We’re all familiar with blue light from our phones, but harnessed correctly, it’s emerging as one of the most talked-about tools in skincare. Blue light therapy uses a controlled LED wavelength (around 415nm) to help target acne, balance oil and calm inflammation, without the harshness of some traditional topicals.
“Blue light therapy is traditionally used to kill bacteria and reduce excessive oil secretion”, explains facialist Anel Lamine, who frequently uses it in-clinic. “It’s particularly geared towards bacterial acne, which is common in the developmental stages of puberty, but it also helps with flare-ups due to hormonal shifts.”
Its main target is Cutibacterium acnes, a key acne-causing bacterium. As Dr Jana Vogt, consultant plastic surgeon at Mallucci London, explains: “Blue light therapy works by activating porphyrins in the bacteria. This creates free radicals that destroy them, reducing inflammation, pus, and the number of breakouts overall.” Because it’s non-UV and LED-based, it’s safe for frequent use on most skin types, including darker tones, though sensitive skin may experience mild redness or dryness.
What to expect from blue light therapy
The effectiveness of blue light therapy depends on consistency. “I typically recommend using a mask five times a week,” says Anel. “It’s all about regular use; if you’re not consistent, you likely won’t see results.”
While many see initial benefits within one to two weeks, like reduced oiliness and fewer fresh breakouts, more significant changes like clearer skin and improved tone may take four to six weeks or longer. “For long-term results, especially for acne vulgaris, we often combine blue and red light therapy,” adds Dr Vogt. “Blue targets bacteria; red helps reduce inflammation and promotes healing.”
However, Anel warns against overusing blue light on dry or mature skin: “It’s not a go-to for ageing or pigmentation; in fact, it can dry the skin out. For cell turnover and pigmentation, I’d always recommend red light, especially when paired with near-infrared.”
How to use blue light therapy safely
Beyond TikTok trends and celebrity endorsements, blue light therapy is experiencing a boom thanks to the rise in effective, at-home devices. But not all are of the same quality or purpose. “Always do your research,” says Anel. “Know what you’re investing in, and make sure you use it on clean, dry skin followed by products that suit your skin type.”
Because blue light LED devices don’t use UV, there’s no risk of DNA damage, making them safe for regular use with little to no downtime. “The most someone might experience is temporary redness or dryness,” notes Dr Vogt. “And unlike the blue light emitted from screens, which spans a broad spectrum and can cause skin barrier disruption, therapy devices use a narrow wavelength that’s specifically chosen to treat skin, not harm it.”
If oil control is your main goal, blue light works well alongside niacinamide and salicylic acid. For more stubborn breakouts or cystic acne, it won’t reach deep enough to resolve the root cause, but it can still be helpful when paired with other treatments. “It’s not a standalone fix for hormonal acne,” says Dr Vogt, “but it’s a great part of a multi-pronged approach, especially when it helps calm inflammation and prevent further surface-level breakouts.”
Read on for more.
CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask
Beauty tech is CurrentBody’s bread and butter so we had high hopes for its own-brand LED mask - and the good news is, we weren’t disappointed. For pre-party prep, this treatment has you covered.
There’s a combination of collagen-stimulating red lights as well as infrared that has a rejuvenating effect on areas of the skin that need healing. There are anti-ageing benefits too where you may see a reduction in the look of wrinkles - with many users suggesting that this happens in just one month. This is of course depending on how deep set these are, but you should at least notice the improvement of tone, texture and tightness. Consistency is key.
Easy to slip into your everyday routine, use the mask for just 10 minutes three to five times a day. When you’re travelling or out and about, the new and flexible poured liquid silicone exterior means you can slip it into your luggage with ease, while also being kinder and better fitting on the contour of the face.
For the Series 2 Mask, the beauty gadget specialist has upgraded the LEDs used for greater precision never before guaranteed - it now uses those with wavelengths 633nm and 830nm being within -/-2.5nm.
