Luz roja vs.. Blue Light Therapy: What’s the difference and the combined benefits
Terapia de luz roja (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. Terapia de luz roja (630–660 nm)
This type of light therapy goes deeper into the skin (5–10 mm) and targets collagen, inflamación, and cellular repair.
Beneficios:
✔ Anti-Aging – Stimulates collagen & elastin (Reduce las arrugas, 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.
Mejor para:
Mature skin, rosácea, dolor articular, and recovery after working out.
2. Blue Light Therapy (415–450 nm)
Surface-level (1–2 mm) → 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.
Mejor para:
For oily/combination skin and mild scalp conditions.
3. Combined Red + Blue Light Therapy
Why Use Both?
Para el acné:El azul mata bacterias, which is good. Red reduces redness and scarring, which is bad.
Estudiar: Combining the two treatments improved acne by 77% en comparación con 50% with blue light therapy on its own (Revista de Terapia Cosmética y Láser).
For ageing and breakouts:
Blue prevents clogged pores, while red boosts collagen.
Post-Procedure Healing:
El azul previene la infección, while red speeds recovery after peels or laser treatments.
How to combine them:
Sequential: Blue first (5–10 minutes), then Red (10–20 minutos).
Or you can do them at the same time: Devices like Omnilux Clear or CurrentBody Mask emit both.
4. Seguridad & Who Should Avoid It✅ Safe for most people (non-UV, non-invasive).⚠ Avoid if:You are taking photosensitizing meds (p.ej., Accutano, doxiciclina).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.
