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.

What interests you?

Click on a benefit symbol to explore the science behind it.

Improve Nasal & Sinus Health

Faster Recovery and Better Performance

Hormonal Balance

Beautiful Skin and Hair

Better Sleep

Unrestricted Movement

Improved Mental Health and Cognition

Reduced Inflammation

Enhanced Eye Function

Longevity and Vitality

Strong Immune System

Increased Circulation

From Individuals to Thousands of Studies

How Can Red Light Therapy Help You?

Click on a benefit to explore the science behind it.

The body is a complex system where everything is interconnected. Therapy is 

effective because it doesn't target just one issue. Quite the opposite.

It's the same with wavelengths. Where one ends, another doesn't begin—it overlaps and complements it.

Faster Recovery and Better Performance

Red and near-infrared light are widely applied in the athletic field. This therapy has a broad range of benefits: prior to physical activity, it boosts muscle oxygenation, while after exertion, it supports recovery. The result is faster regeneration and improved athletic output. It’s beneficial across all sports and even in daily routines.

💡 How exactly does the light help?

Red

Encourages the natural production of nitric oxide (NO), which assists in the widening of blood vessels

Leads to a rise in ATP levels, the essential energy source for cells

Enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to surface-level tissues and muscles

Supports muscle recovery following physical effort

Near-infrared

Reaches deeper muscle layers

Boosts the creation of ATP, powering cellular activity

Speeds up the healing of muscles and tissues

Promotes quicker recovery from muscle damage

Helps lower inflammation after intense exertion

Improves joint mobility and reduces stiffness

Click to Explore the Studies

Scientific Studies

Red light therapy influences mitochondria to increase the production of the primary energy source called ATP. (R)

 

Red light therapy can improve muscle performance, reduce muscle fatigue during exercise, and enhance muscle recovery. It benefits athletes, individuals with muscle injuries, and patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. (R)

 

Red light therapy enhances muscle strength, reduces delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and decreases biomarkers of muscle damage more effectively than cryotherapy. Researchers concluded that photobiomodulation improves recovery after intense exercise better than cryotherapy. (R)

 

Infrared LLLT applied before eccentric training improves hypertrophic response and muscle strength gains in healthy individuals. (R)

 

A meta-analysis examined time to exhaustion, repetition count, isometric peak torque, and blood lactate levels, showing positive results with wavelengths ranging from 655 to 950 nm. (R)

 

Photobiomodulation

Hormonal Balance

The endocrine system, often referred to as the network of internally secreting glands, plays a central role in regulating every function in the body. The most efficient strategy involves using both red and near-infrared light. When combined, these wavelengths help balance the entire hormonal system, but they can also be applied locally to trigger specific hormone responses—for instance, targeting the thyroid or reproductive glands.

💡 How exactly does the light help?

Red and Near-infrared

Enhance the creation of ATP, the primary energy source for cells

Activate the glands directly exposed to the light

When applied to the entire body, promote overall hormonal balance

Help regulate melatonin, the sleep hormone, making it easier to fall asleep and wake naturally

Support healthy function of the thyroid gland

Play a role in testosterone and sperm production

May help ease menopausal symptoms

Restore hormonal equilibrium, allowing the body to operate at its best

Click to Explore the Studies

Scientific Studies

LLLT with red light is effective in raising testosterone levels. (R)

 

Infrared LLLT supports improved thyroid function. Patients experienced a reduced need for medication in cases of thyroid hormone deficiency and lower levels of thyroid autoimmune disease markers (TPOAb). (R)

 

Infrared LLLT positively influences thyroid hormone levels. (R)

 

Low-intensity infrared laser therapy increases sperm concentration and motility, reduces degenerative sperm forms, and raises levels of sexual and gonadotropic hormones. (R)

 

Irradiation of human sperm with low-level infrared diode lasers improves progressive motility. (R)

Bautiful Skin and Hair

As we age, the body produces less collagen and elastin, two essential proteins for maintaining youthful skin and tissue strength. Over time, their natural decline leads to wrinkles, weaker hair and nails, and slower wound healing. Red light helps by stimulating collagen production and enhancing microcirculation, which means your skin, hair, and nails receive more oxygen and nutrients to stay healthier and stronger.

