Red Light Therapy
Photobiomodulation, also referred to as red light therapy, has become one of the most thoughtful and quietly transformative innovations in both clinical care and modern wellness. At its essence, it uses specific wavelengths of light to support the body’s natural biological processes in a therapeutic, non‑invasive way. Once reserved almost exclusively for medical environments, it’s now more accessible than ever, with devices designed for both professional treatment rooms and at‑home routines. Its growing popularity isn’t driven by hype; it’s driven by consistent, research‑supported outcomes.
The idea of using light as a healing tool isn’t new. Ancient Egyptian practices, Ayurveda, and Traditional Chinese Medicine all recognized the role of sunlight in supporting vitality, circadian rhythm, and overall well‑being. What we’re experiencing today is a more precise, technology‑driven evolution of that wisdom. One that allows us to apply light with intention, accuracy, and a deeper understanding of how it interacts with the body [1].
In this article, we’ll explore the science behind red light therapy, the visible and invisible light spectrum, and the application of each one. By the end you’ll have a clear understanding of all the different red light therapy, their penetration depth, and how it effects overall health. This knowledge will empower you to make an informed decision about which light therapy aligns with your wellness journey.
Red Light Therapy
What makes red light therapy particularly compelling is the specificity of its wavelengths. Each range interacts with the body differently. Red light, typically between 630–660 nm, works at the surface layers of the skin, making it especially supportive for skin health. It’s commonly used to:
encourage collagen production
calm inflammation
improve circulation
address concerns such as fine lines, uneven tone, and acne.
Hair Growth
increase hair thickness
improved hair growth
potential to simulate dormant hair follicles
Wound Healing
Speed up the healing process for burns, wounds, and surgery incisions
reduce inflammation and pain associated with injuries
stimulate the production of new blood vessels
increase coll production
Infrared Light
As wavelengths lengthen, their therapeutic reach deepens. Infrared light (generally above 900 nm) penetrates below the skin and is experienced as gentle heat, offering relief for muscle tension, joint discomfort, and overall recovery.
deeper tissue penetration
pain relief
muscle recovery
Near Infrared Light
Near infrared light, falls within the invisible spectrum, typically ranging from 810 - 850 mm. This longer wavelength allows for deeper penetraion, reaching up to 5mm into the body. NIR light creates a stimulation in the body to promote cells to produce more ATP, which is the fuel necessary for repaid and regeneration [2]. Wavelengths that penetrate this deep into the body end up affecting:
muscle and joins
connective tissue
bone
brain
How Often Should You Use Red Light Therapy?
From a practical standpoint, consistency is what shapes results. Many individuals benefit from 20 - minute sessions, three to five times per week, with slight adjustments depending on the goal.
Skin healthy and anti ageing: 3 -5x a week
Muscle recovery and pain relief: 4 - 5x a week
Hair regrowth: 3x a week
Like most wellness practices, the benefits are cumulative and build gradually over time.
Who Should Use Caution or Avoid it?
Of course, awareness matters. While FDA - cleared devices are generally considered safe. We recommend speaking with your primary care physician if:
You’re pregnant
You have a history of skin cancer or are going through chemotherapy
You have photosensitive conditions
You have epilepsy
You have hyperthyroidism
You’re prone to hyperpigmentation
In Conclusion
What I find most meaningful about red light therapy is how seamlessly it bridges historical wisdom with modern science. It doesn’t introduce something foreign to the body; it enhances processes we already rely on, now with greater clarity and accessibility.
In practice, I’ve seen clients experience noticeable shifts in inflammation, post‑procedure recovery, and joint discomfort, often observing visible improvements with consistent use over a few months. It has also become a supportive part of my own routine, especially for recovery, sleep quality, and maintaining long‑term skin integrity.
Ultimately, the value of photobiomodulation lies in its adaptability. When you choose wavelengths and frequency that align with your needs, it becomes less about chasing quick results and more about supporting the body’s natural ability to restore, repair, and rebalance.
At Home Devices I Recommend
TheraFace Mask Glo - $379.99
Shark CryoGlow Red Blue & Infrared iQLED Face Mask & Under Eye Cooling - $349.99
Citation
[1] Heiskanen V, Hamblin MR. Photobiomodulation: lasers vs. light emitting diodes? Photochem Photobiol Sci. 2018 Aug 8;17(8):1003-1017. doi: 10.1039/c8pp90049c. Erratum in: Photochem Photobiol Sci. 2018 Oct 31;18(1):259-259. doi: 10.1039/c8pp90049c. PMID: 30044464; PMCID: PMC6091542.
[2] National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Science Mission Directorate. (2010). Infrared Waves. Retrieved [insert date - e.g. August 10, 2016], from NASA Science website: http://science.nasa.gov/ems/07_infraredwaves