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Blue Light Vs Red Light Therapy—Definitions, Applications, & More

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Updated Mar 13, 2025

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8 Min

Article by

David Johnson

What Is LED Light Therapy?

LED light therapy is a non-invasive treatment. It uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to target various skin and health conditions. The wavelegths fall between 400 nm (blue light) and 1200 nm (near-infrared light).

This treatment stimulates cellular activity and promotes healing without skin damage. You’ll find LED light therapy in dermatology and cosmetic treatments.

1. Types of LED light

LED light therapy is divided into a few types. Here's a table summarising the different types of LED lights.

2. How LED Light Works

LED light at different wavelengths of light reaches the skin’s surface and penetrates. It then interacts with the tissues underneath their cells. This interaction stimulates a boost in energy that rejuvenates cellular repair.

For example,

● For the hair follicles, it helps speed up hair growth.
● It promotes collagen production for the skin, facilitating smoother and glowing skin. It also evens the skin texture tone and smoothens fine lines and wrinkles.
● For the blood vessels, it promotes better circulation.
● For nerve endings, it might encourage their healing and pain relief.
● For the musculoskeletal system, it eases tension and promotes faster healing.

Just note that different wavelengths penetrate different depths, each offering unique benefits.

3. Health Benefits Of LED Light Therapy

LED light therapy collectively benefits are as follows:

● It is a non-invasive and painless treatment.
● It has a vast array of uses.
● It is usually well-tolerated.
● It reduces the need for topical and other medications.
● It can be used on all types of skin.

4. How to Use LED Light Therapy Effectively

1. Consult a professional to discuss your skin concerns and goals.

2. Follow guidelines by using led light therapy devices as directed and avoid overuse.

3. Combine with recommended skincare. Pair LED therapy with a good skincare routine for enhanced results.

4. Be Consistent with regular treatments to see improvements.

5. How LED Light Therapy is Administered

LED treatments at in-office establishments are administered by trained dermatologists. Skincare professionals can also offer this service. These sessions take 15-20 minutes, and the session numbers vary depending on the condition. Nonetheless, the more consistent someone is, the better the results over time.

LED light therapy can also be an at-home treatment. In these cases, you can buy light therapy devices like LED masks, wands, or panels for personal use. These are usually ideal for individuals who prefer treatment in-house.

What Is Blue Light Therapy?

Blue light therapy wavelegths fall between 400–470 nm. The beaming light shines blue, targeting various skin conditions. It can help alleviate acne. In some cases, it is used as part of the treatment of some precancerous lesions.

How Blue LED Light Therapy Works

Blue light penetrates the skin about 1–2 mm deep. Once here, it gets absorbed by porphyrins. Porphyrins are compounds produced by acne-causing bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes.

When porphyrins absorb the light, they produce free radicles, which destroy the bacteria. Free radicles break down the acne-causing substances, reducing acne breakouts and inflammation.

Blue light therapy can, therefore, aid with:

● Whiteheads and Blackheads.
● Inflammatory acne-like pimples and pustules.
● Skin bacteria reduction.
● Reducing general inflammation.

What Is Red Light Therapy (RLT)?

RLT is also called low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM). Red light operates between 630 to 1200 nm and penetrates 5 mm deep.

How Red Light Therapy Works

Red light works using two main wavelength ranges;

● Red light 630–700 nm
● Near-infrared light 700–1200 nm

The light enters the cell’s powerhouse, the mitochondria. Once in, it stimulates the production of energy called adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the molecule that feeds all cellular functions.

The increase in cellular energy helps cells repair and regenerate more effectively. This means that all healing processes are faster.

It also stimulates fibroblasts, which are the cells that produce collagen and elastin. The effect here is the smoothening of fine lines and wrinkles.

The additional benefits of red light therapy include

● Reduced inflammation.
● Improved blood flow.
● Faster wound healing.
● Pain relief.
● Faster hair growth.
● Acne treatment.

Blue Light Therapy Vs. Red Light Therapy: What is the Difference?

To get a complete picture of blue light vs red light, have a look at this table:

Does LED Light Therapy Have Any Side Effects?

Even though LED light is generally safe, it is still not effect-proof. Some of those effects are:

● Mild skin dryness and redness.
● Temporary light sensitivity.
● Rare cases of hyperpigmentation, especially for darker skin tones.

Who Should Not Use LED Light Therapy?

LED light therapy is an effective treatment for various conditions, but is everyone allowed to use it?

