LED Light Therapy: Benefits of Green, Red, Blue, and IR Light

Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, uses specific wavelengths and colors of light, often produced by LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), to treat a variety of medical and psychological conditions. Different colors of LEDs, including green, red, and blue, have found applications in light therapy for various purposes over the decades.

It’s worth noting that, according to some studies, a light therapy session typically lasts about 20 minutes. Patients usually require around 8-10 treatments to achieve the desired results. LED-based light therapy can be applied to various parts of the body, such as the face, neck, and chest.

Advantages of LED Light Therapy

LED-based light therapy offers several advantages:

• It’s a non-invasive method, so it doesn’t cause long-term damage to the skin.
• It doesn’t burn the skin.
• It’s generally painless for humans.
• Side effects are rare. Some potential symptoms include redness, inflammation, pain, rash, and tenderness. If you experience any of these, it’s best to consult a doctor.

What are Green, Red, Blue, and IR LED Lights?

Different colored LEDs and photodiodes are used in wearable devices to monitor various health parameters, such as heart rate, beat rate, and oxygen saturation. Each color has its own unique wavelength. The amount of light absorbed in the blood varies based on the amount of hemoglobin and the wavelength of light. It also depends on the spectral responsivity of the photodiodes.

Image Courtesy: OSRAM Opto Semiconductors

Light with shorter wavelengths, from blue to yellow, is absorbed strongly. Light with longer wavelengths, from red to infrared, are used for pulse oximeter applications.

• Red light: Wavelength range from 620 to 750 nm.
• Blue light: Wavelength range from 450 to 495 nm.
• Green light: Wavelength range from 495 to 570 nm.
• IR (Infrared) light: Wavelength range from 700 nm to 1 mm.

Specific wavelengths of these colors are used for light therapy treatment. The green, red, infrared, and blue lights use 530 nm, 665 nm, 940 nm, and 470 nm, respectively. Blue light has shorter waves than red light, a higher frequency, and consequently, carries more energy.

OSRAM Opto Semiconductors manufactures LED emitters, photodiode detectors, and integrated solutions with both.

Green LED Light Therapy Benefits

The advantages and benefits of green LED light therapy include:

• Increased production of enkephalins.
• Reduced inflammation.

Due to these characteristics, green LED light can be used to treat or decrease migraines and other chronic pain conditions.

Red LED Light Therapy Benefits

The pros and benefits of Red LED light therapy include:

• Treatment of skin-related issues like wrinkles, wounds, and scars.
• Reduced inflammation and improved circulation, providing a healthier glow.
• Promotion of plant growth through photosynthesis.
• Increased energy inside cells.
• Treatment of muscle atrophy and bone density issues, potentially useful for space travelers.
• Treatment of side effects caused by chemotherapy.

Blue LED Light Therapy Benefits

The advantages and benefits of Blue LED light therapy include:

• Regulation of sebaceous glands, reducing oiliness and acne.
• Killing bacteria beneath the skin that causes acne, aiding in the treatment of severe pimples.
• Healing of third-degree skin burn patients, as suggested by some studies.
• Use in combination with red light to treat acne, promote anti-inflammatory effects, and decrease scarring.

Benefits or Advantages of IR LED Light

Here are the benefits and advantages of using IR LEDs:

• Penetration deep inside the skin, making it useful for treating pain and inflammation in various body parts.
• Enhanced cell regeneration (unlike UV light, which damages skin).
• Natural, safe, non-invasive, and painless treatment.

Caution: Infrared rays can raise the temperature of the eye, potentially leading to damage to the lens, cornea, and retina, including corneal ulcers, cataracts, and retinal burns.

Disadvantages of LED Light Therapy

Here are some cons and drawbacks of LED light therapy:

• Prolonged exposure to bright LED lights, especially blue light, can lead to eye strain and discomfort.
• Some individuals may experience skin sensitivity or adverse reactions.
• Excessive exposure to blue light in the evening can disrupt sleep patterns and potentially contribute to insomnia.
• High-quality LED light therapy devices can be expensive, limiting access for some.
• Light therapy may not be appropriate for individuals with certain medical conditions or those taking medications that increase photosensitivity.
• Without proper guidance, there’s a risk of ineffective or harmful treatment.

Conclusion

It’s important to remember that the effectiveness of light therapy can vary depending on the condition being treated, the specific parameters of light exposure (intensity, duration, and wavelength), and individual factors.

Light therapy using green, red, and blue LED lights can provide several benefits for various health and wellness purposes. However, it’s essential to use these therapies judiciously, ideally under the guidance of a healthcare professional or therapist when necessary. This will minimize potential drawbacks and ensure safe and effective treatment by avoiding potential side effects or risks associated with prolonged light exposure.