Why You Need Green Tea Before Your Red Light Therapy Session, Like, Yesterday
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Hi, friends!
You know what’s annoying? Spending $$$ on skincare, following every trendy tip on TikTok, and still wondering why your skin looks... tired. Like, hello?? Where’s the glow we were promised?
If wrinkles, dullness, or tired skin are stealing your main character energy, I’ve got something you haven’t tried, and it’s not another overpriced serum. Green tea + red light = results. I’m serious. This combo is low-effort, budget-friendly, and gives your skin that healthy, "I drink water and mind my business" look without needing a single needle or laser. Let’s get into it, because your glow-up is overdue.
TL;DR: Green Tea on Your Face Before Red Light Therapy
Green tea preps and soothes your skin with antioxidants and calming compounds
Red light therapy jumps in to boost collagen, reduce wrinkles, and give your skin a juicy, youthful glow.
Combined, they drastically speed up wrinkle reduction and skin rejuvenation (think results in weeks, not months)
Bonus: Different LED colors offer specific skin perks: blue fights acne and wakes tired eyes, orange brightens your skin and calms stress, and more!
Read this for the full deets: LED Masks: How They Work, My Results (Spoiler: I’m Obsessed)
Why Green Tea + Red Light Therapy Is Actually Genius
Let’s get nerdy for a sec... but I promise it’s not going to be boring-nerdy though lol!
So, let's talk about green tea and why it’s your skin’s best chill pill. This amazing tea is packed with antioxidants, especially epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG. Think of it as a superhero fighting against skin damage. It’s loaded with anti-inflammatory properties that can calm redness and protect your skin from those pesky free radicals. You probably know it as the drink that’s supposed to be good for you, but when you apply it topically, it can actually fight pigmentation and even reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Pretty cool, right?
Now, let’s throw red light therapy into the mix. This is one of those techy beauty tricks that’s been making waves in dermatology clinics and has found its way into the skincare routines of countless celebs. Essentially, red light penetrates deep into your skin, stimulating collagen production and reducing inflammation. Studies have shown that consistent use of red light therapy can truly rejuvenate your skin. If you combine it with green tea applied right before your treatment, you’re going to see results happen way faster. Yes, please!
I came across this one study that I cannot stop raving about. Here’s where I found it: @BioavailableND and if you’re not following Dr. Andra yet, what are you doing???
In this study, participants used cotton pads soaked in concentrated green tea and placed them on their wrinkled skin for just 20 minutes before the red light exposure. The results? They saw a noticeable drop in wrinkle levels, and their skin looked youthful again in just one month. To put that into perspective, achieving similar results with red light therapy alone typically takes around 10 months. Talk about a time-saver!
So, the next time you’re sipping on that delicious cup of green tea while scrolling through Instagram, remember that it's not just for quenching your thirst or feeling healthy. When you apply it the right way, it can transform your skincare game dramatically!
My Experiment: Green Tea + Red Light
I started my little skincare ritual by brewing a strong cup of green tea, letting it steep for a solid 30 minutes before cooling it down. I used this potent brew as a toner, soaking it onto cotton pads and gently pressing them onto my skin, especially around my eyes, where I’ve been battling those pesky fine lines and dark circles. If you’ve ever woken up feeling like a raccoon, you know the struggle.
After that, I grabbed my LED mask and switched it to the red light setting. I can tell you, on those tired mornings, my eyes were so fatigued that the red light truly revived them, giving them a soft, subtle glow without that harsh buzzing feeling often associated with other treatments.
After just a few weeks of this routine, I was genuinely amazed at how much smoother and calmer my skin felt. I noticed a significant reduction in irritation and redness post-treatment, which had been a constant source of frustration for me. The under-eye fine lines appeared a bit softer, and the puffiness? Honestly, it became way less noticeable! This green tea and red light combo turned out to be like a refreshing power smoothie for my face. I love knowing I’m not just slapping on products but actually nourishing and revitalizing my skin from within.
How to Make This Work for You (Without Overcomplicating It)
Step 1: Brew a Strong Green Tea
First things first, you’ll want to brew yourself a pot of strong green tea. I love using loose leaf for that extra fancy touch, but also because of the lack of microplastics. Just make sure to steep it for a solid 30 minutes in boiling water to extract all those beneficial antioxidants. Once it’s ready, let it cool completely. Green tea is packed with polyphenols, which are great for fighting inflammation and can help brighten your skin! ☕ The exact green tea I use (it’s strong AF + budget-friendly) is to the right!
