improved skin texture: smoother skin texture with extended use
How to use
After washing your face, take about 1 drop on your hands and warm them by rubbing them together. Then apply it directly to your face through upward circular motions to help it absorb into the skin. Wait for it to dry on your face for about 10 minutes before applying a moisturizer or any other product to your face.
Expert Verdict
LED light therapy can leave your skin feeling very irritated. That is why pairing it with a suitable serum is important and that is what the MIZON Collagen Line Original Skin Energy Collagen 100 helps to provide. It keeps the skin soothed with the help of allantoin and visibly improves the skin texture as well. It is also suitable for oily skin without causing any irritation so that is a plus on plus for this serum! It can feel a bit sticky that might make your face heavier so be sure to use a little less than a drop of the serum for the most effectiveness.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Soothing on the face | Feel sticky on the face |
No irritation for oily skin | |
Improved skin texture |
7. Best for Hyperpigmentation – TULA Skin Care Hello Radiance Illuminating Face Serum
Specification
- Item Form: Pump
- Skin Type: All
- Active Ingredient: Tocopherol, hyaluronic acid
- Size: 1.7 fl oz. (50 ml)
- Scent: Lavender
Description
Help your green LED light therapy for hyperpigmentation with the TULA Skin Care Hello Radiance Illuminating Face Serum and see a world of difference!
Features
Illuminating serum: helps to brighten overall skin tone
Probiotic hydration: keeps your face hydrated with probiotic extracts that give you ageless skin
Clear skin: helps to clear even the toughest of hyperpigmentation on the skin
How to use
First, wash your face with a gentle cleanser or face wash and pat dry your face with a towel to keep it damp to the touch. Then take a bit of the serum on your hands and rub it between them. Then apply it directly to the face in a circular motion until it is absorbed into the skin. You should be using this at night and pair it up with sunscreen in the morning to help protect your skin.
Expert Verdict
Hyperpigmentation is a very troubling skin condition to deal with that you can somewhat help with the help of LED light therapy. That is why the TULA Skin Care Hello Radiance Illuminating Face Serum can help with your LED light therapy to really help clear your skin further! The hydrating nature of this serum packed full of probiotic extracts gives ageless-looking skin while also soothing the irritation from light therapy, especially green LED light therapy. It is also an illuminating serum so you can achieve a brighter skin tone that is left dull from therapy as well! However, do expect some pilling to occur on your face if you haven’t cleansed it properly.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Clear skin from hyperpigmentation | Can cause pilling to occur |
Probiotic extracts for hydration | |
Illuminated skin |
8. Best Vegan – ILIA – Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Specification
- Item Form: Dropper
- Skin Type: All
- Active Ingredient: Niacinamide, squalene, hyaluronic acid, zinc oxide
- Size: 1 fl oz. (30 ml)
- Scent: Unscented
Description
The ILIA – Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 is one of the best vegan serums on the market that will protect your skin from the sun!
Features
SPF: helps to keep the UV rays away from your skin through its sun protection properties
Vegan: produced from plant-based materials
Tint on skin: match your skin tone with the many tints available
How to use
As this is a tinted serum, it will be different from the rest of the products on the list. First things first, make sure to wash your face and apply a moisturizer and leave it to dry for about 15 minutes. Then, take a few drops of the serum and place it on the back of your hand and blend it on your skin lightly. After that, take a makeup sponge and pick up some of the product and apply it on your face in long strokes and then blend in a circular motion to match your face.
Expert Verdict
When you need a serum that also works as minimal makeup, then you can’t go wrong with the ILIA – Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40! There are many tints available for you to choose from so you can match your skin tone and wear it alone as hydrating makeup! It is also made from vegan materials so if that is what you are looking for in a serum after LED light therapy then you get something that can be both a makeup and serum! And what is also great is the fact that it has an SPF rating to keep your face well protected from UV rays too! Sadly, it is a tinted serum so you can’t really wear it at night or it will transfer to your bedding.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
SPF to protect from UV rays | Transferrable |
Made tints to choose from | |
Squalene and hyaluronic acid hydration that doubles as a makeup |
9. Best Anti-Aging – TruSkin Vitamin C Serum for Face
Specification
- Item Form: Dropper
- Skin Type: All
- Active Ingredient: Vitamin C, E, and hyaluronic acid
- Size: 1 fl oz. (30 ml)
- Scent: Unscented
Description
TruSkin Vitamin C Serum for Face is the anti-aging serum you are looking for that works wonders with LED light therapy!
Features
Soothing aloe: soothes the irritation on your skin
Emollient jojoba: keeps the skin moisturized
Vitamin goodness: helps to brighten (vitamin C) and nourish the skin (vitamin E)
How to use
After washing your face, take a few drops of the serum on your fingertips and then gently massage it on your face. Make sure to get it under your eyes and all over your face until it is fully absorbed. Wait for it dry before applying anything else on your face and wear sunscreen afterward if you are to go out.
Expert Verdict
A more emollient serum on this list, the TruSkin Vitamin C Serum for Face will work wonders for your aging skin! Its soothing and hydrating properties already make it great to use for after LED light therapy but its anti-aging is where it truly shines. It works on all the anti-aging factors, fine lines are reduced with witch hazel and dark spots are lightened due to the vitamin C. It is very light which is in a way its downfall because it is tough to gauge if you applied enough or not, that is where it becomes comedogenic. So be careful about the amount you are using as all skin requires different amounts.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Soothing for the skin | Very light, can be hard to understand how much to use |
Works for all anti-aging conditions | |
Returns hydration |
10. Best Enhances Skin Texture – SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum
Specification
- Item Form: Pump
- Skin Type: Dry
- Active Ingredient: Alpha arbutin, palmitoyl tripeptide-5
- Size: 1 fl oz. (30 ml)
- Scent: Green tea
Description
Get the best serum to enhance skin texture with the SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum and revert all sun-related damages in the process!
Features
Two pump delivery: one for skin tightening, one for skin brightening
Skin improvement: improves both tone and texture
Sun damage reduction: helps to reduce damages from the sun
How to use
This is a two-way pump that will dispense two different colored serums. Place it on the back of your hand after you have cleansed and toned your face. Then blend it on the back of your hand and then take bits of the product and dot all key areas of your face. Then all that remains is to blend it all over your face. In the morning, put some sunscreen on yourself to keep your face protected.
Expert Verdict
The two serums combined are a fascinating way that SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum! One helps to brighten your skin while the other makes sure that your skin texture is improved. And that is this serum works its real magic! The improvement in the skin texture and tone is wonderful and works when you use this serum once a week, making the high price tag worth it. What you are left with is skin that is healthier and more youthful in the process. But we really got to talk about the pump itself. While it is very cool, the pump takes a whole of getting used to actually get an even amount of the product out. So either you get all the benefits of better skin tone or you get better skin texture but not both reliably.
Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Improves skin tone and texture | The pump can be difficult to pump the correct amount of both serums reliably |
Youthful looking skin | |
Works by applying once a week; justify the price tag |
What to Look for in Serum for LED Light Therapy?
LED light therapy is when LED lights are concentrated on the face to help with certain skin conditions. From eczema, hair loss, wounds, and aging conditions, all show relative improvement with the help of LED light therapy. Particular wavelengths of light are used for certain conditions, for example green LED lights are used for anti-aging benefits.
Though they are pretty safe to use, there are some problems that can arise from LED light therapy. Skin irritation, insomnia, and irregular circadian rhythm are some of the most common ones along with skin dryness. That is where a serum can help to correct those skin issues.
So when you are looking for a serum for LED light therapy, it is important to search for one that will benefit the particular LED light therapy that you are getting done. If you are doing it for anti-aging benefits, then be sure to pair it with a serum that will help enhance the therapy’s effectiveness. While the sleep issues are there, getting a lavender-scented serum can help you with your sleep because of its sleep-inducing properties.
Overall, the serum that you are looking for in LED light therapy has to be one that helps your therapy. So be sure to pair it with an appropriate serum that is hydrating (hyaluronic acid is the most beneficial with LED light therapy) and what your therapy is targeting.
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How to Apply Serum Correctly?
When it comes to applying serum, it should be done after you have cleansed your face off of any dirt and dead skin cell. There are many types of serums out there but if you are using one that is a normal serum in itself, then all you would have to do is warm a few drops on your hand and then spread it all over your face in a circular motion until it has completely absorbed into the skin.
If it is more of an oil-based or emollient serum, then you have to be careful about how much you are applying. The best way to apply oil serum is to put a couple of drops on your fingertips and then gently massage it into your skin until it has absorbed into the skin. That way, you are not getting too much of the product as oil can be quite comedogenic in nature.
For tinted serums, you will need to apply it like it is a primer instead since the tint will look like makeup on your face. So blend a bit of the product on the back of your hand and then take scoop it up using a makeup sponge or beauty blender and then apply it on your face, blending carefully all over the face and leaving it on for about 10 to 15 minutes to dry. This is important especially if you apply any other makeup over the tinted serum.
FAQs
1. What is LED light therapy?
It is a non-invasive treatment using different colored LED lights to improve certain skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation, eczema, and many more!
2. Why should I use a serum with LED light therapy?
Your face is left with irritation and dryness which can be easily solved with the help of a hyaluronic acid serum to soothe the irritation and loss of moisture of the skin.
3. What should I look for in a serum to use with LED light therapy?
Look for niacinamide and hyaluronic acid as the main active ingredients. Then, you should be looking at the benefits the serum provides that match the therapy you are going through.
4. Can I use any serum with LED light therapy?
It will depend on what kind of therapy you are going through as different LED lights will give different benefits. But you cannot go wrong with a hydrating serum for your therapy.
5. How often should I use a serum with LED light therapy?
You should use a serum about 3 times a week and immediately after the LED light therapy itself to keep your skin rejuvenated and therapy effective.
Final Thoughts
Serums are a great product to be used with LED light therapy because they will enhance the effects of the therapy itself when you are using the appropriate serum. That is why I really loved the MMSkincare MMRepose Serum Moisturizer and rated it as the best overall product on the list. The ingredients in it are activated by LED light therapy and enhance the therapy as a whole. It also does a bit of everything without much drawback! So if you are going through with LED light therapy, I hope one of the serums on the list can be beneficial to you. As always, stay classy!
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