What does blue light do for skin?

Author: Dr. Estelle Renner IV  |  Last update: Thursday, November 13, 2025

This dual therapy has shown promising results in mitigating acne concerns. Blue light, with its antibacterial properties, works to eliminate acne-causing bacteria, while red light addresses inflammation and promotes healing.

Does blue light really help skin?

This minimally invasive procedure is highly effective in treating acne, sun damage, and certain precancerous lesions by precisely targeting and eliminating affected cells. Known for its accuracy and swift recovery time, Blue Light Therapy is a preferred option for many skin conditions.

Why do dermatologists use blue light?

Dr. Davis says blue light therapy done in a medical setting works to help treat acne by causing an oxidative reaction on the skin. "Red light can have some similar anti-oxidative or oxidative properties on the skin, which can be used sometimes to treat acne and also photoaging," says Dr.

How often should you use blue light on your face?

Although manufacturer guidelines for use may differ based on different outputs of energy, most devices will recommend close skin exposure to the light for 5-20 minutes once or twice daily.

What does your face look like after blue light treatment?

After photodynamic therapy, your face will look red and perhaps scaly. It should start peeling over the next few days as it removes some of the underlying damaged skin. This process often results in smoother, clearer skin.

Do You Need to Worry About Blue Light? A Dermatologists Explains How it Affects Your Skin

What not to do after blue light therapy?

Care after Blu-Light Treatment (PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY (PDT))

AVOID direct sunlight/sun exposure 48 hours after your blue light treatment. Wear your beautiful wide brim hat and stay indoors as much as possible. Remember that sunlight can penetrate through car and home windows.

How long does it take to see results from blue light therapy?

After several weeks, improvement of the acne can be seen but may require additional maintenance treatments to sustain results. The treatment effects are temporary and should completely resolve by 4 weeks after treatment.

Does blue light therapy remove dark spots?

In addition to treating and preventing skin cancer, blue light treatment is also used to treat sunspots, sun damage, and rosacea.

What is the best light therapy for wrinkles?

“Anyone with inflammation or mild to moderate fine lines and wrinkles would find red light therapy beneficial as it stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in the skin,” he says. Greenfield adds that devices designed for home use are not going to be as powerful as in-office ones.

Will insurance cover blue light therapy?

The Blue Light treatment for actinic keratoses is covered by most health insurances. However, we will pre- approve your treatment to confirm coverage by your insurance company before scheduling the procedure.

What is the best treatment for precancerous skin on the face?

Cryotherapy is used most often for pre-cancerous skin conditions such as actinic keratosis. It might also be used for squamous cell carcinoma in situ (Bowen disease) or for small basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. For this treatment, the doctor applies liquid nitrogen to the tumor to freeze and kill the cells.

What is the success rate of blue light therapy?

In another study , 33 people with mild-to-moderate facial acne self-administered blue light twice daily for 8 weeks, along with certain skin care products. After the final treatment, over 90% of participants reported improvements in overall skin appearance, clarity, tone, texture, and smoothness.

What are the side effects of blue light?

Constant exposure to blue light over time could damage retinal cells and cause vision problems such as age-related macular degeneration. It can also contribute to cataracts, eye cancer and growths on the clear covering over the white part of the eye.

Should I wash my face after blue light therapy?

Starting the day after your treatment, use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser (such as Cetaphil®, Dove®, Basis®, or Eucerin®) to clean the treated area. Use a clean towel to pat your skin dry and avoid rubbing the area.

Does blue light increase wrinkles?

In fact, blue light can reach our dermis and meet collagen and elastin, causing damages such as wrinkles, sagging skin and hyperpigmentation. It is essential that you apply sun protection with broadband protection if you spend a lot of time in front of the computer.

How long do you leave blue light on face?

❖ The time spent at the appointment for the Blue Light Therapy depends on the area treated. Generally, anticipate 2-2 ½ hours for the face and 3-3 ½ hours for the face and scalp.

What does blue light do to your brain?

Prolonged exposure to blue wavelength light has been shown to have an alerting effect, and enhances performance on cognitive tasks. A small number of studies have also shown that relatively short exposure to blue light leads to changes in functional brain responses during the period of exposure.

Which light is best for hyperpigmentation?

Green LED is a favorite for those suffering from hyperpigmentation issues. Those with melasma have the hardest time reducing discoloration because the pigment resides in the upper dermis of the skin and is triggered by hormones.

Should I put anything on my skin before blue light therapy?

1. On the day of treatment, please come to the office with CLEAN SKIN (wash area prior to appointment) and free of any makeup, moisturizing creams, sunscreens, perfumes or lotions on the treatment area.

What does skin look like after blue light treatment?

What does the skin look like after treatment? The treated area of the skin is usually quite red and may appear to be flaking or peeling, as it would after a mild sunburn. The redness, and perhaps some of the flaking, can last for several days to a week or even two weeks. (After that, skin returns to normal.)

How long does your face stay red after blue light treatment?

Your skin will get increasingly red over the first couple days. This can last up to 7-10 days. It is normal for some swelling to occur. o If blisters occur, do not pop the blisters or pick them. o Peeling may begin on days 3 or 4 following the treatment and may last for a week or so.

Can you get skin damage from blue light?

Visible light, including blue light, reaches through the epidermis and into the dermis. Studies demonstrate that overexposure to blue light can trigger dysfunction inside of cells that damages DNA and causes oxidative stress to the skin through free radical action.

Can I use my computer after blue light therapy?

After your treatment: Avoid all UV light for 48 hours.

This includes sunlight, bright lights, and even blue light. If your face is treated, avoid using your computer, tablet, or phone at a close distance. Watching TV from a distance and normal house lights are ok.

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