How to Choose the Right LED Light Colour for Your Skin Concerns

 

Witten by an independent, board certified dermatologist

 

In the world of LED skincare, one size doesn't fit all. While many people know that LED light therapy can improve the appearance of the skin, far fewer understand how crucial it is to use the right light colour for your specific concern. Whether you're dealing with breakouts, redness, uneven tone, or signs of ageing, the colour you choose can make a dramatic difference.

In this post, we break down what each LED light does, who it's best for, and how to use it effectively to get the results you're looking for. With the right knowledge, you can stop guessing — and start seeing results.

Red & Deep Infrared Light (640–780 nm)

Red light, especially when combined with deep infrared wavelengths, is ideal for mature or ageing skin. It works by stimulating collagen and elastin production — two vital proteins that keep skin firm, smooth, and resilient. This combination reduces the appearance of fine lines, deeper wrinkles, and sagging.

The Dermaglow LED & EMS Mask uses both red and deep infrared wavelengths for optimal skin penetration. Many masks on the market stop at near-infrared (under 660 nm), which doesn’t penetrate as deeply and therefore misses out on some of the reparative benefits.

Best for:

  • Fine lines and wrinkles

  • Loss of firmness

  • Dull, thinning skin

Blue Light (415 nm)

Blue light is the gold standard for blemish-prone skin. It penetrates just deep enough to target Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne breakouts. It's ideal for oily, congested, or reactive skin.

It also has a soothing effect on inflamed blemishes and reduces the likelihood of future flare-ups.

Best for:

  • Acne and breakouts
  • Enlarged, congested pores
  • Oily or reactive skin

Green Light (525 nm)

Green light is best known for its ability to calm redness and visibly even out skin tone. It targets dilated capillaries and pigmentation, helping fade redness, rosacea, and sun-induced discolouration over time.

This light is particularly effective for those with sensitive skin or visible redness that won’t respond well to harsher treatments.

Best for:

  • Rosacea
  • Sunspots and uneven tone
  • Blotchiness and sensitivity

Purple Light (405 nm)

Purple light combines the collagen-stimulating power of red with the acne-fighting ability of blue. This dual-action setting is ideal if you’re dealing with both ageing and blemishes, or if you have combination skin.

Best for:

  • Adult acne
  • Uneven texture
  • Dullness with breakouts

Yellow Light (590 nm)

Yellow is the go-to for calming skin and reducing visible redness. It’s especially helpful for those with reactive, sensitive or stressed skin — whether due to climate, skin conditions, or overuse of actives. This light can also gently stimulate circulation to enhance glow.

Best for:

  • Sensitivity and irritation
  • Redness and stress-related inflammation
  • Dull, fatigued skin

White Light (600 nm)

White light reaches deeper layers of skin to stimulate cellular regeneration. It’s particularly beneficial for persistent skin conditions like eczema, and for supporting overall skin health and healing over time. While it doesn’t provide an instant glow, it’s a great long-term investment in your skin barrier.

Best for:

  • Skin barrier repair
  • Eczema and dry patches
  • Skin prone to flare-ups or rough texture

Cyan Light (500 nm)

Cyan is the unsung hero for combination skin. It blends the benefits of blue and green light to both calm and clarify the complexion. It targets breakouts while evening out tone, making it ideal for people dealing with multiple concerns at once.

Best for:

  • Breakouts and pigmentation
  • Inflammation and uneven texture
  • Mixed or unpredictable skin types

How to Choose the Right LED Setting

If you're not sure where to start, go by your main skin goal. You can rotate light settings throughout the week, but focusing on one for a few weeks at a time will help you track results more clearly.

  • For age-related concerns: Red/Deep Infrared or Purple
  • For breakouts: Blue or Cyan
  • For redness: Green or Yellow
  • For long-term skin health: White

The Dermaglow Mask makes switching between settings easy, and includes a printed guide to help you choose the right one day by day. And if you're treating the delicate under-eye area, the new Dermaglow Glasses offer targeted LED therapy for fine lines, puffiness and dark circles.

With the right light, you can start making progress on your most persistent skin concerns - from the comfort of your own home.