Unfortunately, no, and the group of people who should not use it include:

● People with photosensitivity or light-triggered conditions (e.g., lupus).
● Those taking medications that increase light sensitivity (e.g., certain antibiotics or retinoids).
● Pregnant women (as a precaution, though evidence of harm is limited).

Which Light Works Better for Acne?

The best light for acne is blue light.

Why?

Blue light kills acne-causing bacteria by targeting the compounds that produce the bacteria. While it kills the bacteria, it also reduces inflammation and prevents future breakouts.

Using blue light therapy alongside red light also helps. The combined treatment reduces inflammation and fastens healing.

Which Light Helps With Skin Aging?

When it comes to aging, the red light wins.

Red light stimulates collagen and elastic production. The effect of this increased production is smoother, more elastic skin. The improved cellular repair and reduced inflammation promote the appearance of youthful skin.

Use near-infrared light to complement red light benefits as a secondary option.

Which Light Is Better for Hyperpigmentation?

Yellow light at 585 nm is the best for hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is skin having varying tones—some parts being more melanated than others.

Yellow light is the best because it targets melanocytes. These are cells that produce melanin (skin’s pigment). It prevents melanogenesis—the process of melanin production. The effect of this is fairer skin, reduced black spots, and a brighter complexion.

Which Light Works Best for Pain Recovery?

Near-infrared light at 700–1200 nm is ideal for pain recovery. NIR penetrates deep into muscles, bones, and joints to relieve pain. Besides pain relief, it also:

● Promotes tissue regeneration.
● Accelerates the healing process.
● Prevents cell death.

Red light also helps with pain relief.

Summary

Both red and blue light therapy have distinct advantages, making them valuable. They aid in skin care, pain management, and overall wellness. The blue light fights acne and bacteria, while red light promotes healing. Yellow light is ideal for hyperpigmentation.

Light therapy offers a non-invasive, science-backed approach to improving well-being. Whatever its use, its benefits are hard to ignore. Ready to see the light? Consult a professional to determine the best option for your needs. And when you buy at-home devices, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Sources

1. Paul Woodgate, Luke Anthony Jardine. ( 2015 May 22). Neonatal jaundice: phototherapy.

2. Gagan Virk, Gloria Reeves, Norman E Rosenthal, Leo Sher, Teodor T Postolache. (2010 Aug 2). Short exposure to light treatment improves depression scores in patients with seasonal affective disorder: A brief report

3. Anna Mae Scott, Paulina Stehlik, Justin Clark, Dexing Zhang, Zuyao Yang, Tammy Hoffmann, Chris Del Mar, Paul Glasziou. ( 2019 Nov). Blue-Light Therapy for Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

4. Urvashi Kaw, Muneeb Ilyas, Taylor Bullock, Lisa Rittwage, Margo Riha, Allison Vidimos, Bo Hu, Christine B Warren, Edward V Maytin. (2021 Apr 11). A regimen to minimize pain during blue light photodynamic therapy of actinic keratoses: Bilaterally controlled, randomized trial of simultaneous versus conventional illumination

5. Virginie Couturaud, Marie Le Fur, Michele Pelletier, Frederic Granotier. (2023 Jun 30). Reverse skin aging signs by red light photobiomodulation.

6. Xuanxuan He, Shanglin Jin, Xiaoxi Dai, Li Chen, Leihong Xiang, and Chengfeng Zhang. (4 December 2023). The Emerging Role of Visible Light in Melanocyte Biology and Skin Pigmentary Disorders: Friend or Foe?

Article by

David Johnson

David Johnson is a co-founder of RedliteX and a healthcare professional with extensive experience in red light therapy. He specializes in the research and application of red light therapy panels for therapeutic and wellness purposes, with a deep understanding of the science behind light-based treatments. Committed to education and evidence-based insights, he focuses on how red light therapy can support healing, pain management, recovery, and overall well-being.

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Blue Light Vs Red Light Therapy—Definitions, Applications, & More

In This Article

What Is LED Light Therapy?

1. Types of LED light

2. How LED Light Works

3. Health Benefits Of LED Light Therapy

4. How to Use LED Light Therapy Effectively

5. How LED Light Therapy is Administered

What Is Blue Light Therapy?

How Blue LED Light Therapy Works

What Is Red Light Therapy (RLT)?

How Red Light Therapy Works

Blue Light Therapy Vs. Red Light Therapy: What is the Difference?

Does LED Light Therapy Have Any Side Effects?

Who Should Not Use LED Light Therapy?

Which Light Works Better for Acne?

Which Light Helps With Skin Aging?

Which Light Is Better for Hyperpigmentation?

Which Light Works Best for Pain Recovery?

Summary

Sources

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