How Long To Use Blue Light Therapy On Face?

Blue light therapy can help clear acne, calm your skin, and give you a smoother face, but how long should you actually use it? 

Using it too much or too little won’t give the best results. This quick guide tells you exactly how long to use it and what to expect, step by step.

• Start with a Clean Face: Wash your face and skip any creams or makeup before treatment.
  
  

• Keep It Gentle After: Cleanse with mild products post-treatment and moisturize to help skin recover.
  
  

• Be Consistent: Use blue light therapy regularly—daily or weekly—to see real results.
  
  

• Follow the Time Guide: Sessions can range from 5 to 30 minutes, so stick to your device's instructions.
  
  

• Expect Clearer Skin: Blue light kills acne bacteria, calms inflammation, and smooths texture over time.

Blue light therapy works by going deep into your skin and killing the bacteria that causes acne. 

This bacteria, called P. acnes, lives in your pores and leads to breakouts. When blue light hits it, the light triggers a natural reaction that destroys the bacteria, without hurting your skin. 

In a study shared in J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2009, people used blue light therapy on their face for eight weeks. 

By just Day 7, they had fewer blackheads and pimples. By Day 28, the results got even better. 

The best part? Everyone found it easy and safe to use right at home, and they were happy with the results.

Blue light therapy calms the skin by reducing inflammation and helping it heal faster. When blue light hits the skin, it targets the nerves that cause pain and helps the body respond better to injury. 

In one study, people who got blue light treatment felt less pain and sensitivity compared to those who got red light or heat. 

Another study on wounds in mice showed that blue light helped skin heal quicker by boosting helpful cells and increasing collagen. 

These results show that blue light can be a powerful tool to soothe and repair inflamed skin.

Blue light therapy makes your skin smoother by killing acne-causing bacteria and calming the skin. 

It also shrinks oil glands, so your skin makes less oil and clogs up less. This helps stop breakouts and gives your face a cleaner, more even look. 

In one study, people who used blue light on their face saw fewer blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples in just a few weeks. 

Another study tested a blue light face mask and found that 60–70% of people with mild to moderate skin problems saw big improvements,without any pain, redness, or side effects. It’s safe, simple, and really works.

Before blue light therapy, cleanse your face thoroughly and avoid applying creams, lotions, or makeup. 

Do not use retinoids or other light-sensitizing products, as they may cause irritation. A clean, product-free face allows the blue light to effectively penetrate and target acne-causing bacteria.

Yes, wash your face after blue light therapy using a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water.

Avoid harsh products and scrubbing to prevent irritation. Pat dry with a clean towel, not rub. 

Finish with a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and support the healing process.

According to Lupton Dermatology, most patients need 1–4 blue light therapy sessions spaced weeks apart. 

However, a study published in J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2009 found that daily self-applied blue light therapy significantly reduced acne over eight weeks.

Participants saw fewer blemishes and better skin texture, reporting the treatment as safe and easy to use. 

These findings suggest both weekly and daily use may be effective, depending on your skin’s needs and dermatologist guidance.

According to Healthline, blue light therapy sessions usually last between 15 to 90 minutes, depending on the size and location of the treatment area. 

Many dermatology clinics specify their session durations. For instance, Pinehurst Dermatology reports sessions typically last 15–30 minutes, while Tulsa Dermatology Clinic, Inc. 

states BLU-U treatments take around 17 minutes. Complete Dermatology mentions sessions may last 5–15 minutes based on provider recommendations. 

To get the most accurate information, confirm the session length directly with the clinic where you'll receive treatment. 

If you're using a personal device at home, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper timing and usage to ensure safe and effective results.