Blue Light vs. Red Light Therapy

At Avanti Body in Vacaville, CA, and Scottsdale, AZ, we are passionate about light! All light is made up of different wavelengths on the electromagnetic spectrum. Visible light ranges from red, which has longer wavelengths, to violet, which has shorter wavelengths.
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Blue Light vs. Red Light Therapy

At Avanti Body in Vacaville, CA, and Scottsdale, AZ, we are passionate about all things light! All light is made up of different wavelengths on the electromagnetic spectrum. Visible light ranges from red, which has longer wavelengths, to violet, which has shorter wavelengths.

Each wavelength corresponds with a different color of the rainbow. Some of these specific wavelengths can be beneficial to our health in the form of light therapy. Red and blue light are the two most studied light therapies, but what are the differences between the two? Here at Avanti Body, we specialize in red light therapy, but to help you understand how they differ, here is our guide to blue light vs. red light.

Here’s a brief overview of the difference between blue light and red light therapy:

  • Blue Light Therapy: Targets acne and sun damage; suppresses melatonin, affecting sleep-wake cycles. Utilizes short-wavelength light.
  • Red Light Therapy: Promotes melatonin production; aids in weight loss, wrinkle reduction, and muscle recovery. Utilizes longer-wavelength light.
  • Health Benefits: Each therapy offers distinct health benefits. The choice depends on individual health needs and goals.

What is Blue Light?

Blue light has a shorter wavelength than red light on the electromagnetic spectrum. Blue light therapy is delivered in the 400-nanometer range. There is an inverse relationship between wavelength and energy, so this means it contains more energy than red light. Sunlight is a natural source of blue light and this used to be our only exposure to it. However, we are now constantly exposed to artificial sources of blue light through fluorescent and LED lighting, as well as through our screens.

Natural blue light is beneficial to the body because our circadian rhythms (sleep-wake cycles) rely on it. Blue light signals the brain to turn off melatonin production. It’s great for mental and physical health, but only when we are exposed to it during the day. Being exposed to artificial blue light through our lighting and technology after the sun goes down, however, is problematic. Because blue light suppresses melatonin, watching TV and playing on our phones is throwing off our entire hormonal system. Melatonin is needed not only to get a proper night’s sleep, but also to produce other hormones.

Blue Light Therapy

Blue light therapy involves the application of specialized LED lamps that emit blue light to the skin’s surface. This form of light therapy has proven effective in addressing several specific conditions. These are the main conditions that blue light therapy is used to treat:

  • Acne
  • Sun damage (prevents skin cancer from forming)
  • Depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

What is Red and Near-Infrared Light?

Red and near-infrared light skew towards the other end of the electromagnetic spectrum so they have longer wavelengths than blue light but contain less energy. Red light therapy is delivered in the mid-600 nanometer range and near-infrared light therapy in the mid-800s. Near-infrared wavelengths are longer than those on the visible spectrum, and so they are invisible to the human eye. We use a combination of both red and near-infrared light here at Avanti Body to achieve maximum results.

Red light therapy promotes melatonin production, rather than suppressing it. Specific wavelengths of red light create a biochemical effect in our cells that serves to increase mitochondrial function. This stimulates ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production in the body, which provides energy for every cell in the body. Without ATP production, our bodies can’t function at all. Without enough of it, they can’t function optimally.

Red light can be extremely healing, but many of us are not exposed to enough red light, as blue light from our computers, phones, and TVs now dominates our evenings. This is why we need red light therapy!

What is Red Light Therapy?

Check out our blog post on red light therapy for detailed information about how it works. Red light therapy has been shown to be a therapeutic treatment for:

  • Weight loss
  • Inflammation
  • Wrinkle reduction
  • Stretch mark reduction
  • Hormone balancing
  • Cellular rejuvenation
  • Muscle recovery

Come See Us!

As you can see, when comparing blue light vs. red light, there are a few differences. So determining which therapy is right for you will depend on what health issues you are experiencing. Here at Avanti Body in Vacaville, CA, and Scottsdale, AZ, we believe strongly in the healing benefits of red light therapy. If you are looking to improve your health and your life through red light therapy, give us a call today. We can’t wait to see you!

Image by Peter Holec from Pixabay

Frequently Asked Questions

What is better? Red or blue light therapy?

Different LED colors have varying effects. For instance, according to experts, red LED light therapy may lessen swelling and encourage the production of collagen, a protein that is responsible for maintaining youthful-looking skin but declines with age. Blue light therapy, on the other hand, is commonly used to target blemishes. The blue LED light penetrates the skin and activates the acne-causing bacteria, and when exposed to blue light, the bacteria generate reactive oxygen which helps destroy those bacteria. This antibacterial effect can lead to a reduction in acne lesions and contribute to clearer skin. It depends on the desired outcome you are seeking as to which is better, but both play a role in your overall wellness.

What does red light therapy do to your face?

Red light therapy, when applied to your face, offers a range of benefits that can positively impact various skin conditions and promote overall facial health. Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that harnesses the power of specific wavelengths of red light to penetrate the skin’s surface. When directed at your face, this therapeutic light can effectively address several skincare concerns. Whether you’re dealing with rosacea or general facial redness, the calming effect of red light can contribute to a more even and toned complexion.

How does red light therapy help with stretch marks?

Red light therapy has shown promise in helping with the reduction of stretch marks, although it’s essential to note that individual responses can vary. This shift happens in a variety of ways. First, as we’ve noted, the red light increases ATP production, which in turn creates more collagen, a key protein in the skin that provides structure and elasticity. It also increases circulation while decreasing inflammation, which is a surefire way to revitalize the damaged areas while the skin heals itself from the inside out.

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