Blue Light Therapy & Pigmentation: Dispelling the Myths

Blue light has been getting a lot of attention lately. Some people warn that it can worsen pigmentation problems like melasma, while others praise it as a breakthrough for clearer, healthier skin. So which is it?

Let’s separate myth from fact and explain why Celluma’s Blue Light Therapy is both safe and effective.

The Myth About Blue Light

You may have heard the claim:“Blue light causes melasma and pigmentation.” But here’s the truth—this is a misleading statement when applied to low-level light therapy (LLLT). The confusion comes from grouping all kinds of light together, from UV rays to visible blue light, as if they all act the same way.

We know that UVA and UVB light from the sun are the real culprits behind pigmentation and melasma. That’s why sunscreen is essential. Some lab studies have also shown that very short blue-violet light (~415 nm) at extremely high doses can trigger pigment activity through special light sensors in the skin called opsins (specifically OPN3). But here’s the catch: those studies used huge doses of light—far higher than anything used in light therapy treatments.

Celluma’s blue light couldn’t be more different. It uses a slightly longer wavelength (~465 nm) and delivers it at gentle, therapeutic low-level light therapy. That means it stays well below any pigmentation-triggering thresholds—and instead focuses on what it does best: supporting healthy skin.

Woman using a blue light therapy handheld LED device for the treatment of acne. — Acne treatment with Celluma POD S2

Woman lying on a couch receiving an acne treatment using a Celluma NOVA LED light therapy panel using red light, blue light, and near-infrared light energy. — Celluma NOVA in acne mode.

Celluma Blue Light is proven Safe and Effective

Like all Celluma treatments, our blue light therapy is designed to be both gentle and effective, while undertaking a specific role in the upper layers of skin. Unlike red and near-infrared light, which penetrate deeper, blue light works mainly in the very top layers of your skin. This makes it ideal for addressing concerns right at the surface. And because the light is delivered in low, carefully controlled doses, you don’t have to worry about overexposure or hidden risks. Celluma devices are also FDA-cleared for multiple skin and health uses, which means their safety and performance have been thoroughly reviewed.

Why It Works So Well

Here’s where the science gets exciting. Blue light is most well-known for targeting acne-causing bacteria (C. acnes). When exposed, these bacteria produce molecules that essentially wipe them out—reducing breakouts safely and naturally. But that’s not the whole story. Blue light also helps to: Calm inflammation and irritation, leaving skin looking clearer and less reactive.*1 Support skin balance and turnover, helping maintain a healthier skin barrier. Work in synergy with red and near-infrared light—while blue light tackles surface-level bacteria and irritation, red (640 nm) and NIR (880 nm) penetrate deeper to reduce redness, boost circulation, and promote skin repair. Together, they create a powerful, layered approach to restoring skin health. *2

Woman holding a Celluma multi-wavelength LED light therapy panel featuring blue light, red light, and near-infrared LED diodes. — Synergistic wavelengths of blue light, red light, and near-infrared light.

This is why Celluma is one of the most recognized and awarded LED light therapies among medical, aesthetic, and wellness professionals worldwide.

The Bottom Line on LED Blue Light Therapy

The idea that “blue light causes pigmentation” just doesn’t hold up when you look at the science. The risks come from UV rays or extremely high doses of short blue-violet light—not from the safe, low-level blue light Celluma uses. With the right wavelength, the right dose, and the right exposure time, blue light isn’t just safe—it’s one of your skin’s best allies, working hand-in-hand with red and near-infrared light to calm, clear, and restore healthier skin function.

Ready to experience the difference? Discover how Celluma Blue Light Therapy can safely and effectively clear your skin, calm inflammation, and prevent future breakouts.

REFERENCES

Sadowska M, Narbutt J, Lesiak A. Blue Light in Dermatology. Life (Basel). 2021 Jul 8;11(7):670. doi: 10.3390/life11070670. PMID: 34357042; PMCID: PMC8307003. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8307003/
Lee, S.Y., You, C.E. and Park, M.Y. (2007), Blue and red light combination LED phototherapy for acne vulgaris in patients with skin phototype IV. Lasers Surg. Med., 39: 180-188. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/lsm.20412

The Acne Collection

Clear breakouts and rejuvenate your skin with combination blue light, red light, and near-infrared light therapy.

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Older woman using Celluma PRO LED light therapy panel on face for anti-aging and wrinkle reduction. HSA/FSA eligible medical-grade red light device.

Celluma PRO LED Light Therapy Panel S-Curve design showing red and blue light therapy for face, neck, and chest treatment. FDA-cleared flexible light therapy device for acne, wrinkles, and pain relief.

Woman using Celluma POD Series 2 LED red light therapy device against her face for acne and wrinkle treatment.

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About the Author

Team Celluma is a devoted squad of individuals with a shared dedication to global wellness and deeply inspired by light and its power to transform lives. We're passionate about making the world a better place by providing solutions that improve the health and wellbeing of people worldwide.

Blue Light Myths - Pigmentation