Normally, red, blue, or both color lights are used for skincare treatment. As different colors have varied specifications and benefits, we have written this article to help you understand what skin concern each color treats to help you make a wise decision.
Due to continuous advances in research that demonstrate the efficacy of Light Therapy, it is increasingly being adopted. It is an FDA-cleared cosmetic procedure where different wavelengths of light are used to treat several skin disorders. Light Therapy pads present a compact, cheap, and quick alternative to surgical or pharmaceutical intervention.
What is Light Therapy?
Light Therapy, also called photobiomodulation or low-level light therapy (LLLT), is a treatment method where different wavelengths of light, including, red, blue, and infrared, are used to stimulate cells. It has been proven to enhance ATP production, stimulate angiogenesis, and increase blood flow.[1]
Light Therapy and Skincare Treatment
Light therapy is a highly flexible, affordable, and adaptable treatment that can be used to address various skin disorders.
It has found its way into dermatology as research shows its efficacy in treating psoriasis, rosacea, and wrinkle reduction.[2] [3] The biological efficacy of Light Therapy doesn’t only depend on the procedure but also on specific light parameters.[4] The right wavelength of light is needed to achieve optimal results. As shown in Figure 1, different wavelengths target different tissues, and finding the right balance is important for effective treatment.
Red Light
Red light can reach the dermis and can activate fibroblasts, cells that contribute to collagen synthesis. It also stimulates the production of elastin, assisting in rapid cellular regeneration.[5] Red light penetrates deep in the tissue and improves the overall skin texture by reducing inflammation, blemishes, wrinkles, and age spots.
Blue Light
Blue light, when compared to red light, doesn’t penetrate deep into the tissue and can be useful for addressing skin concerns in the epidermis. Research has revealed blue light to be effective for treating acne.[6] Blue light also has antimicrobial properties, which can help eliminate a wide variety of pathogens.[7] Therefore, it is effective in the treatment of skin disorders that involve microbial agents. Blue light’s antimicrobial properties also point out its potential in modifying the skin microbiome.
Combination of Red and Blue Light for Skin Conditions
Since red light can reach the dermis and blue light can reach the epidermis, a treatment modality where both are used is found to be effective in addressing skincare concerns.
Treatment of Acne Vulgaris
This is a chronic skin disorder where acne is present on the face and sometimes on the back and chest. In this condition, pilosebaceous units are either inflamed or blocked, resulting in acne as inflammatory and/or non-inflammatory lesions.[8] The current treatments for this condition aren’t much effective and involve drugs that pose adverse side effects and dependence. Several studies have suggested that a combination of red and blue light can be effective in the treatment of acne vulgaris.[9] Red light is shown to have an inhibitory effect on sebum production, while blue light can reduce sebocyte proliferation.[10] Moreover, blue light’s antimicrobial properties further assist in treating the condition as it can alter the skin’s microbiome. A 38% reduction in inflammatory and noninflammatory acne lesions was observed when a combination of red and blue light was used.[11]
Wrinkle Reduction And Other Skin Concerns
Light Therapy has found its practical application in not just treating acne, but also in other cosmetic procedures such as skin rejuvenation and anti-aging. Red light at the wavelength of 660nm has been found effective in addressing aged skin by reducing wrinkles.[12] Red light can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, increase collagen density, and improve complexion, by energizing cells, leading to accelerated healing and a more youthful, healthier skin. [13] Blue light has shown to improve the overall texture, skin elasticity, and complexion.[14] It also promotes surface healing and together with red light can result in a radiant skin and powerful antiaging effects.[15] Research shows that a combination of different wavelengths, especially red and blue light, can demonstrate higher efficacy in addressing these concerns.[16]
The Right Light Therapy Pad for Acne Treatment and Wrinkle Reduction!
Research shows that using red and blue light together can be more helpful in combating acne, wrinkles, and other issues, as compared to when used separately. They offer a perfect combination as red light carries out cellular regeneration and accelerates healing, while blue light addresses the issues on the surface of the skin by destroying microbes. Optimal results can be gained from using a light pad that has both red and blue light wavelengths. It is important to use FDA-cleared pads too to ensure your safety.
Light Therapy is truly revolutionizing healthcare as it is safe, easy, and affordable. It doesn’t require surgery or medication and has no known side effects. Research suggests that both red and blue light are best suited to treat skincare concerns, such as acne. If you are looking for a system where you get the best of both worlds in one product, without buying two separate ones, we recommend our collection. Our FDA-cleared pads come in two styles for red and blue: full facemask and eyemask.
