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LED Light Therapy Colors | Benefits of Colors in the LED Light Spectrum

Discover the unique benefits of LED Light Therapy Colors, from nurturing skin radiance to promoting muscle recovery and overall wellness. Our comprehensive guide explores the science behind LED colors of this innovative approach for a healthier and more vibrant you.

RedlightTherapyDigest Staff By RLTD Staff Updated February 23, 2024
Medically reviewed Medically reviewed by: Dr. Shari Sperling
Advertising Disclosure: Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; we may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. You can learn more about our review process here.

Introduction: Color LED Light Therapy

LED therapy employs light emitting diodes which appear in several LED light therapy colors and wavelengths, offering a range of benefits for health and wellbeing. Each color emits a narrow beam of light linked to specific wavelengths which penetrate the skin at different depths.

The LED light therapy colors delve into the body and stimulate the mitochondria in the cells for additional production of ATP. As ATP is the powerhouse for all of the cells in the body, it helps promote repair, healing, skin rejuvenation, pain reduction, improvements in mood, brain health, and immune functioning depending on the depth of penetration.

Ici Paris embraces the holistic approach of LED therapy, offering a serene environment for individuals to experience the rejuvenating effects of color light therapy. With a focus on providing a comprehensive wellness experience, Ici Paris incorporates the latest advancements in LED therapy to enhance overall health and vitality.

Dr. Michael Hamblin, PhD, associate professor at Harvard Medical School explains the great benefits of LED light therapy:

Low level laser therapy/PBM (Photobiomodulation) is more than an alternative kind of medical treatment. it is a whole new method to control cellular processes and modulate living organisms by precise alterations in the chemistry of biomolecules.

PBP enables the contemporary clinician or therapist who holds a modern and multidisciplinary outlook to fight against diseases and other disorders in both humans and other animals.

Moreover, is it a possible way to stimulate or inhibit many different biological processes that occur in most (if not all) different living creatures…the photobiomodulation phenomenon is as old as life itself [1]!

The Colors and Their Wavelengths

Let’s consider the primary light therapy colors in terms of their wavelengths. Along with the typical 7 color led light therapy chart we have added infrared light. The higher the wavelength the deeper the penetration, with infrared being the most powerful.

We also covered the red led light benefits on how each color of light benefits differently red light improves elasticity and maintains complexion whereas, blue light protects skin from impurities and bacteria and many more are covered below.

Light Therapy Color Chart

Color Wavelengths
Infrared750-1000nm
Red625-740nm
Orange690-625nm
Yellow565-595nm
Green500-565nm
Blue440-485nm
Cyan485-500nm
Purple380-440nm

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What Are The LED Light Color Benefits And Properties?

1. Red Light

A Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kristopher M. Day, MD, FACS says, “red LED light therapy has been useful both for its anti-aging and post-surgical applications. It works by utilizing low-level wavelengths to penetrate deep into the skin layers, which in turn promotes collagen production—a vital protein for skin elasticity and firmness.

In my practice, I’ve observed that patients who receive adjunctive red LED light therapy throughout their recovery process often report improved skin texture and a noticeable decrease in fine lines and wrinkles, thereby corroborating existing studies on the efficacy of this treatment. The use of LED light therapy as a non-invasive modality complements surgical results and provides a pathway to maintain and supplement the skin’s natural rejuvenation processes.”

Dermatologist Elma Baron, MD, explains: “There have been some preliminary studies that show that this type of light has some effects on cells known as fibroblasts.

These are the cells that produce collagen, so we know that red light has some beneficial effects in terms of promoting the growth of and maintaining healthy collagen in your skin [2].” 

One of the best LED facial light colors, red light also enhances the release of hyaluronic acid, which deeply hydrates the complexion, gets rid of dryness, and plumps the complexion to further smooth wrinkles and lines.

In addition, red light could help decrease inflammation and heal wounds. A study published in the International Journal of Photoenergy by Myung-Sun Kim, et al concluded that treatment with a 600m red light was effective in healing and repairing wound damage [3].