💡 How exactly does the light help?

Red

Supports the body’s natural collagen production

Encourages the synthesis of elastin, which keeps skin firm and elastic

Boosts microcirculation, improving oxygen delivery and nutrient flow to cells

Helps reduce and prevent wrinkles

Aids in the healing of scars and wounds

Activates hair follicles, positively impacting both the amount and quality of hair

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Scientific Studies

Red light therapy is an effective therapeutic method for treating acne vulgaris. (R)

 

Red light therapy significantly improved hair count in men with androgenetic alopecia. (R)

 

Red and near-infrared light therapy is a safe and effective method for skin rejuvenation, reducing wrinkles, fine lines, and increasing skin collagen density. (R)

 

Red LLLT application positively impacts wrinkle reduction, fine lines, and skin hydration on women's cheeks. Overall, women experienced brighter skin and a younger appearance. (R)

 

Red therapy has an anti-inflammatory effect and works on both acute and chronic inflammation. It effectively accelerates wound healing and increases collagen synthesis. (R)

 

Photobiomodulation is an effective and safe therapeutic method for treating burn scars in children. (R)

 

LLLT is effective in accelerating the wound-healing process for burns. (R)

Better Sleep

Our body operates on a built-in 24-hour cycle, known as the circadian rhythm. While reducing blue light exposure before bed can help protect it, a more complete solution is the use of red light therapy. This approach supports both daytime energy levels and promotes deeper, more restorative sleep.

💡 How exactly does the light 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

Click to Explore the Studies

Scientific Studies

Red light therapy for elite female basketball players improved sleep quality and significantly increased melatonin secretion. It also positively impacted their endurance performance. (R)

 

Infrared LLLT was used on patients whose brain activity (EEG) was measured before, during, and after light stimulation. Researchers concluded that LLLT could be beneficial for patients with sleep problems. (R)

 

Infrared LLLT reduced sleep-related disorders in patients with chronic migraines. (R)

 

People with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) experienced an average increase of 1 hour of sleep per night after red and near-infrared light therapy. (R)

 

Individuals with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) reported improved sleep following phototherapy with red and infrared LEDs. (R)

Unrestricted Movement

Just like the rest of the body, the musculoskeletal system is highly interconnected and complex. Using near-infrared light therapy, you can take a holistic approach—targeting tendons, joints, ligaments, and even bones. This not only supports faster healing but also serves as a powerful tool for injury prevention.

💡 How exactly does the light 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

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Scientific Studies

LLLT is a safe and effective method for treating knee osteoarthritis. (R)

 

Reduces pain in knee osteoarthritis and improves microcirculation (the circulation of bodily fluids such as blood, interstitial fluid, and lymph at the tissue level). (R)

 

Combined with exercises, LLLT was more effective in treating patients with knee osteoarthritis than exercise alone. (R)

Both red and infrared light help repair damaged bones. The infrared spectrum is more effective. (R)

 

Bones irradiated with infrared light exhibit enhanced repair (osteoblast proliferation), collagen deposition, and bone formation. (R)

Improved Mental Health and Cognition

True health goes beyond physical strength—it also includes the brain and emotional balance. Red and near-infrared light therapy play a key role in supporting this, helping to build resilience to stress, enhance mental clarity and cognitive performance, and ease symptoms of depression. These effects are closely tied to our exposure to red-spectrum sunlight, which is often missing in modern indoor lifestyles.

