In the Living La Vida Bella community, we are all about aging like fine wine. Yes, aging is inevitable, but leaning into it with grace means establishing daily disciplines that support our skin from the inside out. For me, the goal isn’t just about finding high-quality products to apply to my skin as a midlife woman. It’s about staying consistent.
I started this phase of my journey by locking in a solid Korean skincare routine, and I absolutely loved the “glass skin” effect it gave me. Now, it is officially time for phase two of my midlife skincare regimen: red light therapy after 40.
I recently invested in a high-quality red light therapy mask that allows me to do at-home treatments. In my mission to prioritize more wellness habits, I decided it was time to utilize my mask as a daily tool to unwind, destress, and visibly firm up my skin.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Originally developed by NASA for the sole purpose of wound healing in space, red light therapy has become a powerhouse treatment in modern dermatology, muscle recovery, and at-home skincare.
Also known as photobiomodulation or low-level light therapy (LLLT), this non-invasive treatment exposes your skin to safe, specific wavelengths of red or near-infrared light. Unlike the sun’s harmful UV rays, these wavelengths do not burn, damage, or put you at risk for skin cancer. Instead, they safely penetrate deep beneath the skin’s surface.
Its primary job is to stimulate cellular activity, specifically targeting the mitochondria, which are the energy centers of your cells.
Why Red Light Therapy Makes Sense After 40
The Big Question: Is investing in red light therapy after 40 really worth it? The data definitely says YES!
As we cross into our 40s, things get a little more chaotic and complicated. Add in the hormonal shifts of perimenopause which cause collagen production to naturally slow down and we are left facing a loss of elasticity, fine lines, and a duller complexion.
This is exactly where red light therapy comes in! Its strength resides in its ability to wake up those sluggish cells and stimulate the production of fibroblasts, which produce collagen and elastin. That means real, noticeable improvements in skin density, firmness, and wrinkle depth.
The science is encouraging. A 2014 controlled clinical trial published in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery studied 136 volunteers ranging from their late 20s to 79 years old. After 30 sessions of red light therapy, participants showed measurable increases in collagen density, reduced skin roughness, and visible wrinkle reduction.
The best part? Red light therapy is great for all skin types and is gentle enough for sensitive skin. It can seamlessly complement your existing skincare routine rather than replacing it.
The Benefits I Am Most Excited About
Here are the benefits I am looking forward to the most being a midlife beauty like YOU:
- Collagen and Elastin Boost: Firmer, plumper skin over time is key.
- Fine Line and Wrinkle Reduction: Let’s enjoy less wrinkle depth.
- Improved Skin Texture and Tone: Smoother, more vibrant skin is the ultimate goal.
- Reduced Inflammation: Calming down the redness, irritation, and giving you that coveted glow from within.
It’s essentially a gentle, science-backed personal trainer for your skin cells! I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to try this out for myself.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Various clinical studies verify that most visible results can start around 4 to 8 weeks when treatments are done consistently. However, the most significant improvements in collagen density are typically seen around the 90 day mark.
To get the most out of your device, red light therapy thrives when done 3 to 5 times a week. Depending on your specific mask, each treatment session should last between 10 to 20 minutes.
Remember, consistency matters far more than intensity. Just like working out! Think of this as strength training for your skin. Each week of consistent use builds on the next, while skipping weeks will set back your progress.
How to Properly Use a Red Light Therapy Mask
To get the absolute best results from your at-home sessions, you must always start with freshly cleansed skin. Here is the ideal step-by-step order for your nighttime skincare routine:
- Cleanse & Tone: Wash your skin with a gentle cleanser to remove all makeup, dirt, and oil, then pat dry. Lightly apply your favorite toner.
- The Mask Session: Strap on your red light therapy mask and set your timer for 10 to 20 minutes. Use this time to close your eyes, meditate, or practice deep breathing. Note: Keep your skin completely bare during this step—applying thick creams or heavy oils beforehand can block the light wavelengths from fully penetrating.
- Hydrating Serums: After your session, apply a lightweight hydrating serum (a green tea or hyaluronic acid serum works beautifully here).
- Moisturize: Lock everything in with your favorite nighttime moisturizer or face oil to keep your barrier plump and happy.
My Red Light Therapy Mask
A few months ago I invested in the Spectra 5-in-1 LED Light Therapy Facial Mask by Amiro. What drew me to this mask is how it packs a punch. 5-in-1 light therapy mask that offers three different modes that offer light therapy combinations. 1. Purify (Blue, Red, Green, Yellow and Infared Light) 2. Glow (Yellow and Red), and 3. Firm (Red and Infrared Light) This mask is extra in all the right ways. It’s worth breaking down the 5 specialized light sources..
Blue light purifies acne
Green light controls oil and soothes
Yellow light reduces pigmentation and brightens
Red light speeds up metabolism
Infrared light regenerates collagen.
This is definitely an extra special mask for this extra special midlife beauty! To top things off, the mask offers 98% uniform light distribution with 173 LED light bulbs that generate an impressive light energy of 162mw/cm². This facial mask is lightweight and can be put on as easily as putting on sunglasses.
My 90 Day Red Light Therapy Challenge: Day 1
So here is where I am challenging myself to do this in real time. I believe in showcasing authentic results and staying accountable. This week I am introducing the LLVB 90 day Red Light Therapy Challenge.
For 90 days, I will commit to red light therapy. I will do 3 treatments a week in conjunction with my skincare routine. Each session will be at least 10 minutes. NOTE: I will be using the Firm mode on my Spectra 5-in-1 Light Therapy Facial Mask.
I will have real time updates on LLVB at Day 30, Day 60, and Day 90. My promise to you is my honest feedback, any observations, and of course…photos.
Here are my Day 1 photos
Does Red Light Therapy Work for Me?
Well, sis, my answer is we shall see! I am hopeful based on all the research and excited to see some visible differences throughout my journey. Take on the LLVB 90 day Red Light Therapy challenge with me. Keep yourself accountable in this community.
Who will be joining me?
The information provided in this post is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist before starting any new skincare device or treatment, especially if you have an underlying medical condition, skin sensitivity, or are taking medications that cause light sensitivity.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. I only share products I genuinely love and use myself.
