DEHAY: The Benefits of Red Light Therapy

By Savanna DeHay

Red light therapy is an innovative tool that has been around since the end of the 1800s. This non-invasive therapy stimulates cellular regeneration, allowing the body to heal and detoxify. It can minimize and aid in recovery from skin conditions, wounds, pain, sleep issues, hormonal dysfunction, and even traumatic brain injury with consistent use.

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy (RLT) is a non-invasive therapeutic treatment using low-level red and near-infrared light. These wavelengths penetrate the skin at depths of 8-10 mm, enhancing metabolic processes, supporting the nervous system, and boosting ATP (adenosine triphosphate; cellular energy) production (Levy).

According to Block Blue Light, “[t]he photochemical reaction triggered by light exposure is similar to photosynthesis in plants, where light energy is converted into chemical energy to fuel cellular activity,” (Block Blue Light). This specialized light exposure accelerates cellular respiration, leading to quicker healing, reduced inflammation, and enhanced biological function.

Red light therapy supercharges mitochondria, boosting cellular energy production. This leads to faster healing, reduced inflammation, and promotes anti-aging benefits.

RLT vs. UV Light

Red light therapy is completely unrelated to ultra-violet (UV) light. While red light (620-660 nm) and near-infrared light (810-850 nm) promote healing and skin health, UV light (<400 nm) supports vitamin D synthesis, boosts mood, and tans the skin.

RLT for Skin and Hair

Red light therapy is anti-aging, helping to counteract the loss of collagen, oil glands, and facial fat that occurs with age – resulting in saggy, dry, and dull skin. As noted in the Journal of Aesthetic Nursing, “red light therapy is atraumatic and bypasses the initial destructive step[s],” of skin aging “by directly stimulating regenerative processes in the skin.”

This treatment also boosts blood circulation and cell proliferation, accelerating wound and scar healing. Consistent use of RLT can improve hyperpigmentation, varicose veins, stretch marks, rosacea, and eczema.

RLT for Joints and Inflammation

The release of ATP enhances cellular reproduction and function, reducing joint pain and improving mobility and flexibility (“The Best Red…’). This extra build-up of cellular energy also accelerates healing and reduces inflammation, helping to ease symptoms from muscle strain or injury.

RLT and Eyes

Vision begins to decline after the age of 40 due to reduction in ATP production. A study by University College London found that a three-minute morning RLT session can improve vision and prevent eye health degeneration (Berman). Participants experienced a 17% improvement in vision after morning exposure.

RLT and the Brain

Red light therapy can benefit individuals with ADHD, migraines, brain fog, and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. It also supports recovery from strokes and anoxic and traumatic brain injuries by enhancing mitochondrial function. The cellular respiration repairs damaged nerves, protects neurons, and slows disease progression (Mito Red Light).

One study conducted by Aging and Disease showed that regular RLT improves cognitive function in those with dementia (Mito Red Light).

And another showed “significant improvement in motor function, memory performance, and processing speed,” even in those without neurological conditions (Mito Red Light).

Explore Mito Red Light’s article for more studies on RLT’s impact on brain health.

RLT and Sleep and Recovery

Blood pressure, blood sugar, hormones, thyroid, the immune system, anxiety, and mood all influence our sleep quality. Many people struggle with crippling sleep issues like:

• Insomnia
• Sleep apnea
• Restless Legs Syndrome
• Narcolepsy
• Somnambulism (i.e. sleep walking)
• Sleep paralysis

RLT may boost melatonin production at night and increase alertness during the day (Mito Red Light). While lifestyle has the largest impact on sleep quality, RLT can help by supporting the circadian rhythm – especially when used in the morning. This can make waking up easier and falling asleep faster.

Sleep is one of the best ways to recover from illness, injury, workouts, or stress. RLT supports muscle recovery by speeding up cellular repair and improving performance.

A study in the American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that RLT “increased the maximal load in exercise and reduced fatigue,” in identical twins (Mito Red Light). More studies are available at Mito Red Light.

RLT and Pets

Believe it or not, red light therapy is beneficial to pets, too! Just as it reduces inflammation, heals wounds, and improves sleep in humans, it does the same for animals. In fact, many pets will naturally seek out the warmth of the red light, almost as if they instinctively know its healing power.

Conclusion

At first glance, red light therapy might seem gimmicky. But hundreds of studies show its special wavelengths improve cellular function – the foundation of health and wellbeing. If you struggle with skin issues, pain, inflammation, insomnia, or aging, consider investing in a RLT device.

C’mon, even your pets can see the light on this one.

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Sources

• Baler, Anna. Light-emitting diode red light therapy: evidence base for aesthetic indications. Journal of Aesthetic Nursing. 6 December 2016, https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/abs/10.12968/joan.2016.5.10.478?journalCode=joan. Accessed 20 September 2025.
• Berman, Robby. 3 minutes of deep red light can improve a person’s vision. Medical News Today, 4 December 2021, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/3-minutes-of-deep-red-light-can-improve-a-persons-vision#Color-contrast-vision. Accessed 26 September 2025.
• Block Blue Light. Block Blue Light, https://www.blockbluelight.com/ Accessed 16 September 2025.
• Dr. Patel, BCK MD, FRCS. Red Light Devices, Blue Light Devices and Infrared Devices: do they work. Patel Plastic Surgery, https://www.patelplasticsurgery.com/blog/red-light-devices-blue-light-devices-and-infrared-devices-do-they-work. Accessed 19 September 2025.
• How Often Should You Do LED Light Therapy For Best Results? Epic Esthetics, https://epicestheticsnc.com/how-often-should-you-get-led-light-therapy/. Accessed 11 September 2025.
• Knee Pain Treatment: 8 Solutions for Relief and Recovery. Orthopedic Specialists. https://www.oaaortho.com/blog/knee-pain-treatment-8-solutions-for-relief-and-recovery. Accessed 26 September 2025.
• Knight, Jonathan. Red Light Therapy Eyes Open on Closed – Important Guidelines to Follow. RLT Home, 29 July 2025, https://redlighttherapyhome.com/blogs/news/red-light-therapy-eyes-open-or-closed-important-guidelines-to-follow. Accessed 27 September 2025.
• Levy, Jillian, CHHC. Red Light Therapy: Does It Work to Boost Overall Health? Dr. Axe, 2 September 2025, https://draxe.com/health/red-light-therapy/. Accessed 14 September 2025.
• Mind photos. Freepik, https://www.freepik.com/photos/mind. Accessed 3 October 2025.
• Mito Red Light. https://mitoredlight.com/pages/learn. Accessed 20 September 2025.
• Smith, Yolanda, B.Pharm. What is the Circadian Rhythm? News of Medical Life Sciences, https://www.news-medical.net/health/Circadian-Rhythm.aspx. Accessed 4 October 2025.
• The Best Red Light Therapy for Knee Pain. Arthritis Knee Pain, https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=82287&awinaffid=2562501&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegoodchocolate.com%2F. Accessed 26 September 2025.
• The Effectiveness of Red Light Therapy for ADHD. Red Light Therapy NoMore, 29 May 2024, https://try-nomore.com/blogs/news/the-effectiveness-of-red-light-therapy-for-adhd. Accessed 27 September 2025.
• The Surprising Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Pets, Dogs, Cats, Horses, and Just About Any Other Animal. JOOVV, https://joovv.com/blogs/joovv-blog/surprising-benefits-red-light-therapy-pets-dogs-cats-horses-animals?srsltid=AfmBOooPjlXpryReNP52hTtKrPTMAA2qRbS7NcqbiLJe0xWnC1AISbOT. Accessed 4 October 2025.