💡 How exactly does the light 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

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Scientific Studies

After two weeks of near-infrared light therapy on the forehead, significant improvement in the Hamilton Depression and Anxiety Rating Scales was observed, with no side effects reported. (R)

 

Near-infrared light therapy (NIR) shows promise as an effective neuroprotective treatment for patients with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, and potentially other neurodegenerative disorders like multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. (R)

 

Infrared LLLT reduced headache days and pain intensity in patients with chronic migraines. (R)

 

Red/infrared LED therapy improved cognitive functions in people with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and reduced episodes of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). (R)

 

Red and infrared LED light applied to the skull improved cognitive functions in patients with TBI, even years after the injury. It also reduced PTSD symptoms, which share similar brain abnormalities with chronic TBI cases, including medial prefrontal cortex dysfunction. (R)

Reduced Inflammation

Pain and swelling are common signs of active inflammation. Red and near-infrared light therapy can help by reducing both the symptoms and the underlying inflammation. They support the body’s healing process and help relieve pain, whether it’s on the surface or deeper in internal tissues.Pain and swelling are common signs of active inflammation. Red and near-infrared light therapy can help by reducing both the symptoms and the underlying inflammation. They support the body’s healing process and help relieve pain, whether it’s on the surface or deeper in internal tissues.

💡 How exactly does the light 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

Click to Explore the Studies

Scientific Studies

Red and infrared light therapy significantly reduces inflammation levels in the body. (R)

 

Photobiomodulation can reduce inflammation in the brain, lungs, abdominal fat, and various types of wounds. (R)

 

By effectively reducing inflammation, photobiomodulation can be used to treat issues like osteoarthritis, joint injuries, and excessive swelling without the side effects commonly associated with anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Naproxen). (R)

 

Infrared LLLT alleviates pain and symptoms, improving functional abilities and hand strength in patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome. (R)

 

LLLT is effective for carpal tunnel syndrome, reducing tingling, numbness, and improving grip strength in hands. (R)

 

Treatment of tennis elbow using LLLT shows significant long-term improvements in sensitivity, strength, and pain reduction. (R)

 

LLLT combined with exercise is effective in relieving pain, improving grip strength, and subjective physical function in patients with lateral epicondylitis. (R)

 

Immediate pain relief and improved healing of oral mucositis (inflammation in the mouth associated with ulcers) after LLLT application. (R)

 

LLLT accelerates the healing process of chronic diabetic foot ulcers and is expected to shorten the time required for complete healing. (R)

Enhanced Eye Function

Today, we’re constantly surrounded by blue light, mainly from screens. Red light therapy (RED) serves as a natural countermeasure, helping to neutralize its harmful effects. It also boosts cellular energy in the eyes, supporting overall visual health and reducing strain.

💡 How exactly does the light help?

Red

Balances excessive blue light exposure

Increased cellular energy enhances healthy eye function

Helps prevent degenerative changes

Supports retinal function

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Scientific Studies

Infrared light aids in combating complex eye and neurological conditions such as early macular degeneration or age-related macular degeneration. (R)

 

Red light improves vision, especially in older individuals. This works by increasing cellular energy in the retina, which declines with age. The result is better color recognition and improved visibility in low-light conditions. (R)

Longevity and Vitality

The benefits of red and near-infrared light therapy come together in one powerful outcome: greater cellular energy, a well-functioning body, and a clear, focused mind—key ingredients for lasting vitality, even as you age. The impact isn’t instant, but over time—whether in a few years or many—you’ll be glad you committed to those 20 daily minutes. And you’ll genuinely enjoy the way you feel and look.

💡 How exactly does the light help?

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

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Scientific Studies

Photobiomodulation alters the aging process in the central nervous system by improving neuron survival and function and reducing gliosis and inflammation. (R)

 

Red light therapy influences mitochondria to increase the production of the primary energy source known as ATP. (R)

 

Red and infrared light therapy positively impacts the composition of the gut microbiome. (R)

 

Improved exercise functional capacity and less frequent symptoms of angina pectoris during stress tests in patients with advanced coronary artery disease after LLLT use. (R)

 

Infrared laser therapy has proven safe and effective in treating ischemic stroke in humans when initiated within 24 hours of stroke onset. (R)

Strong Immune System

Theimmune systemis an intricate and highlyinterconnected network, relying on numerous internal processes and tissues—from theskinto thegut.Red and near-infrared light therapieswork insynergy, reinforcing each other to support these vital functions. Together, they help the body buildstronger defensesand become moreresilient against pathogens.

