What Is Red Light Therapy? Benefits & How It Works
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What Is Red Light Therapy? Benefits & How It Works
Red light therapy has become increasingly popular across skincare, wellness and physical recovery. From professional aesthetic clinics and wellness centres to home-use devices, the technology uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to expose the skin and underlying tissue to light energy.
Also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), red light therapy has been studied for its potential effects on cellular activity, skin appearance, collagen production and exercise recovery.
In this guide, we’ll explain what red light therapy is, how it works, the difference between red and near-infrared wavelengths, its potential benefits and what to consider when choosing a red light therapy device.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy is a non-invasive form of light therapy that uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light.
Unlike ultraviolet (UV) light, red and near-infrared light do not work by damaging the skin or creating a tan. Instead, photobiomodulation uses controlled light exposure to influence biological processes within cells.
Red wavelengths are generally used for more superficial applications involving the skin, while near-infrared wavelengths can penetrate deeper into tissue.
This is why modern red light therapy devices often combine several red and near-infrared wavelengths within one system.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
The basic principle behind red light therapy is photobiomodulation.
When specific wavelengths of light reach tissue, some of that light energy is absorbed by molecules within cells. Research into photobiomodulation has focused particularly on its interaction with the mitochondria — the structures responsible for producing much of a cell’s usable energy.
These biological responses are being studied for their potential influence on cellular function, tissue recovery and skin health.
However, the effects of red light therapy can depend on several factors, including wavelength, irradiance, treatment distance, exposure time and frequency of use.
Red Light vs Near-Infrared Light
Although they’re often used together, red and near-infrared light aren’t exactly the same.
Red light, commonly around 630–660nm, is visible to the human eye and is generally associated with more superficial skin applications.
Near-infrared light, commonly around 810–850nm, is largely invisible to the human eye and can penetrate deeper into tissue.
Some advanced red light therapy panels use an even broader combination of wavelengths.
For example, our professional panels use eight wavelengths:
610nm, 630nm, 660nm, 810nm, 830nm, 850nm, 940nm and 1060nm.
The combination allows different wavelengths to be delivered simultaneously rather than relying on a single wavelength.
For a more detailed comparison, read our Red Light vs Infrared Therapy: Key Differences & Benefits guide.
What Are the Benefits of Red Light Therapy?
Research into photobiomodulation covers a wide range of potential applications. The results depend heavily on the treatment parameters used, and red light therapy shouldn’t be viewed as a guaranteed treatment for any particular condition.
1. Supports Collagen Production
Red light therapy has been studied for its potential influence on fibroblast activity and collagen production.
Collagen is an important structural protein within the skin and plays a major role in firmness, elasticity and overall skin appearance.
This is one reason red light therapy has become popular within professional skincare and anti-ageing routines.
2. Fine Lines and Skin Texture
Research into red light and photobiomodulation has also explored improvements in skin appearance, including texture, elasticity and the appearance of fine lines.
Because the treatment is non-invasive, LED and red light devices are increasingly incorporated into professional facial treatments and home skincare routines.
3. Supports Muscle Recovery
Red and near-infrared light are also widely used within fitness, sports and recovery environments.
Photobiomodulation has been studied for its potential role in supporting muscle performance and recovery following physical activity.
For athletes and regular gym users, this has helped make red light therapy increasingly popular alongside other recovery methods.
4. Joint and Muscle Comfort
Because near-infrared wavelengths penetrate deeper than visible red light, they are commonly used in devices designed for broader body and recovery applications.
Research has investigated photobiomodulation in relation to inflammation and temporary muscle and joint discomfort, although outcomes vary depending on the application and treatment protocol.
5. Skin Appearance and Redness
Red light therapy is also used in skincare routines focused on overall skin appearance.
Its potential effects on cellular activity and inflammatory pathways have led to research into areas including skin redness and recovery.
Individual results vary, and anyone managing a specific skin condition should seek appropriate professional advice.
