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Understanding How Red Light Therapy Works

Red light therapy, therefore, is the therapeutic science of utilizing red and infrared light wavelengths to assist with the treatment of health conditions, and promote general well-being. You may have also heard of red light therapy referred to by other names, such as:

Low level light therapy (LLLT)

Photobiomodulation (PBM)

Soft laser therapy

Biostimulation

Photonic stimulation

Low-power laser therapy

Cold laser therapy

During a red light therapy treatment, chromophores within our cellular mitochondria absorb red and infrared light photons, and convert them into energy. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of cells, responsible for making adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell’s form of energy, and enhancing the consumption of oxygen.
Once this red light energy has been absorbed by the body, it is then used by the cells to build new proteins such as collagen and elastin, and assist with cellular regeneration. Red light give cells a helping hand, ensuring mitochondria reaches its potential by providing it with a full tank of fuel which results in optimal performance for the organism.
You could compare the process to photosynthesis, where plants absorb sunlight and convert it into complex molecules. In red light therapy, we absorb the energy of the red light photons to enhance our cellular potential, promote oxygen utilization within the cell, and generate ATP, or cellular fuel.
There’s nothing mystical or new-agey about it--the process by which red light transforms bodily tissue at a cellular level has been scientifically proven. Improving the performance of mitochondria in the body improves the body’s overall performance and health.

 

Understanding Near Infrared (NIR) Light Wavelengths

While visible red light constitutes one half of red light therapy, near infrared light (NIR) constitutes the other half. Near infrared light (NIR) sits just above the visible light spectrum, with wavelengths ranging from 700 nm to over 1,100 nm. Similar to red light, not all wavelengths within this range are equally effective with respect to healing: wavelengths between 800-880 nm appear to offer the greatest therapeutic benefits.
The body absorbs NIR light in the same way as visible red light, via chromophores in our cells. Following absorption, a range of healing metabolic processes are stimulated, promoting healing and regeneration.
However, there is one significant difference between red and near infrared light: near infrared light is able to penetrate deeper into the body’s tissue, because its wavelengths are longer.
Red light therapy devices that combine both red light and near infrared light offer potent healing potential because they incorporate a range of therapeutic wavelengths. These wavelengths can target diverse issues. For example, red light can penetrate to the depth of the skin, promoting collagen production and healing wounds, while near infrared light is able to penetrate deeper into the body’s tissue to more successfully target deep wounds, muscle, or joint pain.
All of LED therapy light devices are available in either a combination of red 660nm and near-infrared 850m light for optimal therapeutic benefits.
 

How does red light therapy work to mitigate the effects of stress, illness or injury?

When we are unwell, stressed, or injured, the ability of cellular mitochondria to function at full capacity becomes impaired. In the fast-paced, stress-saturated context of the modern world, most of us are uncomfortably aware of the effects of constant tension on our skin--sleepless nights and tight deadlines lead us to look worn out, haggard, and older than our actual age. Cosmetic treatments can only provide a superficial fix for what is, in essence, a problem that originates within our cells.

How Does Red Light Therapy Work for Better Sleep?

When we are stressed or ill, mitochondria begin to produce excess nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is problematic because it interferes the consumption of oxygen within the cell, leading to oxidative stress, and ultimately, ceasing the production of ATP, the cell’s source of fuel. The cell may die as a result.
Red and near infrared light (delivered within the optimal wavelengths and energy levels) protect the cell from the damage that nitric oxide can cause. The disruptive potential of nitric oxide is minimized by the absorption of red light photons, allowing the cell to continue effectively utilizing oxygen and creating ATP. Only red-light therapy can reach all the way into cell’s mitochondria to stimulate healing and regeneration, improving appearance, performance, and overall well-being.

THE DEPTH OF PENETRATION OF RED LIGHT

Red and infrared light can penetrate the skin deeper than almost any other light wavelength. Take a look at the diagram below sourced from this clinical study of light penetration: