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 to explore the science behind it.
From Individuals to Thousands of Studies
How Can Red Light Therapy Help You?
Before diving into the individual benefits, take a moment here.
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
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
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)
Beautiful 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
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
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
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
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
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
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?
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
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
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
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
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)
