Science & Effects of Red Light Therapy
We’ve done the research so you don’t have to. Over the past two decades, red light therapy and near-infrared light therapy have been backed by thousands of clinical studies proving how and why this technology works.
At the start of the millennium only a few papers existed, but a breakthrough came when NASA research first highlighted the benefits of light therapy, sparking global scientific interest. Since then, the evidence has continued to grow, with studies showing expanding applications for skin health, muscle recovery, anti-aging, pain relief, and overall wellbeing.
Explore The Benefits
                Improved Recovery
              
            
In sports, both red and near-infrared light play a powerful role. Used before training or competition, it helps oxygenate the muscles for better performance. Afterward, it supports faster recovery—reducing downtime and keeping you at your best. Perfect for athletes of any level, and equally beneficial in everyday life.
💡 How does it work?
Red light
- Stimulates nitric oxide (NO), widening blood vessels for better circulation
 - Boosts ATP (your cells’ energy supply)
 - Delivers more oxygen and nutrients to surface muscles and tissues
 - Supports quicker muscle recovery after activity
 
Near-infrared light
- Reaches deeper into muscles and joints
 - Further enhances ATP production for energy at the cellular level
 - Speeds up muscle and tissue repair
 - Helps microtears in muscles heal faster
 - Reduces inflammation post-workout
 - Improves joint mobility and eases stiffness
 
Explore the Studies (Improved Recovery)
| Research Area | Highlights | Source(s) | 
|---|---|---|
| NASA-origin and technology | Healing effects discovered during plant-growth experiments; led to HEALS & WARP devices | (Wikipedia) | 
| Cellular mechanism | Mitochondrial stimulation boosts ATP and healing processes | (Cleveland Clinic, GQ, The Guardian) | 
| Skin & dermatology benefits | Clinically shown to reduce wrinkles, acne, scars, inflammation | (Cleveland Clinic, Glamour, WebMD, The Guardian) | 
| Cognitive & mood improvements | Early evidence of enhanced cognition, mood, and neuroprotection | (UCLA Health) | 
| Clinical trial safety & efficacy | Safety and effectiveness of photobiomodulation for skin applications | (PMC) | 
| Other uses (e.g., athletic) | Evidence mixed—more data needed | (Stanford Medicine) | 
                Improved Blood Circulation
              
            
Blood is the body’s lifeline. It delivers oxygen and nutrients that allow our cells to grow, repair, and renew themselves, hundreds of billions every single day. Both red and near-infrared light have a powerful effect on how our cells function, which directly supports overall health and well-being.
💡 How do they work?
Red light
- Boosts nitric oxide (NO) production
 - Expands blood vessels to improve circulation
 - Supports vascular regeneration and speeds up wound healing
 
Near-infrared light
- Stimulates nitric oxide in deeper tissues
 - Aids recovery of muscles, tendons, and even organs
 - Strengthens and supports the cardiovascular system
 
Explore the Studies (Improved Circulation)
| Evidence | Key Findings | Source | 
|---|---|---|
| Red light (~670 nm) increases nitric oxide precursors | In vivo studies showed ~50% increase in plasma NO precursors, improving blood flow in ischemic tissue (PAD model). | WithPower Clinical Trial Summary | 
| Red light promotes NO-dependent vasodilation | Ex vivo experiments confirmed vasodilation completely inhibited when NO scavengers were applied. | PMC5699925 | 
| NIR light stimulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) | NIR-II (1064 nm) increased NO via Akt-mediated eNOS activation in endothelial cells at depth. | PMC9382775 | 
| NIR protects heart tissue and aids recovery | Far-red/NIR reduced ischemia-reperfusion injury even in diabetic conditions, independent of NOS. | ResearchGate Study | 
                Better Skin & Hair
              
