Science & Effects of Red Light Therapy

We’ve read hundreds of studies, so you don’t have to. Clinical tests, theories, and evidence explaining why and how red and near-infrared light therapy works. Today, there are already thousands of studies. Yet, at the turn of the millennium, you’d find only a handful of records.

The breakthrough came thanks to NASA’s research, which sparked scientific interest in this therapy. And with the growing number of studies, its applications are expanding.

From Individuals to Thousands of Studies

1903

Nobel Prize for Niels Ryberg Finsen for discovering phototherapy and its effects on lupus vulgaris (tuberculous skin disease)

1917

Einstein’s theory, which serves as the foundation for the development of lasers

1960

The first functional laser by Theodore H. Maiman's team

1967

Hungarian physicist Endre Mester accidentally created a low-power laser that accelerates wound healing

1987

Commercial lasers are sold for “pain, arthritis, and regeneration” with minimal evidence and research

1989

Tiina Karu connects therapy effects with mitochondria and questions the use of lasers

1996

NASA confirms the positive effects of red light therapy using LEDs

2000+

The number of studies skyrockets, confirming the effects of therapy on the body

2010

Smaller devices are manufactured, capable of illuminating larger areas

TODAY

Thousands of studies, continuous innovation, and use of multiple wavelengths

How Can Red Light Therapy Help You?

The body is a complex system where everything is interconnected. Therapy is effective because it doesn't target just one issue. Quite the opposite.

Faster Recovery and Better Performance

In sports, both red and near-infrared light are used. Therapy works comprehensively—before a performance, it helps oxygenate muscles, and afterward, it aids recovery. This not only reduces recovery time but also enhances performance. Useful for any sport and everyday life.

💡 How exactly do the lights help?

Red

  • Stimulates nitric oxide (NO) production, which helps dilate blood vessels
  • Increases ATP levels—the fuel for cells
  • Surface tissues and muscles receive more oxygen and nutrients
  • Aids in muscle recovery after exertion

Near-infrared

  • Penetrates deeper into muscles
  • Boosts ATP production, which provides energy to cells
  • Accelerates muscle and tissue recovery
  • Helps heal microtraumas in muscles faster
  • Reduces inflammation in the body post-performance
  • Aids in joint flexibility and stiffness

Hormonal Balance

The endocrine system (commonly known as the glands with internal secretion) controls absolutely everything in your body. The most effective approach is to use both spectrums—red and near-infrared. Together, they contribute to regulating the entire system, but they can also be used locally to stimulate hormone production. For example, on the thyroid or reproductive glands.

💡 How exactly do the lights help?

Red and Near-infrared

  • Increase ATP production, which provides energy to cells
  • Stimulate glands they target
  • During full-body therapy, help with overall balance
  • Regulate the sleep hormone melatonin, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up
  • Support thyroid gland function
  • Contribute to testosterone and sperm production
  • May alleviate menopausal symptoms
  • Balance hormones, enabling the body to function as it should

Beautiful Skin and Hair

The older you are, the less collagen and elastin your body produces. With age, their levels naturally decrease. Wrinkles appear, the quality of hair and nails deteriorates, and wounds take longer to heal. Red light stimulates collagen production. It also improves microcirculation, providing more oxygen and nutrients to your hair, nails, and skin.

💡 How exactly do the lights help?

Red

  • Helps with collagen synthesis in the body
  • Stimulates elastin production, keeping skin elastic
  • Improves blood microcirculation, enhancing oxygenation and cell nutrition
  • Contributes to wrinkle reduction and prevention
  • Promotes better healing of scars and wounds
  • Stimulates hair follicles, influencing the quantity and quality of hair

Better Sleep

Our body naturally follows a 24-hour biorhythm (circadian rhythm). You can combat its disruption not only by minimizing blue light exposure before sleep but also through comprehensive red light therapy. This helps with daytime energy and restful sleep.

💡 How exactly do the lights help?

Red

  • Acts as a counterbalance to blue light, which disrupts sleep
  • Increases evening melatonin production (sleep hormone)
  • Helps you fall asleep faster in the evening
  • Extends the phase of deep (non-REM) sleep

Near-infrared

  • Supports the production of melatonin stored deeper in tissues
  • Enhances cellular function by boosting their energy
  • Gives the body more strength to regenerate and rest
  • Also fights stress and fatigue

Unrestricted Movement

Like every other part of the body, the musculoskeletal system is a complex system. Everything is interconnected. With near-infrared therapy, you can address issues holistically—from tendons, joints, and ligaments to bones. This promotes faster recovery and effective prevention.