6. Cellular Function
One of the most interesting areas of photobiomodulation research concerns cellular energy.
Light absorbed within cells can influence mitochondrial processes involved in the production of ATP — a molecule cells use for energy.
This cellular mechanism is one of the main reasons researchers continue to investigate red and near-infrared light across numerous applications.
7. Exercise and Wellness Routines
Red light therapy doesn’t have to be limited to professional clinics.
Panels, masks, belts and targeted devices have made the technology increasingly accessible for personal wellness routines.
Different devices provide different coverage areas and treatment characteristics, so choosing the right type of device is important.
What Do Red Light Therapy Wavelengths Mean?
The wavelength of light is measured in nanometres (nm).
Different wavelengths penetrate tissue to different depths and therefore aren’t necessarily interchangeable.
Visible red wavelengths such as 630nm and 660nm are commonly associated with skin-focused applications.
Near-infrared wavelengths including 810nm, 830nm and 850nm penetrate deeper and are frequently incorporated into devices designed for muscle and body applications.
Longer infrared wavelengths such as 940nm and 1060nm may also be included within multi-wavelength systems.
Rather than assuming that more wavelengths automatically make a device better, you should consider the overall combination of wavelength, irradiance, coverage and intended application.
Is Near-Infrared Light Supposed to Be Invisible?
Yes. This sometimes causes confusion when people first use a red light therapy panel.
Visible red wavelengths create the bright red glow associated with these devices.
Near-infrared wavelengths sit outside the visible range of human vision, so the LEDs may appear extremely dim or even completely off despite emitting near-infrared light.
That doesn’t necessarily mean the LEDs aren’t working.
How Long Should You Use Red Light Therapy?
There isn’t one universal treatment time that applies to every red light therapy device.
Treatment duration depends on factors including the device’s irradiance, distance from the body, wavelengths and intended application.
A higher-powered panel used close to the body may deliver considerably more light energy than a smaller device used at a greater distance.
For that reason, users should follow the instructions supplied with their particular device rather than assuming that longer sessions automatically provide better results.
Choosing a Red Light Therapy Device
When comparing red light therapy devices, don’t look only at the number of LEDs.
Important specifications include wavelength range, irradiance at different distances, treatment coverage, power output, cooling and build quality, controls and intended use.
For professional environments, reliability, certification information, warranty and after-sales support should also form part of the buying decision.
A facial mask, targeted belt and full-size therapy panel all use light therapy, but they’re designed for very different treatment areas.
Red Light Therapy Panels
Red light therapy panels provide a larger treatment area than smaller targeted devices, making them suitable for broader body exposure.
Our ML75, ML100 and ML300 Red Light Therapy Panels use eight red and infrared wavelengths:
610nm | 630nm | 660nm | 810nm | 830nm | 850nm | 940nm | 1060nm
With three different panel sizes available, users can choose a system based on the treatment coverage and space they require.
For professional clinics, wellness centres, fitness environments and home users looking for larger treatment coverage, a panel can provide a more versatile solution than a small targeted device.
Red Light Therapy FAQs
Is red light therapy the same as infrared therapy?
Not exactly. Red light and infrared light occupy different wavelength ranges and penetrate tissue differently. They’re frequently combined within modern photobiomodulation devices.
Can you see infrared light?
Near-infrared light is outside the normal visible range of the human eye. Therefore, infrared LEDs may appear dim or unlit even while operating.
What wavelengths are commonly used in red light therapy?
630nm and 660nm are common visible-red wavelengths, while 810nm, 830nm and 850nm are frequently used near-infrared wavelengths. Some systems also incorporate additional wavelengths such as 940nm and 1060nm.
Is red light therapy only for skincare?
No. Although it is widely used in skincare, photobiomodulation has also been researched and used within sports, fitness and physical recovery settings.
Are red light therapy panels suitable for home use?
Some panels are designed for home use, while others are aimed at professional environments. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications, instructions and intended use before operating a device.