Skincare in Technicolour: What Each LED Light Therapy Colour Does and When to Use It

If skin treatments had their own mood ring, LED light therapy would be it. Except instead of reacting to your mood, you choose the colour based on what your skin needs most. 

You might’ve seen LED therapy in clinics, high-end facials, or those glowing masks reminiscent of Iron Man lighting up your socials. But beyond the visual drama is a genuinely powerful, science-backed, and safe way to support your skin’s recovery, clarity, and glow.

LED (light-emitting diode) therapy works by using different wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin at various depths, triggering the body’s natural processes like cell renewal, inflammation reduction, and collagen production. It’s gentle, non-invasive, and doesn’t rely on heat or chemicals, making it a favourite among skin pros and treatment regulars alike. 

We consider the colours to be the heat of LED light therapy. Each one serves a distinct purpose, and depending on your skin’s needs, you can choose the light that targets your specific concerns. Whether you're undergoing treatment in a clinic or using at-home LED light devices, such as LED light masks, wands, pod or even caps (yes, they exist), these lights can do wonders for your skin, addressing almost everything from acne to ageing. 

Now, let’s break down the benefits, one colour at a time. 

Overview:

1. Red Light: For firming, plumping, and regenerating skin
2. Blue Light: For acne-prone, oily, and inflamed skin 
3. Green Light: For pigmentation, redness, and calming irritation 
4. Yellow Light: For brightening, healing, and soothing sensitive skin 
5. Purple light: For skin rejuvenation and battling breakouts 
6. Cyan light: For calming and brightening skin 
7. Near-Infrared Light: For deeper repair and rejuvenation 
8. Conclusion 

1. Red Light Therapy: For firming, plumping and regenerating skin 

Red light therapy penetrates deeply into the dermis, where it stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, two key proteins responsible for maintaining the firmness and smoothness of your skin. This helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles while enhancing blood flow and oxygenation. The result? Skin that feels plumper, looks brighter, and functions better at a cellular level. It also supports the delivery of nutrients and antioxidants to repair skin damage and improve overall tone and texture.

Red light therapy’s benefits don’t stop at the skin’s surface either. Research shows it also prolongs the hair growth phase (anagen), encouraging longer, thicker strands, making it a versatile option for both skin and scalp health.

Targets: 

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Skin elasticity 
• Dull or tired-looking skin 
• Hair regrowth 

2. Blue Light Therapy: For acne-prone, oily, and inflamed skin 

Blue light is like a powerful antibacterial agent that works on the uppermost layer of the skin, where it targets P. acnes, the bacteria responsible for breakouts. It also regulates oil production in the sebaceous glands, helping to prevent clogged pores and future flare-ups. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects, blue light also reduces redness, calms irritation, and supports faster healing with minimal risk of scarring.

Targets:

• Acne and breakouts 
• Oily skin and congested pores
• Inflammation and redness 

3. Green Light Therapy: For pigmentation, redness, and calming irritation 

Green light therapy focuses on pigment-producing and inflammatory cells in the skin. It helps reduce melanin production, lightens dark spots, and evens out the overall skin tone. Because it doesn’t penetrate as deeply as red light, it’s gentle enough for treating surface-level concerns, such as redness and irritation.

Targets: 

• Hyperpigmentation 
• Uneven skin tone
• Redness and irritation

4. Yellow Light Therapy: For brightening, healing, and soothing sensitive skin 

Yellow light supports skin recovery by calming inflammation, boosting hydration, and encouraging faster wound healing. It also helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven tone by gently inhibiting melanin production. With continued use, skin appears smoother, more radiant, and visibly refreshed.

Targets:

• Inflammation and redness
• Uneven skin tone

5. Purple Light Therapy: For skin rejuvenation and battling breakouts 

Purple light combines the clarifying benefits of blue light with the rejuvenating power of red, making it a perfect match for skin that’s dealing with both blemishes and early signs of skin stress or dullness. It helps calm acne-causing bacteria while supporting collagen production for smoother, more refined skin. Additionally, it’s gentler than blue light, making it ideal for sensitive or easily irritated skin.

Targets:

• Acne and breakouts 
• Signs of ageing 
• Inflammation and redness 

6. Cyan Light Therapy: For calming and brightening skin 

Cyan light, which sits between blue and green on the light spectrum, works to soothe stressed, reactive skin while evening out tone. It helps reduce visible redness and inflammation, supports gentle pigment correction, and encourages healthier circulation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the skin for a natural glow.

Targets:

• Inflammation and redness
• Uneven skin tone 
• Dull skin 

7. Near-Infrared Light: For deeper repair and rejuvenation 

Near-infrared (NIR) light penetrates the deepest of all LED wavelengths, reaching beyond the dermis to support skin at a cellular level. It increases the production of collagen and elastin, helping to maintain the skin’s structure and firmness. NIR also boosts ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production, which fuels essential cellular processes like cell repair and regeneration. The result? Healthier, more resilient skin from the inside out.

It’s also known for reducing inflammation, promoting blood flow and oxygenation, and supporting hormone balance—making it a great all-rounder for both skin and wellbeing.

Targets:

• Fine lines, wrinkles  
• Irritation and redness 
• Dull skin 
  

Conclusion 

Colour theory just got a clinical upgrade. LED light therapy takes something as simple as light and turns it into a powerful tool for targeted skin treatment; each wavelength works with precision to support skin function, recovery, and clarity.

With options ranging from panels to masks and wands, Dr. Pen Australia's LED light device collection makes it easier to tailor your routine to your skin’s changing needs. It’s not just about adding another step. It’s about using the right light, at the right time, for real results.

Are you unsure which device best suits your skin goals? Our customer support team is here to help, whether you’re weighing up wavelengths or comparing tools. Reach out for personalised advice.

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