Red Light Therapy vs. Blue Light Therapy: Which Is Right for You?
Light therapy is no longer reserved for high-end spas and dermatology offices — it’s now a widely accessible tool for skin health, recovery, and overall wellness. But with so many options available, one of the most common questions is: What’s the difference between red light therapy and blue light therapy, and which one is right for me?
At Red Light by DEXA+, we specialize in both single-spectrum and combined-spectrum light treatments to deliver maximum benefits. Let’s break down how each type works, what it’s best for, and how you can use them together for even greater results.
How Red Light Therapy Works
Red light therapy (RLT) uses low-level wavelengths of red and near-infrared light that penetrate deep into the skin and underlying tissues. This light stimulates the mitochondria — the energy powerhouses of your cells — leading to increased ATP (energy) production.
Key Benefits of Red Light Therapy:
Stimulates collagen and elastin production for smoother, firmer skin (NIH Study)
Reduces inflammation throughout the body
Accelerates muscle recovery after workouts
Supports joint health and mobility
Improves circulation and oxygen delivery
Best For: Anti-aging, recovery, joint pain, inflammation reduction, and overall wellness.
Experience it in-clinic at Red Light by DEXA+ or shop our professional-grade at-home devices.
How Blue Light Therapy Works
Blue light therapy uses shorter wavelengths that target the skin’s surface. Unlike red light, which penetrates deeper, blue light is highly effective at neutralizing acne-causing bacteria and reducing oil production.
Key Benefits of Blue Light Therapy:
Kills Propionibacterium acnes (acne-causing bacteria)
Reduces excess sebum production
Improves skin clarity and texture
May help with certain inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea (American Academy of Dermatology)
Best For: Acne treatment, skin clarity, reducing breakouts.
The Power of Combining Red + Blue Light Therapy
Many clients see the best results by combining both red and blue light therapy — either in the same session or as part of a treatment plan.
Why It Works:
Blue light targets surface bacteria and oil, reducing breakouts.
Red light works deeper, repairing skin structure, calming inflammation, and boosting healing.
Together, they promote clearer, healthier, and more resilient skin.
✨ At DEXA+, our Red + Blue Light Therapy Masks deliver both wavelengths at once, so you can target multiple concerns in a single treatment.
Which Should You Choose?
Your choice depends on your primary goals:
Choose Red Light Therapy if you want anti-aging effects, improved recovery, reduced inflammation, or better joint health.
Choose Blue Light Therapy if your main concern is acne or oily skin.
Choose a Combination if you want the benefits of both skin clarity and deeper rejuvenation.
Red and blue light therapies both offer unique, evidence-backed benefits. Whether you choose one or both, integrating light therapy into your wellness routine can help you achieve healthier skin, faster recovery, and greater confidence.
With our Red & Blue Light Masks at DEXA+ you don't have to choose, you can have the benefit of both light therapies all at once.
Shop our at-home Red + Blue Light Masks and enjoy the benefits daily from the comfort of your home.