            
As we age, our bodies naturally produce less collagen and elastin. This decline leads to wrinkles, slower wound healing, and weaker hair and nails. Red light therapy helps counteract these effects by boosting collagen production and improving microcirculation, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the skin, hair, and nails.
💡 How does it work?
Red Light Therapy:
- Supports natural collagen production for firmer, smoother skin
 - Encourages elastin, keeping skin supple and resilient
 - Enhances blood flow, improving oxygen and nutrient delivery to cells
 - Helps reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles
 - Promotes faster healing of scars and blemishes
 - Stimulates hair follicles, improving thickness and strength
 
Explore the Studies (Better Skin & Hair)
| Benefit | Research Highlights | Source | 
|---|---|---|
| Boosts collagen & elastin production | A clinical study found that low-intensity red (640 nm) and near-infrared (830 nm) light therapy significantly increased collagen and elastin synthesis in human dermal fibroblasts.(Glamour, Lippincott Journals) | |
| Stimulates skin rejuvenation | Controlled LED phototherapy demonstrated effectiveness in skin rejuvenation through objective histologic and ultrastructural improvements.(ScienceDirect) | |
| Increases hyaluronic acid and elastin | Exposure to low-level red and infrared LED light boosted expression of hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS2) and elastin proteins in skin cells.(JAAD) | |
| Promotes wound healing (cellular level) | In an in vitro scratch wound model using fibroblasts, red light at 661 nm (within a dose range of 3–4.5 J/cm²) enhanced fibroblast proliferation, migration, and wound closure.(PMC) | |
| Supports wound healing in skin | A review of low-power LED and laser therapies noted increased collagen synthesis, fibroblast proliferation, angiogenesis, and granulation tissue formation—all key to wound repair.(PMC) | |
| Accelerates wound healing & reduces scarring | In a mouse model, red light (630 nm) significantly accelerated wound closure, promoted more collagen synthesis, and resulted in smaller scars compared to control.(Nature) | |
| Improves circulation to hair follicles | Stanford Medicine reports that red light causes vasodilation—expanding blood vessels—to deliver more blood and nutrients to hair follicles, supporting hair regrowth.(Stanford Medicine) | |
| Stimulates collagen, fibroblasts & circulation | Cleveland Clinic notes red light therapy stimulates collagen and fibroblast production and boosts blood circulation—all fundamental to skin repair and health.(Cleveland Clinic) | 
                High Quality Sleep
              
            
Our bodies run on a natural 24-hour rhythm, known as the circadian cycle. When it’s disrupted, sleep and energy levels suffer. While reducing blue light exposure before bed is important, red and near-infrared light therapy can also help restore balance, improving both daytime energy and nighttime rest.
💡 How does it work?
Red Light
- Balances the effects of blue light that interfere with sleep
 - Encourages evening melatonin production, helping you wind down naturally
 - Makes it easier to fall asleep at night
 - Supports deeper, more restorative non-REM sleep
 
Near-Infrared Light
- Stimulates melatonin production within deeper tissues
 - Boosts cellular energy, enhancing recovery and repair
 - Helps the body recharge more effectively overnight
 - Reduces stress and fatigue for a calmer state of mind
 
Explore the Studies (High Quality Sleep)
| Claim | Research Evidence | Source | 
|---|---|---|
| Red light supports melatonin & circadian rhythm | Red light has minimal impact on melatonin suppression and may help align the sleep-wake cycle by avoiding blue-light interference. | (Wikipedia, Sleep Reset) | 
| Evening red/NIR exposure aids sleep quality & next-day function | In a randomized, sham-controlled trial, wearing a collar emitting red and near‐infrared light (660–870 nm) before bed enhanced relaxation, sleep, and daytime functioning. | (PubMed, JCSM) | 
| Red light improves alertness without melatonin suppression | Red-light exposure boosted alertness in insomnia sufferers, without affecting melatonin; also extended REM sleep cycles—indicating better sleep quality. | (Frontiers) | 
| Red light reduces sleep latency & improves deep sleep | Some studies indicate red light therapy before bedtime shortens the time it takes to fall asleep and enhances deep sleep phases by modulating natural sleep cues. | (News-Medical) | 
| Red light calms circadian disruption | Red light exposure has a calming effect on circadian rhythm, helping the body prepare naturally for sleep cycle transitions. | 
                Unrestricted Movement
              
