This guide explores red light therapy, a clinically-proven, non-invasive treatment designed and used to help reduce the key signs of ageing and improve the health and appearance of the skin in the under-eye area, for both men and women.
This guide will walk you through the many benefits of using this light therapy treatment for modern skincare. Understanding how this beauty treatment works is the first step toward rejuvenation. If you want to tackle fine lines, crow’s feet, and dark circles around the eyes, this LED therapy mask technology is for you. Our guide covers how the therapy does its work, the results to expect, and—most importantly—how to use it safely for a brighter, more youthful look for your face and eyes, in just a few weeks.
First, understanding the cause: why do we get dark circles & crow’s feet?
Before diving into the red light therapy solution, it’s vital to understand the problem. The skin below our eyes is uniquely delicate, affecting both women and men, and it’s often the first place to show age over time. Understanding the root causes of under-eye concerns helps clarify why red light therapy is such an effective, targeted solution for your face and overall skin health around the eyes.
The cause of crow’s feet: collagen loss and thinning skin
The skin around our eyes is incredibly thin. Constant movement from smiling and squinting puts this delicate skin under immense stress. As we age, our body’s production of collagen and elastin—the core proteins for skin structure—naturally slows down. This loss of collagen and elastin directly impacts the skin’s youthful firmness and foundational health. This breakdown, in turn, leads to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, commonly known as crow’s feet. As the skin thins, it then becomes less resilient.
The cause of dark circles: genetics, poor circulation & skin transparency
Dark circles, or periorbital hyperpigmentation, have several causes. For many, genetics play a huge role, determining under-eye skin thickness. As we age, this skin becomes even more transparent, making the blue-toned vessels beneath stand out, and this can affect both men and women. Poor circulation makes it worse, as dark, deoxygenated blood pools under the eyes, creating stubborn dark circles. Improving circulation is therefore key to the health of the under-eye skin. A deepening tear trough contour can also cast heavier eye shadows.
The solution: how red light therapy counteracts under-eye ageing
Now that we’ve identified the causes, let’s explore the solution. Red light therapy, a process also known as photomodulation, uses specific, scientifically-backed wavelengths of red and infrared light to penetrate the skin. This energy stimulates deep cellular activity, so that the treatment targets the root causes of ageing from within. So, how does this innovative therapy work to deliver the best results?
Rebuilding the foundation: boosting collagen to plump skin & smooth wrinkles
The power of this light therapy lies in its ability to stimulate collagen and elastin production. The specific red and near-infrared wavelengths used in this treatment are clinically proven to reach fibroblasts, the cells responsible for creating collagen. Absorption of the light boosts the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy for cellular repair. Ultimately, the resulting enhanced collagen production works to rebuild the skin’s supportive matrix from within, which is the best way to naturally reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles and fine lines over time. This targeted stimulation is how the red and near-infrared light truly work to rejuvenate under-eye skin.
Improving radiance: enhancing microcirculation
Red light therapy also profoundly affects under-eye circulation. The red and infrared light energy works to improve blood flow for better skin health. This enhanced microcirculation is key to tackling the appearance of dark circles. Better flow of oxygenated blood helps reduce the pooling of blood that causes under-eye shadows. This process also delivers vital nutrients for skin repair, resulting in a brighter complexion and less inflammation, which also has known benefits for concerns like acne.
The critical safety guide: is red light therapy safe for use near the eyes?
When using any treatment near the eyes, safety is the top priority. Red light therapy has been studied extensively, and is considered a safe and effective medical-grade skincare treatment for use in delicate eye contour areas. However, to ensure safe use of your device, it’s crucial to follow the best practices, choose high-quality, reputable devices, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Dermatologist & ophthalmologist insights on eye safety
Dermatologists and ophthalmologists agree: red light therapy treatments are safe for the skin around the eyes, as long as you keep your eyes closed during the treatment. The light from quality at-home LED devices is intended for cosmetic use, and is considered very safe when the device is used correctly. As with any bright light source, you should never stare directly into the LEDs. The Nooance Professional Anti-Ageing LED Mask is a safe device designed with this in mind.
The importance of safety standards for at-home devices
Always choose an UK CA, EU CE or FDA-cleared at-home red light therapy device. This designation is your guarantee that the device has been rigorously tested. Such devices are proven to deliver the correct wavelengths at the optimal intensity. Investing in such a high-quality product is the best way to ensure you are getting a safe and effective medical-grade treatment.
Best practices for at-home under-eye treatment
For the best and safest at-home LED eye treatment when using your device, follow these simple steps:
- Always start with a clean face. This ensures the light can penetrate the skin without being blocked by makeup.
