Red Light and Yellow Light Therapy – both the light therapy colors are non-invasive treatments with different purposes and traits.
Any simple health issue can get you into more trouble. A small inconvenience and you end up having several skin and health conditions.
To fight them – we have red and yellow light therapy.
However, since they have different traits, their roles are different.
For instance – red light comes with a longer wavelength than yellow. So, it works on layers up to the hypodermis point (3rd layer) and deals with signs of aging, wounds, skin elasticity, and muscle damage.
Meanwhile, yellow has shorter spectra and targets specific areas. It reaches the dermis point (2nd layer) and addresses inflammatory issues.
So, both are effective in their own territory.
Red Light Therapy
The light with a longer wavelength.
Red light therapy is a non-invasive technique. It combines red with NIR light to treat multiple skin and health-related issues.
Visible light carries wavelengths from 630 to 700nm. It works deeper into the skin than other color counterparts, including yellow.
As the light penetrates, it reaches the dermis to the hypodermis layers. Inside, the wavelengths stimulate fibroblast cells to produce more collagen and elastin.
These are vital proteins that help enhance skin texture and tighten it.
The therapy also helps improve blood circulation, which further delivers OXYGEN and NUTRIENTS to your skin cells. Eventually, this accelerates healing and relieves pain.
Red Light Therapy Benefits
- Lowers signs of aging
- Rejuvenates skin
- Prompts collagen production
- Speeds up healing of bruises and scars
- Reduces inflammation and pain
- Soothes conditions like rosacea
- Helps with muscle recovery
Red Light Therapy Dangers
- Slight redness
- Temporary sensitivity
- Tingling
- Mild itching
Best Uses for Red Light Therapy at Home
Step 1: Choose the Right Device
Red light therapy comes in different forms like–
- Panels
- Handheld devices
So, pick one based on the condition and severity.
Make sure they have high power. Check the number of wavelengths.
It should look like this— mW/cm2.
Note: Higher numbers mean more power and more efficiency.
For example–
- The BIOMAX 900 carries 7 wavelengths and power up to 190mW/cm2.
Step 2: Cleanse Your Skin
Wash your face. Use your go-to gentle cleanser that wipes away all the dirt and oil. Make sure it’s fragrance-free.
Avoid any scrub or exfoliation.
Next— pat your skin dry.
Step 3: Follow Device Manual
Each RLT device should have a manual that mentions:
- How to set the device
- How to use it
- Ideal positioning
- Product parameters
- General dosing guidelines
- Warnings
Read the instructions properly and follow them. Also– wear protective goggles before proceeding.
Step 4: Start The Session
Be at least 6”-12’’ away from the device. Expose the affected areas to the red light.
Most sessions last between 10 and 20 minutes. However, the session period, treatment duration, and results vary depending on:
- Skin type
- Skin condition type
- The severity
We suggest you start slow with 5 to 10 minutes. Give your skin time to adjust to the light. Then, gradually increase the session timing.
Yellow Light Therapy
A bit shorter than the previous one.
Yellow light therapy is a medical-grade non-invasive treatment. It uses a combination of Yellow and NIR lights to fix different skin concerns.
The LED holds wavelengths ranging between 550 and 630nm.
So, they’re slightly shorter than red but longer than green and blue light spectra.
Yellow light typically addresses issues surrounding the epidermis to dermis layers.
When the rays absorb into the skin, they enhance lymphatic flow and detoxify it. This helps let different skin problems heal.
The light also has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and other related issues.
Yellow Light Therapy Benefits
- Skin tone brightening
- Reducing redness and rosacea
- Lowering inflammation
- Healing sensitive skin
- Promoting hydration
- Decreases skin irritation
- Recovers UV damage
Drawbacks of Yellow Light Therapy
- Minimal noticeable results for severe conditions
- Temporary swelling
- Mild redness
- Slight skin irritation
- Tingling sensation
- Temporary itching
Applications for Yellow Light Therapy for Face
Step 1: Choose the Right Device
You’d find devices for yellow light therapy come in multiple forms including–
- Panels
- Handheld devices
Depending on the skin type, condition, and severity, go with one.
Step 2: Cleanse Your Skin
Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleaner to wash your face. Don’t scrub or exfoliate your skin.
Then, dry it.
Step 3: Follow Device Manual
Yellow light devices should come with a manual and guidebook.
Read the instructions properly and follow them.
When using the light, wear protective goggles.
Step 4: Start The Session
Keep yourself 6-12’’ away from the device. Then, shine the light on the areas.
Start with 5 to 10 minutes. Then, gradually increase up to 15 and 30 minutes.
Comparing Red Light vs Yellow Light Therapy
Red light therapy shines in the field of a deeper condition. With longer wavelengths, it helps improve–
- Wrinkles
- Fine lines
- Skin tone
The light penetrates the skin deep enough to boost collagen production. That’s how it does the job.
So, if you notice any saggy-like skin or dullness, red light is there for you.
Yellow light therapy is a hero for sensitive skin. It targets affected areas and helps heal–
- Redness
- Rosacea
- Uneven tone
Such a light works on the dermis layers, unlike red light that goes to the hypodermis. In those certain parts, issues like inflammation and unevenness occur.
These are what the yellow light addresses by boosting blood flow and delivering nutrients to the site.
So, if inflammation and skin tone irregularity is your problem, yellow light is your solution.
Comparison Table: Red Light and Yellow Light
| Factor | Red light therapy | Yellow light therapy |
| Wavelengths | 630-700nm | 550-630nm |
| Penetration depth | Deep | Shallow |
| Best for | Anti-aging, muscle recovery, wound healing | Sensitive skin, reduction in redness, toning |
| Skin type | Suitable for most skin types | Best for sensitive skin |
| Usage frequency | Moderate | More if needed |
Frequently Asked Questions: Red Light Therapy vs Yellow Light Therapy
Is red or yellow LED light therapy better?
Both serve different purposes. Red light targets more on deeper issues like signs of aging, wound healing, and muscle recovery. Yellow light targets issues like inflammation, rosacea, and unevenness.
Is yellow light better than red light?
Yes and no. Yellow light is not as deep as red– making it a gentler option to treat conditions like inflammation and rosacea.
What is the best color for light therapy?
Red light one. Low-level light therapy with red light spectra provides multiple benefits related to skin and health. This makes it the best color for light therapy.
What is yellow light therapy used for?
Target issues related to sensitivity. Yellow light with its shorter wavelengths works gentler on the skin and helps treat unevenness and inflammatory concerns like rosacea.
What does red light do for the skin?
Red light therapy provides multiple benefits like–
- Lowers signs of aging
- Rejuvenates skin
- Prompts collagen production
- Speeds up healing of bruises and scars
Which color LED light is best for the eyes?
Try warm white LED. Studies say white LED light with a color temperature ranging from 2700K to 3000K can work best for your eyes.
Is yellow LED light better than white?
It depends. Yellow LED light works better for inflammatory issues and unevenness whereas white LED light targets more on the eyes.
