Waking up with puffy, tired-looking eyes and dark circles is not ideal for most of us. Unfortunately, this is a normal sight in the morning for many who suffer from allergies, especially during allergy season. And while there’s no shortage of creams, patches, and cooling rollers claiming to “de-puff” or “brighten,” most are limited to treating the reactions rather than the underlying causes.
But what if something commonly associated with just skincare benefits can target those root cases, say a red light therapy mask?
It might sound unexpected, but red light therapy is increasingly being explored for its ability to reduce inflammation and support lymphatic drainage. These are two of the biggest culprits behind allergy-related under-eye symptoms.
Learn more about the potential red light therapy masks hold for allergy-caused eye puffiness and dark circles with our team at Rojo Light Therapy NZ.
When your body comes into contact with an allergen like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mould, it responds by releasing histamines. These chemical compounds trigger inflammation as part of the body’s natural defence.
In the facial area, this often leads to swollen nasal passages and increased blood flow around the eyes, which can cause fluid retention and puffiness in the surrounding tissues.
This swelling puts pressure on the delicate under-eye area, where the skin is naturally thinner and more prone to showing signs of vascular activity. The result? A dark, shadowy appearance beneath the eyes, commonly referred to as “allergic shiners.”
Additionally, allergies can disrupt normal lymphatic drainage, which can become sluggish or overwhelmed during allergic flare-ups.
Red light therapy may not be specifically designed to treat allergy-related under-eye concerns, but its known physiological effects suggest it can be a powerful tool in managing them.
Red light therapy uses low-level wavelengths of light, typically between 620nm and 850nm, to penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular activity. At these wavelengths, red and near-infrared light is absorbed by mitochondria, the energy centres of cells, which in turn increases the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This ATP boost powers up cellular repair processes, encourages collagen production, and helps reduce oxidative stress.
In relation to allergies, red light therapy has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and circulation-enhancing effects in several studies. When applied consistently, it can help calm overactive immune responses, reduce swelling in soft tissues, and promote better lymphatic flow, all of which are directly tied to allergy-related puffiness.
Let’s dive deeper into these below:
An allergic reaction triggers the body to release histamines, which dilate blood vessels and cause swelling in soft tissue, especially around the eyes and sinuses. This is why allergy sufferers often wake up with puffy eyelids and congestion.
Red light therapy can help calm this reaction with its anti-inflammatory effects. At wavelengths between 620nm and 850nm, red and near-infrared light penetrate the skin and modulate inflammatory markers like cytokines and prostaglandins.
This helps calm inflamed tissue, reduce swelling, and support faster recovery, making it highly relevant for the under-eye area during allergy flare-ups.
One of the lesser-known effects of red light therapy is its ability to stimulate lymphatic flow. This is particularly important when it comes to under-eye puffiness caused by allergies.
During an allergic flare-up, lymphatic drainage can become sluggish due to tissue swelling. As a result, fluid accumulates in the thin skin beneath the eyes, creating a puffy appearance.
When used consistently, a red light therapy mask may help re-activate proper drainage, leading to visible improvements in swelling and puffiness under the eyes.
Poor blood circulation is a major contributor to the dark, shadowy appearance of allergic shiners. When nasal inflammation restricts blood flow, or when small blood vessels under the eyes dilate and become congested, the area can appear bruised or purplish in tone.
Red light therapy can help alleviate this darkness by stimulating the formation of new capillaries and improving microcirculation in treated areas. Enhanced blood flow brings more oxygen and nutrients to the tissue while also removing waste and stagnant blood. This effect can help brighten the under-eye area and reduce the appearance of dark circles over time.
While collagen loss isn’t the primary cause of allergy-related under-eye concerns, the thinness of the skin in this area makes it more vulnerable to changes. Over time, chronic puffiness and inflammation can weaken skin structure and contribute to sagging or dullness.
Red light therapy is widely recognised for its ability to stimulate fibroblasts, cells responsible for collagen and elastin production. By strengthening the skin’s structure, regular use of red light therapy masks may improve skin firmness and resilience, making puffiness less pronounced and the under-eye area look healthier overall.
The wavelengths at which red light therapy operates are considered non-ionizing, meaning they don’t damage DNA or generate harmful UV radiation. In fact, they are generally regarded as safe when used at low levels for therapeutic purposes, including facial treatments.
That said, safety depends heavily on device quality, light intensity (irradiance), and proper use.
Most high-quality red light masks, including Rojo’s, are designed with built-in eye safety measures, such as:
For safety, always:
Take note, red light therapy is not recommended for those with photosensitivity, recent eye surgeries, or certain medical conditions, so if you have any concerns, it’s best to speak with a healthcare professional first.
The best time to use red light therapy for allergy-related puffiness and dark circles is during periods when these symptoms are most active, such as high-pollen seasons or after a night of congestion-related fluid buildup.
Using your red light therapy mask consistently during these periods supports the body’s natural recovery processes by calming inflamed tissue and promoting lymphatic flow. And while it’s not a rapid-response treatment, regular use can help minimise the severity and persistence of under-eye swelling and discolouration over time.
For most users, short, regular sessions are more effective than infrequent long ones because the therapy works best through consistent, cumulative exposure, not intensity.
The general recommendation is three to five times a week at 10 - 20 minute sessions, however, it’s still best for you to consult your healthcare provider to get an accurate treatment frequency for your needs.
Red light therapy works best when it’s part of a broader strategy. To maximise its effectiveness:
Red light therapy is a cumulative treatment. Taking progress photos or keeping notes can help you stay consistent and notice improvements that may be subtle at first. If your puffiness or darkness persists despite consistent use and allergy treatment, it may be worth consulting a dermatologist or allergist to rule out other causes.
Red light therapy masks aren’t a cure for allergies, but they offer a science-backed way to manage the visible effects they leave behind. However, these benefits also rely on the quality of the device.
At Rojo Light Therapy, we offer carefully engineered red light therapy masks designed to deliver consistent, gentle wavelengths that target the skin’s most sensitive areas, without irritation.
Explore our red light therapy device collection today and experience the benefits for yourself.
