LED Light Therapy Colors: Benefits and Charts

LED light therapy is now a gold-standard treatment for both doctors’ offices and at-home skin care. The technology itself is not the only factor that makes it so effective; rather, it is the various LED light therapy colours and how each works with the skin. Each one works at a different level, and each has a different purpose, so you must know why the LED light therapy colours benefit, and the chart will help you choose before selecting either the device or treatment.

Most people use light therapy without realising what each colour is for. In their quest to get rid of dark spots, someone who focuses on darker skin tones may not care that a light-skinned person’s spots aren’t being targeted with the right wavelength. This can cause wasted time or results for some folks, far worse than using the wrong setting temporarily.

How LED Light Therapy Works on the Skin

Low-level light therapy  (LED) treatments at Finesse are a great way to address the visible signs of ageing. These wavelengths stimulate biological reactions within the cells of your skin, promoting repair, renewal, and rebalance. Unlike aggressive treatments, LED stimulates the body’s own natural regenerative processes rather than “kill and heal.

Light therapy colours matter because each wavelength penetrates to different depths. Some target the surface, others go deeper,  where collagen and elastin are made. This variation in the depth of the difference is why some colours are beneficial for acne, and others work best for signs of ageing or redness.

LED Light Therapy Colours Chart: Understanding the Basics

An LED light therapy mask colour chart. The following photo shows which colour focuses on which issue. But just having a chart isn’t enough unless you know why and how each colour works.

Every colour of LED has a dedicated wavelength range. Wavelengths determine how deeply light can penetrate the skin and what kind of reaction it will provoke. Read on for a deep dive into each shade so you can feel confident matching it to your complexion needs.

Red Light Therapy Colours: Deep Skin Repair and Anti-Ageing

Red is one of the most researched and widely used LED light therapy colours.

How Red Light Therapy Works

Red light penetrates the most deeply (and is therefore used in many pain treatments), all the way down to the dermis, where it stimulates collagen and elastin. This depth  enables it to aid you in repairing your structures, rather than just their surfaces. This eventually creates smoother, fuller skin with a more youthful elasticity.

The red wavelength of light therapy typically ranges from 630nm to 660nm. This is the ideal range because it will stimulate fibroblast cells that produce collagen.

Benefits of Red Light Therapy

With regular use, the red therapy light helps keep skin healthy and accelerates cell rejuvenation, offering amazing health benefits. With regular use, skin texture becomes smoother, fine lines are softened, and overall tone is more even.

Improved blood circulation is one of the most significant red light therapy benefits. Additionally, with better circulation, the skin receives more oxygen and essential nutrients, resulting in a healthier, fresher-looking complexion over time.

Blue Light Therapy: Surface-Level Acne Control

It’s all thanks to blue light (though not that kind), which most people know is responsible for banishing acne and balancing oil.

How Blue Light Interacts with the Skin

Blue light, in contrast, targets acne-causing bacteria in the skin itself but does not reach deeper layers. This is what makes it strong enough for an active breakout but gentle enough to use every day.

And because it doesn’t encourage oil production or warm up the skin, blue light is often combined with other treatments to help keep the skin clearer over time.

Benefits of Blue Light Therapy

Blue light therapy helps reduce breakouts by killing the acne-causing bacteria that live on our skin’s surface. These results, over time, show fewer spots with inflammation and a calmer-looking skin overall.

It also helps with oil balance, making it great for people with combination or oily skin who have a lot of congestion.

Green Light Therapy: Pigmentation and Skin Tone Balance

Green light focuses on uneven skin tone and pigmentation concerns.

How Green Light Works

Green light penetrates the middle layers of the skin, where melanin production occurs. By helping regulate melanin activity, it supports a more balanced and even complexion over time.

This colour is often recommended for people dealing with sun damage, dark patches, or post-inflammatory pigmentation.

Benefits of Green Light Therapy

Green light therapy helps soften the appearance of pigmentation without aggressive exfoliation or irritation. With consistent sessions, skin tone gradually appears more even and less blotchy.

It also has a calming effect on the skin, making it suitable for people who want brightness without triggering sensitivity.

Yellow Light Therapy: Redness and Skin Comfort

Yellow light is known for its soothing properties.

How Yellow Light Affects the Skin

Yellow light improves circulation and supports lymphatic flow, which helps reduce redness and puffiness. It is particularly helpful for skin that flushes easily or feels reactive.

