What is red and infrared light therapy? Scientific basis and principles of operation
Red and infrared light therapy (Red Light Therapy, Photobiomodulation) is a science-based method to improve cellular energy production and the body’s natural healing process. This therapy is often used to improve skin condition, reduce pain, recover from sports and maintain general well-being. Over the past few years, this technology has become extremely popular in Lithuania, the Baltic States and Scandinavia, where natural light is lacking for more than 150 days a year. Such a light deficit affects a person’s energy level, circadian rhythm, skin condition, physical recovery and emotional well-being.
In this article, we will explain in a simple and clear way the essential points that are of interest to people considering this therapy: what it is, how it works, and how to use the equipment safely and effectively. The information is based on reliable scientific sources – such as Hamblin (2018), Chung et al. (2012)
and Salehpour et al. (2021). Practical observations are also provided, based on real-life use at home – using light therapy devices that can be found in a specialized e-shop stokas.lt.
How does red and infrared light therapy work?
Red and infrared light therapy is often presented as a modern technology, but in fact its principles are not new. For decades, scientists have been studying how light of certain wavelengths affects cells and why it stimulates natural healing processes. This therapy is based on a very simple idea: our body has an innate ability to regenerate, and light can enhance this ability.
Although light therapy is often presented as a modern innovation, its principles have been studied for decades. Scientists are studying how light of certain wavelengths affects cells and why it stimulates natural healing processes. The essence of the therapy is simple: the human body has an innate ability to regenerate, and light can accelerate and enhance this process.
Red light (630–670 nm)
Red light therapy uses diodes with a wavelength of 630-670 nm. This light penetrates to a depth of 5-10 mm and affects skin cells, fibroblasts and superficial blood circulation. It is best suited for skin regeneration, improving elasticity and stimulating collagen synthesis.
Infrared light (800–950 nm)
Infrared rays penetrate much deeper, up to 30-50 mm. Due to this depth, they affect muscles, joints, bone tissue, peripheral and central nervous systems. This is the same type of light that athletes use to recover faster after intense training.
Comparison of red and infrared light
Characteristics of red and infrared light
| Light type | Wavelength (nm) | Penetration depth | Main effect | Application areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red | 630–670 | up to 5–10 mm | collagen synthesis; skin regeneration | skin care; acne; scars |
| Infrared | 800–950 | up to 30–50 mm | pain relief; inflammation suppression | sports; rehabilitation; muscle pain |
In summary, it can be stated that red light only affects superficial tissues and stimulates collagen production, improves skin tone and reduces pores. Meanwhile infrared light affects deeper tissues and can be considered “deep regeneration.” It reaches muscles, joints, and even nerve tissue. It’s the same type of light that athletes use to recover from intense workouts.
So, if red light can be compared to superficial “polishing”, then infrared light is deep regeneration. In scientific literature, this process is called photobiomodulation, the essence of which is the activation of mitochondria the essence of which is the activation of mitochondria.
Effects and areas of use
Hamblin (2018) claims that red light has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, making it the most effective for skin regeneration. It affects the skin and achieves:
- increased collagen synthesis;
- improving skin elasticity;
- reduction of acne and inflammation;
- acceleration of scar healing.
Infrared light activates cell mitochondria and enhances ATP production. Chung et al. (2012) describes this phenomenon as activation of cytochromes, which leads to more efficient. Clinical study, published Pain Research & Management, showed that infrared light significantly reduces muscle and joint pain.
This light spectrum is most commonly used:
- for sports recovery;
- for reducing joint and muscle pain;
- for suppressing inflammation;
- improving the condition of the nervous system.
Red light (about 630 nm) affects superficial tissues. We can think of it as a gentle “lighter” for skin renewal: it stimulates collagen production, improves skin tone and reduces pores. Therefore, it is not surprising that this technology is increasingly found in skin care salons and home equipment.
This therapy is increasingly being discovered at home. Compact LED devices take up little space, and treatments last 10-20 minutes. Some people use them in the morning to increase energy, others in the evening to prepare for a more restful sleep. Many users mention that they first notice improved skin condition or reduced muscle fatigue.
