Green Light Therapy Is Skincare's Newest Trend, And It May Be The Secret To Getting Rid Of Dark Spots (2025)

Light therapy is more than just an aesthetically appealing skin treatment (though the "looks cool on social" vibes are an added bonus)—it comes with many proven benefits for treating your most pressing skin concerns. Red light therapy, for example, has been shown to treat certain skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis as well as reduce wrinkles and stimulate hair growth, blue light can battle acne, and yellow light may quell inflammation to get rid of puffiness.

But there’s a new light in this rainbow of solutions: green light. With promises of reducing inflammation and fading pesky dark spots paired with the mesmerizing effect of bathing skin in a Brat-esque hue, this wavelength is an exciting emerging solution.

Here's what you need to know.

Meet the experts: Kiran Mian, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology & Laser Surgery. Hadley King, MD, is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist. Ellen Marmur, MD, is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist.

What is green light therapy?

Green light is primarily used to target pigment and inflammatory cells, explains New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Ellen Marmur, MD. It doesn't penetrate quite as deeply as other light therapies, operating within the wavelength range of 500-570 nanometers (nm) in the upper dermal layers. But when it comes to treating dark spots and inflammation, that's a good thing. “Green light is short and affects the first few layers of the epidermis,” says Kiran Mian, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology & Laser Surgery. “That is why it works well to decrease visible pigment and help with superficial redness.”

Green light works great for every skin type, but our docs recommends it for those looking to treat specific skin concerns such as dark spots since it can help brighten and even skin tone. And because green light doesn't penetrate as deeply as red, it may also be helpful for reducing redness, says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified New York City-based dermatologist. “It may have anti-inflammatory effects, which could potentially promote wound-healing,” she explains, adding that it may also improve blood circulation. Bring on that glow!

Here's the thing: Studies on green light are limited, so our doctors concur that the therapy needs more research to confirm its efficacy. And while light therapy is generally considered safe, those with photosensitivity issues, eye conditions such as macular degeneration or retinopathy, or who are pregnant may also want to avoid it, says Dr. Marmur.

How to go green

Green light therapy isn't typically used in-office by dermatologists on its own, but at-home devices using this wavelength are a big trend. It's easy to incorporate into your routine, just be sure to get the right device. “You want to buy from a brand that's transparent about the energy specifications,” says Dr. Mian. “These devices are not standardized, so purchasing from a company that provides you with as much information as possible.” Look for a device that's been evaluated by the FDA—something any reputable brand will proudly display on its label—or has clinical data to back up it's efficacy (the brand will usually display these on their website).

Devices like the MMSkincare MMSphere are a good option if you want a tool that features other light therapy options. It's FDA-cleared, with nine different light settings and should be used at least three times a week for 20 minutes. If you’re looking for a real investment, you can splurge on something like the Lumara Illuminate Green, which is also FDA-cleared, and designed to be used for just five minutes daily. Bonus: This one comes with a set of goggles, a carrying case, and an adjustable strap.

If you use any of these, you can—and should—still continue your regular skincare routine, says Dr. King. You’ll want to follow the instructions that come with your device, and she strongly recommends wearing protective eyewear whenever you do a treatment on your own. The key is to make sure you actually use your device regularly. “Consistency is key when it comes to using LED therapy at home,” says Dr. Mian. “Results are slow, but progressive.”

Consider that your green light to get in on this trend.