            
The musculoskeletal system is highly interconnected, with bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons all working together. Near-infrared light therapy supports this system as a whole, helping with both recovery and long-term prevention.
💡 How does it work?
Near-Infrared Light
- Supports recovery while also helping to prevent future problems
 - Improves joint flexibility and reduces stiffness
 - Reduces inflammation in both chronic and acute conditions
 - Stimulates collagen production, strengthening the tissues that make up much of the musculoskeletal system
 - Shown in studies to increase bone density, lowering the risk of fractures
 - Boosts circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients for faster healing and stronger support
 
Explore the Studies (Unrestricted Movement)
| Claim | Research Evidence | Source | 
|---|---|---|
| Reduces inflammation & aids joints (arthritis models) | Photobiomodulation (NIR) effectively reduces inflammation and improves joint function in arthritis, validated through animal studies and clinical trials. (PMC, Health) | |
| Promotes tendon healing & reduces inflammation | Tendon injury models show NIR and LED therapy accelerate tendon repair, reduce inflammatory responses, and support tissue regeneration. (MDPI, PMC) | |
| Speeds recovery from sprains, strains, tendon injuries | 830 nm LED phototherapy significantly reduced recovery time in athletes from various musculoskeletal injuries—on average from 19 to about 9.6 days. (PMC) | |
| Improves joint flexibility | Polarized NIR light improved range of motion in shoulder and ankle joints, especially in individuals with limited flexibility. (ResearchGate) | |
| Supports bone regeneration | Low-intensity NIR significantly accelerated bone defect healing in animal models by promoting osteoblast differentiation and activating regenerative signaling pathways. (Nature, PMC) | |
| Enhances collagen deposition in bone cells | Studies report increased osteoblast proliferation, collagen deposition, and new bone formation after NIR exposure. (PMC) | |
| Boosts microcirculation & tissue oxygenation | Infrared light stimulates improved blood flow, assisting tissue repair, reducing inflammation, and promoting nutrient delivery. (news-medical.net) | 
                Better Mental Health & Cognition
              
            
True health isn’t just about the body—it’s also about the brain and emotional well-being. Red and near-infrared light therapy can play a positive role here, helping to ease stress, support cognitive performance, and uplift mood. Much of this stems from the role red-spectrum light naturally plays in our daily sunlight exposure.
💡 How does it work?
Red Light
- Lifts mood and increases overall energy
 - Helps keep the circadian rhythm in balance
 - Stimulates serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone
 - May help ease symptoms of depression and anxiety
 
Near-Infrared Light
- Reaches deeper brain tissues to enhance cellular energy
 - Supports neurogenesis (the formation of new brain cells)
 - Improves learning capacity, memory, and focus
 - Helps balance neurotransmitters, creating greater emotional stability
 
Explore the Studies (Better Mental Health)
| Claim | Research Evidence | Source | 
|---|---|---|
| Enhances blood flow, reduces inflammation, and supports neurogenesis | Photobiomodulation (red/NIR light) boosts cerebral blood flow, lowers inflammation, prevents cell death, and encourages new neuron growth—suggesting potential benefits for depression and brain health. | (PMC) | 
| Cognitive improvements in dementia patients | Transcranial NIR treatments in dementia patients showed safety and improvements in cognitive function. | (PMC) | 
| Improves mood, sleep, and emotional health in healthy adults | Studies explored how red light affects mood, sleep structure, alertness, and emotion, indicating positive links with mood regulation and sleep quality. | (Frontiers) | 
| Reduces depression symptoms | Photobiomodulation (red/NIR light) effectively reduced symptoms of depression in patients, according to clinical research—though broader, more rigorous trials are still needed. | (Frontiers) | 
| Supports cognitive function in older adults with mild impairment | In a small case series, older adults with mild cognitive impairment saw noticeable gains in memory, attention, and executive function—and reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms—after transcranial PBM. | (Frontiers) | 
| Enhances cellular energy and brain protection | Overview on how PBM activates mitochondrial enzyme cytochrome c oxidase, increasing ATP (energy), and triggering molecular pathways for brain health and gene expression. | (MDPI) | 
                Reduced Inflammation
              
