Red Light Therapy 101: What Is It and How Does It Work?

Red light therapy (RLT) is gaining popularity as a non‑invasive treatment with a wide range of potential health benefits. From improving skin health to enhancing muscle recovery, RLT is being used by athletes, wellness enthusiasts, and even dermatologists. But what is red light therapy, and how does red light therapy work?

What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy is a therapeutic technique that uses low‑level wavelengths of red or near‑infrared light to stimulate cellular function. This treatment is sometimes referred to as low‑level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM). Unlike ultraviolet (UV) light, which can damage skin cells, red light is non‑invasive and penetrates deep into the skin to promote healing and regeneration.

How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
Red light therapy works by delivering wavelengths of red and near‑infrared light to the cells, primarily targeting the mitochondria—the powerhouse of the cell. This process helps to enhance cellular energy production (ATP), reduce oxidative stress, and improve overall cellular function. When the skin absorbs these light wavelengths, it can trigger a variety of biological responses, including increased collagen production, reduced inflammation, and enhanced blood circulation. These mechanisms contribute to RLT’s many health and wellness benefits.

Red Light Therapy by Wavelength: Detailed Clinical Breakdown
Red light therapy (RLT), also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), is a non‑invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of red and near‑infrared (NIR) light to promote cellular health, reduce inflammation, enhance tissue repair, and optimize mitochondrial function. Each wavelength penetrates tissue at different depths and stimulates unique biological responses.

Red Light Therapy Benefits
The benefits of red light therapy extend across multiple aspects of health and wellness. Some of the key advantages include:

• Skin Health: RLT stimulates collagen production, reduces wrinkles, and improves skin tone and texture. It’s often used for acne treatment and to promote wound healing.
• Improved Sleep and Mood: Red light therapy may support melatonin production, helping to regulate sleep cycles and reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety.
• Hair Growth: Some studies suggest that RLT can stimulate hair follicles, promoting hair regrowth in individuals experiencing hair thinning or loss.
• Muscle Recovery and Performance: Athletes use RLT to accelerate muscle recovery, reduce soreness, and improve endurance by enhancing blood flow and reducing inflammation.
• Pain and Inflammation Relief: Red light therapy can help reduce chronic pain and inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and joint disorders.

633 nm – Cellular Activation & Skin Health (Visible Red Light)

• Primary Use: Surface‑level therapy
• Primary Locations: Aesthetics & Dermatology
• Tissue Penetration: ~1–2 mm
• Benefits:
  
  • Stimulates fibroblast activity, increasing collagen and elastin production, which improves skin texture and elasticity.
  • Reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and inflammation in skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and eczema.
  • Promotes wound healing by enhancing keratinocyte migration and dermal remodeling.
  • Often used in dermatology and aesthetics for anti‑aging treatments and post‑procedure healing.

For further information, read the NIH study on red light therapy for faster wound healing.

660 nm – Inflammation Reduction & Superficial Tissue Repair

• Primary Use: Skin, blood vessels, and muscle surface
• Tissue Penetration: ~2–5 mm
• Benefits:
  
  • Improves microcirculation and oxygenation at the capillary level, ideal for soft tissue recovery.
  • Reduces inflammation and swelling, especially in superficial tendons, joints, and skin layers.
  • Supports muscle recovery and soreness relief post‑exercise.
  • Enhances hair follicle stimulation and may aid in hair regrowth.

• 810 nm – Deep Cellular Healing & Neurological Applications
• Primary Use: Deeper muscle tissue, joints, nerves, brain
• Tissue Penetration: ~20–25 mm (deepest red/NIR transition)
• Benefits:
  
  • Crosses the blood‑brain barrier, making it effective for neurological and cognitive applications (e.g., mood, focus, cognitive decline, TBI).
  • Stimulates ATP production in mitochondria through cytochrome c oxidase activation, enhancing cellular energy.
  • Used for musculoskeletal pain, arthritis, and neuropathy due to deeper tissue penetration.
  • Reduces neuroinflammation and supports neuroregeneration.

For further information, For further information, read the NIH study – Red Light Study for Return to Play.

850 nm – Pain Relief, Muscle Recovery & Anti‑Inflammation
Primary Use: Muscles, joints, tendons, and deep connective tissue
Tissue Penetration: ~30–40 mm
Benefits:

• • Known for reducing joint and muscle pain, commonly used in sports recovery and chronic pain management.
  • Improves lymphatic flow and reduces edema.
  • Enhances wound healing in deeper tissue layers by accelerating angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation).
  • Helps reduce chronic inflammation, particularly in patients with autoimmune or degenerative diseases.

A recent study has also found Red Light for Improving Cardiovascular Health as well.

940 nm – Enhanced Circulation, Vascular Health & Deep Tissue Repair

• Primary Use: Deep tissue vasodilation and oxygen delivery
• Tissue Penetration: ~40–50 mm (deepest NIR spectrum)
• Benefits:
  
  • Strongly absorbed by water in tissues, leading to localized heating that improves blood flow and nutrient delivery.
  • Enhances vascular tone, helpful for individuals with poor circulation or metabolic conditions.
  • Used to decrease deep inflammation in areas like the hip, spine, or abdomen.
  • Can be applied in metabolic health support, including fat metabolism and insulin sensitivity enhancement.

To Learn More about Adding Red Light Therapy to your clinic or facility, contact your Longevity and Wellness Specialist at DEXA+ or Call: 786‑668‑DEXA (3392)