- Ensure the mask device fits comfortably and is not pressed too firmly against the skin.
- Always perform the treatment with your eyes closed. This is the most critical safety step when using this therapy.
- Follow the recommended session time and frequency. Consistent use is key to seeing the benefits.
The right tool: full face mask vs. small eye patches
When choosing a device for under-eye rejuvenation, you’ll find various options, from small, targeted LED eye patches to full-face masks. While patches have their place, a full-face mask is a far more comprehensive and powerful treatment for overall skin health. That’s why we recommend a full face mask as the best tool.
The case for targeted eye patches: pros and cons
Targeted LED eye patches are small, portable devices. While convenient, they have drawbacks. Their small size limits the treatment area, missing crow’s feet and the brow contour. Furthermore, these smaller devices are often less powerful than a full-face LED mask, which compromises the outcome.
The superiority of a full face mask: our recommendation
For truly transformative results, a full-face LED Face mask is the superior choice. Here are the key benefits and why we recommend this device:
- Comprehensive treatment: A full-face device, like the Nooance Professional Anti-Ageing LED Mask, treats the entire periorbital region. Treating the whole face also helps address sagging in the upper cheeks and brows, which can affect the eye contour.
- Powerful and even light distribution: With as many as 254 medical-grade LEDs, this product delivers a powerful distribution of red and near-infrared light. This ensures every area gets the optimal dose for maximum collagen production.
- Greater value: A full-face mask offers greater long-term value. It treats your entire face, addressing forehead lines and loss of firmness. It is the best investment you can make for your overall face and skin health.
Your complete under-eye rejuvenation protocol
To achieve the best possible results, it’s important to combine your light therapy sessions with supportive skincare products and healthy habits. This is a complete skincare approach.
Step 1: the 10-minute light therapy session
Consistency is key. For optimal results, use your Nooance mask for 10 minutes a day, three to five times per week. Committing to this schedule for several weeks will unlock the very best results from this beauty treatment.
Step 2: post-therapy skincare for amplified results
After your red light therapy treatment, your skin absorbs skincare products more effectively. Choosing the right products to use after your LED treatment is crucial for maximising your results. This is the perfect time to apply a gentle serum to the eye area. We recommend our Youth Serum with 2% Copper Peptides. For your nightly skincare routine, consider our Anti-Ageing Night Concentrate with 1% Retinol to further help skin renewal.
Step 3: supporting lifestyle factors (sleep, hydration, SPF)
Support your skin’s rejuvenation and overall health by adopting healthy habits.
- Prioritise sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Protect your skin: Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, ideally every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long until I see results under my eyes?
Some users see a brighter look after a few treatments, but significant change takes time. With consistent use (3-5 times per week), you can expect to see noticeable results on your under-eye skin texture and firmness within 4 to 12 weeks.
Can it get rid of genetic dark circles completely?
Red light therapy can significantly help improve dark circles by boosting collagen and circulation. While it might not erase them completely, it can dramatically reduce their appearance by thickening the under-eye skin.
Does red light therapy help with puffy under-eye bags?
Yes, it does. This therapy can help reduce puffiness around the eyes by improving lymphatic drainage and reducing inflammation. It may also be effective, for severe bags, used in combination with other medical treatments.
Is it more effective than retinol eye creams?
They work differently but complement each other beautifully. Retinoids work from the top down. Red light therapy works from the inside out, stimulating cellular energy and helping to reduce inflammation. The anti-inflammation properties of red light also help to reduce the redness of acne, making this a truly versatile beauty device. Many find using both provides the best results for wrinkles and fine lines.
Your Path to Brighter, Firmer Under-Eyes Starts Now
Red light therapy is a powerful, clinically-proven, non-invasive solution for under-eye rejuvenation and overall skin health. By stimulating collagen and elastin production, improving microcirculation, and promoting cellular regeneration, it addresses the root causes of crow’s feet, dark circles, and other signs of ageing. When combined with a consistent skincare and beauty routine and healthy lifestyle habits, it can help you to achieve a brighter, firmer, and more youthful appearance for your eyes and entire face. This light therapy product is a cornerstone of a modern, effective skincare regimen.
With the right technology and consistent use, you can say goodbye to tired-looking eyes and hello to a more radiant and confident you. Positioned as the expert’s choice, Nooance’s range of beauty tech products, from our professional LED mask to our red light therapy helmet for hair growth, are designed to deliver medical-grade results in the comfort of your own home. Ready to see the difference this light treatment can make? Why not explore our article on before and after results for the LED treatment of scars to see the power of this technology for yourself.