Buy now £399.00, Amazon
Shark Cryo Glow LED Anti-Ageing and Blemish Repair Mask
As a beauty editor, my housemates have become accustomed to the various face adornments I’m typically trialling — but Shark’s Robocop-gone-wrong Cryo Glow made them jump out of their skin. Unlike the typical flexible silicone, the LED face mask has a hard shell that shields a wealth of features.
The Cryo Glow mimics a professional treatment with four personalised programs. The 160 LEDs flit between three wavelengths — blue and the dermis-reaching red and infrared light — depending on the routine. But where it stands out is its use of Insta Chill Technology. Under the eyes are chill pads that are immediately cooling on dark circles — even without turning on the device. Once up and running, they feel as cold as ice to depuff bags with three levels of intensity.
The results are immediate, but consistency is key, with the brand suggesting daily use for a minimum of eight weeks. Each treatment in the program is up to eight minutes long. I tested the Blemish Repair. My skin felt cleaner, clearer and smoother. Then it’s a case of maintenance; Skin Sustain cuts the program down to just four minutes to boost the complexion.
Buy now £266.19, John Lewis
Silk'n Neck LED Mask
While red and blue lights are typically favoured on LED face masks (working to improve fine lines and wrinkles and acne respectively), there are an additional two wavelengths on this LED mask from Silk’n, all without costing an arm and a leg. You can make the most of the yellow light, which has been selected for its ability to boost hydration to dry skin and soothe sensitivities as well as purple which has additional anti-ageing properties. Using the remote provided, you can switch between these modes manually or else go on automatic to sit back and relax while the mask takes you through a treatment.
Buy now £140.00, Amazon
Lustre Clear Skin Solo
Fighting acne has never been easier with this compact yet powerful device. The Lustre Clear Skin Solo harnesses clinically proven blue light therapy to target acne-causing bacteria at its source, reducing breakouts safely and gently.
Designed with the same medical-grade technology used by dermatologists, it delivers a targeted, hands-free 20-minute treatment, making it ideal for mild to moderate acne. Its non-invasive and chemical-free approach ensures there are no side effects, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.
With visible improvements in skin clarity within two weeks, this device provides an effective solution for achieving and maintaining healthy, blemish-free skin. Portable and simple to use, it seamlessly integrates into any skincare routine, offering professional-grade results from the comfort of home.
Buy now £63.00, Lustre
Skin Krush Clear and Calming LED Mask
Combining blue and red light therapy, this wearable LED mask targets blemishes, calms redness and controls oil in breakout-prone skin - all from the comfort of your sofa. Designed by aesthetic nurses with two decades of experience, it delivers a professional-level glow-up without the clinic price tag.
The blue light (415nm) gets to work killing acne-causing bacteria, while the red light (633nm) soothes inflammation and encourages healing. With an overhead strap for a more secure fit, the mask is contoured to sit snugly on your face and shuts off automatically after each 10-minute session. Use it 3–5 times a week for best results, or keep it on standby for SOS skincare days.
Buy now £304.00, The Skin Nerd
Solawave 4-in-1 Skincare Wand - Rose Gold
This award-winning skincare wand isn’t just about blue light; it’s a powerful all-in-one treatment. Combining four cutting-edge technologies, including blue LED light for tackling blemishes and inflammation, it delivers visible results in just three minutes a day.
Whether you're dealing with fine lines, dark circles, puffiness or dark spots, it works to clarify and rejuvenate skin with minimal effort. Compact, efficient, and clinically backed, it's your skincare routine streamlined.
Buy now £119.99, Healf
Stylpro Fabulous Firmer LED Face and Neck Massager
If your jawline needs a little definition or your skin’s lost its bounce, this portable device is your bedside drawer's new best friend. Combining triple LED light therapy (red to boost collagen, blue to calm blemishes, and green to soothe stressed-out skin) with heat and vibration, it’s designed to lift, firm, and revive tired complexions in minutes.
Use it across the jaw, cheeks, or neck to stimulate circulation and help skincare absorb more effectively. It’s lightweight, rechargeable, and small enough to throw in your weekend bag.
Buy now £24.76, Amazon
