What does science say about red light therapy?

Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, is a non-invasive technique that has recently received significant attention for its potential in various areas, including: skin and hair care, hormone balancing during menopause, sleep quality, recovery after physical exertion, mental health, reducing inflammation, eye health, strengthening the immune system, improving blood circulation etc.

Effects on skin and hair

  • Studies have shown that red light therapy is a safe and effective alternative for promoting hair growth. 3 9It also stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, which helps restore the skin barrier and reduce inflammation. 5 7.

Hormone balancing

  • Red light therapy can help regulate melatonin levels, which is important for hormone balance and sleep quality. 1May ease menopause symptoms Balance hormones so the body functions as it should

Better sleep

  • Studies show that red light therapy can improve sleep quality and increase melatonin levels, which is important for preventing sleep disorders. 1 4.

Faster recovery

  • Red light therapy can help you recover faster after exercise by improving blood circulation and reducing inflammation. 1 6.

Mental health and concentration

  • Red light therapy can improve mood and reduce sleepiness, especially during the winter months when natural sunlight is lacking. 4.

Reducing inflammation

  • Red light therapy is effective in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which can help treat various skin conditions. 2 7.

Eyes

  • Red light therapy may have positive effects on eye health by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress 6.

Immune system

  • Red light therapy can boost the immune system by promoting cell growth and reducing inflammation 6.

Blood circulation

  • Red light therapy can improve blood circulation, which is important for faster recovery and overall health improvement. 1 6.

Red and near infrared light: what's the difference?

Cells benefit most when using red and near-infrared light wavelengths.

RedNear infrared
Visible to the eyeYesNo
Wavelength610–760 nm760–1,400 nm
Effects on the bodyBiostimulatorBiostimulator
Body reactionMore cellular energyMore cellular energy
Operating areaAt the surface level (skin, scars, reduced swelling, hair) At a deep level (muscles, bones, joints and organs)

How does it work?

ATP provides the fuel that each cell needs to perform all of its functions, including regeneration and healing.

Red light and near-infrared light stimulate mitochondria. These wavelengths of light cause your mitochondria to produce more energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

bangu ilgus

Conclusions

  1. Jiexiu Zhao et al. 2012. Red light and the sleep quality and endurance performance of Chinese female basketball players. Journal of athletic training.
  2. Jiratchaya. Tantiyavarong et al. 2019. Red and Green LED Light Therapy: A Comparative Study in Androgenetic Alopecia. Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine.
  3. Jiratchaya Tantiyavarong et al. 2024. Red and Green LED Light Therapy: A Comparative Study in Androgenetic Alopecia. Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine.
  4. M. Giménez et al. 2022. Effects of Near-Infrared Light on Well-Being and Health in Human Subjects with Mild Sleep-Related Complaints: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study. Biology.
  5. Wen-Hwa Li et al.·. 2021. Low‐level red plus near infrared lights combination induces expressions of collagen and elastin in human skin in vitro. International Journal of Cosmetic Science.
  6. G. Glass·. 2021. Photobiomodulation: The Clinical Applications of Low-Level Light Therapy. Aesthetic surgery journal.
  7. Qiaochu Sun et al. 2018. LEDI at 625 nm produces ROS scavenging and anti-inflammatory effects, suggesting SPHK1 as a potential therapeutic target in phototherapy. Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology.
  8. Erica B. Wang et al. 2019. A single-blind, dose-escalation, phase I study of high-fluence light-emitting diode-red light on Caucasian non-Hispanic skin: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. RCTVery Rigorous Journal.
  9. Y. Mahé et al. 2021. Low‐Level Light Therapy Downregulates Scalp Inflammatory Biomarkers in Men With Androgenetic Alopecia and Boosts Minoxidil 2% to Bring a Sustainable Hair Regrowth Activity. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine.
  10. Miao Sun et al. 2023. Effects of photobiomodulation at various irradiances on normal and dihydrotestosterone‐treated human hair dermal papilla cells in vitro. Journal of Biophotonics.