The world of skin care can be overwhelming, especially for newbies who aren’t savvy with common skincare actants or interactions with its layers. It can get even more overwhelming with the advent of concurrent technologies, like LED light therapy, that promise transformative results. If you’ve heard about branches of this treatment such as blue light and red light therapy, but are highly confused over which one is right for your skin, you aren’t alone.
While both treatments are non-invasive and accessible, they work differently to address different skin concerns from acne to signs of aging. To better understand which one would better address your issues, explore the functions of these two different treatments with our team at ROJO Light Therapy US below.
Red light therapy emits wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate skin cells. The most effective wavelengths are between 630 - 700 nm which can penetrate to a depth of about 5-10 millimeters. At this depth, the treatment stimulates a cascade of skin benefits, including the following:
As we age, the natural production of collagen, an essential protein that helps the skin maintain its structure and strength, slows down, leading to fine lines, sagging, and a loss of volume. Red light therapy helps reverse these visible signs by stimulating the increased production of collagen and elastin in fibroblast cells, which improves skin texture and minimizes wrinkles.
Many red light therapy benefits stem from the treatment’s ability to boost mitochondrial function and increase the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the fuel source of cells. This increased energy is important for faster repair and regeneration and combating damage from environmental stressors, like UV rays and airborne pollution by way of cutaneous uptake (through the skin) or inhaled matter.
Studies show that red light therapy enhances microcirculation which improves the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to skin cells. This not only helps accelerate healing but also encourages that coveted healthy skin glow.
Dermatologists often recommend red light therapy as a complementary treatment to other skin care treatments because it’s excellent in reducing inflammation and speeding up the healing process.
Blue light therapy operates at wavelengths of 400 - 500 nm which primarily affects the outermost layer of the skin. Here are a few of its best benefits:
When exposed to blue light, Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), the bacteria responsible for breakouts, produces porphyrins, molecules that generate reactive oxygen species. These destroy the bacteria without harming surrounding tissue.
Excess oil is a major contributor to acne and other issues. Blue light therapy, however, balances sebum production, reducing the chances of breakouts and other sebum and oil related issues.
Much like red light therapy, blue light therapy also has anti-inflammatory properties. With blue light therapy, it’s excellent for reducing tissue inflammation and is particularly useful to treat inflammation in issues like acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis.
When used consistently, blue light therapy can create a healthier skin environment that is resistant to acne.
The main difference in these two treatments are their mechanisms. Understanding them can help you determine which therapy aligns best with your skin goals.
Red light therapy wavelengths penetrate far deeper than those of blue light therapy. This depth enables the treatment to stimulate cellular functions, which enhance the look and feel of your skin from within.
Meanwhile, the shorter wavelengths of blue light therapy only focuses on the surface of the skin. This shallow penetration makes it highly effective at targeting acne-causing bacteria without impacting deeper skin layers.
In terms of skin benefits, red light therapy is primarily used for anti-aging because of its effectiveness in reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and boosting the suppleness of the skin. Blue light, on the other hand, is often used to treat acne and other surface skin issues.
Both therapies are non-invasive, gentle, and suitable for all skin types. The best part is that they can be used independently or together, providing an excellent solution with overlapping skin concerns.
For example, a person dealing with acne scars can use blue light to manage existing acne and red light to accelerate scar healing. Similarly, alternating between red and blue light therapies can benefit those with occasional breakouts and early signs of aging.
LED light therapy offers a powerful way to further rejuvenate your skin. However, with the options out there, it’s important to understand what each one entails to ensure you receive fitting benefits for your skin issues.
If you’re interested in red light therapy, you can explore our products at ROJO Light Therapy US. With customizable settings and cutting-edge technology, our devices help you achieve expert-level results effortlessly. Contact us today for more questions or inquiries.