            
Swelling and pain are often signs of active inflammation. Red and near-infrared light therapy work to calm inflammation at the source, easing discomfort while supporting the body’s natural healing processes.
💡 How does it work?
Red Light
- Targets the upper layers of the skin
 - Boosts microcirculation to speed up healing and reduce inflammation
 - Supports antioxidant activity to protect and repair cells
 - Helps improve common skin concerns such as acne, eczema, and rosacea
 
Near-Infrared Light
- Reaches deeper tissues to reduce inflammation and pain
 - Aids recovery from muscle and tendon strain
 - Supports chronic conditions affecting joints and the musculoskeletal system
 - Shown to help with arthritis and related joint issues
 - Enhances antioxidant effects, lowering inflammatory responses throughout the body
 
Explore the Studies (Reduced Inflammation)
| Claim | Research Evidence | Source | 
|---|---|---|
| General inflammation reduction & healing support | Photobiomodulation (red/NIR light) stimulates healing, relieves pain, and reduces inflammation via mitochondrial and cellular signaling pathways. | (Glamour, The Sun, PMC) | 
| Pain relief in musculoskeletal and chronic conditions | A wide-ranging review shows PBM is a safe, non-invasive way to reduce pain in acute and chronic musculoskeletal issues—such as osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, postoperative pain, and low back pain. | (PMC) | 
| Joint inflammation and arthritis improvement | NIR light has been shown to decrease inflammation, edema, and improve joint function in animal models of osteoarthritis. | (PMC) | 
| Molecular anti-inflammatory effects | NIR irradiation significantly reduces pro-inflammatory markers (e.g., TNF-α) and supports anti-inflammatory signaling (TGF-β1, CCL22) in controlled studies. | (ScienceDirect) | 
| Skin-level inflammation control and wound repair | Red light at certain wavelengths (e.g., 650 nm) reduces inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α—improving conditions such as psoriasis and dermatitis. | (Frontiers) | 
| Systemic anti-inflammatory effects | In mouse models, daily red/NIR treatment lowered key pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-18) and boosted anti-inflammatory IL-10 in the brain and body. | (Frontiers) | 
| Pain and stiffness from arthritis, fibromyalgia | Literature reviews indicate red light therapy may reduce joint pain, morning stiffness (especially in rheumatoid arthritis), and alleviate symptoms of fibromyalgia, low back pain, and neck pain. | (WebMD, Fuel Physical Therapy) | 
| Neuropathic and chronic pain | PBM shows promise as a drug-free treatment in various chronic pain contexts—offering targeted relief through improved circulation and cellular energy production. | (Fuel Physical Therapy) | 
                Enhanced Eye Function
              
            
Blue light is all around us, especially from constant screen use. Red light therapy works as a natural counterbalance, helping to offset the strain caused by blue light while boosting energy production within the eyes.
💡 How does it work?
Red Light
- Helps balance the effects of excessive blue light exposure
 - Increases cellular energy to support healthy eye function
 - May help protect against age-related or degenerative changes
 - Supports overall retinal health and performance
 
Explore the Studies (Enhanced Eye Function)
| Claim | Research Evidence | Source | 
|---|---|---|
| Protects retinal cells and boosts mitochondrial energy | Photobiomodulation at 670 nm red light (and 810 nm NIR) enhances mitochondrial metabolism in retinal photoreceptors, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation from blue-light damage. | (PubMed) | 
| Supports visual function and slows AMD progression | Multiwavelength light therapy significantly improved visual acuity and reduced progression of geographic atrophy in dry age-related macular degeneration over 13 months, compared to sham treatment. | (Lippincott Journals) | 
| Improves brightness perception and contrast in aging eyes | Daily brief exposure (3 minutes) to 670 nm red light improved color contrast sensitivity and dim-light vision in adults over 40, likely by revitalizing retinal cellular energy (ATP production). | (Verywell Health) | 
| Protects against bright-light and oxidative damage | In animal models, red and NIR light reduced markers of inflammation and retinal damage, suppressed stress in supporting glial cells (Müller cells), and boosted mitochondrial function to prevent light-induced degeneration. | (SpringerLink) | 
                Longevity & Vitality 
              
