The Health Benefits of Using Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy has been gaining popularity for its potential health benefits, from skin rejuvenation to muscle recovery. This non-invasive treatment uses low-level wavelengths of light to promote healing and reduce inflammation.

You may have also heard that red light therapy helps with pain relief, improves circulation, and promotes Hair growth—but is there science to support these claims?

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of red light therapy, from enhancing skin health to supporting overall well-being.

What is red light therapy?

Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level red light wavelengths to penetrate the skin and stimulate cell regeneration. It works by promoting healing and reducing inflammation, which is why it’s popular for skin, muscle recovery, and overall wellness.

Red light therapy is considered safe for daily use, but it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting.

You can find various devices for red light therapy, including handheld gadgets, panels, and face masks. Many people even use these devices at home, making it easy and convenient to add to their routine.

The Benefits of Using Red Light Therapy

What if someone told you that just a few minutes under a red light could give you all of these benefits? 

• Skin health benefits
• Promote Hair Growth
• Reduced Inflammation
• Sleep Improvement
•  Promote wound healing
• Help in weight loss
• Good for brain health

Let’s look at why so many people are trying red light therapy.

Skin health benefits

Red light therapy offers exciting benefits for skin health by boosting the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid—key ingredients for youthful, glowing skin.

A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology looked at how low-level red and infrared LED light affects human skin cells.

The researchers found that just a few days of treatment increased the levels of important proteins like collagen and elastin. They also discovered that this light therapy helped skin cells produce hyaluronic acid, which keeps skin hydrated and plump.

Overall, the study shows that red light therapy can be a simple and effective way to improve skin health and fight the signs of aging right at home.

Promote Hair Growth

Red light therapy is gaining attention as a helpful treatment for hair growth, especially for people experiencing hair loss due to androgenetic alopecia, a common form of hair loss that affects both men and women.

In a study published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine by Lanzafame and his team, researchers looked at how low-level laser therapy (LLLT) affected 44 men aged 18 to 48 with this condition.

The men were divided into two groups: one group used a special device with lasers and LEDs that emitted red light, while the other group used a placebo device with regular light.

After 16 weeks of treatment, the results were impressive. The men in the active group saw an average increase of 67.2 hairs per square centimeter, while the placebo group only had an increase of 32.3 hairs. This study shows that LLLT can effectively boost hair growth, making it a great option for those looking to improve their hair health. 

Reduced Inflammation

Inflammation is your body’s way of fighting off harm, like injuries or infections. However, when it becomes chronic, it can cause problems such as joint pain and lung issues. It’s important to keep inflammation in check to stay healthy.

A study by Michael R. Hamblin in AIMS Biophysics (2017) looked into how red light therapy, also known as photo-biomodulation (PBM), can help reduce inflammation.

Hamblin and his team discovered that this therapy works by activating certain cells in your body, which helps lower inflammation levels. They found that PBM reduces key markers of inflammation, especially in cells that are active during inflammatory responses.

In simple terms, this therapy can decrease harmful substances in the body that lead to swelling and pain. The study shows that PBM can be especially helpful for people dealing with joint problems, injuries, and even some brain conditions.

Overall, red light therapy offers a promising way to combat chronic inflammation and improve health.

Sleep Improvement

Red light therapy has shown promising results for improving sleep quality, particularly in athletes. In one study, Chinese female basketball players who received 30 minutes of red light exposure every night for 14 days experienced significant improvements in sleep quality, as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.

Researchers also noted an increase in melatonin levels, a hormone that regulates sleep, along with enhanced endurance performance.

Another study highlighted the broader benefits of red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), for reducing inflammation and promoting cell repair.

PBM works by stimulating mitochondria, increasing ATP production, and reducing oxidative stress, which can indirectly support better sleep by lowering inflammation levels.

Lowering inflammation levels supports better sleep by reducing discomfort and pain that can interfere with the ability to fall and stay asleep.

When inflammation is decreased, the body experiences fewer interruptions during the night, leading to deeper, more restorative sleep cycles.

These combined effects make red light therapy a valuable tool for enhancing recovery and improving overall sleep quality.

Promote Wound Healing

Wound healing is vital for our health because it helps us recover from injuries and manage chronic conditions. Faster healing can prevent infections and reduce recovery time, improving our quality of life.

A study by Efstathios Giannakopoulos and his team, published in Lasers in Medical Science, looked at how red light at 661 nm can speed up wound healing. They used 3T3 fibroblasts, a type of skin cell, to test the effects of low-power laser light.

