Understanding How Red Light Therapy Works

Uncover the transformative benefits of Red Light Therapy (RLT) and see how it can elevate your health and beauty routine. A non-invasive solution that helps enhance skin health, relieve discomfort, heal the body, improve performance, and support overall wellness — all through one innovative approach.

What Is RLT?

Red light therapy, often called photobiomodulation (PBM) or low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a powerful tool for boosting health and wellness. This therapy works by delivering targeted wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to improve cellular activity, stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, and enhance blood flow.

In skincare, red light therapy has shown potential for reducing wrinkles and addressing mild acne by increasing collagen levels and eliminating bacteria that contribute to inflammation.

Athletes also benefit from red light therapy, using it to improve muscle performance and speed up recovery after workouts by promoting quicker tissue repair.

Cellular Powerhouses

Inside each cell are structures called mitochondria. Similar to how plants use sunlight for energy in photosynthesis, our mitochondria absorb light and convert it into cellular energy.

Enhanced ATP Production

When red light penetrates the skin, it interacts with mitochondria, boosting the production of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), our body’s main energy source.

Better Cellular Performance

With more ATP available, each cell has extra energy to carry out its unique functions, self-repair, and regeneration processes, making them more resilient and functional.

The Effect

Red Light Therapy increases collagen production, improves circulation, and reduces inflammation, promoting overall wellness and faster recovery.

Treatment Applications

Due to its ability to reach deeper layers, red light therapy is used to promote muscle recovery, rejuvenate skin, and alleviate pain, supporting physical performance and overall health.

Optimal Session Timing & Frequency

Generally, sessions of 10–20 minutes daily from a distance of 8–14 inches for deep tissue or 16–24 inches for facial skin treatments are effective, targeting no more than two or three areas per session. Starting with shorter durations at a greater distance is advised, then gradually increasing exposure as tolerance builds. Consistent use, about 3–5 times weekly, typically yields the best results.

See the Additional Reading section below for targeted protocols on applications like nerve repair, skin healing, hair health, and wound recovery.

💡

PLEASE NOTE - Usage of NIR light on areas of pre-existing hyperpigmentation concerns may increase this condition and we recommend to use only RED/R+ on these areas. Also, we urge caution to not overexpose facial skin to NIR light as this may cause unwanted photoaging. When in doubt, we recommend to defer to using only RED/R+.

Looking for a Red Light panel for your home?

We use and highly recommend Platinum LED Therapy Lights!