            
The benefits of red and near-infrared light therapy build over time. By supporting your cells with more energy, your body and mind can stay stronger, sharper, and more resilient as you age. Just 20 minutes a day may not feel like much now- but in the years ahead, you’ll thank yourself for the difference in how you look and feel.
💡 How does it work?
Red & Near-Infrared Light
- Work together to create lasting, interconnected benefits
 - Boost cellular energy to support long-term vitality
 - Help extend healthy cell function and lifespan
 - Promote an active, energetic lifestyle at any age
 - Slow down visible signs of aging and reduce everyday fatigue
 
Explore the Studies (Longevity & Vitality)
| Claim | Research Evidence | Source | 
|---|---|---|
| Increases lifespan and preserves heart and cellular health | In mouse models of accelerated aging, photobiomodulation significantly improved cardiac function, neuromuscular coordination, and survival rates—100% survival in treated mice vs ~43% in controls. | (Nature, University at Buffalo, PMC) | 
| Supports heart health and longevity through low-dose NIR | Ambient low-dose NIR light exposure—just two minutes daily, five days a week—halted progression of severe heart disease in mice and significantly improved survival outcomes. | (News-Medical, University at Buffalo) | 
| Helps reverse signs of skin aging | Clinical trials reveal that red/NIR therapy improves skin firmness, texture, collagen density, and wrinkle appearance—alongside lasting effects even after treatment ends. | (PMC, PubMed) | 
| Supports brain energy and cognitive aging | Photobiomodulation enhances brain energy metabolism, improving cognitive function during aging in both animal models and humans. | (ScienceDirect) | 
| Protects against aging at the cellular level | NIR light improves mitochondrial function by increasing ATP production and supporting cellular respiration—key factors in healthy aging and energy longevity. | 
                Strong Immune System
              
            
The immune system is complex and deeply interconnected, relying on everything from the skin to the gut to defend the body. Red and near-infrared light therapy work together to strengthen this system, helping you stay more resilient against everyday threats.
💡 How does it work?
Red Light
- Boosts microcirculation, improving blood flow
 - Delivers more oxygen and nutrients to cells
 - Speeds up the removal of waste products
 - Provides extra energy to help fight surface-level infections
 
Near-Infrared Light
- Promotes cellular repair and regeneration deep within the body
 - Stimulates white blood cell activity to strengthen immune defenses
 - Supports faster recovery so the body doesn’t get overwhelmed
 - Reduces inflammation, helping to control internal infections
 
Explore the Studies (Strong Immune System)
| Claim | Research Evidence | Source | 
|---|---|---|
| Reduces systemic inflammation and boosts immune resilience | Pre-exposure to red and NIR light (640 nm & 880 nm) for 30 minutes daily over 10 days reduced neuroinflammation and systemic inflammatory markers following inflammatory challenge in mice. Also maintained white blood cell responsiveness. | (Greentoes Tucson, PMC) | 
| Anti-inflammatory effects at the cellular level | Review of immune cell studies shows that R/NIR exposure typically triggers anti-inflammatory responses via modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitrogen oxide (NO), and interleukins—depending on treatment parameters. | (PubMed) | 
| Stimulates immune cell activity (white blood cells) | In vitro studies found that infrared laser exposure increases both phagocytic activity and chemotactic response of human leukocytes—a critical boost for innate immune defense. | (MedCentral) | 
| Promotes regulatory immune responses (T-cells) | Photobiomodulation encourages the differentiation of naive T-cells into regulatory T cells (Tregs), which help balance immune responses and reduce excessive inflammation. | (PMC) | 
| Modulates immune signaling via skin exposure | A literature review suggests that visible and infrared radiation applied to skin can influence both local and systemic immune responses—further supporting the immune-modulatory role of light therapy. | (Wiley Online Library) |