Everything you should know about Red and Infrared Light Therapy

How Red Light Therapy Works

Red light therapy has a direct effect on the cells that make up the body, including cells in the skin, bones, muscle, and cartilage, as well as other types of connective tissue.  

When specific wavelengths are directed at bare skin via red light devices, photosensitive molecules called chromophores detect the electromagnetic waves of light. This stimulates increased cellular energy production in the mitochondria, which are the energy producers within cells. 

Increasing cellular energy is the most important and far-reaching benefit of red light. Essentially, it’s the beginning of a positive chain reaction beginning with improved cellular functioning that leads to improved systemic functioning.

But not all wavelengths have this effect on the body, because the skin tissue actually blocks some wavelengths of light. This makes certain LED light therapies ineffective.

While it’s only about as thick as a single sheet of paper, the epidermis – and the layer of subcutaneous fat beneath it – is enough to block shorter blue, green, and yellow wavelengths. This shallow absorption is why most conditions beyond the skin's surface can’t be treated with wavelengths other than red.

The next section discusses the leading causes of many chronic ailments, and how red light therapy can effectively treat these conditions at their root: poor cellular performance, low collagen production, and inflammation. 

Mitochondrial Dysfunction (Poor Cellular Performance)

When cells anywhere in the body aren’t performing at their peak, there’s a negative ripple effect not only within the system to which the cells belong but also the body as a whole, because all systems are interdependent.

Mitochondrial dysfunction refers to the cells’ inability to convert raw materials into energy. This condition has been flagged as a leading contributor to many chronic conditions including neurodegenerative disorders and rapid skin aging. 

Whatever causes the cells to function poorly, reversing mitochondrial dysfunction using red light therapy is the first step toward healing chronic conditions; and, it can support your entire body in functioning optimally.

Mitochondrial dysfunction could be caused by chronic stress, inflammation, or disease – and it can be halted and even reversed by therapeutic applications of red light.

Deep penetrating red light therapy restores normal mitochondrial functioning by stimulating the production of a cellular fuel called adenosine triphosphate (ATP). More fuel energizes the cells so they can perform their specialized functions, repair themselves, and replicate. 

This results in a positive ripple effect: the system that’s being treated will benefit, as well as the body as a whole. 

Collagen Production

The second most notable benefit of red light is that it promotes collagen production. This is the primary reason why red light therapy is so effective at skin rejuvenation and as a treatment for fine lines and wrinkles.

Normally we think of collagen as the main component of skin and the protein that's responsible for youthful skin tone. However, collagen is a structural protein that is also present in cartilage and muscle, so it’s vital for wound healing and musculoskeletal health. 

Reduced Inflammation

One of the hallmarks of red light therapy is its soothing effect on inflammation, especially chronic inflammation that causes damaging oxidative stress in cells.

Numerous studies have confirmed this effect. And since inflammation is one of the key causes of chronic conditions and disease, taking measures to reduce it can quickly give the body's self-healing mechanisms a powerful boost.

These three main effects of red light therapy are the basis for its extremely broad range of applications. Next, we’ll discuss specific conditions that can be treated using red light therapy, and the many secondary benefits of the treatment.