Red Light vs Blue Light Therapy: What’s the Difference?

LED light therapy has become an increasingly popular addition to at-home skincare routines. But with red, blue and near-infrared wavelengths available, it is not always obvious what the difference is or which one to choose.

Each colour of LED light uses a different wavelength. This means the light interacts with the skin in different ways, which is why many LED masks combine more than one type of light in a single device.

What is red light therapy?

Red light is commonly used in LED skincare routines to support smoother, refreshed-looking skin and the appearance of a healthy complexion.

The Aether Glow 2-in-1 LED Red Light Therapy Mask uses 630nm red light as part of its multi-wavelength design.

Red light treatments are non-invasive and can be incorporated into a regular skincare routine without the need for complicated equipment.

What is blue light therapy?

Blue light uses a shorter wavelength than red light and is often included in LED skincare devices for people focused on maintaining clearer-looking skin.

Because red and blue light use different wavelengths, they are generally chosen for different skincare goals rather than being interchangeable.

Red light vs blue light: what is the main difference?

The simplest difference is the wavelength of the light and how it is used within a skincare routine.

Red light is commonly chosen by people looking to support smoother, refreshed-looking skin and overall skin appearance.

Blue light is often selected by people whose routine is focused on clearer-looking skin.

Rather than choosing one permanently, a multi-mode LED mask gives you the flexibility to select the light that best matches your skincare routine on a particular day.

What about near-infrared light?

Near-infrared light, often shortened to NIR, is another wavelength frequently paired with red light in LED skincare devices.

Near-infrared light is not visible to the human eye in the same way as red or blue light. The Aether Glow mask includes 850nm near-infrared light alongside 630nm red light and blue light, providing several options within one device.

Can you use red and blue light in the same skincare routine?

Many LED masks are designed with multiple light modes so users can adjust their routine depending on their preferences.

Instead of owning separate devices for different wavelengths, a multi-light mask can make it easier to experiment with different LED settings while keeping your routine simple.

The Aether Glow mask features three adjustable levels and selectable treatment times from 5 to 20 minutes, allowing you to tailor each session to your routine.

When should you use an LED light therapy mask?

LED masks are generally easiest to use on clean, dry skin before applying heavier skincare products.

A typical routine might look like this:

1. Cleanse your face and remove makeup.
2. Dry your skin thoroughly.
3. Put on your LED mask and select your preferred light setting.
4. Choose your treatment time.
5. After your session, continue with your usual serum or moisturiser.

Always follow the instructions supplied with your device and choose a routine that feels comfortable for your skin.

What should you look for when choosing an LED mask?

When comparing LED masks, consider more than just the colour of the light. Useful features can include the wavelengths available, treatment time options, comfort, coverage and whether the device is easy to use regularly.

The Aether Glow 2-in-1 mask has 348 LED light sources and flexible face and neck coverage. It is rechargeable and cordless, helping make LED sessions easier to fit into a home skincare routine.

Should you choose red or blue light?

The right option depends on what you want from your skincare routine.

If your focus is smoother, refreshed-looking skin, red light may be the mode you use most often. If clearer-looking skin is your priority, you may prefer blue light. A device offering multiple wavelengths gives you the flexibility to use different settings rather than limiting your routine to a single light.

Bringing LED light therapy into your routine

The biggest advantage of at-home LED skincare is convenience. A comfortable, rechargeable mask can make it easier to use LED light consistently without adding a complicated step to your routine.

The Aether Glow 2-in-1 LED Red Light Therapy Mask for Face & Neck combines 630nm red light, 850nm near-infrared light and blue light with adjustable intensity and treatment times in one cordless device.

Discover the Aether Glow LED mask and find the light setting that best fits your skincare routine.