The Ultimate Guide Through Yellow LED Light Therapy
Yellow LED light therapy is a lesser-known treatment that has been shown to have significant benefits for the skin. Let’s see what they are.

Image source: Instagram @belleameskinfargo
LED light skin treatments and devices have become viral skincare essentials in the past couple of years. The world has been buzzing about all the benefits of red and blue LED lights – but did you know that there are other colors too?
Yellow LED light for skin is proven to have many health benefits, but it’s a lesser-known treatment.
So, let’s shine some light on yellow LED light therapy – how does it work, what it can help with, and what makes it different from the most obvious choice: red LED therapy.
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What Is Yellow LED Light Therapy?
Yellow light therapy, also known as amber light therapy, is a non-invasive, painless, and safe skin treatment that uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to stimulate the skin cells at a depth of 0.5mm to 2mm.
This treatment is very simple and straightforward: your skin is exposed to a specific wavelength (around 590 nanometers) – which happens to correspond to a yellow-to-orangeish color.
There’s no downtime, no aftercare, and not even the prep is necessary!
The light energy from the LEDs penetrates the skin and influences your body on a cellular level.
Since yellow light therapy has a shallower penetration compared to some other lights, like red or infrared LED lights, the therapy is gentler. However, this also makes it perfect for treating a lot of medical skin issues.
So, What Does Yellow Light Therapy Do?
Upon its penetration of the skin, yellow light triggers several key mechanisms that change the skin’s metabolic pathways.
The light is absorbed by various skin cells that play a crucial role in maintaining the skin’s epidermis. And since it interacts with epidermal cells, amber light therapy triggers cell renewal.
This specific wavelength can also help activate the lymphatic system to eliminate toxins from the body.
Apart from this, it also boosts blood circulation, which improves your skin’s ability to retain water or moisture, keeping your skin hydrated and plump.
Image source: Instagram @teamoandt
Yellow Light Therapy Benefits
Amber LED light therapy, just like other LED light therapies, helps activate cellular processes that help improve skin appearance and health.
Most LED lights help boost collagen production, aiding in skin repair (filling our scars, fine lines, and evening out texture), which also makes the skin firmer and more elastic.
But specific yellow led light benefits include:
- Reduction in skin redness and flushing (helpful for rosacea)
- Calming skin irritation
- Bolstering the growth of skin cells
- Alleviates visible signs of sun damage
- Reduces the appearance of tiny blood vessels on the nose/face
- Boosts lymphatic flow, which helps remove toxins from the body
Are There Any Downsides, Limitations or Risks to Yellow Light Therapy?
As we’ve already mentioned, this treatment is considered safe and beneficial to pretty much anyone. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind regarding the safety of yellow light therapy.
Potential risks associated with yellow LED light for skin are rare, but some people may experience mild skin irritation or increased skin sensitivity after the first session.
The only actual limitation is for those with medical conditions, such as epilepsy or sensitivity to light, as they should avoid this treatment or at least use it under medical supervision.
Additionally, keep in mind that yellow light therapy can take multiple sessions to show noticeable results, as it’s not a quick fix for those seeking immediate improvement in their skin’s appearance or healing of wounds or scars.
Also, this treatment may not be effective for all skin types or conditions, as severe skin conditions tend to require more invasive treatments.
What Is Yellow Light Therapy Used For?
The primary benefit of yellow light therapy is the stimulation of red blood cell creation. These red blood cells eventually help improve the rejuvenation of skin cells and speed up the healing process.
Thanks to its shallow penetration level, yellow light can also help to alleviate several skin conditions – especially those that involve redness and inflammation.
So if you’re wondering what does yellow light therapy do for specific skin conditions, here’s a quick rundown of the most common problems amber LED light therapy helps resolve:
Yellow Light for Healing
Yellow light therapy can help speed up the healing of wounds, including surgical incisions, cuts, and bruises. It does so by promoting the production of collagen and improving blood flow to the affected area.
Yellow Light Therapy for Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels on the face.
And since yellow LED light therapy works by reducing inflammation and decreasing the size and number of blood vessels in the affected area, it is considered to be an effective way of reducing the symptoms of rosacea.
Yellow Light Therapy for Face
Many people undergo this procedure to eliminate skin redness and flushing.
But it can also significantly reduce wrinkles and fine lines as well as the effects of UV radiation damage. This includes dark spots and melasma. Yellow light therapy reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation by breaking up excess melanin in the skin.
Image source: Instagram @bysoluna
Yellow Light Therapy for Inflammation
Soothing and anti-inflammatory properties are great for fighting the inflammation caused by conditions like acne, rosacea, and psoriasis. Inflammation can be even caused by hormonal changes or even some skin treatments. But more on that later.
