How do I Find the Difference Between Blue & Infrared Lights With Low-Level Light Therapy?

Low-level light therapy using red and blue light can be an effective treatment for mild to moderate acne, spots and pimples. The red and blue LED or fluorescent lights in acne light therapy boxes and handheld devices radiate light at specific wavelengths to treat acne. To work properly, acne light therapy boxes radiate red and blue light in the 415 nm (nanometer) to 660 nm range. The red and blue light arrays treat acne in different ways.

Things You'll Need

• Acne light therapy box

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Instructions

• 1

  Find the technical data for your acne light therapy box on a sticker or label attached to the back or bottom of the light therapy box. This label will list the wavelengths of the red and blue LED or fluorescent light bulbs. On fluorescent-type light boxes, this information is also marked on the fluorescent light bulbs themselves.

• 2

  Check the wavelength for the blue LED or fluorescent light bulbs, which should peak at 415 nm for both types of bulb. The blue light kills the bacteria that cause acne. This bacteria is unusual because it relies on chemical porphyrins to help it "breathe." When exposed to the blue light, the porphyrins produce oxygen and it is this process which destroys the acne bacteria.

• 3

  Check the wavelength for the red LED or fluorescent light bulbs, which should peak in the 415 nm to 660 nm range for both types of bulb. The red light waves will soothe the skin and aid the healing of spots and acne scars. Acne light boxes use wavelengths outside those that damage the skin, so they will not cause sunburn or age the skin prematurely.