Red and Near InfraRed Light
Red and Near Infrared Light:
Red light is also known as the healing light: it stimulates collagen production, cell repair, energy metabolism, healing, reduces inflammation - excellent for skin tightening, rejuvenation and reducing wrinkles; has a energising effect on mood and mental activity. It may reduce anxiety.
Near infra red light penetrates deeper beneath the skin layers than red light, and can promote healthy blood flow, repair of damaged muscles and soft tissue,; it is excellent for recovery from muscle strain or other soft tissue injury, and reduces inflammation.
What is Red Light Therapy and How Does it Work?
Red light therapy - also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) - uses low- energy light emitting diodes (LEDs) or lasers as a health-promoting therapy. It has gained particular popularity for its effects on health of the skin, joints, circulation, hair, energy, pain relief and healing.
The principle of red light therapy is comparable to a human version of plant photosynthesisis. It is thought that certain wavelengths of light can enhance the functioning of mitochondria, which are the energy power houses - or organelles - in a cell which take in nutrients and break them down to create energy molecules for the cell. By enhancing this 'breathing' of the cells, red light canimprove the functioning of the whole cell.
The diagram below shows some of the proven benefits of red and near infrared light therapy.
For further reading, please see the selected references listed below.
1. Effects of red and NIR light on skin ageing: Wunsch A, Matuschka K. A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in patient satisfaction, reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and intradermal collagen density increase. Photomed Laser Surg. 2014 Feb;32(2):93-100. doi: 10.1089/pho.2013.3616. Epub 2013 Nov 28. PMID: 24286286; PMCID: PMC3926176.
2. Effects on healing of wounds and ulcers:
- Minatel DG, Frade MA, França SC, Enwemeka CS. Phototherapy promotes healing of chronic diabetic leg ulcers that failed to respond to other therapies. Lasers Surg Med. 2009 Aug;41(6):433-41. doi: 10.1002/lsm.20789. PMID: 19588536.
- Calderhead R.G., Kubota J., Trelles M.A., and Ohshiro T. (2008). One mechanism behind LED phototherapy for wound healing and skin rejuvenation: Key role of the mast cell. Laser Therapy 17, 141–148
- Erdle BJ, Brouxhon S, Kaplan M, Vanbuskirk J, Pentland AP. Effects of continuous-wave (670-nm) red light on wound healing. Dermatol Surg. 2008 Mar;34(3):320-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2007.34065.x. Epub 2007 Dec 20. PMID: 18177400.
3. Effects on inflammation and pain:
- Cheng K, Martin LF, Slepian MJ, Patwardhan AM, Ibrahim MM. Mechanisms and Pathways of Pain Photobiomodulation: A Narrative Review. J Pain. 2021 Jul;22(7):763-777. doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2021.02.005. Epub 2021 Feb 23. PMID: 33636371; PMCID: PMC8277709.
- specific effects in degenerative joints and oedema:
4. Effects on mood and cognitive function Red light therapy particularly before going to bed can improve sleep, relaxation, mood and alertness the following day.
5. Effects on muscle recovery and endurance: Red light and NIR can increase recovery from exercise, increase muscle bulk after training, and both pre-conditioning and post-performance is beneficial. It also decreases inflammation and oxidative stress in muscles.
6. Effects on fat layer reduction and increased elastin production: Red light and NIR therapy may help reduce fat density and cellulite, though the mechanisms by which this occurs are still unclear. It should not be relied on however as a sole treatment for these conditions.
7. Effects on Blood triglycerides and cholesterol : some studies indicate a beneficial effect on the metabolism of blood lipid levels.
8. May enhance fertility in both males. and females
Near Infrared light Red light
How does red light therapy work?
A: Red and red/infrared LED lights use ranges of wavelengths that penetrate the outer layer of the skin, providing the cells with usable energy. This brings about various reactions in the cells including improved healing, the reduction of inflammation, and enhanced production of collagen.
Q2. How long does it take for red light therapy to work?
A: It is not an immediate miracle transformation that will occur overnight, but it will provide you with ongoing improvements that you will begin to see in anywhere from 24 hours to 2 months, depending on the condition, its severity, and how regularly the light is used.
Q3. What is the difference between red and near-infrared light therapy?
A: Red and near-infrared light therapy is exactly the same except for two differences: Red light is visible and near-infrared light is invisible. Near-infrared light penetrates into the body deeper than red light.
Q4. How often do I need to use red light therapy?
A: This depends on the condition you are treating and the device you are using. For most conditions, daily use for at least two weeks is recommended, followed by a once- or twice-weekly maintenance regimen.
Q5. Do I need to continue to use the light as much when I start seeing results?
A: Yes. Just because you’re seeing results, it doesn’t mean that your skin cells are finished doing their jobs. It’s just that the results of their efforts are starting to become something you can see and/or feel. Keep up the treatments until you reach your goal level of results. Then you can start a weekly maintenance schedule.
Q6. Once my skin problems have been resolved, do I stop using the light?
A: When your skin is clear or your fine lines, wrinkles, or scarring have been reduced or even eliminated, it is best that you continue the use of the light once or twice per week as a part of regular maintenance practice. This will help to make sure that the benefits will continue over the long-term.