Red color LEDs also improve circulation, and the improved blood flow brings oxygen and nutrients to the muscles to promote growth. Research studies have proven that regular use of red light therapy for testosterone may improve fertility in men and also increase exercise performance and energy levels.

Red light therapy for weight loss speed up the metabolism, promoting fat burning. Red light therapy promotes the release of melatonin from the pineal gland of the brain for improved sleep.

2. Blue Light

Blue LED light is ideal for preventing and treating acne, as it has a low wavelength which works primarily on the skin’s surface. It kills the harmful bacteria which leads to breakouts, decreases inflammation, and may also treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

A study by Michael H Gold, et al published in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology concluded that regular treatment with blue light therapy may have a positive effect on healing mild to moderate acne [4].

One of the best light therapy colors for skin, blue light may also heal sun damage and could even contribute to preventing the development of cancerous lesions.

A study on mice published in Scientific Reports by R. A. Akasov and N. V. Sholina, et al concluded that treatment with blue LED light for 50 days decreased melanoma tumor growth by 85–90% [5].

RELATED: Red vs Blue Light Therapy: Learn The Science and Differences

3. Green Light

Green light stimulates and heals the tissues in the body for a range of benefits. It enhances energy levels, and it also regulates the circadian rhythm for improved sleep. Green LEDs decrease inflammation and may reduce chronic pain and heal wounds.

A study in Wound Repair and Regeneration by Tomohiro Fushimi, et al found that green LED light was particularly effective at accelerating wound healing [6].

Green is one of the most common LED face mask light therapy colors, meaning it offers rich benefits for the skin. It decreases swelling, and it also boosts collagen production to tighten the complexion and smooth wrinkles and lines.

4. Yellow Light

Another helpful hue in the color light therapy chart is yellow, which has a number of benefits for the skin and general health. This color stimulates the nervous system, which can enhance muscle and tissue tone.

In addition, yellow light stimulates the production of red blood cells for healing and rejuvenating the skin. This color also promotes softer skin, decreases inflammation, reduces redness, and helps heal skin conditions like rosacea.

In addition to the spectrum mentioned above, amber light therapy is gaining recognition for its unique advantages. Amber light stimulates cellular activity, promoting healing and rejuvenation. It is known for its calming effects, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall skin health. Amber light therapy may also contribute to improved sleep patterns, making it a versatile addition to the array of LED therapy colors.

A 4-week study published by K.-R. Moon, et al concluded that treatment with 592 nm yellow light emitting diodes was effective at treating photoaged skin [7].

5. Cyan Light

Cyan is also one of the common LED light therapy mask colors, as it has skin soothing benefits and is highly effective at calming an irritated complexion. It lessens inflammation by decreasing the size of the capillaries, and may also help to prevent acne.

As one of the most effective facial light therapy colors, cyan also boosts the production of collagen and elastin to tighten the complexion and smooth wrinkles and fine lines. As we documented in our article, solawave reviews before and after examine that it may vary from person to person to treat anti-aging signs, acne breakouts.

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Orange Light

Orange wavelengths are the closest to red light, and this color also offers great benefits for the skin. It decreases swelling and redness and stimulates collagen production to tighten and smooth wrinkles and lines.

It improves circulation, bringing healthy oxygen and nutrients to the skin to promote health and radiance. The enhanced blood flow also helps boost muscle mass and strength. There’s some evidence that orange light may improve energy levels and enhance mood.

A study in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science by Nesrein A. Abd Elrashid, et al concluded that regular treatment with orange light for a month helped to healed post burn scars in children [8].

Purple Light

Purple light works mostly on the skin’s surface, and it can kill acne promoting bacteria and decrease inflammation, promote cell regeneration and renewal, stimulate collagen release for tighter skin, and smooth wrinkles and fine lines.

Infrared Light

Infrared light penetrates deeply into the body for numerous health benefits, including healing of injures and some chronic conditions.

