LED light therapy has come a long way from its red-and-blue beginnings. Today’s professional grade LED face masks and devices often feature up to seven different light colors—each one targeting specific skin concerns through distinct wavelengths. From breakouts and redness to dull tone and fine lines, these multi-spectrum devices promise more personalized skincare than ever before.

But not all LED colors are equally effective. While each has a role, research consistently shows that red, blue, yellow, and infrared lights offer the most reliable, science-backed results. Understanding how each wavelength interacts with your skin can help you skip the gimmicks, personalize your LED light therapy treatment , and get the most from your device. With that in mind, here’s a breakdown of what each LED light color is said to help with.

LED light therapy is a popular, non-invasive skincare treatment that uses visible light wavelengths to target specific skin concerns . Originally developed for clinical use, it’s now widely available in at-home devices that use different light colors to help with acne, signs of aging, inflammation, uneven tone, and more.

Each LED light color penetrates the skin at varying depths to activate different cellular responses. By energizing skin cells, this therapy supports collagen production, calms irritation, and promotes a clearer, more balanced complexion over time. Focusing on effective wavelengths like red, blue, yellow, and infrared can lead to noticeable improvements in overall skin health, tone, and texture.

Refer to this LED color chart to see how each light targets different skin concerns. Exact wavelengths may vary slightly depending on the device you are using.

Blue LED light works on the surface of the skin and is best known for treating active acne . It targets Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria responsible for breakouts, without irritation or dryness.

Benefits of blue LED light include:

• Clears existing breakouts

• Prevents new acne from forming

• Calms inflammation and redness

• Helps reduce oil production
  
  

This is the go-to light for oily, acne-prone, or congested skin types.

Yellow light therapy sits in the sweet spot between red and green wavelengths, combining anti-inflammatory properties with circulation support.

Benefits of yellow LED light include:

• Reduces redness from rosacea or sensitivity

• Improves skin tone and lymphatic drainage

• Stimulates cellular function for healing

• Supports post-treatment skin recovery
  
  

It’s excellent for sensitive, easily flushed skin or post-procedure downtime.

Red light is the most well-known in LED therapy—and for good reason. It penetrates deep into the dermis to stimulate fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin.

Benefits of red LED light include:

• Softens fine lines and reduces wrinkles

• Firms skin and improves elasticity

• Boosts blood circulation for a radiant glow

• Helps fade pigmentation over time
  
  

It’s ideal for anyone concerned with early signs of aging, sagging, or dull skin.

Infrared light is invisible to the naked eye but deeply penetrates the skin—reaching into the hypodermis—to support cell regeneration and healing at a foundational level. It’s often used in clinical and recovery settings.

Benefits of infrared LED light include:

• Accelerates wound healing and tissue repair

• Increases blood flow and reduces inflammation

• Helps relieve muscle and joint pain

• Supports long-term skin rejuvenation and firmness
  
  

Infrared therapy is ideal for mature skin, deep healing, and post-procedure recovery, as well as managing chronic skin conditions or pain-related concerns.

Purple light therapy is a blend of blue and red wavelengths, combining acne-fighting and skin-rejuvenating benefits. It’s ideal for targeting breakouts and signs of aging together.

Benefits of purple LED light include:

• Clears breakouts while promoting healing

• Reduces post-acne redness or scarring

• Supports anti-aging and skin renewal

• Ideal for adult acne or hormonal skin concerns

Green light is often overlooked, but it's powerful when it comes to evening out skin tone. It targets melanin production in the basal layer and helps regulate overactive pigment cells.

Benefits of green LED light include:

• Reduces dark spots, sun damage, and melasma

• Brightens and evens out skin tone

• Calms irritated or reactive skin

• Supports a clearer, more radiant complexion

Orange LED light bridges the gap between yellow and red light, offering a mix of brightening and anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s particularly effective for revitalizing tired or stressed skin and improving overall tone.

Benefits of orange LED light include:

• Energizes and revitalizes dull, fatigued skin

• Promotes lymphatic flow and detoxification

• Enhances skin clarity and radiance

• Reduces puffiness and under-eye circles

The beauty of LED light therapy lies in its ability to deliver targeted, non-invasive treatments for a wide range of skin goals. From blue light’s acne-fighting power to the collagen-stimulating benefits of red and infrared wavelengths, LED color therapy continues to evolve with both cosmetic and clinical promise.

While seven-color LED devices are often marketed as the most advanced, the smartest approach is focusing on what’s clinically proven to work. Red, blue, yellow, and infrared light remain the gold standard for visible skin transformation and are worth prioritizing in your routine. By understanding how each color works and applying it consistently, you can treat your skin with precision and confidence, right from home.