What’s the difference between red LED and blue LED?
Photo cred courtesy of Wikipedia
To begin with, blue LED and red LED are two different wavelengths on the electromagnetic spectrum. Blue light is known for treating acne-causing bacteria and oiliness. On the other hand, red light is known for stimulating collagen and treating fine lines.
Blue light therapy involves exposing the skin to specific wavelengths of blue light, typically around 415 nanometers.
For more on blue light, click here.
For more on red light, click here.
Do blue light LED masks work?
What ingredients work well with blue Light?
Benzoyl peroxide
So, should you use benzoyl peroxide with a blue LED mask? For best practices at home, blue LED masks work best on a freshly washed face with a clear surface. However, within a clinical setting, a 2021 study demonstrated how combining the twosimulataneously can be very effective at reducing acne lesions.
Benzoyl peroxide molecules break once they come in contact with the skin. Then, the oxygen kills the acne bacteria. On the other hand, blue light degrades the bacteria by triggering particles known as reactive oxygen species. These particles eventually destroy the acne bacteria.
Salicylic acid
While salicylic acid does not kill bacteria, salicylic acid dissolves oil, a crucial nutrition source for acne bacteria. Reducing oiliness can potentially decrease the rate of bacteria production, likewise giving the blue light an easier job. So, you can integrate a salicylic acid serum into your routine, and after your skincare routine is completed, feel free to put on your blue light LED mask.
Soothing ingredients
Soothing ingredients such as centella asiatica, licorice, calendula, green tea, and ceramides can help boost your blue light therapy treatments. Soothing ingredients can prevent you from working backwards. Sometimes, during acne treatment routines, acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can cause potential inflammation. Yes, blue light is proven to damage acne bacteria, but you’ll also want to take care of your skin barrier and soothe it. Skin barrier maintenance is crucial for acne treatment.
What are the best blue light products?
The best blue light LED products will depend on your skin type, and perhaps consult with a dermatologist first. But, here are a few that Cassandra recommends.
This mask offers triple wavelength technology with 3 distinct modes: red, infrared, and blue light. It has dedicated LEDs for specific wavelengths (635nm, 830nm & 415nm), ensuring targeted, effective treatments for skin concerns.
The iRestore blue LED face mask is lightweight yet sturdy, featuring a dual-strap system for a secure fit. This LED mask light therapy device hovers over the face. So, it doesn’t block your ability to breathe, but it still protects your eyes.
The Ulike blue LED also has 4 precise light sources to reach different skin depths. Ulike says that you can see a reduction in oiliness and discoloration in as little as two weeks. Blue light at this wavelength helps the skin reduce its production of sebum.
This is an acne treatment program that combines red and blue light: The Celluma LITE uses LED light to prevent breakouts and to improve the skin barrier.
LightStim Handheld Blue Device
The LightStim has advanced LED technology and MultiWave® Patented Technology that emits multiple wavelengths. These wavelengths of light work together to give your skin more radiant appearance.
Did Blue Light work for Cassandra Bankson?
Cassandra found that incorporating blue light sessions into her skincare routine helped reduce the frequency and severity of her breakouts. For Cassandra, there are a lot more limitations when using blue light at home, but she does believe at-home blue light treatments to be effective for mild to moderate acne.
Typically, blue light is not a standalone solution though, and it worked best for Cassandra within a comprehensive skincare regimen. The best approach seems to be consistency plus realistic expectations.
Coverphoto cred: istockI Creator: Bohdan Kalchenko | Credit: Getty Images