One practical example is the devices that can be found in a specialized light therapy store stokas.ltThese devices often combine several wavelengths at once: red, blue, yellow and NIR light. This combination allows you to reach both superficial and deep tissues, so one device can be used to treat different problems.
The scientific basis for the therapy's effectiveness
Light therapy works through photobiomodulation, a process in which photons interact with mitochondria and increase ATP (cellular energy) production. One of the most comprehensive peer-reviewed papers describing these mechanisms is Hamblin (2018) scientific review stating that photobiomodulation “reduces inflammation, improves microcirculation, and increases mitochondrial activity.” Similarly Chung et al. (2012) explains that light is absorbed by cytochrome C oxidase and activates the electron transport chain, which leads to increased ATP production. Salehpour et al. (2021) indicates that photobiomodulation benefits not only peripheral tissues but also the central nervous system.
Photobiomodulation processes
| Process | Principle of operation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| ATP increase | mitochondria generate more energy | faster recovery, body rejuvenation effect |
| Decrease in cytokines | inflammatory mediators are inhibited | less pain |
| Improved blood circulation | better oxygenation in tissues | faster healing |
| Antioxidant effect | neutralizes free radicals | cells work more efficiently |
Safety and usage standards
When choosing a light therapy device, it is recommended to pay attention to:
- CE, RoHS, FCC certificates;
- precise wavelength (660 nm and 850 nm ±10 nm);
- sufficient optical intensity (40–200 mW/cm²);
- safe heat control;
- electromagnetic safety standards (EMC).
Light therapy devices for the home are becoming increasingly popular for several reasons:
- they are easy to use;
- 10–20 minutes is enough for the procedure;
- the devices do not take up much space;
- Multiple wavelengths can be selected.
Basic usage protocol:
- Stand 10-30 cm away from the panel;
- Duration of therapy: 10–20 minutes;
- Intensity: 40–100 mW/cm² for skin, 100–200 mW/cm² for muscles;
- Frequency of procedures: 3–6 times a week.
Some devices allow you to combine red, blue, yellow and NIR light in one panel — you can find exactly such solutions in a specialized store. stokas.ltSuch combinations allow you to solve different skin or body problems with one device.
We recommend
If you are considering purchasing an LED panel, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with our selected brands, valued in Europe: https://stokas.lt/rekomenduojame/
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
We recommend
If you are considering purchasing an LED panel, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with our selected brands, valued in Europe, and their exclusive offers: https://stokas.lt/rekomenduojame/
Conclusion
In summary, red and infrared light therapy is a simple, painless, and scientifically proven way to help the body regenerate. It is suitable for people looking for a natural way to improve skin condition, reduce pain, increase energy, or speed up recovery from physical activity. And best of all, this technology can be safely applied at home using certified, reliable devices.
To better understand how light therapy is applied in practice, you can read about Stokas.lt with the proposed light therapy devices or read information about the principles of operation and results of these devices here.
Sources
A study by Barrett and Gonzalez-Lima (2013) showed that infrared light improves cognitive function and increases brain energy.
Source: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.01.017
Hamblin, MR (2018). "Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation". AIMS Biophysics.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5883613/
Chung, H. et al. (2012). The Nuts and Bolts of Low-level Laser (Light) Therapy. Annals of Biomedical Engineering.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3288797/
Mitrofanis, J. (2019). "Why and how does photobiomodulation change brain activity?". Neuroscience Letters.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neulet.2019.134350
Salehpour, F. et al. (2021). Photobiomodulation Therapy for Brain Disorders: A Review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/15/8182
Moore, P. et al. (2005). "Effects of low-level laser therapy on musculoskeletal pain". Pain Research & Management.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2706169/
Barrett, DW, Gonzalez-Lima, F. (2013). "Transcranial infrared laser stimulation improves cognitive function". Neuroscience.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.01.017
Salehpour et al. (2021) reviewed that photobiomodulation benefits both peripheral and central nervous tissues and can be applied to a variety of clinical disorders.
Source: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/15/8182