Everything We Know About Green Light Therapy, According to an Expert

From green light therapy benefits to side effects and how to use in your routine

Red light therapy (RLT) is the most common form of LED light therapy, but there are other wavelengths that correspond to other visible colors, such as green light therapy (GLT). Similar to RLT, GLT is a non-invasive treatment that offers numerous benefits.

We spoke to Update Aesthetics’ expert, Nina Prisk, to understand the benefits of green light therapy, any potential risks, and how to use green light therapy.

What is green light therapy?

According to London’s Harley Street professional, green light therapy is “a non-invasive treatment that uses LED light in the 520 to 560 nanometer wavelength range to target specific skin concerns.”

Due to the lower wavelength, green light therapy doesn’t penetrate the skin as deep as other LED light therapies, such as RLT. Prisk explains: “Green light therapy targets cells primarily in the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of the skin.” You can also explore green and yellow LED therapy for addressing sensitive skin conditions.

What are the benefits of green light therapy?

Although Prisk acknowledges that green light therapy is “less studied than red and blue light therapy”, she reassures us that research around its benefits looks “promising.”

According to the skin and aesthetics expert, the benefits of green light therapy range from improving hyperpigmentation and fading dark spots, stimulating collagen production, to brightening the skin’s luminosity, and reducing inflammation.

Speaking about the benefits of green light therapy, Prisk says: “Although further research is needed into the full benefits of green light therapy, it’s believed that it can help with hyperpigmentation and increasing collagen production to promote cell repair, which is also beneficial for addressing fine lines and wrinkles, as well as brightening the complexion. It can also help to improve conditions like spider veins, and rosacea, by reducing inflammation.”

Prisk suggests GLT could support other medical conditions, such as fibromyalgia, while medical research claims green light therapy can relieve headaches and migraines. She explains: “For some conditions such as migraines and fibromyalgia, as well as muscular pain, it’s been shown to reduce pain intensity. It’s also believed to stimulate mitochondrial activity, which accelerates cell repair and wound healing.”

Red light therapy Vs Green light therapy

LED light therapy is a non-invasive treatment, but different light wavelengths treat different concerns and offer various benefits. Finding the best color LED light for your skin concerns helps ensure optimal results.

Prisk perfectly puts it: “LED light therapy utilises different wavelengths of light to address various skin concerns. Each colour has its own specific benefits. The main difference between red light therapy and green light therapy is that RLT penetrates deeply to boost cellular energy and tissue repair, while GLT works more superficially to target pigmentation, redness and migraine relief.”

What are the different LED light therapies?

Prisk weighs in on the different colour therapies, including their functions and benefits. She says:

• Red light: (620-700nm) “RLT stimulates collagen production, reduces wrinkles and improves the elasticity of the skin. It also increases blood circulation, which can help reduce inflammation and promote wound healing.”
• Blue light: (400-470nm) “blue light targets acne-causing bacteria, reduces inflammation, and is effective in treating hyperpigmentation.”
• Green light: (520-530nm) “Green light therapy works to calm irritated skin, reduce redness and help even skin tone. It also helps to reduce the production of melanin, which can fade hyperpigmentation and age spots.”
• Yellow light: (570-590nm) “This promotes lymphatic drainage and improves circulation, reducing swelling. It’s beneficial for sensitive skin and overall skin health.”
• Purple light: (380-430nm) “Purple light combines anti-inflammatory properties with circulation support, which helps to stimulate collagen production.”
• Orange light: (590-620nm) “Orange light targets sebaceous glands and helps control oil production.”

Interestingly, Project E Beauty’s LumaLux Pro LED Red Light Therapy Mask, LumaLux Neck and Dec Mask, LumaLux Face+, and LumaLux Dome combine a variety of the aforementioned LED colour wavelengths, including green light, to address a plethora of concerns using a single easy-to-use at-home device.

Are there any side effects to green light therapy?

Prisk reassures us that green light therapy is “generally considered safe to use.” However, she warns that some may experience “mild side effects”, such as “temporary redness of the skin, slight skin irritation, and increased sensitivity”, though these symptoms will ease within a few hours.

The expert stresses the importance of investing in FDA-certified at-home devices from a reputable retailer, such as Project E Beauty. The LumaLux Pro LED Red Light Therapy Mask, LumaLux Neck and Dec Mask, LumaLux Face+, and LumaLux Dome, all deliver a variety of LED light treatments, including green light, as well as red, blue, near and infrared light.

Which treatment area is green light therapy best used on?

When selecting the best at-home LED device, it is important to consider your needs, budget and targeted treatment area. For example, Project E Beauty’s LumaLux Pro LED Red Light Therapy Mask, LumaLux Neck and Dec Mask, and LumaLux Face+ are best used on the face and neck, while the LumaLux Dome is a versatile device that can sit over the face or body.

But, is green light therapy suitable for you? Prisk highlights that GLT is “best used to target surface-level skin concerns on the skin on any areas of the body.”

How to use green light therapy

Like any LED device, Prisk advises users to thoroughly cleanse their skin and remove any make-up or skincare products before carrying out the home treatment.

Depending on the device and the individual’s concerns, how you integrate the treatment into your daily routine is at your discretion. So, read the instructions thoroughly before use.

Prisk also recommends following the treatment with a high broad-spectrum SPF afterwards.

How often can you use green light therapy?

Similar to RLT devices, how often you use light therapy depends on “your specific skin concerns, what you’re looking to address, as well as the strength of the device you’re using”, shares Prisk.

As a rule of thumb, the expert suggests using green light therapy “three to five times a week for optimal results.” However, it is important to start low to monitor your tolerance and gradually increase the frequency, but do not overdo the home treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use active skincare products with green light therapy?

Yes, but application order matters. Perform light therapy on clean, bare skin so the light penetrates effectively. Apply hydrating serums like hyaluronic acid immediately after, and save strong exfoliants or retinoids for later to avoid potential irritation.

How do you incorporate green light therapy into your routine?

Use an LED mask 3 to 5 times weekly for 10–20 minutes after cleansing. Consistency is essential, as most experts recommend 4 to 10 weeks for optimal results.

Does green light therapy help with anxiety and mood?

Studies suggest green light exposure stimulates the release of serotonin and dopamine while lowering cortisol. By promoting neural relaxation without causing drowsiness, green ambient light can reduce anxiety and mood, lower stress, and help elevate daily mood.

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