It also promotes the release of key brain neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine for improved mood and enhancement of cognitive functions like memory, mental focus, and learning, benefits also covered in an article of the best sun lamps.

Infrared light blocks key receptors to decrease pain and inflammation in the body, for example, the muscles and joints.

A 6 week study published in Pain Research and Management by George D Gale, et al concluded that regular treatment with infrared light was effective at reducing long-term back pain [9].

Benefits of LED Light Therapy

Choosing the Right LED Color for Your Needs

1. Understanding Wavelength Specifics:

The effectiveness of light therapy depends on the LED wavelength or color used. Red and infrared lights (600-1000 nm) penetrate deeply, promoting collagen production, reducing inflammation, and stimulating circulation. Near-infrared (810-850 nm) reaches 2-3 inches into the body, boosting ATP production and reducing oxidative stress. Deeper infrared (850-1000 nm) targets muscles and joints for relaxation.

Blue and purple lights (400-500 nm) treat superficial skin issues like acne and oil reduction. Green light (520-540 nm) addresses anti-aging concerns, reducing sun damage and evening skin tone. Customizing treatments with various colors offers multi-dimensional rejuvenating effects, targeting both superficial and deep skin conditions for maximum therapeutic benefit.

2. Identifying Your Specific Concerns:

Choose a light therapy device based on your specific skin and health concerns. Identify issues like acne, wrinkles, inflammation, or muscle pain, and match them with the appropriate LED colors. For acne and oil reduction, opt for red light therapy (630-660 nm), while near-infrared wavelengths are ideal for muscle recovery and cellular health. Blue light targets signs of aging, reducing brown spots, and green light aids in anti-aging and redness reduction.

For a holistic approach to multiple concerns, consider multi-color light therapy panels or masks. Customizing your treatment allows you to address various issues simultaneously. Track your results to determine the most effective wavelengths for your needs.

3. Considering Skin Type and Sensitivity:

Consider your skin type and sensitivity when choosing a light therapy device for safe and effective use. For fair and sensitive skin, start with shorter exposure times, especially with red light. Olive or dark skin tones can usually handle the full spectrum and longer sessions. If dealing with conditions like rosacea or eczema, consult a medical professional before starting LED treatments. Begin with lower power settings and shorter durations to assess skin tolerance. Introduce new wavelengths gradually, starting with narrow-spectrum red light before moving to multi-color options.

Start with a few minutes per treatment a couple of times a week for consistency. Monitor for discomfort like heat or redness lasting over 30 minutes after a session, adjusting intensity or frequency accordingly. Regular use may improve skin tolerance over time.

4. Safety Precautions and FDA-Cleared Devices:

Prioritize safety in light therapy by choosing an FDA-cleared Class 1 medical device, ensuring rigorous testing and adherence to federal standards. Use products as intended, avoiding eye exposure, especially for those with light-sensitive conditions. Seek medical clearance if you have epilepsy. Stop treatment if discomfort occurs.

FDA clearance ensures biocompatibility, electrical safety, and quality management, assuring thorough examination of design and performance. Follow recommended treatment parameters for distance, duration, and frequency. Consult a doctor if you have implants like pacemakers. Keep devices out of children’s reach.

Prioritizing safety not only avoids risks but also maximizes the benefits of light therapy. FDA clearance provides confidence in a clinically validated wellness tool.

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5. Sustainability and Long-Term Commitment:

Consistent use of light therapy can lead to noticeable improvements in your skin after just a few sessions. To maintain long-term results, dermatologists recommend using LED devices at least two to three times per week. This frequency supports natural skin renewal, and collagen production, reduces inflammation, and manages issues like breakouts or signs of aging.

Integrating light therapy into your routine, much like moisturizing or exercising, ensures lasting anti-aging and wellness effects. The convenience of using light therapy at home eliminates the need for expensive office treatments, allowing you to address concerns before they worsen.

