Since the beginning of the new millennium, there has been increasing evidence that different wavelengths of light affect our body’s biochemistry and therefore our well-being. Red (RED) and Near-Infrared (NIR) light are particularly effective. The red spectrum is visible to the eye and is mostly absorbed by the skin. Infrared light is invisible to the human eye. This light penetrates deeper into our bodies (unlike other wavelengths, which are absorbed by the skin), where it has a positive effect on our mitochondria, cells, organs and endocrine glands.
The new science of photobiomodulation has brought us several thousand studies (including human studies) over the past two decades showing that the therapeutic use of red and near-infrared light can keep our bodies healthier on almost every level.
We have divided the effects of RED and NIR therapy into 9 categories and provide an overview of each below. You can also click “more” for more specific information, including selected studies.
- Red light therapy works on mitochondria to increase the production of a key energy source called ATP. (Link)
- Red light therapy can improve muscle function, reduce muscle fatigue during exercise, and improve muscle recovery. This may be beneficial for athletes, people with muscle injuries, and patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. (Reference)
- Red light therapy improves muscle strength, reduces delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and reduces levels of biomarkers of muscle damage to a greater extent than cryotherapy. Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that photobiomodulation can improve muscle recovery after high-intensity exercise and is more effective than cryotherapy. (Reference)
- Infrared light used before eccentric training improves hypertrophic response and muscle strength gains in healthy subjects. (Reference)
- The meta-analysis examined time to exhaustion, number of repetitions, isometric peak torque, and blood lactate levels. Positive results were obtained using a wavelength range of 655 to 950 nm. (Reference)
- Photobiomodulation using red and near-infrared light can increase muscle mass gained after training, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in muscles. (Reference)
- Red and near-infrared light therapy can slow the development of muscle fatigue during exercise, reduce blood lactate levels after exercise, and inhibit the release of inflammatory biomarkers. (Reference)
- Stimulating the quadriceps muscle with near-infrared light (NIR) immediately after leg press and leg extension exercises reduced muscle damage, muscle soreness, and increased muscle mass. (Reference)
- Near-Infrared light therapy (NIR) administered immediately after a leg press exercise increased strength compared to strength training without NIR therapy. The NIR group also had slightly greater increases in thigh circumference. (Reference)
- Red light therapy in elite female basketball players had a positive effect on their endurance. (Link)
- Near-infrared (NIR) light therapy enhances the effects of exercise in obese women who are losing weight. Improvements in lipid profiles and reductions in adipose tissue indicate increased metabolic activity and altered fat metabolism. (Reference)
Hormonal System
Near-Infrared (NIR) light penetrates deep into the body and, depending on which endocrine glands it reaches, then strengthens them. Studies show a strong positive effect on the thyroid gland when the light is applied to the neck for 10-15 minutes a day (especially for women). Just as red light therapy works for men when applied to the crotch (illuminating areas that light normally does not reach), it can also be beneficial for women. This results in an increase in both testosterone production and spermatogenesis. The positive effects are seen with the use of red and near-infrared light spectrums.
- Red light therapy is effective in increasing testosterone levels. (Link)
- Near infrared light therapy improves thyroid function. Patients have reduced their need for medication used to treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and have reduced levels of a thyroid autoimmune disease marker (TPOAb). (Reference)
- Near infrared therapy has a positive effect on thyroid hormone levels. (Reference)
- Treatment with near-infrared rays increased the concentration and number of motile forms of spermatozoa, reduced their degenerative forms, and increased the levels of sex and gonadotropin hormones in serum. (Reference)
- Irradiation of human spermatozoa with near-infrared light improves their progressive motility. (Reference)
Skin, hair and nails
As we age, our body gradually loses its ability to synthesize new collagen, which leads to wrinkles and poor hair and nail quality. Collagen is also important for wound and scar regeneration. While it is beneficial to get specific amino acids or collagen from food, collagen synthesis must be activated to achieve maximum effect. This is where red and near-infrared light comes in. Increasing collagen production is the main reason why phototherapy has been used in beauty salons and dermatology. You can also find various infrared lamps and emitters in those places, but they usually do not provide the optimal spectrum with the required irradiation strength.
- Red light therapy is an effective therapeutic method for treating acne vulgaris. (Reference)
- Red light therapy significantly improved hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia. (Reference)
- Red and near-infrared light therapy is a safe and effective way to rejuvenate the skin, reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and increase skin collagen density. (Link)
- The use of red light has a positive effect on the amount of wrinkles on women's cheeks and skin moisture. (Link)
- Red light therapy has anti-inflammatory effects and works on both acute and chronic inflammation. It is effective in accelerating wound healing and increasing collagen synthesis. (Reference)
- Photobiomodulation is an effective and safe therapeutic method for burn scars in children. (Reference)
- Low-level laser therapy effectively accelerates the healing process of burn wounds. (Link)
Sleep and circadian rhythm
Our body processes are synchronized based on a 24-hour biorhythm called the circadian rhythm. To synchronize your rhythm, avoid artificial blue light before going to bed (e.g. with Blue Blockers glasses) and experience intense light immediately after waking up. Photobiomodulation is ideal for use in the morning after waking up, as it creates a light spectrum that mimics sunrise with an intensity of 30,000 lux (on a cloudy day after sunrise at home, only a few hundred lux). This creates your morning circadian rhythm, which translates into energy and efficiency. Several studies have shown that using red light therapy improved sleep quality and increased melatonin levels.
