LEDTranslatedA clearer view of light.

LED mask wavelengths, by the evidence.

Each colour of LED light is studied for different things. Red (620–670 nm) has the most evidence, mainly for wrinkles and collagen. Near-infrared (around 830–850 nm) is studied with red and for post-procedure recovery. Blue (around 415 nm) is studied for acne, usually paired with red.

Updated

Blue light, around 415 nm

Blue light is studied mainly for acne. It acts on the bacteria involved in breakouts and reaches only the surface of the skin. Trials generally paired it with red light rather than using it alone.

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Amber light, around 590 nm

Amber, or yellow, light is less studied. One split-face trial found it reduced eye-area wrinkle volume about as much as red light at the same low dose.

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Red light, 620–670 nm

Red light has the most research behind it. It is studied for wrinkles, collagen production, inflammation and healing, and it is the shared ingredient in most mask wavelength sets.

Studies using this band

Masks listing this band

Near-infrared, 800–870 nm

Near-infrared is invisible and reaches deeper than visible light. It is studied for wrinkles, alongside red, and for recovery after cosmetic procedures. For acne it did not substitute well for red.

Studies using this band

Masks listing this band

Bands are grouped by the nominal wavelengths brands publish. Masks are listed alphabetically as examples, not recommendations. Wavelength is only one factor: dose, schedule and fit also differ.

Questions

Which LED wavelength is studied most for wrinkles?

Red light between about 630 and 660 nm, often combined with near-infrared at 830 nm. Several controlled trials report wrinkle and collagen changes with these wavelengths.

Which wavelength is used for acne?

Blue light around 415 nm, usually alternated or combined with red light. The strongest acne trial in our summaries used 415 nm blue with 660 nm red.

Is more wavelengths better?

Not necessarily. One 136-person trial found a broad red-to-infrared spectrum gave no advantage over red light alone.