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Wedding dress? Check. Venue? Check. Carefully-curated menu? Double check. Sounds like you have all the makings of an evening to remember. But as you prepare to say “I do,” you’re likely also wondering how to look your best on the day of. That might involve scheduling an appointment with your favorite derm and finally taking your skin-routine seriously, but we’re also here to make the case for using red light therapy before your wedding.
Any skin-care connoisseur knows red light therapy to be one of the most efficacious means to treating one’s complexion, both in office and at home. Per nurse practitioner Dr. Liliana Lopez, this non-invasive treatment uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate cellular repair, increase collagen production, reduce inflammation, and enhance circulation. “In clinical and wellness settings alike, it’s valued for its ability to rejuvenate the skin, calm the nervous system, and support overall tissue healing,” she says. Specifically, this rejuvenation results in a host of skin benefits, from smoothing fine lines and wrinkles to diminishing the look of dark spots.
To reap these benefits, time is certainly of the essence. “In an ideal world, I would have people come in as early as a year before their wedding to create a plan—that way, we can discuss what you’d like to achieve and work together to ensure that you will have the best results on the day,” Boston-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ranella Hirsch previously told Vogue in our ultimate wedding skin prep guide. “While my general rule of thumb is the more time the better, six months is a decent amount of time for your dermatologist to get a grasp on your expectations and also see how your skin responds to the treatment.” That way, you can adequately plan out your treatment schedule. Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Prem Tripathi, you need six months to a year prior to a wedding to get the best results from a light therapy, and it needs to be used very consistently every single day. And fortunately, red light therapy mingles well with any other cosmetic procedures and treatments on your docket.
For example, you might consider chemical peels or microneedling three to four weeks before your wedding which, according to Tripathi, work wonders at removing dead skin, revealing healthier skin, building collagen, and improving the overall brightness of the skin. “You will see a much quicker result with those than with red light, [but] red light is a nice complement to help you heal from those treatments.” The beauty of light therapy, too, is that it requires no downtime and virtually no downsides. “Unlike more aggressive treatments, red light therapy is gentle, cumulative, and non-irritating,” Lopez says. “It doesn’t cause peeling, redness, or downtime, making it a great alternative, or complement, to facials and microneedling. I often pair [it] with other modalities to accelerate recovery and enhance overall glow without triggering inflammation.”
And with your newfound glow, your bridal glam will surely appear more luminous. “Clients report that after a course of red light sessions, their makeup applies more smoothly and lasts longer, thanks to reduced inflammation, tighter pores, and a hydrated, balanced surface,” Lopez says. “It’s a clean canvas effect, without the need for heavy primers or coverage.” A major plus for such a special day filled with photographs and embracing loved ones. Continue your treatment basically until you walk down the aisle to calm last-minute breakouts, reduce puffiness, and add that extra glow. “I recommend doing it the day before or even the morning of the event, paired with a gentle hyaluronic serum and light lymphatic drainage techniques. It’s a powerful but gentle ritual to ground the body and calm the skin.”
Though red light therapy is generally considered safe for everyone, you should always consult with your doctor first, and be sure to shop an expert-endorsed, clinically-proven tool—like Omnilux’s line which we’ve raved about time and again for years. Both Tripathi and Lopez recommend incorporating the Contour Face LED mask, which the latter says is “one of the best at-home devices on the market” for delivering medical-grade wavelengths with excellent skin contact and ease of use. More specifically, 132 LEDs across two light wavelengths—red (633nm) and near-infrared (830nm), light wavelengths apt for skin rejuvenation—power the device, targeting fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, and redness in just a 10-minute treatment. As Lopez alluded to, the device is made from a flexible silicone that sits flush on the skin for optimal, comfortable wear. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman is also a fan, citing his penchant for it in Vogue’s red light therapy guide. “It’s on the pricier end, but the contour shape fits nearly everyone comfortably and enables the red light to reach all around the face for maximum efficacy. The device is FDA-cleared for use and Omnilux backs up the claims with strong, clinically reviewed and published research,” he says. Contributor Deanna Pai also sung its praises in her review, emphasizing not only the comfortable fit but also its ability to reduce redness, calm skin, and visibly veil a few dark spots during her two-week trial.
The Contour Face is fabulous for those interested in general regeneration or alleviating signs of aging, but those with acne-prone skin should consider its Clear mask which utilizes blue light, clinically proven to kill acne-causing bacteria. And for more stubborn zits, I love its Blemish Eraser. You apply a hydrocolloid patch (basically a pimple patch) to the back and stick it onto the skin above the zit, while the red and blue light calms redness and shrinks the blemish. Even the eyes can get some TLC with its Eye Brightener, which is a high-tech under-eye mask that depuffs, brightens, and firms—it’s my secret weapon for diminishing pesky dark circles. And if your wedding look has your décolletage on display, consider its neck and chest mask to address wrinkles and sun spots below the chin.
Whichever you choose, remember consistency is key. “Think of it like training your skin, the more often, the better the results, especially when combined with healthy sleep, hydration, and skincare habits,” Lopez says.“Like any true wellness practice, the results are cumulative and sustainable.”
Below, an edit of Vogue’s favorite Omnilux LED devices to aid your glow ahead of your nuptials. But before you hit checkout, use code VOGUEWELCOME10 for 10% off your device. Happy shopping!
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The Benefits of Red Light Therapy Before a Wedding
Below, Lopez outlines the specific benefits of red light therapy, and how it can work to improve one s complexion ahead of their big day.
- Skin Tone: “Red light therapy promotes healthy circulation and supports melanin balance, helping to even out discoloration and leave skin looking radiant and clear,” Lopez says. “It’s ideal before events when you want a visibly brighter complexion without downtime.”
- Skin Texture: “By stimulating fibroblasts and collagen remodeling, red light softens rough or uneven skin and helps smooth texture over time,” she says. “It creates a natural polish that enhances how makeup sits on the skin.”
- Wrinkles Fine Lines: “Red light therapy boosts collagen and elastin synthesis, reducing the appearance of fine lines in a gradual, natural way,” Lopez states. “Unlike injectables, the results are subtle, cumulative, and side-effect-free.”
- Inflammation: This therapy downregulates inflammatory cytokines, which helps reduce puffiness, redness, and reactive skin,” she shares. “It’s a go-to for anyone prone to skin sensitivity in high-stress times like wedding prep.”
- Rosacea Acne: “Red light has been shown to reduce inflammatory acne and calm vascular flare-ups associated with rosacea,” she adds. “It works by modulating the skin’s immune response and reducing bacterial load, without irritating or stripping the skin.”
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Liliana Lopez, DNP, FNP, is a nurse practitioner and owner of owner of H&W With HBOT.
- Dr. Prem Tripathi is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and CEO of Bay Hills Plastic Surgery.