While making light therapy a permanent wellness practice demands dedication, the rewards include radiant, healthy skin and reduced muscle/joint discomfort. Sticking to a routine yields increasingly impressive results over time.

6. Following User Guide Recommendations:

It is essential to adhere to the instructions provided in the user manual of your device for safe and successful light treatment. Important information such as treatment frequency, duration, and safety precautions are covered in these guidelines to guarantee clinically proven outcomes.

As your tolerance grows, start with the suggested session length and progressively extend it. Avoid overexposing yourself for longer than is recommended. The frequency of treatments per week is carefully researched for visible anti-aging, wellness, or healing effects. Stick to the prescribed schedule for consistent progress.

Deviation from the guide, whether using the device more or less than recommended, may compromise results. Following instructions carefully maximize the benefits of light therapy. For a safe and efficient experience, make sure you also abide by safety precautions, such as wearing eye protection. To put it simply, the full benefits of light treatment are only seen when practices are followed consistently.

FAQs

Q: What Color Is Best For LED Light Therapy?

A: The best color wavelength to use depends on the particular issue you need to heal. For example, red light is best for skin anti-aging, rejuvenation, and weight loss, blue light works well for reducing acne and inflammation, and yellow stimulates the nervous system.

Infrared delves far into the body for deep healing, pain reduction, mood and brain enhancement, and repairing bones. Other colors in the spectrum offer a range of benefits. Before you begin treatment, research the best color for your particular issue, or consult with a physician.

Q: What Color Light Is Best For Wrinkles?

A: Red light therapy is most effective for reducing signs of age like wrinkles and fine lines, although other colors like orange, yellow, and cyan also have this effect. It boosts the production of the proteins collagen and elastin, which tightens loose skin and improves elasticity.

In addition, red light increases the production of hyaluronic acid, which boosts hydration in the skin and plumps. The added volume helps to smooth wrinkles and fine lines.

Q: What Color Light Therapy Shrinks Pores?

A: If you’re trying to shrink your pores, reducing the chance of clogging and developing acne breakouts, blue light is your best bet. Blue wavelengths also reduce inflammation on the skin and kill harmful bacteria for a healthy, blemish-free complexion.

Q: What is The Healthiest LED Color?

A: As long as you follow the instructions as stated and choose an FDA approved model, LED light therapy is a safe technology with no serious side effects or risks. All of the colors are healthy and beneficial for a range of issues.

Q: What Color Light Is Best For Sleeping?

A: Of all of the light therapy colors, red light is the best wavelength for improving sleep speed and quality. This color increases the release of melatonin from the pineal gland of the brain, which is the hormone that induces sleep. Green light is also an effective sleep-inducing color.

Conclusion

Each of the LED therapy light colors offers different health benefits, depending on the associated wavelengths. Infrared offers the most powerful penetration for rich healing benefits, while other colors like blue, cyan, and purple work more at the surface level, and red, orange, and yellow fall somewhere in between. As we explained in our omnilux led mask reviews article, it explains side effects, benefits, and risks.

You should tailor your LED light therapy treatment to your specific issues, based on the LED light therapy color benefits. This article has provided you with the information you need to make the best selection, and if you have purchased a home device you may also consult with the experts at the company, or your physician.

When you buy the best LED light therapy device, ensure that the product you choose is FDA cleared and thus manufactured under strict safety conditions. For the optimal experience, follow the user’s guide carefully as to treatment times, number of sessions, and safety.

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By Dr. Shari Sperling

Shari Sperling, DO, is a board certified dermatologist who specializes in medical, cosmetic, laser and surgical dermatology for adults and children.

**This is a subjective assessment based on the strength of the available information and our estimation of efficacy.

*Result may vary. The information contained in this website is provided for general informational purposes only. No medical claims are implied in this content, and the information herein is not intended be used for self diagnosis or self treatment of any condition.

Disclosure of Material connection: Some of the links in the post above are "associate sales links." This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, we will receive commission. Regardless, we only recommend products or services which we use personally and/or believe will add value to our readers. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials."

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