What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy or photobiomodulation (PBM) has been around for decades. It started with the therapeutic effects of light discovered by Danish physician Niels Ryberg Finsen. Then, in the 1980s, NASA's research on using light to accelerate plant growth in space led to the discovery of potential benefits for human cells with red and near-infrared light. In 2010, Red Light Therapy gained popularity as more devices became available for home and clinical use. The technology evolved from early laser devices to light-emitting diodes (LEDs). This shift allowed for the development of cost-effective and user-friendly devices, making red light therapy more accessible. Over time, the technology has evolved and is widely used in dermatology, sports medicine, physical therapy, and wellness.
Red light therapy (photobiomodulation) has emerged in the past two decades, revealing more than 7,000 studies. Research shows that red and near-infrared light therapy can support our bodies in numerous ways. To make it easier to understand, we have categorised the effects of RED and NIR therapy below, along with relevant scientific studies.
What Are The Benefits of Using Red Light Therapy?
Improved Sleep & Circadian Health:
Red light therapy has been scientifically proven to have a positive effect on sleep and circadian health. It works by increasing the production of melatonin, which is responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles. By exposing the body to red light wavelengths, individuals can experience improved sleep quality, reduced symptoms of insomnia, and better synchronisation of their circadian rhythm. Moreover, red light therapy has the potential to reset the body's internal clock, making it particularly useful for people who have irregular sleep patterns or those who experience jet lag or shift work.
Scientific Studies:
Due to using red light therapy, elite female basketball players experienced better sleep quality, increased melatonin secretion, and improved endurance performance (view study here).
Near-infrared light reduced sleep disturbances, headache days, acute medication intake, and pain intensity among chronic migraine patients (View study here).
In a study, patients with sleep problems measured their brain activity before, during, and after stimulation with infrared light. The researchers found that infrared light may be beneficial for such patients (View study here)
Increased Muscle Mass:
Several studies have demonstrated that Red Light Therapy can effectively increase muscle mass and improve muscle recovery. For example, a study involving identical twins showed that the twin receiving Red Light Therapy experienced greater muscle growth and strength gains compared to the placebo group, due to reduced muscle damage and inflammation. Another review of multiple trials confirmed that Red Light Therapy significantly enhances muscle recovery and performance, leading to increased muscle thickness and strength.
Scientific Studies:
Photobiomodulation in human muscle tissue: an advantage in sports performance. (View study here)
Muscle Recovery:
Red light therapy promotes muscle recovery by penetrating deep into the tissue and stimulating mitochondrial function, leading to enhanced cellular energy production and accelerated healing. This process reduces inflammation, muscle soreness, and fatigue, allowing for faster recovery after workouts or injuries. Additionally, red light therapy improves blood circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to muscles more efficiently, further aiding in their repair and regeneration. Incorporating red light therapy into post-exercise routines can help athletes and fitness enthusiasts recover faster and perform at their best.
Scientific Studies:
Red light therapy can enhance muscle performance, reduce fatigue during exercise, and improve recovery for athletes, people with muscle injuries, and patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (View study here).
Red light therapy affects the mitochondria, increasing the production of the main energy source called ATP (View study here).
After training, red and near-infrared light used in photobiomodulation can increase muscle mass, reduce inflammation, and reduce oxidative stress. (View study here).
Improved Skin, Hair & Nails:
Red light therapy offers numerous skin, hair, and nails benefits, promoting overall wellness and beauty. Red light therapy can improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, and promote a youthful complexion by stimulating collagen production and enhancing cellular regeneration. It also stimulates blood circulation, delivering vital nutrients to the scalp and follicles, leading to stronger, thicker hair growth and healthier nails. Additionally, red light therapy has been shown to alleviate various skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis, making it a versatile and effective treatment for enhancing the health and appearance of skin, hair, and nails.
Scientific Studies:
Red and near-infrared light therapy is a safe and effective method for skin rejuvenation, reducing wrinkles and fine lines and increasing skin collagen density (View study here).
Red light therapy is anti-inflammatory and works on both acute and chronic inflammation. It is effective for accelerating wound healing and increasing collagen synthesis (View study here).
Red light therapy is an effective therapeutic method for treating acne vulgaris (View study here).
Hormonal Health (Thyroid & Testosterone)
Red light therapy is promising for supporting hormonal health, particularly thyroid and testosterone function. It may help regulate thyroid function by reducing inflammation in the thyroid gland and promoting cellular energy production, which can contribute to improved hormone production and balance. Additionally, red light therapy has been shown to stimulate Leydig cells in the testes, leading to increased testosterone production. By modulating hormone levels, red light therapy may help alleviate symptoms of hypothyroidism, low testosterone, and hormonal imbalances, promoting overall health and vitality.
Scientific Studies:
Near-infrared light therapy positively affects thyroid hormone levels (View study here)
Red light therapy is effective in increasing testosterone levels (view study here)
Near-infrared light therapy has been found to improve thyroid function. Patients have been shown to require less medication for the treatment of hypothyroidism, a condition of an under-active thyroid gland, and have reduced levels of the thyroid autoimmune disease marker, TPOAb. (View study here)
Mood Enhancement:
Red light therapy has shown promise in enhancing mood by stimulating the production of serotonin and endorphins, neurotransmitters known for their role in mood regulation and feelings of well-being. By increasing serotonin levels, red light therapy may help alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Additionally, exposure to red light wavelengths has been linked to reduced stress levels and improved relaxation, promoting a more positive mood overall. Incorporating red light therapy into daily routines may offer a natural and non-invasive way to uplift mood and enhance emotional well-being.
Scientific Studies:
After two weeks of exposure to near-infrared light on the forehead, a significant improvement was observed in the Hamilton Depression and Anxiety Scale, and no side effects were reported. (View study here).
Near-infrared light reduced the frequency of headaches, the use of acute medication, and the intensity of pain in patients with chronic migraines. It also improved sleep disturbances. (View study here)
Fat Loss:
Red light therapy helps with fat loss by stimulating the mitochondria in fat cells, which enhances cellular energy production and leads to the breakdown of stored fat into free fatty acids and glycerol, which are then released into the bloodstream and used as energy by the body. This process, known as lipolysis, effectively reduces fat deposits. Additionally, red light therapy improves blood circulation and reduces inflammation, both of which can further support fat loss and overall metabolic health. Studies have shown that red light therapy can significantly reduce the circumference of targeted areas and overall body fat, making it a promising tool for weight management and obesity treatment. Please note that Red Light Therapy along with exercise is a potent combination for fat loss. We don't recommend using Red Light alone to lose body fat.
Scientific Studies:
Independent evaluation of low-level laser therapy at 635 nm for non-invasive body contouring of the waist, hips, and thighs (View study here).
Low-Level Laser Therapy for Reducing the Hip, Waist, and Upper Abdomen Circumference of Individuals with Obesity (View study here).