LED masks are one of beauty’s most saturated categories and for good reason—the technology behind the masks work and makes refreshing your appearance at home in just 10 minutes a day easy. With most conversations focused on red light for anti-aging benefits and blue light for acne, yellow light therapy is gaining traction in this growing space for its regenerative properties and its ability to boost cellular healing.
Featured Experts
- Dr. Shereen Teymour is a board-certified dermatologist in New York
- Dr. Manoj T. Abraham, MD is a board certified facial plastic surgeon in Poughkeepsie, NY
What Is Yellow Light Therapy
“Yellow light therapy is a form of LED photobiomodulation sometimes referred to as low-level light therapy,” explains New York dermatologist Dr. Shereen Teymour. It uses visible yellow-to-amber wavelengths of light to interact with cellular processes to help calm inflammation, reduce redness and support overall skin health.
Yellow light therapy penetrates the superficial layer of the skin at wavelengths typically between 570nm and 590nm, although there is some variation among devices. Dr. Teymour says, compared to red light therapy, which uses a longer wavelength between 600nm and 700nm, it penetrates deeper into the skin and underlying tissue, including the dermis and muscle.
While yellow light therapy has its merits, such as promoting healthy-looking skin, combining it with red light therapy, which helps stimulate collagen and reduce wrinkles, is when you see the most benefits for overall skin rejuvenation and inflammation control. Dr. Teymour points out that yellow light therapy has not been studied as extensively as red or blue light therapy, both of which have stronger evidence supporting them, making yellow light therapy “more of a complementary wavelength within a broader LED treatment rather than a standalone therapy.”
What Are the Benefits of Yellow Light Therapy
With more brands utilizing multi-light therapies in their LED masks, it’s easy to incorporate yellow light therapy into your routine. Yellow light therapy is often used to improve overall skin quality and reduce redness. “One of its primary benefits is its ability to calm inflammation. From a complexion standpoint, patients often report improvements in skin radiance, more even-looking tone and less puffiness,” says Dr. Teymour.
Not only can yellow light calm redness associated with rosacea by helping to restrict skin capillaries and reduce flushing, but it also boosts lymphatic flow, making it a nice adjunct to promote quicker healing after cosmetic surgery and other in-office treatments like CO2 fractionated laser peels, explains Poughkeepsie, NY facial plastic surgeon Dr. Manoj T. Abraham, MD.
While yellow light is not typically the first choice for stimulating collagen production compared to red and near-infrared wavelengths, “it can be a useful adjunctive treatment for improving overall skin health and recovery,” Dr. Teymour notes.
How To Use Yellow Light Therapy
With any LED device, consistency is more important than intensity. Yellow light therapy is generally considered safe when delivered through an FDA-cleared or professionally administered LED device. “It is a noninvasive treatment that uses visible light rather than ultraviolet (UV) radiation, so it does not carry the same risks associated with sun exposure or tanning beds,” says Dr. Teymour.
Side effects are uncommon and typically mild. “Some patients may experience temporary redness, warmth, dryness or irritation immediately after treatment, particularly if they have sensitive skin. Adverse reactions are rare because yellow light is low-energy and does not create significant thermal injury,” says Dr. Teymour. It is recommended to use appropriate eye protection during treatment, especially with in-office devices. “Eye shields or protective goggles help prevent discomfort from prolonged exposure to bright light and are standard practice for most LED-based treatments,” she says. If you have a light-sensitive condition or are taking photosensitizing medications, consult with your physician before starting yellow light treatment.
Results from yellow light therapy are gradual and cumulative, so consistency is key. Depending on the device being used, most protocols involve two to five treatments per week for approximately 10 to 20 minutes per session during the initial treatment phase. “Patients typically begin noticing improvements in skin tone, redness and overall radiance after four to six weeks of consistent use. More significant improvements in inflammatory conditions or skin quality may take eight to twelve weeks,” says Dr. Teymour.
She cautions that more is not always better when it comes to light therapy and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely. Overall, yellow light is an excellent adjunct to a comprehensive skincare or regenerative aesthetic regimen.
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