Step 2: Prep Your Skin
Start by cleansing your face as you normally would to remove any dirt or makeup. After that, soak some cotton pads in your cooled green tea infusion. Take a moment to press them onto your face for about 15-20 minutes. The green tea will hydrate your skin while targeting problem areas like fine lines, pigmentation, and even puffiness. Just sit back, relax, and maybe enjoy a little me-time or catch up on your favorite show.
Step 3: Use Your LED Mask
Once you've let the green tea work its wonders, it’s time to step up your skincare game with an LED mask. Just follow the instructions provided with your mask, usually around 15-30 minutes, and let the light rejuvenate your skin.
💡 My go-to LED mask (this thing changed my skin)
Step 4: Seal the Deal
After your LED therapy, don't skip the last crucial step: moisturizing! A gentle, hydrating moisturizer will help lock in all those benefits from the previous steps. Your skin will feel so soft and nourished.
Who This Works For & Who Should Skip It
If you're in your late 20s or older and starting to notice those pesky fine lines around your eyes or mouth, this combo could be just what you need! It’s perfect if you’re also dealing with pigmentation issues or your skin looks a bit dull and tired. And let’s face it, many of us struggle with inflammation and redness, especially after a long day. What’s great about this approach is that it requires minimal effort while being backed by science to really enhance your skincare routine.
However, there are a few important things to consider before diving in. If you have photosensitive conditions or are taking medications that can make your skin especially sensitive to light, it’s crucial to consult with a dermatologist first. Your skin’s health should always come first. Additionally, if you have any allergies to green tea or related plant compounds, it's best to steer clear of this combo altogether.
Also, keep in mind that consistency is key when it comes to red light therapy. It truly shines when integrated into a regular practice. If you can't commit to consistent treatments, you really won't see the benefits you're hoping for :( So, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance yet effective way to rejuvenate your skin, just make sure you can stay committed to the process, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional with any concerns!
FAQ’s
Q1: How often should I do green tea + red light therapy for noticeable results?
Consistency is key here. Aim for 3-4 sessions a week for several weeks to see visible skin rejuvenation. Skipping sessions will slow down progress, so keep that routine steady!
Q2: How long should I apply green tea on my face before red light therapy?
For best results, soak cotton pads in cooled green tea and press them on your skin for about 15-20 minutes right before your red light session. This gives your skin time to absorb those antioxidant benefits and prep for the collagen-boosting red light.
Q3: Can green tea help reduce wrinkles when combined with red light therapy?
Yes! Green tea’s antioxidants help protect skin from damage and reduce wrinkles, while red light therapy stimulates collagen. Together, they can significantly reduce wrinkle depth in weeks instead of months.
Q4: Is it safe to use green tea topically every day before red light therapy?
Generally, yes! Green tea is gentle and soothing for most skin types, but if you have sensitive skin or allergies to tea compounds, test it first or consult a dermatologist. Daily use is fine if your skin responds well.
Q5: Which green tea is best for using on skin before red light therapy?
Loose leaf green tea steeped for 30 minutes in boiling water works best to get the full antioxidant punch without microplastics or fillers. Just cool it completely before applying.
Q6: Can I use bottled green tea or tea bags instead of loose leaf?
You can, but loose leaf tends to have higher antioxidant content and fewer additives. Bottled green tea often has sugar and preservatives that might irritate your skin. If using tea bags, pick a high-quality brand and steep longer for better results.
Q7: What LED light colors work best with green tea for skin benefits?
Red light is your collagen and anti-aging hero, but blue light fights acne, and orange light brightens and calms stressed skin. Using green tea before red light gives the biggest wrinkle-busting effect, but experimenting with different LED colors can target specific skin concerns.
Q8: Can this green tea + red light therapy combo help with under-eye puffiness?
Absolutely! Green tea’s anti-inflammatory properties reduce puffiness, and red light improves circulation and skin tone around the eyes, making that tired-raccoon look a thing of the past.
Q9: Who should avoid using green tea before red light therapy?
If you have photosensitive conditions or take medications that increase light sensitivity, hold off and chat with your dermatologist. Also, if you have allergies to green tea or related plants, it’s safer to skip this treatment.
The Bottom Line
Soooo... are you team green tea yet?!
If you try this combo and don’t fall in love with your own skin, I’ll be shocked.
👉 Tag me on Instagram @Chronically_Chic_ X @ChicChronically or Pinterest @chronicallychicblog if you try!
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