Green Light Therapy for Face: Benefits, How It Works, and What to Expect

Green Light Therapy for Face Green Light Therapy for Face

Green light therapy for the face is a gentle, natural way to refresh your skin. It helps fade dark spots, calm redness, and boost your glow without harsh treatments. 



Curious how this simple light can improve your skin? Keep reading to discover how it works, the benefits, and what to expect from each session.

Key Takeaways 

  • Green light therapy calms skin, reduces redness, and fades dark spots for a more even tone.

  • Sessions are gentle, usually lasting 10-20 minutes, and safe for most skin types with proper precautions.

  • Wearing eye protection during treatment is essential to avoid irritation or strain.

  • After therapy, avoid sun exposure, skip makeup, and use gentle skincare to support healing.

  • Consistent use over several weeks can improve pigmentation, boost collagen, and reduce puffiness.

What Is Green Light Therapy for the Face?

  • Green light uses a special green color of light: Green light therapy uses a green-colored light with specific wavelengths (520–560 nanometers) to help improve your skin.

  • It helps calm skin, reduce redness, and lighten dark spots: This treatment works by soothing the skin, reducing redness, and fading dark spots and uneven skin color.

  • The light is gently shined on clean skin for a few minutes: During treatment, the green light is carefully directed onto clean skin for a short time each session.

  • The therapy is safe, gentle, and works for most skin types: Green light therapy is non-invasive, gentle, and safe for nearly everyone to use on their face.

What Wavelength Is Used in Green Light Therapy for Facial Skin?

The most effective wavelength usually falls between 520 to 535 nanometers (nm) , allowing the light to penetrate the skin gently without irritation. 


Many clinical devices use specific values like 525 nm or 530 nm , balancing safety and effectiveness. Choosing the right wavelength is important as small differences affect how your skin responds.

What Are the Benefits of Green Light Therapy for the Face?


Reduces dark spots and evens out uneven skin tone effectively

Green light penetrates the skin to calm excess melanin production, breaking down dark patches including sunspots, age spots, hormonal pigmentation, and post-acne marks over time, usually visible within weeks.

Soothes skin inflammation to calm redness and irritation quickly

It calms the inflammatory response, helping blood vessels relax and reducing redness quickly, which is helpful for rosacea, sensitivity, or post-treatment irritation.

Improves overall skin tone and boosts natural brightness and glow

By balancing melanin and increasing blood circulation, green light evens out hyperpigmentation and stimulates skin cell renewal for a natural glow.

Smooths fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production

Collagen synthesis smooths fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin elasticity and firmness with consistent treatment over weeks or months.

Enhances lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness and detoxify skin

Promotes circulation that moves fluids and toxins, reducing puffiness and supporting natural skin detoxification.

Speeds healing process after cosmetic procedures and skin treatments

By calming inflammation and boosting collagen, it accelerates skin repair and reduces redness after treatments like chemical peels or microneedling.

Balances oil production to prevent breakouts and maintain clear skin

Calms overactive oil glands to reduce sebum, preventing clogged pores and breakouts for clearer skin.

Is Green Light Therapy Suitable for All Skin Types?

Green light therapy is safe and gentle for most skin types, including sensitive and melanin-rich skin. 


People with eczema, rosacea, or other conditions should consult a dermatologist before treatment. 


Those with epilepsy, pregnant women, or individuals on photosensitizing medications should seek medical advice or avoid use. 

Who Should Avoid Green Light Therapy?

It is not recommended for people with epilepsy due to seizure risk , pregnant women without medical approval , and those with autoimmune skin disorders , very sensitive skin , or on photosensitizing drugs , as it may cause irritation or adverse reactions.

Are There Any Side Effects of Green Light Therapy on Skin?

Side effects are generally minimal and temporary, including mild redness, irritation, dryness, or slight peeling, especially in sensitive skin or pre-existing conditions like eczema. These usually resolve quickly, and long-term effects are rare.

Is Green Light Therapy Safe During Pregnancy?

Though generally gentle and unlikely to harm, safety during pregnancy is not well-studied. Pregnant women should avoid green light therapy unless approved by a healthcare provider.