💡 How exactly do the lights help?

Near-infrared

  • Acts as prevention while also supporting recovery
  • Improves joint flexibility and reduces stiffness
  • Reduces inflammation, benefiting both chronic and acute issues
  • The musculoskeletal system is largely composed of collagen, and therapy supports its synthesis (increasing collagen levels in the body)
  • Studies confirm increased bone density, protecting against fractures
  • Enhances blood circulation, supplying tissues with nutrients and oxygen

Improved Mental Health and Cognition

Health isn't just about a strong body; it's also about the brain and mental well-being. Both red and near-infrared light therapy positively impact these areas. They enhance resilience to stress, improve cognitive functions, and reduce depression. All of this is influenced by the presence (or lack) of red spectrum sunlight.

💡 How exactly do the lights help?

Red

  • Directly improves mood and boosts overall energy
  • Helps regulate the natural circadian cycle
  • Stimulates serotonin production, promoting a good mood
  • May reduce symptoms of depression or anxiety

Near-infrared

  • Penetrates deep into the brain, increasing cellular energy
  • Supports the creation of new neurons (neurogenesis)
  • Can enhance learning, memory, and focus
  • Balances neurotransmitters for a more stable mood

Reduced Inflammation

Swelling and pain—these are often linked to active inflammation. Both red and near-infrared light therapy can minimize symptoms and inflammation itself. They aid healing and reduce pain, whether on the skin or deeper within the body.

💡 How exactly do the lights help?

Red

  • Penetrates upper layers of the skin
  • Improves microcirculation, promoting healing and inflammation reduction
  • Supports antioxidant processes and wound healing
  • Reduces symptoms of acne, eczema, and rosacea

Near-infrared

  • Combats deeper inflammation and pain
  • Aids in the recovery of strained tendons and muscles
  • Positively affects chronic inflammation of the musculoskeletal system
  • Can help with arthritis and other joint conditions
  • Its antioxidant effects assist in reducing inflammatory responses

Enhanced Eye Function

Blue light is everywhere these days. Screens, the primary source, surround us constantly. Red light therapy (RED) acts as a counterbalance. It reduces the negative effects of blue light exposure and increases cellular energy in the eyes.

💡 How exactly do the lights help?

Red

  • Balances excessive blue light exposure
  • Increased cellular energy enhances healthy eye function
  • Helps prevent degenerative changes
  • Supports retinal function

Longevity and Vitality

All the effects of red and near-infrared light therapy converge here. More cellular energy, a functional body, and a sharp mind—all contribute to vitality even in old age. This effect won’t be apparent immediately, but in a few (or many) years, you’ll thank yourself for those 20 minutes a day. And you’ll enjoy how you feel and look.

💡 How exactly do the lights help?

Red and Near-infrared

  • Comprehensive and interconnected effects benefit the future
  • Extend cell longevity by increasing energy
  • Contribute to longevity and an active life
  • Slow down signs of aging and overall fatigue

Strong Immune System

The immune system is a perfectly interconnected but highly complex system. Its effectiveness depends on countless internal processes and tissues—from the skin to the gut. Red and near-infrared light therapies work synergistically, complementing and supporting one another. This helps the body become more resilient to pathogens.

💡 How exactly do the lights help?

Red

  • Improves microcirculation
  • Provides cells with more oxygen and nutrients
  • Accelerates the removal of waste products
  • Increased cellular energy aids in combating surface infections

Near-infrared

  • Supports cellular regeneration deep within the body
  • Stimulates the production of white blood cells
  • Faster regeneration prevents the body from becoming overwhelmed
  • Helps reduce inflammation and internal infections

Improved Blood Circulation

Blood is the primary source of oxygen and nutrients for our cells. Thanks to it, cells grow, metabolize, and renew themselves—up to hundreds of billions daily. Both red and near-infrared light have a significant impact on cellular function, which in turn affects your overall well-being.

💡 How exactly do the lights help?

Red

  • Stimulates nitric oxide (NO) production
  • Expands blood vessels, improving blood flow
  • Aids in vascular regeneration and accelerates wound healing

Near-infrared

  • Stimulates nitric oxide (NO) production in deeper tissues
  • Enhances recovery of muscles, tendons, and even organs
  • Overall, it supports the cardiovascular system