Blue Light Therapy: Answering Your Top 10 Questions

Medically Reviewed By Melania Montes, PhD - Molecular and Cell Biology - Researcher at UC Berkeley

How long does it take to see results from blue light therapy? Is the practice painful? Can it help with skin conditions like acne, and how long do the results last? These are some of the most commonly asked questions about blue light therapy, and in this guide, we’ll answer all of them and more.

Question 1: How long until I see results?

It can take two or three weeks before you experience any noticeable results from blue light therapy. If you’re addressing moderate to severe skin irritations, you may need to wait a little longer, with some users reporting noticeable changes  after four to six weeks of regular sessions.

That’s not to say that you won’t experience any changes before that time, but rather that the most pronounced transformations take a little more time. 

Many acne studies, for instance, administered blue light therapy at least once a day for several weeks, and while the participants noticed some changes during the therapy stage, the biggest improvements were recorded during a follow-up period of several weeks or months. Such was the case for this 8-week study of 33 subjects and this 4-week study that followed up after 12 weeks.

It’s worth noting that blue light therapy won’t work for everyone or for all conditions, but by following the advice of a professional or adhering to the device’s instructions—which may include regular sessions and proper pre and post-care—you can support visible skin improvement.

Question 2: Is blue light therapy painful?

It can be uncomfortable, and some individuals report mild sensations of pain. However, the majority have few to no issues, especially when using at-home devices that are much less intense than what you would receive from a clinic.

Some common symptoms include sensations of heat—a mild burning and discomfort. You may also feel discomfort as the skin heals. Again, this is normal, but you should look out for signs such as intense pain, as well as yellowing and pus. If you experience any of these issues, contact a healthcare professional immediately.

Question 3: Can I use it with other treatments?

Yes. In fact, dermatologists sometimes use blue lights as part of a skincare approach when antibiotics are not preferred.. For instance, a combination of salicylic acid helps with exfoliation, benzoyl peroxide may help reduce the appearance of breakouts linked to bacteria., and niacinamide can reduce the risk of adverse outcomes. Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is regularly combined with blue light therapy, as it’s thought that it can provide deeper penetration, thus amplifying the effects.

You can also combine blue light with red light therapy using the MitoCLEAR® Therapy Mask.

Wash your face before use, removing all makeup and sunscreen. You can also use Vaseline and moisturizer post-session to protect your skin and lock in moisture.

Question 4: How often should I use blue light therapy?

Begin by testing the device to see how sensitive your skin is. A few minutes on your arm should suffice—adverse reactions are rare, but it’s best to err on the side of caution. If there are no issues, you can sit for your first session after 24 hours.

Use your blue light device a few days a week, following the guidelines on the device or instructions from your dermatologist. Some experts recommend daily use for several weeks at a time, and this may be more effective for treating acne.

Excessive redness, swelling, and irritation are signs that you’re overusing your blue light device, in which case you should take a break. Wait a few weeks for your skin to heal, check the results, and decide where to go from there.

Question 5: Is it safe for all skin types?

Blue light therapy is safe for most skin types, but caution is advised for those with sensitive skin, and it is not recommended for anyone with photosensitivity disorders.

There's also a risk of hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones. This is something you can discuss with your dermatologist, who may recommend alternative options, such as red light therapy, which is actually can help support clearer-looking skin.

Question 6: Can blue light damage my skin?

It’s normal for skin to feel sensitive and swollen after a blue light therapy session. You may also notice some crusting or peeling. However, when used as directed, most users tolerate blue light therapy well with no ongoing concerns..

Question 7: Will I need blue light therapy forever?

It depends on the issue that you’re trying to treat. You should notice improvements in your skin health after a few weeks, and if there is a noticeably positive change, you can maintain those improvements by booking regular sessions at a clinic or using an at-home device.

Incorporate blue light therapy into your regular skincare regime. Don’t overuse it, and always wash your face before use and protect it afterward.

Question 8: Can I use blue light therapy during pregnancy?

As blue light therapy is a non-invasive procedure that doesn’t penetrate the skin with harmful UV rays, it should be safe to use during pregnancy. However, there are no large-scale studies confirming its efficacy or safety in pregnant women, so caution is advised—consult with a healthcare expert before beginning a session.

Question 9: Can you use blue light therapy and compare to antibiotics?

Blue light therapy has antimicrobial effects, which means it may kill many forms of bacteria. This is also why it’s so effective at combatting acne, as it may reduce breakouts attributed to bacteria. 

It has been recommended as an alternative to antibiotic use. Results seem to vary on a case-by-case basis, but there are generally far fewer adverse reactions and side effects when comparing blue light therapy to antibiotics for acne.

Bacteria are also less likely to develop a resistance to blue light therapy than they are to antibiotics, and with antibiotic resistance posing a major healthcare concern, it could be a very useful alternative.

Question 10: Is professional treatment better than at-home therapies?

The blue light therapy you get from a clinic is usually much stronger than at-home devices, providing deeper penetration and more pronounced and immediate results. However, at-home devices are gentler on the skin, safe for regular use, and much cheaper in the long term.

It’s also much more convenient to use an at-home device. You can incorporate it into your usual skincare regime, sit for 10 or 20 minutes, and then leave it for another day. With a clinic, you’ll need to book an appointment, schedule a suitable day, prepare, and then sit through a longer session. It’s also not recommended to spend any time in direct sunlight after such a session, and you may experience heavy peeling and swelling afterward. 

Of course, you can also use both options—booking an occasional clinic appointment and then topping it up with your own device. For such an intensive schedule, though, you’ll need to plan a safe treatment protocol with your dermatologist and look out for any adverse reactions.

Conclusion

Blue light therapy is more popular than ever, and that popularity is driven by promising studies, improved technology, and innumerable anecdotal reports. It’s safe and non-invasive, and if you purchase an at-home device, it’s also very easy and convenient.

But it’s still important to know how it works and what you can expect, and we encourage researching the topic. For more information, check out some of our previous blog posts and guides, including this one on red light vs blue light therapy.

DISCLAIMER: Mito Red Light devices are not clinically proven to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical conditions.  Mito Red Light devices are low / risk general wellness devices aimed at affecting the body through supporting cellular function. The scientific studies referenced in this article are for educational and informational purposes only and are meant to educate the reader on the exciting and growing field of phototherapy.  To see a list of precautionary warnings and contraindications, click here