Dull Winter Skin? How Red Light Can Help You Glow

Somewhere between the first cold snap and the holidays, it happens. You catch your reflection and your skin just looks… flat. Less bright, a little rough, maybe more tired than you feel. That summer glow feels like a distant memory.

If your skin looks dull in winter, you're far from the only one, and winter happens to be one of the best times to start a red light routine. Below, we'll cover why the colder months can take the shine out of your complexion and how to build a cozy red light ritual to bring back your glow.

The short answer: Cold outdoor air and dry indoor heat can leave skin looking rougher and less radiant.¹ Red light therapy is a gentle, at-home way to give your skin some extra care through the winter. A red light face mask takes just minutes a day and fits easily into long, cozy winter evenings.

Why does skin look dull in winter?

Winter is tough on skin from every direction. Cold air outside holds less moisture, and heaters dry the air inside even more. Your skin can lose moisture to that dry air, leaving it looking rough and less luminous. Dry air can even make fine lines more noticeable.¹

Why winter is the perfect time to start red light therapy

The best red light routine is a consistent one, and winter makes consistency easy. The evenings are long, you're spending more time indoors, and a few quiet minutes to yourself feels like a treat. Red light fits right into that slower winter rhythm, whether it's part of your morning or your evening wind-down.

What is red light therapy?

Red light therapy uses gentle, low-level light delivered to the skin. Most at-home devices for the face use LEDs, and they work without heat, needles or downtime.² Sessions are quick and relaxing, so it's easy to make them a daily habit.

Red, near-infrared and blue light: what's the difference?

Many red light face devices offer more than one color of light, each used for something a little different:

• Red light (around 650 nm) is the most popular choice for skin renewal routines focused on fine lines and texture.
• Near-infrared light (around 850 nm) is invisible to the eye and is often used in routines focused on skin tone and radiance.
• Blue light (around 405 nm) is commonly used in routines focused on breakouts.

For a winter glow, red and near-infrared light are the ones to reach for.

Your winter glow routine with the Capillus Face Mask

The Capillus Face Mask brings four light modes together in one hands-free mask: red light (650 nm), near-infrared light (850 nm), blue light (405 nm) and a combined pink mode. Its red and near-infrared modes are designed to help smooth the look of fine lines and refresh skin tone and radiance, for a healthier-looking glow.

• Just 10 minutes a session, easy to fit in while you sip something warm.
• Hands-free and cordless. Relax, read or catch up on a show while you wear it.
• HSA/FSA eligible.

Here's a simple winter ritual to try:

1. Start with clean, dry skin. Cleanse your face, then make sure it's fully dry before your session.
2. Choose the red and near-infrared mode. This combination is the go-to for an all-over glow routine.
3. Settle in for 10 minutes. Adjust the straps so the mask sits comfortably, then relax with a warm drink, a book or your favorite show.
4. Make it a habit. The Face Mask protocol recommends using this mode daily, or at least 5 to 6 times a week, for overall skin tone and radiance.
5. Carry on with your evening. Then continue with your usual routine.

Consistency matters most. Red light works best as a regular part of your routine, and everyone's results are a little different.

Don't forget your under-eyes

Short winter days and long nights can leave your eyes looking as tired as your skin. The Capillus EyeLift is a red light device designed specifically for the under-eye area. It's designed to help reduce the look of puffiness, smooth the appearance of fine lines and brighten dark circles for a more refreshed, well-rested look, in just 10 minutes a day.

What to look for in a red light face device

If you're shopping for a red light device for your face this winter, here's what we'd look for, and how the Face Mask measures up:

1. The right light modes. Red and near-infrared light are the most popular for skin care. The Face Mask includes both, plus blue and pink modes.
2. Full-face coverage. A mask covers your whole face at once, so you don't have to hold a device over one spot at a time.
3. Short, easy sessions. The best routine is one you'll stick with. Face Mask sessions take just 10 minutes.
4. Hands-free comfort. A cordless mask lets you relax while you use it.
5. Clear instructions. A step-by-step protocol takes the guesswork out of which mode to use and how often.

You can explore the full Capillus skin health collection to find what fits your routine.

Tips for sticking with red light all winter

A few small tricks can help red light become a habit you look forward to:

• Pick a time and keep it. Same time each day, like right after dinner or first thing in the morning, makes it automatic.
• Pair it with something cozy. A cup of tea, a favorite playlist or an episode of your show turns your session into a treat.
• Keep your device where you'll see it. Out of sight can mean out of mind. Keep it charged and somewhere handy.
• Track your progress. Take a photo in the same light every couple of weeks so you can notice gradual changes.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my skin look dull in winter?

Cold outdoor air and dry indoor heat can pull moisture from your skin, leaving it looking rougher and less radiant.¹

Can I use red light therapy in the winter?

Absolutely. Red light therapy can be part of your routine any time of year, and winter is a great time to start a cozy at-home ritual.

How often should I use a red light face mask?

Follow your device's instructions. For an all-over glow routine, the Capillus Face Mask protocol recommends the red and near-infrared mode for 10 minutes daily, or at least 5 to 6 times a week.

Should I use my red light mask in the morning or at night?

Whenever you'll use it most consistently. In winter, many people enjoy an evening session as part of winding down.

Is red light gentle enough for winter skin?

Red light devices for the face are generally considered gentle.² If your skin is irritated or you have a skin condition, check with a dermatologist before starting.

A final word

Winter doesn't have to mean saying goodbye to your glow. Long, cozy evenings are the perfect time to start a red light ritual, and just 10 minutes a day is all it takes to give your skin some extra care. If you're ready to make red light part of your winter, the Capillus Face Mask is an easy, hands-free place to start.

This article is for general information and isn't medical advice. Talk to a dermatologist if you have concerns about your skin.

Sources

1. American Academy of Dermatology. Dermatologists' top tips for relieving dry skin.
2. American Academy of Dermatology. Is red light therapy right for your skin?