Is Eye Protection Necessary During Facial Green Light Treatment?

Yes, wearing special goggles is important to protect eyes from bright light, preventing strain, irritation, or temporary vision issues during sessions.

How Long Should a Green Light Facial Session Last?

Sessions typically last between 10 to 20 minutes, with 15 minutes optimal for most. Beginners should start with 5 to 10 minutes to allow skin adjustment. Sessions longer than 20 minutes may cause irritation.

Should You Use Green Light Therapy in the Morning or Night?

Green light therapy works both morning and night. Morning use helps reduce puffiness and brighten skin for the day, while nighttime sessions calm redness and support repair. Avoid late-night sessions if the light disrupts your sleep.

Can You Use Green Light Therapy Every Day?

Daily use is generally safe if sessions are short (10-15 minutes). Overuse may irritate skin, so listen to your skin and pause if redness or discomfort occurs. Consistent daily use leads to noticeable improvements within weeks.

What Should You Do After Green Light Therapy on the Face?


Avoid Sun Exposure to Prevent Irritation and Protect Healing Skin

The skin is sensitive post-treatment; avoid direct sunlight for 1–2 weeks. Use protective clothing and sunscreen after 24 hours once skin calms.

Keep Skin Hydrated to Soothe and Repair Post-Treatment Dryness

Use gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers with soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or aloe vera. Drink plenty of water and consider natural remedies after patch testing.

Skip Makeup to Let Your Skin Breathe and Heal Properly

  • Makeup Blocks Your Skin From Breathing: Avoid makeup so your skin can breathe and repair itself naturally after green light therapy.

  • Makeup Can Cause Irritation and Breakouts:  Wearing makeup too soon can clog pores and trap bacteria, leading to irritation or pimples.

  • Makeup Slows Down Your Skin’s Healing: Putting on makeup right after treatment can slow the natural healing process of your skin.

  • Keep Your Face Makeup-Free for 1 to 2 Days: Give your skin at least 24 to 48 hours without makeup to heal properly.

  • No Makeup Helps Reduce Redness and Improves Healing: Letting your skin stay bare helps calm redness and lets healing nutrients work better.

  • Skipping Makeup Supports Smooth and Glowing Skin: Avoiding makeup after treatment helps your skin recover well and look its best.

Avoid Harsh Products to Prevent Increased Sensitivity and Inflammation

Steer clear of strong acids, retinoids, exfoliants, and alcohol-based products until skin fully recovers. Use gentle cleansers and soothing creams.

Stay Consistent with Skincare to Maintain and Enhance Treatment Results

Maintain a gentle skincare routine and daily sunscreen use to prolong benefits and protect skin.

Watch for Reactions and Address Any Redness or Discomfort Quickly

Mild redness is normal; use cold compresses or aloe vera for relief. Contact a dermatologist if redness worsens or persists with pain or itching.

When Will You See Results from Green Light Therapy?

Subtle improvements like reduced redness often appear after the first session . More visible changes, such as fading pigmentation and improved tone, usually occur within 4 to 6 weeks . Experts recommend 6 to 8 weekly sessions for optimal results .

FAQs

Can Green Light Therapy Be Combined with Other LED Light Colors in a Single Treatment?

Yes, green light can be safely combined with other LED colors like red or blue in the same session to target multiple skin concerns. Professionals carefully select and sequence the lights for maximum benefit.

How Does Green Light Therapy Affect Melanin Production in the Skin?

Green light balances melanin production by calming melanocytes, helping to reduce excess pigmentation without overstimulating melanin. This leads to a more even skin tone and helps prevent dark spots caused by UV exposure.

Is Green Light Therapy Effective for Treating Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)?

Green light therapy can effectively reduce PIH by slowing melanin production and calming skin inflammation. Noticeable improvement typically requires 6 to 8 sessions.

Does Skin Tone Affect the Effectiveness of Green Light Therapy?

Darker skin tones may absorb more light, potentially requiring longer or more frequent sessions to achieve similar results. Treatment settings should be adjusted accordingly for safety and effectiveness.

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Ryan "The Sauna Guy"

Ryan has been using and writing about saunas extensively since 2019.