Red LED light therapy may reduce inflammation and stimulate the production of collagen, a protein responsible for younger-looking skin that diminishes with age. Blue LED light therapy may destroy acne-causing bacteria (P. acnes).
Blue light has the strongest bactericidal effect. Red light can reduce inflammation, promote tissue regeneration and collagen synthesis, and reduce or even eliminate erythema, reducing the formation of postacne scars and restoring skin smoothness.
Red light therapy (with red and near infrared light) may be used to reduce inflammation in a wide range of diseases, both acute and chronic. There are very few contraindications to red light therapy, and it can be safely used at home as part of a regular wellness regime.
Red LED light stimulates collagen, which is important for healing wounds. People who have had surgery for skin resurfacing have also had red LED light therapy after the procedure. Studies have found that this form of light therapy lowers redness, swelling, and bruising, and speeds up the healing process.
Blue LED lighting can also be used to increase blood flow, as the skin is also sensitive to the color blue, and can ultimately remove pain in the body and promote healing. Green is also a calming color, conveying hope, soothing and healing. The color green is the most visible and sensitive color to the human eye.
According to a review of multiple studies published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, avoiding blue lights with a color temperature of 4000K to 6500K or higher before bedtime and using warmer color lights with a color temperature of 2000-3000K can improve sleep quality.
It delivers a very specific wavelength of red light that interacts with cells. Research has found that this particular color of light increases our cells' energy, opens the blood and lymphatic vessels to improve blood and lymphatic flow, and improves the healing rates of wounds.
Treating Inflammation with LED Light Therapy
These red and near infrared wavelengths of light stimulate those cells and reduce oxidative stress, so your body is able to make more usable energy to power itself.
The wavelength that works best for red light therapy is between 630 and 700 nanometers (nm). The most commonly used wavelength for red light therapy is 660nm, which is within this range. This wavelength has been shown to penetrate deep into the skin and tissues, promoting blood flow and pain relief.
Naproxen is considered to be the strongest anti-inflammatory medication available over the counter, says Walia. However, this doesn't mean other OTC anti-inflammatories aren't just as effective at reducing inflammation — they just have different durations of action.
LED light therapy utilizes red light (630-660nm) and infrared light (830nm) to specifically target muscular pain.
The anti-aging hero is red light. Red light increases production of collagen and elastin to fight sagging skin, reduce wrinkles and improve tone and firmness. Read more about the benefits of red light.
Red LED light therapy may reduce inflammation and stimulate the production of collagen, a protein responsible for younger-looking skin that diminishes with age.
Blue Light Therapy is generally well-tolerated, though some patients may experience mild discomfort, a stinging sensation, or redness during and after the treatment. These side effects usually subside within a few days.
Improved Skin Tone: LED purple light therapy can help even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of age spots and hyperpigmentation. Reduced Inflammation: The purple light used in this therapy has anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful in reducing skin redness and swelling.
Who should not use red light therapy? People who take medications that increase their skin or eye sensitivity should not use red light therapy. People who have a history of skin cancer or eye disease should speak with their doctor before using red light therapy.
Photobiomodulation (PBM) also known as low-level level laser therapy is the use of red and near-infrared light to stimulate healing, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation.
Of course, existing broken capillaries cannot be repaired but red / infrared LED treatment will help prevent further capillary damage. By helping break down the by-products of leaked blood from broken capillaries, red/infrared light can also help with the dark pigmentation that occurs in those cases.
With severe swelling, the lymph fluid can drain through small breaks in the skin or cause blistering. Skin changes. In some people with very severe lymphedema, the skin of the affected limb can thicken and harden so it resembles the skin of an elephant.
Research studies discovered red to be the best color light to help you sleep, because it increases production of melatonin as well as full darkness. On the other end of the spectrum, blue is the worst.
Unlike the cancer-causing ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or tanning booths, RLT doesn't use this type of light. However, if products are misused — perhaps used too often or not according to directions — there's a chance your skin or eyes (if not protected) could be damaged.
The Dermatoscope: Your Dermatologist's Small Hand-Held Light
You might be wondering what your doctor is doing with this special light and the answer is that he or she is using it to perform “epiluminescence microscopy” (ELM) exam also known as dermoscopy (or dermatoscopy).
Bodemer recommends the Lightstim brand if you're looking for FDA-cleared light therapy wands. This wand has various wavelengths of red LED light that treat fine lines and wrinkles — the brand also has wands of different light wavelengths for pain relief and acne treatment.