Red Light Therapy: What is it and How does it Work?
Red light therapy has become one of the most talked-about wellness tools in recent years. From dermatology clinics to at-home devices, it’s promoted for better skin, reduced inflammation, faster muscle recovery, and even improved energy. But what does the science actually say?
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy (also called photobiomodulation) uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light, typically between 600–900 nanometers, to penetrate the skin.
Unlike UV light from the sun, red and near-infrared light do not damage DNA. Instead, they reach deeper layers of tissue and interact with structures inside your cells, particularly the mitochondria.
Mitochondria often called the “power house” of the cell because they produce ATP, the energy your cells use to function and repair themselves. The idea behind red light therapy is simple:
Give your cells more energy, and they can do their job, healing and recovering, more efficiently.
How It Works in the Body
Research suggests red and near-infrared light may:
Stimulate mitochondrial activity
Increase ATP production
Reduce oxidative stress
Improve circulation
Influence inflammatory signaling
That’s why it’s being studied across multiple areas of health.
What the Evidence Supports
1. Skin Health
This is where the strongest evidence exists.
Clinical studies suggest red light therapy may:
Stimulate collagen production
Improve skin elasticity
Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Support wound healing
Calm inflammatory skin conditions
Because it’s non-invasive and doesn’t damage the skin barrier, dermatologists often use it as a supportive treatment.
2. Muscle Recovery and Joint Support
Several studies show that red and near-infrared light can:
Reduce post-exercise muscle soreness
Improve recovery time
Arthritis-related joint discomfort (especially knee osteoarthritis)
Decrease markers of inflammation
It appears to help by improving blood flow and reducing inflammatory signaling in tissues.
3. Inflammation and Tissue Healing
Chronic inflammation is involved in many health conditions.
Photobiomodulation has been studied for:
Tendon injuries
Faster wound closure
Reduced inflammation during early stages of healing
Better organization of scar tissue. These effects are being explored for burns, surgical wounds, and chronic ulcers.
While it’s not a cure for underlying disease, it may help reduce symptom severity by influencing cellular repair and inflammatory pathways.
4. Brain and Mood
Near-infrared light can penetrate the skull to a limited degree, and researchers are studying its effects on:
Cognitive function (Dementia)
Traumatic brain injury
Mood disorders
Sleep and memory
Some early studies, including small clinical trials, have looked at red and near‑infrared light delivered to the head to support cognitive function in conditions like dementia. Results so far show potential improvements in memory, mood, and sleep, but larger studies are still needed to confirm long‑term benefit.
5. Eye Health
Researchers in the UK are exploring how safe, short exposures to deep red light might help slow the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in children. Early studies are promising, showing that just a few minutes of red light each day could support eye function and reduce strain.
6. Hair Growth & Scalp Health
Red light therapy is one of the few non‑drug treatments that’s been cleared by the FDA for pattern hair loss in both men and women. Clinical studies have shown that regular red or near‑infrared light exposure can:
Stimulate hair follicles into the active growth phase
Increase hair thickness and density
Improve blood flow to the scalp, delivering nutrients that support follicle health
Studies report noticeable improvements in hair count and density after consistent use (often over several months).
7. Chronic Pain Conditions
Red light therapy has also shown promise as an adjunct for:
Chronic low back pain
Fibromyalgia symptoms
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort
Some research shows reductions in pain intensity and functional improvements, although studies vary in size and quality.
Is It Safe?
Current research suggests red light therapy is generally safe when used appropriately.
It:
Does not emit UV radiation
Does not burn the skin when used correctly
Is non-invasive
That said, eye protection is often recommended, and individuals with medical conditions should consult their healthcare provider before starting any new therapy.
How Long Before Results?
This is where expectations matter.
Most studies show improvements after:
3–5 sessions per week
Over several weeks to months
Results are gradual and cumulative. Consistency matters more than intensity.
Is It Worth It?
The science suggests red light therapy has legitimate biological effects, and its considered very safe.
However, it works best as part of a larger foundation that includes:
Sleep
Nutrition
Movement
Stress management
No device replaces those basics.
If you’re looking for a non-invasive, low-risk tool to support recovery or skin health, red light therapy may be worth considering, with realistic expectations and consistency.