Blue Light vs Red Light Therapy

Medically reviewed by Karen Wolters, RN

HealthLight produces therapy devices that use multiple wavelengths: blue, red, and near-infrared. Each wavelength has unique biological effects and penetrates the body differently. Understanding the differences between blue light and red light therapy can help you choose the right treatment for your needs.

What is Blue Light?

Blue light is a high-energy, short-wavelength light within the visible light spectrum, naturally present in sunlight and emitted by devices like smartphones, tablets, and computer screens. During the day, blue light can boost mood, attention, and cognitive performance. However, excessive exposure in the evening may disrupt sleep by suppressing melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Beyond its effects on sleep, blue light also has antimicrobial properties. Wavelengths between 400 and 470 nm can inactivate bacteria and fungi without additional chemicals, making it a promising option for wound care and hospital decontamination (1, 2).

While blue light is not typically used for musculoskeletal pain, its antimicrobial and wellness applications make it a useful complement to red and infrared light therapy.

What Is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, uses longer wavelengths with lower energy than blue light. It is FDA-cleared for pain relief, circulation improvement, arthritis support, and wellness. Red light penetrates the skin to stimulate cellular processes, including the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which energizes cells and promotes tissue repair.

Benefits of red light therapy include:

• Pain relief for muscles, joints, and connective tissues
• Improved circulation to support healing and reduce inflammation
• Support for arthritis by easing stiffness and maintaining joint function
• Overall wellness by promoting healthy tissue regeneration

Red light therapy pads can be applied to hands, wrists, shoulders, back, and other areas to reduce discomfort, improve mobility, and speed recovery after injury or overuse.

What Is Infrared Light Therapy?

Near-infrared (IR) therapy uses wavelengths longer than visible red light and penetrates deeper into tissues. Research shows that combining red and near-infrared light can enhance outcomes for musculoskeletal conditions, such as peripheral neuropathy, by improving function and reducing pain (3).

One key effect of red and infrared light therapy is the release of nitric oxide, a natural vasodilator. Nitric oxide widens blood vessels, boosting local circulation, promoting healing, and supporting pain relief. Even a short 20-minute session can increase blood flow to nerves and tissues for several hours, enhancing recovery and overall wellness.

Blue Light vs Red Light Therapy: Choosing the Right Option

• Blue Light: Primarily used for antimicrobial purposes and wellness applications. Can support skin health, wound care, and infection prevention. Not typically used for musculoskeletal pain.
• Red Light: FDA-cleared for pain relief, circulation improvement, arthritis support, and overall wellness. Ideal for muscle recovery, joint stiffness, and tissue healing.
• Infrared Light: Works deeper than red light to further enhance circulation, relieve pain, and support tissue repair. Often combined with red light for maximum benefit.

When deciding between blue and red light therapy, consider your goals. For reducing pain, supporting arthritis, improving circulation, and boosting wellness, red and infrared light therapy are the most effective options. Blue light may be added for its antimicrobial and skin-supportive properties.

HealthLight Therapy Devices

HealthLight produces FDA-cleared therapy pads that use red, blue, and infrared light to deliver professional-grade results at home. These pads are flexible and versatile, allowing targeted therapy for hands, wrists, shoulders, and other areas while supporting pain relief, circulation, and overall wellness.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between blue light and red light therapy helps you choose the best approach for your health goals. While blue light is ideal for antimicrobial and wellness applications, red and infrared light therapy provide FDA-cleared benefits for pain relief, circulation improvement, arthritis support, and overall wellness. Using the right combination of light therapy can help restore function, ease discomfort, and promote long-term health.

References

1. Antibacterial Activity of Blue Light against Nosocomial Wound Pathogens Growing Planktonically and as Mature Biofilms
2. Using Visible and Near-IR Light to Facilitate Photobiomodulation: A Review of Current Research
3. Noninvasive red and near‐infrared wavelength‐induced photobiomodulation: promoting impaired cutaneous wound healing