The Colors of Light Therapy: Uses and Benefits

Last Updated: October 15, 2023 Jonathan Knight (read bio)

Color Therapy or Chromotherapy

Chromotherapy [1] is an alternative treatment method that utilizes electromagnetic radiation in various colors. The spectrum consists of visible and invisible light wavelengths delineated by color. Chromotherapy refers mainly to the therapeutic use of visible light.

Chromotherapy theorizes that different wavelengths of light possess different therapeutic properties. Scientific research supports this assertion, proving that different light colors provide different health, wellness, and appearance benefits.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Electromagnetic Spectrum

Wavelengths are measured in nanometers (nm), equal to one-billionth of a meter. Light wavelengths measure approximately as follows:

Ultraviolet (UV): 10 to 380 nm
Violet — 380 to 450 nm
Indigo — 440 to 460 nm
Blue — 450 to 495 nm
Cyan — 485 to 510
Green — 495 to 570 nm
Yellow — 570 to 590 nm
Amber — 580 to 600 nm
Orange — 590 to 610 nm
Red Light-Emitting Diode (LED) — 610 to 700 nm
Near-Infrared (NIR) — 700 to 900 nm
Infrared — 900 to 1400 nm

Certain color ranges overlap; for instance, blue, cyan, and green. When you view a rainbow, there are no “lines” between the colors; rather, they blend together. For this reason, wavelength ranges are approximate, not precise.

The spectrum is continuous like a circle, meaning that the low end blends with the high end. This is why pink light is not noted on the spectrum. The appearance of pink light is created by the shortest visible waves (violet) combining with the highest visible waves (red and some NIR).

Also notably missing from the measurable light spectrum is white light. This is because white light is a combination of all the visible light on the spectrum and does not have its own wavelength measurement.

Different visible light wavelengths provide different health benefits

Light ranging from approximately 380 to 800 nm is visible to the human eye. The sun’s UV rays are invisible. When we visualize sunlight, we only see the violet rays, not the UV rays. On the high end of the spectrum, light becomes invisible somewhere within the NIR range.

Colors of Light Therapy and Their Benefits

Light therapy, or chromotherapy, employs a spectrum of colors each purported to deliver specific therapeutic effects.

Commonly used colors like Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Violet, Pink, and Cyan are often ascribed various benefits, such as skin healing or mood enhancement, with some scientific backing particularly in red and blue light for specific applications.

Other colors like White, Indigo, Amber, Infrared, and Near-Infrared also find their way into therapeutic use, with Infrared and Near-Infrared being particularly noted for their applications in addressing issues related to muscle health and recovery.

Moreover, some less conventional colors like Turquoise, Magenta, Brown, Gold, Silver, Grey, and Black are sporadically mentioned within chromotherapy circles, each associated with distinct emotional or physical impacts, albeit with limited scientific validation.

The efficacy, applications, and acceptance of different light colors can vary widely, and it's crucial to approach such therapies with a scrutinizing and informed perspective, ensuring to consult with healthcare professionals when exploring therapeutic options.

Light wavelengths penetrate your skin and into your body. While generally the longer the wavelength, the deeper the penetration. However after peaking at 750 nms, the penetration power of longer wavelengths goes down a little bit (as shown in the figure below). The depth of penetration determines the biological effects light therapy can stimulate.

Depth of penetration in terms of wavelength of light

Image courtesy: https://www.discoverymedicine.com/Nathan-S-Hart/

Now let’s explore the different colors of light therapy and their treatment advantages.

White Light Therapy

Sunlight is a necessary source of natural Vitamin D and it boosts your body’s production of serotonin. A lack of natural sunlight can cause listlessness, sleep problems, and certain forms of depression.

Bright white light is useful for replacing the natural sunlight that you may not get enough of due to today’s predominantly indoor lifestyle and during winter months when the days are shorter. White light can elevate your mood, boost your energy level, and help with concentration.

White light can treat sleep disorders and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) [2] and circadian rhythm disorders. White light can also help with jet lag and addictive behaviors such as alcohol abuse or compulsive eating.

Pink Light Therapy

Pink light can help eliminate blood impurities and may strengthen veins and arteries. Pink is one of the least common and least studied forms of light therapy.

Sometimes used to promote a healthy, glowing complexion.
Might be utilized to manage sensitive skin conditions.

Violet/Purple Light Therapy

Violet light only penetrates your body to the lower epidermis (outermost skin layer). It is a calming, cool color that reduces inflammation, increases skin cell generation, and kills bacteria. Violet light kills bacteria, making it a successful acne treatment [3.] It can relieve emotional exhaustion and elevate your mood.

There is evidence that violet light therapy can be useful in treating ocular conditions. One study [4] showed that violet light reduced myopia (near-sightedness) in mice.

May help manage acne and reduce the bacteria that cause breakouts.
Sometimes used in attempts to soothe inflammatory skin conditions.

Indigo and Blue Light Therapy

Indigo light is occasionally used to manage conditions like psoriasis or eczema. It may also be used to reduce skin swelling.

We encounter blue light every day via electronic devices and indoor lighting. Excessive blue light exposure can produce harmful side effects like headaches, sleep disturbances, and concentration problems.

Blue light, however, also possesses therapeutic properties when used safely.

