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?
Faster Recovery and Better Performance 
Hormonal Balance 
Beautiful Skin and Hair 
Better Sleep 
Unrestricted Movement 
Improved Mental Health and Cognition 
Reduced Inflammation 
Enhanced Eye Function 
Longevity and Vitality 
Strong Immune System 
Increased Circulation From Individuals to Thousands of Studies
How Can Red Light Therapy Help You?
Before diving into the individual benefits, take a moment here.
The body is a complex system where everything is interconnected. Therapy is effective because it doesn't target just one issue. Quite the opposite.
It's the same with wavelengths. Where one ends, another doesn't begin—it overlaps and complements it.
Faster Recovery and Better Performance
In sports, both red and near-infrared light are used. Therapy works comprehensively—before a performance, it helps oxygenate muscles, and afterward, it aids recovery. This not only reduces recovery time but also enhances performance. Useful for any sport and everyday life.
💡 How exactly does the light help?
Red
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Near-infrared
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Explore the Studies
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 can increase muscle mass gained after training, reduce inflammation, and decrease oxidative stress in muscles. (R)
Stimulation of the quadriceps with near-infrared light immediately after leg press and knee extension exercises reduces muscle damage and soreness while increasing muscle mass, recovery, and athletic performance. (R)
Near-infrared light therapy immediately after leg press exercises led to greater strength gains compared to strength training without NIR therapy. Thigh circumference gains were also slightly higher in the NIR group. (R)
Red and near-infrared light therapy has been shown to enhance muscle endurance and recovery. It increases exercise repetition count by nearly 13% and delays muscle fatigue onset by over 11%. Moreover, it significantly reduces key biochemical markers such as lactate, creatine kinase, and C-reactive protein associated with muscle fatigue and inflammation, making it a powerful tool for performance improvement and recovery. (R)
Red light therapy for elite female basketball players positively influenced their endurance performance. (R)
Infrared light therapy enhances the effects of exercise in obese women undergoing weight loss. Improvements in lipid profiles and reduced fat tissue suggest increased metabolic activity and changes in fat metabolism. (R)
Hormonal Balance
The endocrine system (commonly known as the glands with internal secretion) controls absolutely everything in your body. The most effective approach is to use both spectrums—red and near-infrared. Together, they contribute to regulating the entire system, but they can also be used locally to stimulate hormone production. For example, on the thyroid or reproductive glands.
💡 How exactly do the lights help?
Red and Near-infrared
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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
The older you are, the less collagen and elastin your body produces. With age, their levels naturally decrease. Wrinkles appear, the quality of hair and nails deteriorates, and wounds take longer to heal. Red light stimulates collagen production. It also improves microcirculation, providing more oxygen and nutrients to your hair, nails, and skin.
💡 How exactly does the light help?
Red
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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 naturally follows a 24-hour biorhythm (circadian rhythm). You can combat its disruption not only by minimizing blue light exposure before sleep but also through comprehensive red light therapy. This helps with daytime energy and restful sleep.
💡 How exactly do the lights help?
Red
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Near-infrared
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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
Like every other part of the body, the musculoskeletal system is a complex system. Everything is interconnected. With near-infrared therapy, you can address issues holistically—from tendons, joints, and ligaments to bones. This promotes faster recovery and effective prevention.
💡 How exactly does the light help?
Near-infrared
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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
Health isn't just about a strong body; it's also about the brain and mental well-being. Both red and near-infrared light therapy positively impact these areas. They enhance resilience to stress, improve cognitive functions, and reduce depression. All of this is influenced by the presence (or lack) of red spectrum sunlight.
💡 How exactly do the lights help?
Red
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Near-infrared
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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
Swelling and pain—these are often linked to active inflammation. Both red and near-infrared light therapy can minimize symptoms and inflammation itself. They aid healing and reduce pain, whether on the skin or deeper within the body.
💡 How exactly do the lights help?
Red
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Near-infrared
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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
Blue light is everywhere these days. Screens, the primary source, surround us constantly. Red light therapy (RED) acts as a counterbalance. It reduces the negative effects of blue light exposure and increases cellular energy in the eyes.
💡 How exactly does the light help?
Red
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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
All the effects of red and near-infrared light therapy converge here. More cellular energy, a functional body, and a sharp mind—all contribute to vitality even in old age. This effect won’t be apparent immediately, but in a few (or many) years, you’ll thank yourself for those 20 minutes a day. And you’ll enjoy how you feel and look.
💡 How exactly do the lights help?
Red and Near-infrared
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Explore the Studies
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
The immune system is a perfectly interconnected but highly complex system. Its effectiveness depends on countless internal processes and tissues—from the skin to the gut. Red and near-infrared light therapies work synergistically, complementing and supporting one another. This helps the body become more resilient to pathogens.
💡 How exactly do the lights help?
Red
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Near-infrared
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Explore the Studies
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 is the primary source of oxygen and nutrients for our cells. Thanks to it, cells grow, metabolize, and renew themselves—up to hundreds of billions daily. Both red and near-infrared light have a significant impact on cellular function, which in turn affects your overall well-being.
💡 How exactly do the lights help?
Red
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Near-infrared
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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)
