The Science Behind Red and Infrared Light Therapy: How It Heals Your Body at the Cellular Level
Red light masks have transformed from something that looks embarrassingly futuristic, to a popular home treatment device. But red light has many more applications. If you’ve ever seen someone basking under glowing red panels or using a concentrated red light wand, you may have wondered: What’s all the hype about red and infrared light therapy? As it turns out, this wellness trend is deeply rooted in real science—particularly at the cellular level.
Whether you’re seeking better skin, reduced inflammation, or enhanced recovery, understanding how these light wavelengths interact with your body can help you make informed decisions about incorporating light therapy into your routine.
What Is Red and Infrared Light Therapy?
Red and infrared light therapy—also known as photobiomodulation (PBM)—involves exposing the body to specific wavelengths of light within a specified treatment session. These wavelengths penetrate the skin and are absorbed by your cells, triggering a variety of biological processes that promote healing, regeneration, and overall well-being
- Red light (typically 620–750nm) affects the skin’s surface as well as entering the skin & muscles at the application site.
- Near-infrared light (around 750–1,100nm) penetrates slightly deeper into tissues, muscles, and even bones.
Red and infrared light therapy used together packs a powerful one-two punch for both skin-deep and deep-tissue rejuvenation. In addition, when different wavelengths of light are applied simultaneously, they strengthen their application to have a more penetrating effect. The red light and infrared run in parallel, while the infrared penetrate slightly deeper. While the two colors are in parallel, they improve the benefit of both colors.
Whether you’re seeking better skin, reduced inflammation, or enhanced recovery, understanding how these light wavelengths interact with your body can help you make informed decisions about incorporating light therapy into your routine.
The Cellular Magic: How It Works
At the heart of red and infrared light therapy is a tiny structure in your cells called the mitochondrion—often referred to as the “powerhouse of the cell.” Mitochondria produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the molecule your body uses for energy.
Here’s what happens when light hits your cells:
- Light is absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase, a key enzyme in mitochondria.
- This absorption leads to an increase in ATP production—more cellular energy means faster healing and regeneration.
- Light exposure also reduces oxidative stress by modulating free radicals and promoting antioxidant production.
- It triggers gene expression changes, leading to long-term improvements in cell health and function.
In simpler terms: red and infrared light recharge your cells like a battery, giving them the energy to repair damage, reduce inflammation, and perform at their best. Damage repair is at the skin surface level, addressing scarring, redness, and other skin issues as well as deeper beneath the skin surface into muscular and deeper tissue healing.
Benefits You Can Feel (and See)
The list of science-backed benefits is growing, but here are some of the most well-documented effects of red and infrared light therapy:
1. Improved Skin Health
- Stimulates collagen production for firmer, younger-looking skin
- Reduces acne, redness, and signs of aging
- Speeds up wound healing and reduces scarring
2. Reduced Inflammation and Pain
- Helps manage joint pain and muscle soreness
- Reduces inflammation markers in conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia
3. Enhanced Muscle Recovery
- Increases circulation and oxygen delivery to muscles
- Shortens recovery time after workouts or injuries
4. Brain and Mental Health Support
- May improve cognitive function, especially in older adults
- Reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression, and seasonal affective disorder
5. Hormonal Balance and Sleep
- Helps regulate melatonin and circadian rhythms, leading to better sleep
- May support thyroid function and testosterone levels
Red Light vs. Infrared Light: When to Use Which?
Therapy Type
Red Light (620–750 nm)
Best For
Skin health, acne, anti-aging, wound healing, muscle recovery
Therapy Type
Near-Infrared (750–1100 nm)
Best For
Joint pain, muscle recovery, brain health, sleep
The Healtheory’s Red Light Wrap offers dual-wavelength therapy, allowing you to get the best of both worlds in a single session, as well as a more penetrating and lasting result from the combined wavelengths.
How to Use It Safely and Effectively
- Consistency is key – Aim for 10–20 minutes, 3–7 days per week. Start slow and build to increased exposure over time. Brief daily sessions are better than one hour only once per week.
- Don’t overdo it – More is not always better. Overexposure can reduce effectiveness. Pay attention to how you are feeling. If you start to feel sluggish, reduce your exposure for a while (cut your session in half, use it on alternating days).
- Know how your device works – The Healtheory uses medical grade LED bulbs in our Body Wrap, and we are the only US distributor for these high quality bulbs. A full treatment session is complete in only 3 minutes! However, the device may be used for much longer (a full 90 minute session is suitable for almost everyone) depending on your availability and interest in treatment.
- Check with your doctor – If you have any other questions about red light therapy, reach out to your trusted health professional to learn more details about your specific circumstances.
- Question: Do I need eye protection? Many red light face masks come with eye goggles.
- Answer: Eye protection is up to you and your comfort level. Exposure to the LED is not going to damage your vision, but it may feel bright to your eyes or you may be sensitive to the light visually in which case you can close your eyes, use goggles, or use it on areas of your skin where you cannot see the light during use.
Final Thoughts: Light as a Lifestyle Upgrade
Red and infrared light therapy might sound like sci-fi, but it’s rooted in decades of cellular biology and clinical research. By targeting your cells’ energy centers, this form of therapy offers a drug-free, non-invasive way to support your health, performance, and appearance from the inside out. It incorporates into the nitric oxide cycle, kick-starting your blood’s natural detoxification and healing cycle.
Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, recovering from intense workouts or a surgical procedure, or just looking to level up your skincare routine, a little light might be exactly what your cells are craving.