Blue light penetrates your dermis (directly beneath the epidermis). Because bacteria located beneath your skin are the cause of most acne, blue light is effective for preventing and eliminating acne [5] and for treating acne scars. Blue light also treats skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema [6] [7], and psoriasis [8].

Blue light can help treat any condition with a root cause on or directly beneath your skin’s surface. Examples include:

Cellulite reduction
Decreased appearance of varicose veins and spider veins
Healing of sun damage
Superficial wound healing
Acne causing bacteria
Used in lightbox therapy for SAD.

Cyan Light Therapy

Cyan light penetrates midway through your dermis, slightly deeper than blue light. Cyan is an effective anti-inflammatory treatment and can successfully treat acne, reduce the appearance of swollen capillaries, soothe skin irritation, and provide surface pain relief.

Might be used in reducing the appearance of veins or redness.
Sometimes used for its soothing and calming potential.

Green Light Therapy

Green light penetrates your dermis, almost reaching the subcutaneous tissue below. Studies have shown that green light is effective for relieving pain. [9] [10] Green light is also beneficial for treating similar skin conditions as blue light, especially with regard to skin tone and complexion. Sunspots, melasma, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis can all benefit from green light.

Might be used in attempts to reduce skin redness and irritation.
Has been studied for potential pain-reducing properties.

Yellow, Amber, and Orange Light Therapy

These wavelengths penetrate the subcutaneous tissue beneath your dermis. Like green and blue light, they are effective at treating skin issues like eczema, sunburn, psoriasis, and creating an even skin tone. Yellow/amber/orange light therapy is one of the less common types; however, it can help flush waste from your skin, elevate the functioning of your lymphatic system, and stimulate cellular energy to some extent.

One study proved that 590 nm light therapy after laser skin treatments reduced the intensity and healing time of skin irritation. [11]

Let's break them down individually.

Yellow light:

Sometimes used to stimulate collagen production in the skin.
Might be used in lightbox therapies for mood regulation.

Amber light:

Can be used in attempts to soothe skin and reduce redness.
Sometimes used to target dark spots or age spots.

Orange light:

Often used in attempts to revitalize skin and promote a vibrant complexion.
Might be utilized for its potentially energizing and uplifting effects.

Red and NIR Light Therapy

Of all types of light therapy, red and NIR light provides the widest range of benefits. Because they penetrate your body more deeply than any other type of visible light, red and NIR wavelengths (especially when used in conjunction) activate your body’s innate healing powers and stimulate biological change at the cellular level. Read more about the best nm wavelength for red light therapy.

Red light stimulates the mitochondria of cells at all levels within your body, including brain cells inside your skull and cells within your bones. It even activates the production of new stem cells. Increased cellular energy allows your body to access its peak level of healing and rejuvenation, providing benefits including but not limited to:

Weight Loss Assistance
Anti-Aging [12]
Pain Management [13]
Better Athletic Performance [14]
Improved Brain Health [15]
Wound Healing [16]
Improving collagen production

UV and Infrared Light

UV sunlight is readily available without any device. As we know, however, the sun can have damaging effects that need to be mitigated. Skin and eyes need to be protected. Exposure to direct sunlight is beneficial; however, it must be absorbed carefully and in small doses.

Infrared light is not readily available in at-home light therapy devices because it presents too many health risks. Like UV rays, infrared rays are thermal (heat-producing) and capable of burning your skin and causing internal organ or DNA damage. Infrared therapy is generally limited to very serious conditions such as severe brain injury or degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

The most common at-home light therapy devices utilize primarily red and blue light. As we have discussed here, however, there are uses for other colors of light, and these devices are also available.

Used per the manufacturer’s recommendations, at-home color light therapy devices can provide significant healing, restoration, and rejuvenation. Light therapy can be administered conveniently in your own home and works in conjunction with other forms of therapy.

Some less popular color therapy types

Turquoise Light Therapy
- What is it? Turquoise light therapy uses a shade of light that is between blue and green and is associated with anti-inflammatory effects and calming properties.
- Potential Benefits: May aid in reducing inflammation, soothing the skin, and potentially providing a calming effect.
Magenta Light Therapy
- What is it? Magenta light therapy uses a light that is a blend of red and blue light, and it's often used in skincare and aesthetic contexts.
- Potential Benefits: Might be utilized to manage some skin conditions and promote a balanced, healthy-looking complexion.
Brown Light Therapy
- What is it? Brown light is sometimes included in chromotherapy with the belief that it may have grounding and stabilizing properties.
- Potential Benefits: Though not widely recognized or studied, it's occasionally associated with feelings of stability and reduction in feelings of fatigue in alternative medicine practices.
Black Light Therapy
- What is it? Although not a typical color used in light therapy, black, or the absence of light, can be used in some therapeutic contexts, often related to rest and recovery.
- Potential Benefits: Sometimes associated with promoting deep relaxation, sleep enhancement, or addressing sleep disorders.
Gold Light Therapy
- What is it? Gold light therapy, while less common, is sometimes used in spiritual and alternative healing contexts.
- Potential Benefits: Proponents might associate it with fostering feelings of abundance, warmth, and well-being.
Silver or Grey Light Therapy
- What is it? Silver or grey light therapy might be used in some chromotherapy approaches, though it’s not widely recognized in mainstream practices.
- Potential Benefits: Sometimes thought to be related to neutralizing negative feelings or fostering emotional stability in alternative circles.