Red Light vs. Blue Light Therapy: What’s the difference and the combined benefits
Rotlichttherapie (RLT) and blue light therapy (BLT) both use light to target skin and health problems. But they work in very different ways. Here is a simple explanation of how they work and how they can be used together.
1. Rotlichttherapie (630–660nm)
This type of light therapy goes deeper into the skin (5–10mm) and targets collagen, Entzündung, and cellular repair.
Vorteile:
✔ Anti-Aging – Stimulates collagen & elastin (reduces wrinkles, improves skin firmness).
It can also help wounds heal more quickly, whether from acne scars, burns or surgery.
It can also provide pain relief by reducing inflammation in joints and muscles (arthritis, tendonitis).
It can also help with hair growth by reactivating hair follicles.
✔ Sleep & Mood – May boost melatonin and serotonin.
Best For:
Mature skin, rosacea, Gelenkschmerzen, and recovery after working out.
2. Blue Light Therapy (415–450nm)
Surface-level (1–2mm) → Targets bacteria and oil production.
The benefits are:
✔ Acne Treatment – Kills P. acnes bacteria (approved by the FDA for acne).
It can also help control oily skin by reducing sebum production.
It can also help with psoriasis and eczema, by calming any flare-ups (when used with red light).
It can also be used to disinfect surfaces in hospitals.
Best For:
For oily/combination skin and mild scalp conditions.
3. Combined Red + Blue Light Therapy
Why Use Both?
For acne:Blue kills bacteria, which is good. Red reduces redness and scarring, which is bad.
Study: Combining the two treatments improved acne by 77% compared to 50% with blue light therapy on its own (Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy).
For ageing and breakouts:
Blue prevents clogged pores, while red boosts collagen.
Post-Procedure Healing:
Blue prevents infection, while red speeds recovery after peels or laser treatments.
How to combine them:
Sequential: Blue first (5–10 minutes), then Red (10–20 Minuten).
Or you can do them at the same time: Devices like Omnilux Clear or CurrentBody Mask emit both.
4. Sicherheit & Who Should Avoid It✅ Safe for most people (Nicht UV, non-invasive).⚠ Avoid if:You are taking photosensitizing meds (z.B., Accutane, doxycycline).Have lupus, porphyria, or melanoma (consult a doctor).Are pregnant (limited research).5. Best Devices for EachTherapyAt-Home DevicesProfessional TreatmentsRed LightMerican Red Light Therapy Bed M4NBlue LightNeutrogena Light Mask, Tanda Clear+In-office acne treatmentsComboOmnilux Clear, Dr. Dennis Gross Mask Use 3–5 times a week for 4 weeks or more.