Because of its gentle nature, yellow light is often recommended for sensitive skin types.

Benefits of Yellow Light Therapy

Yellow light therapy helps calm visible redness while improving overall skin comfort. Over time, skin appears more balanced and less reactive to environmental triggers.

It also supports healing, making it useful after treatments that leave the skin feeling stressed.

Purple Light Therapy: Recovery and Healing Support

Purple light is a combination of red and blue light, offering the benefits of both.

How Purple Light Works

By combining deep stimulation with surface-level calming, purple light supports healing while also controlling breakouts. This dual action makes it useful for skin recovering from acne or mild irritation.

It’s often used when the skin needs repair without overstimulation.

Benefits of Purple Light Therapy

Purple light therapy helps reduce post-acne marks and supports faster skin recovery. It encourages healing while maintaining balance, which is important for compromised or uneven skin.

With regular use, skin appears calmer, clearer, and more resilient.

Pink Light Therapy: What Does Pink Light Therapy Do?

Pink light therapy is increasingly popular, especially for the eye area.

How Pink Light Works

Pink light is a blend of red and white light, offering gentle rejuvenation without intensity. It focuses on brightening the skin while maintaining comfort, making it ideal for delicate areas.

Because it combines multiple wavelengths, it provides balanced results rather than targeting a single concern aggressively.

Benefits of Pink Light Therapy

If you’re wondering what pink light therapy does, it primarily helps refresh tired-looking skin. It improves brightness, supports smoother texture, and calms visible fatigue.

This makes pink light particularly suitable for under-eye care, where skin is thin and sensitive.

White Light Therapy: Overall Skin Rejuvenation

White light penetrates deeper layers of the skin and supports overall skin function.

How White Light Works

White light reaches deeper tissues, encouraging cellular renewal and firmness. It doesn’t focus on a single issue; instead, it improves overall skin quality.

This makes it useful for maintenance and long-term skin health.

Benefits of White Light Therapy

White light therapy helps improve skin firmness and elasticity over time. It supports a healthier structure, making skin appear more youthful and resilient.

It is often included as a supportive setting in advanced LED colour chart systems.

LED Face Mask Colours vs LED Eye Masks: What’s the Difference?

While face masks treat larger areas, eye masks are designed for thinner, more delicate skin.

The eye area benefits most from:

• Red light for fine lines
  

• Pink light for brightness and calm
  

• Gentle wavelengths that don’t cause heat or stress
  This is why eye-specific devices use carefully selected colours rather than the full LED colour chart.

If you’re curious about how wearable devices work, this guide to what is LED light therapy explains the technology in simple terms.

How to Choose the Right LED Light Therapy Colour

Choosing the right colour depends on your primary concern rather than randomly using all settings.

For ageing and fine lines, red or pink light supports collagen production and a smoother texture. For acne or congestion, blue or purple light helps reduce bacteria and inflammation. Pigmentation concerns respond best to green light, while redness and sensitivity respond best to yellow or pink light.

Consistency matters more than intensity. Using the same colour consistently for several weeks yields better results than switching colours frequently.

Final Thoughts

LED light therapy works best when you understand how each colour supports a specific skin concern. From collagen support with red light to calming and brightening effects from pink and yellow tones, the right choice comes down to matching the light to your needs and using it consistently. 

When used correctly, LED therapy fits easily into a regular skincare routine without discomfort or downtime. For delicate areas like the eyes, choosing a targeted device matters. A well-designed LED eye mask allows you to benefit from light therapy safely while focusing on fine lines, fatigue, and dullness around the eyes, making it a practical option for long-term eye care.

FAQs

1. How long does LED light therapy take to show results?

Most people notice subtle improvements within 3–4 weeks with consistent use, while visible skin changes usually appear after 6–8 weeks.

2. Can I use LED light therapy every day?

Yes, most LED devices are safe for regular use, but it’s best to follow the recommended session time to avoid overuse.

3. Is LED light therapy safe for the eye area?

When using eye-specific devices designed for delicate skin, LED light therapy is generally safe and gentle.

4. Which LED light colour is best for fine lines?

Red and pink light are commonly used to support collagen production and improve the appearance of fine lines.

5. Does LED light therapy work on all skin types?

Yes, LED light therapy is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, when used correctly.