They found that using doses between 3 – 4.5 J/cm² significantly boosted the healing rate just 24 hours after treatment. This study showed that red light not only increases cell survival but also encourages cells to move and grow, making it a promising option for improving wound healing.

May help in the weight loss

Red light therapy can aid weight loss in four key ways. First, it effectively reduces waist size by shrinking fat cells. Second, it enhances muscle recovery post-exercise, reducing soreness and inflammation, which allows for more effective workouts.

Third, it improves skin appearance by boosting collagen production and skin tone, increasing confidence and encouraging adherence to weight loss goals. Lastly, it helps balance blood sugar levels, reducing cravings and supporting healthier eating habits.

• Fat Loss: In a study, 40 participants received low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on their waists for 30 minutes twice a week. After eight sessions, they saw an average waist reduction of 2.15 cm, showing how LLLT can effectively shrink fat cells and improve body shape. (Caruso-Davis et al., 2010, Obesity Surgery)
• Faster Muscle Recovery: Researchers reviewed multiple studies on photobiomodulation (PBM) and found that it helps muscles recover faster after exercise. By reducing soreness and inflammation, PBM allows people to work out more effectively, which supports weight loss. (Ferraresi et al., 2016, Journal of Biophotonics)
• Better Skin Appearance: A study with 136 volunteers found that red light therapy improved skin tone and increased collagen production, resulting in healthier-looking skin. When people see positive changes in their appearance, it can significantly boost their confidence and self-esteem. This increased confidence can motivate them to stick to their weight loss goals, as they feel more empowered to engage in physical activities, adopt healthier eating habits, and maintain their weight loss journey. (Wunsch & Matuschka, 2014, Photomedicine and Laser Surgery)
• Balanced Blood Sugar: In recent research, subjects underwent a glucose tolerance test before and after 15 minutes of red light exposure. Results showed that this therapy significantly reduced blood sugar spikes after meals, helping control cravings and making it easier to follow a healthy diet for weight loss. (Powner & Jeffery, 2024, Journal of Biophotonics)

Good for brain health

Red light therapy offers exciting benefits for brain health. It improves cognitive function in people recovering from mild traumatic brain injuries by increasing energy production and blood flow.

This therapy protects brain cells, making it a great option for those with strokes or brain diseases. Plus, it boosts memory and thinking skills in older adults with Alzheimer’s, helping them regain important mental abilities.

• Enhances Cognitive Function: A study treated patients with mild traumatic brain injury using red and near-infrared light therapy. Over 18 sessions, participants showed improved cognitive skills, as the therapy helped their cells produce more energy and increased blood flow to the brain. (Naeser et al., 2014, Journal of Neurotrauma)
• Promotes Neuroprotection: In a study, scientists looked at how low-level light therapy helps brain cells. They found that this therapy boosts the energy production in cells, which can help protect the brain and support its health, especially for people recovering from strokes or facing brain diseases. (Rojas & Gonzalez-Lima, 2011)
• Improves Memory in Alzheimer’s: A study investigated how red light therapy helps older adults with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Participants received the therapy five times a week for six months, and researchers found improvements in their memory and thinking skills over time. (Huang et al., 2020, Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience)

How to use the red light therapy device more effectively? 

• Select the correct wavelength: Use red light therapy devices with wavelengths between 660 and 850 nanometers. 660 nm is ideal for skin health, while 850 nm is more suited for muscle recovery and sports performance.

• Select the panel size according to your needs: Choose the right red light therapy panel by considering size, effectiveness, and treatment area. A larger panel may cover more space, while smaller ones are ideal for targeted treatments, like facial therapy.

• Clean your skin thoroughly: Remove any lotions or dirt before using the red light therapy device. This ensures better light penetration and maximizes the therapy’s effectiveness for your skin.

• Stay at the Right Distance: Maintain a safe distance from the red light therapy device to avoid being too close, which can cause overheating or discomfort, and avoid being too far, as it reduces the treatment’s effectiveness. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended distance for optimal results.
• Wear protective eyewear during red light therapy: As it shields your eyes from potentially harmful light exposure. Choose specialized goggles designed for red light therapy to ensure maximum safety and comfort during sessions.

Summing up

As we’ve explored in this guide, red light therapy offers a wide range of health benefits. From enhancing skin health and promoting hair growth to reducing inflammation and improving sleep, this non-invasive treatment can be a powerful tool in supporting your overall well-being. You can also experience pain relief, faster wound healing, and even a boost in weight loss and brain health with regular use.