Yellow Light for Lymphatic Drainage
The lymphatic system is responsible for eliminating waste and fighting infections. It consists of vessels that carry a fluid called lymph, containing white blood cells and waste. Any disruptions to lymph circulation can cause swelling and other health problems.
Yellow light therapy has been found to stimulate the lymphatic system, helping to improve lymphatic drainage and reduce swelling in various parts of the body.
When yellow light therapy is applied to specific areas of the body, it can help to break up the lymphatic blockages and increase lymphatic flow, leading to reduced swelling and improved circulation.
Combining Yellow Light Therapy with Other Treatments
As a stand-alone treatment, yellow light therapy can provide a powerful pick-me-up that will increase blood flow and leave your skin looking healthy and radiant.
But if you want to take your healing further, you should combine this with other skin treatments, including different types of LED light therapy.
There are many studies that have illustrated that using a combination of LED wavelengths can have greater efficacy. This process – which is known as polychromatic therapy – can help skin healing and even improve muscle recovery and pain relief.
But in addition to using multiple LED light lights simultaneously, there are other things you can do to maximize the benefits of yellow light. For example, you can incorporate other skincare treatments, such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion, into your routine.
Image source: Instagram @_goldenesthetics
Yellow Vs Red Led Light Therapy
Yellow and red LED therapy are two types of light therapy that are thought to offer similar benefits, there are some key differences between them.
Let’s start with the similarities: both these treatments are believed to help speed up the recovery process and help with wound healing.
But the difference is in the penetration level and the body’s healing mechanisms that get triggered. Red is the deepest of the three lights and it penetrates more than 2mm (which is how deep the yellow LED reaches).
So, while yellow light therapy helps heal by stimulating cellular activity through increased blood flow, which aids in cellular repair and regeneration, red light therapy is believed to work by stimulating the production of collagen.
Collagen is a protein essential for tissue regeneration. But in the beauty industry, the focus of collagen-inducing treatment is on using it for anti-aging properties, to fill in fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture – which is exactly what made red light therapy’s popularity skyrocket.
You can learn more about the benefits of this treatment here.
Image source: Instagram @skinsecretsdelray
Blue Light Vs Yellow Light
Overall, while both types of therapy do offer benefits for the skin, the specific applications of yellow and blue LED therapy differ.
The biggest distinction between blue light vs yellow light is that blue light is used primarily for the treatment of acne. Blue light therapy is believed to kill acne-causing bacteria on (and under) the skin’s surface, which can reduce inflammation and improve acne symptoms.
This is the main similarity between these two treatments: they both help calm the skin and reduce inflammation and redness.
But yellow LED light isn’t as effective for acne treatment, since its properties are primarily tied to blood and lymph stimulation.
Ultimately, these treatments all work through different mechanisms and target different issues.
Here’s a quick comparison of all 3 LED light therapy:
Yellow Light Therapy | Red Light Therapy | Blue Light Therapy |
Around 590 nanometers | Around 630-660 nanometers | Around 415 nanometers |
Calming skin & reducing inflammation | Stimulating collagen production | Regulating oil production in the skin & killing bacteria |
Promoting circulation | Increases cellular turnover | Reducing acne and acne scars |
How Much Does Yellow LED Light Therapy Cost?
The price point for a yellow light therapy session ranges quite a bit. It can cost anywhere from $20 to $250 per session. This cost depends on several factors, like the location and exclusivity of the salon, the region treated, the length of the session, etc.
But the most important thing you need to take into account is that amber light therapy requires multiple sessions to show long-term improvements. This can really add up, which is why many choose to DIY this treatment.
Yellow LED Light Therapy at Home
By investing in a portable LED light device, this treatment is a convenient and affordable option for those who want to improve their skin’s appearance, without having to constantly visit salons or spas.
These devices are usually small and handheld, and very easy to use. The recommended treatment time for yellow LED light therapy is typically around 20 minutes per session.
You can perform the treatment daily or a few times per week, depending on your individual needs and goals, and device. Some LED light devices may also come with different settings, allowing you to adjust the intensity and duration of the treatment.
Just keep in mind that while yellow LED light therapy is generally considered safe, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the device properly to avoid any potential side effects.
Here are our amber LED light therapy product recommendations:
NOTE
To ensure you’re using the device safely and successfully, carefully follow the instructions. The devices are easy to use, but the directions differ depending on the manufacturer.
Yellow LED Light Therapy – Main Takeaways
Yellow, or amber LED light therapy is generally considered a safe and well-tolerated way to alleviate symptoms of medical skin concerns like rosacea. This therapy offers several benefits for the skin, including reducing inflammation, improving skin texture, and stimulating collagen production.
Yellow LED light therapy is effective skincare treatment even when performed at home using a portable LED light device.