💡 How exactly does the light 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

Click to Explore the Studies

Scientific Studies

Red light at wavelengths of 633 and 660 nm modulates the immune response by increasing lymphocyte numbers and reducing neutrophils, demonstrating its ability to balance immune cells and strengthen the immune system according to the body's current immune state. (R)

 

Near-infrared light at a wavelength of 830 nm induces a mild inflammatory response similar to the initial phase of wound healing, stimulating immune cell activation (e.g., macrophages and leukocytes). This enhances the regeneration process and promotes collagen synthesis. (R)

 

Red light at a wavelength of 630 nm promotes lymphocyte proliferation and ATP synthesis, boosting immune responses and improving survival rates in sepsis. This suggests its potential as an adjunctive therapy for immunity enhancement. (R)

 

Red light at a wavelength of 670 nm reduces inflammatory cells (CD45 and CD8) and promotes non-HPA axis-dependent immune responses by activating corticosteroid-promoting enzymes in non-adrenal tissues, confirming its immunomodulatory effects. (R)

 

Red light at a wavelength of 633 nm supports the immune system by stimulating the production of IL-2 and Hsp70, key molecules for proper immune function. This short-term stimulation helps stabilize immune responses and improve overall immune balance. (R)

Improved Blood Circulation

Blood serves as the main carrier of oxygen and nutrients to every cell in the body. It's what allows cells to grow, function, and regenerate—with up to hundreds of billions renewing each day. Red and near-infrared light have a powerful influence on cellular activity, and by enhancing this process, they directly support your overall health and vitality.

💡 How exactly does the light 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

Click to Explore the Studies

Scientific Studies

Photobiomodulation with red and near-infrared light promotes blood circulation by increasing nitric oxide (NO) availability, improving endothelial function, and restoring vascular balance. This can be effective in treating cardiovascular diseases. (R)

 

Red light at a wavelength of 660 nm enhances blood flow by releasing nitric oxide (NO), which causes vasodilation and lowers blood pressure. (R)

 

Red light at 670 nm has been shown to improve circulation by stimulating the release of nitric oxide precursors, leading to sustained blood flow increases. This could serve as an effective home therapy for people with reduced blood flow in extremities. (R)

 

Photobiomodulation with red light at 670 nm improves circulation by stimulating endothelial cells to release more nitric oxide (NO), resulting in vasodilation and better blood flow even under conditions of reduced NO availability, such as in diabetes. (R)

Improve Nasal & Sinus Health

The nasal and sinus passages play a vital role in breathing, filtration, and immune defense. When these tissues become inflamed—due to colds, allergies, or chronic conditions—airflow is reduced and pressure can build up, leading to discomfort and slower recovery. Red and near-infrared light help relieve inflammation and support tissue repair, improving breathing and reducing sinus-related symptoms over time. Their effects target both surface membranes and deeper sinus structures.

💡 How exactly does the light help?

Red

Reduces inflammation in nasal tissues

Improves circulation in the mucosal lining

Aids in the healing of irritated membranes

Near-infrared

Penetrates deeper sinus cavities

Helps pressure and congestion

Supports immune response in the nasal area

Contributes to the long-term resilience of the sinus system

Click to Explore the Studies

Scientific Studies

A randomized controlled trial demonstrated that red light therapy applied intranasally significantly improved nasal patency in patients suffering from allergic rhinitis. (R)

 

This study reviewed the use of low-level light therapy in managing chronic rhinitis symptoms, concluding it led to reduced congestion, improved breathing, and decreased need for medication. (R)

 

Researchers found that transnasal photobiomodulation modulates mucosal inflammation and promotes sinus tissue healing, especially useful in chronic rhinosinusitis management. (R)

 

In a follow-up clinical report, red light therapy significantly improved mucociliary clearance and sinus ventilation, showing lasting benefit after repeated sessions. (R)

 

This recent paper explored how intranasal light therapy affects epithelial repair mechanisms in the upper airways, revealing a notable reduction in inflammatory cytokines. (R)

 

A mechanistic review of photobiomodulation explained how red light reduces pro-inflammatory mediators and supports mitochondrial function, which may relieve sinus pressure and boost mucosal recovery. (R)