Feel free to contact us and we would be happy to address your queries or provide more information.
Citations
[1] Calderhead RG. The photobiological basics behind light-emitting diode (LED) phototherapy. Laser Therapy. 2007;16:97–108.
[2] Whelan HT, Smits RL Jr, Buchman EV, Whelan NT, Turner SG, Margolis DA, Cevenini V, Stinson H, Ignatius R, Martin T, Cwiklinski J, Philippi AF, Graf WR, Hodgson B, Gould L, Kane M, Chen G, Caviness J. Effect of NASA light-emitting diode irradiation on wound healing. J Clin Laser Med Surg. 2001 Dec;19(6):305-14. doi: 10.1089/104454701753342758. PMID: 11776448.
[3] Kleinpenning MM, Otero ME, van Erp PE, Gerritsen MJ, van de Kerkhof PC. Efficacy of blue light vs. red light in the treatment of psoriasis: a double-blind, randomized comparative study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2012 Feb;26(2):219-25. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2011.04039.x. Epub 2011 Mar 24. PMID: 21435024.
[4] Wilson BC, Patterson MS (2008 May 7) The physics, biophysics and technology of photodynamic therapy. Phys Med Biol 53:R61–R109.
[5] Wunsch A, Matuschka K. A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in patient satisfaction, reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and intradermal collagen density increase. Photomed Laser Surg. 2014 Feb;32(2):93-100. doi: 10.1089/pho.2013.3616. Epub 2013 Nov 28. PMID: 24286286; PMCID: PMC3926176.
[6] Ash C, Harrison A, Drew S, Whittall R. A randomized controlled study for the treatment of acne vulgaris using high-intensity 414 nm solid state diode arrays. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2015;17(4):170–176.
[7] Dai T. The antimicrobial effect of blue light: what are behind? Virulence. 2017;8(6):649–652.
[8] Williams HC, Dellavalle RP, Garner S. Acne vulgaris. Lancet. 2012 Jan 28;379(9813):361-72. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(11)60321-8. Epub 2011 Aug 29. Erratum in: Lancet. 2012 Jan 28;379(9813):314. PMID: 21880356.
[9] Bhardwaj SS, Rohrer TE, Arndt K. Lasers and light therapy for acne vulgaris. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2005 Jun;24(2):107-12. doi: 10.1016/j.sder.2005.04.001. PMID: 16092799.
[10] Charakida A, Seaton ED, Charakida M, Mouser P, Avgerinos A, Chu AC. Phototherapy in the treatment of acne vulgaris: what is its role? Am J Clin Dermatol. 2004;5(4):211-6. doi: 10.2165/00128071-200405040-00001. PMID: 15301568.
[11] Barolet D, Boucher A. Radiant near infrared light emitting Diode exposure as skin preparation to enhance photodynamic therapy inflammatory type acne treatment outcome. Lasers Surg Med. 2010 Feb;42(2):171-8. doi: 10.1002/lsm.20886. PMID: 20166163.
[12] Barolet D, Roberge CJ, Auger FA, Boucher A, Germain L. Regulation of skin collagen metabolism in vitro using a pulsed 660 nm LED light source: clinical correlation with a single-blinded study. J Invest Dermatol. 2009 Dec;129(12):2751-9. doi: 10.1038/jid.2009.186. Epub 2009 Jul 9. PMID: 19587693.
[13] Touma D, Yaar M, Whitehead S, Konnikov N, Gilchrest BA. A trial of short incubation, broad-area photodynamic therapy for facial actinic keratoses and diffuse photodamage. Arch Dermatol. 2004 Jan;140(1):33-40. doi: 10.1001/archderm.140.1.33. PMID: 14732657.
[14] Jagdeo J, Austin E, Mamalis A, Wong C, Ho D, Siegel DM. Light-emitting diodes in dermatology: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Lasers Surg Med. 2018 Jan 22;50(6):613–28. doi: 10.1002/lsm.22791. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 29356026; PMCID: PMC6099480.
[15] Wunsch A, Matuschka K. A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in patient satisfaction, reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and intradermal collagen density increase. Photomed Laser Surg. 2014 Feb;32(2):93-100. doi: 10.1089/pho.2013.3616. Epub 2013 Nov 28. PMID: 24286286; PMCID: PMC3926176.
[16] Sadowska M, Narbutt J, Lesiak A. Blue Light in Dermatology. Life (Basel). 2021 Jul 8;11(7):670. doi: 10.3390/life11070670. PMID: 34357042; PMCID: PMC8307003.
