Light comes in many forms due to the various possible frequencies and functionalities. When used as a form of therapy, red and blue light are the two main forms of treatment. Aside from illuminating in a different hue, many other differences distinguish red light and blue light therapy. Read on to learn what these differences are.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy uses near-infrared wavelengths that penetrate deep into the skin and muscles. It stimulates your cells’ mitochondria, boosting energy production and your natural healing mechanisms. People use red light therapy for the following:
- Sports recovery
- Chronic pain management
- Arthritis and joint pain
- Wound and injury healing
- Skin conditioning
- Anti-aging treatment
- Anti-inflammation treatment
- Better sleep
- Photodynamic bacteria purification
Red light therapy provides the most benefits with an infrared light therapy bed that allows you to target the whole body. It provides multiple mental and physical health benefits, making it one of the most popular therapeutic treatments for many people.
What Is Blue Light Therapy?
Blue light therapy uses high-energy visible light, consisting of shorter wavelengths than red light. It only penetrates the first layer of your skin, targeting more surface-level issues. One of its most distinct qualities is that it activates photosynthesizers, which then stimulate reactions that break down bacterial cells. People use blue light therapy for the following:
- Acne treatment
- Pigmentation control
- Acne bacteria purification
Blue light therapy is most popular as a facial treatment for acne due to its surface-level penetration.
Red vs. Blue Light
Red light therapy offers deeper penetration and more treatment options than blue light therapy. It covers both full-body and localized treatments that require targeting below the first layers of the skin. Blue light therapy, on the other hand, sticks to surface-level issues. Although red and blue light operate on different wavelengths targeting different areas, both stimulate the skin’s healing properties.
So when it comes to red light versus blue light therapy, both provide different therapeutic treatments. Blue light provides surface-level healing, making it great for facial treatments. On the other hand, red light therapy offers the potential for full-body healing. It offers more applications, from aesthetics to muscle pain and mental wellness rejuvenation. It also kills bacteria through photodynamic action, which stimulates your natural photosensitizing porphyrins to inactive fungi and bacteria. It provides a deeper and more well-rounded therapeutic treatment than blue light’s acne-targeting variation.
Knowing the differences between both light therapy forms allows you to get the right tools for your business or personal needs to benefit from the appropriate type of treatment. For red light therapy technology, check out and shop Prism Light Pod’s red light beds and pads!