- Red light therapy improved sleep quality and significantly increased melatonin secretion in elite female basketball players. It also had a positive effect on their endurance. (Link)
- Infrared light was used on patients whose brain activity (EEG) was measured before, during, and after light stimulation. The researchers concluded that infrared light may be beneficial for patients with sleep problems. (Link)
- Infrared light reduced sleep disturbances in patients with chronic migraine. It also reduced headache days, acute medication use, and pain intensity. (Reference)
- People with traumatic brain injury (TBI) experienced an average increase in sleep duration of 1 hour per night after receiving red and near-infrared light therapy. (Reference)
- People who have experienced traumatic brain injury (TBI) have reported improved sleep after receiving red and near-infrared light therapy. (Link)
Musculoskeletal system
Due to the complex mechanism of action of this system, red and ultra-near infrared light therapy is very beneficial for our musculoskeletal system. They are excellent for prevention and regeneration of joints, tendons and even bones. This therapy can reduce inflammation and at the same time increase collagen synthesis; two of the most important factors for a strong musculoskeletal system.
- The use of near-infrared radiation is a safe and effective method of treating knee osteoarthritis. (Reference)
- Reducing knee osteoarthritis pain and improving microcirculation (circulation of body fluids – blood, tissue fluid, lymph – at the level of individual tissues) using near-infrared light. (Link)
- Near-infrared light therapy combined with exercise was more effective than exercise alone in treating patients with knee osteoarthritis. (Reference)
- Both red and near-infrared light helped repair damaged bones. The infrared spectrum had a better effect. (Link)
- Bones irradiated with near-infrared light show increased remodeling (osteoblast proliferation), collagen deposition, and bone formation. (Reference)
Mental and cognitive function
Therapy through the red and near-infrared spectrum has a positive effect on our brain, psyche and mood. It is very effective for both depressive episodes and seasonal depression (when there is often a lack of intense light). However, it is useful for those who want to improve brain function through infrared therapy, activating the synthesis of neurotransmitters or reducing the negative effects of today's stressful, modern lifestyle. Scientific evidence with references to sources
- After 2 weeks of near-infrared light exposure to the forehead, significant improvements were observed on the Hamilton Depression and Anxiety Scale. No side effects were observed. (Reference)
- Near-infrared light therapy is an effective neuroprotective treatment for patients with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, and possibly other neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. (Reference)
- Near-infrared light reduced headache days, acute medication use, and pain intensity in patients with chronic migraine. It also reduced sleep disturbances. (Reference)
- Red and near-infrared light therapy for people who had suffered traumatic brain injury (TBI) not only improved their cognitive function, but patients also experienced fewer episodes of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). (Link)
- Red and near-infrared light applied to the skull improves cognitive function in patients with traumatic brain injury, even years after the injury. It also reduces the severity of symptoms in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder, which shares the same brain abnormalities as chronic TBI, including medial prefrontal cortex dysfunction. (Reference)
Reducing inflammation
Red and near-infrared light helps reduce inflammation wherever it shines with sufficient intensity. Photobiomodulation using red and near-infrared light can be used to treat localized swelling, inflammatory nodules, tendon strains, toothaches, injured muscles, or even chronic joint inflammation. It also helps reduce chronic inflammation throughout the body.
- Red and near-infrared light therapy can significantly reduce inflammation levels in the body. (Reference)
- Photobiomodulation using red and near-infrared light can reduce inflammation in the brain, lungs, fatty abdomen, and various wounds. (Reference)
- Due to its effective reduction of inflammation, photobiomodulation can be used to treat problems such as osteoarthritis, joint damage and excessive swelling without the side effects that are typical of anti-inflammatory drugs such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen ...). (Reference)
- Near infrared light reduces pain and symptoms, improves functional ability, and improves finger and hand strength in patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome. (Reference)
- Near infrared light is effective against tingling, numbness, and improves grip in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. (Reference)
- LLLT treatment of tennis elbow shows significant improvement in functional parameters such as sensitivity, strength, and pain over time. (Reference)
- Near-infrared light combined with exercise is effective in relieving pain, improving grip strength, and subjectively assessing physical function in patients with lateral epicondylitis. (Reference)
- Rapid pain relief and improved wound healing in cases of oral mucositis (inflammation of the oral cavity associated with ulceration) following infrared light therapy. (Reference)
- Red light accelerates the healing process of chronic diabetic foot ulcers and may potentially shorten the time required for complete healing. (Reference)
Vision
You can often hear about the negative effects of light on our eyes, sitting too close to the TV or looking directly at the sun without glasses. Although photobiomodulation uses intense light (visually red component; near infrared is not visible to the naked eye). It may seem counterintuitive, but these wavelengths strengthen the eyes and vision, negatively affecting the negative effects of looking at screens and blue light in general. This means that you can look at the light with your eyes closed, despite the strong intensity. This strengthens them for any other light during the day. You can literally see that photobiomodulation works.
- Near-infrared light helps protect against complex eye and neurological diseases such as early macular degeneration or age-related macular degeneration. (Link)
- Red light improves vision, especially in older people. It works by increasing the energy of cells in the retina, which declines with age. This results in better color recognition and visibility in low light. (Link)
Longevity and vitality
Perhaps the greatest promise of red and near-infrared light therapy is to maintain the overall long-term vitality and longevity of our bodies. This type of light specifically strengthens the energy factories of the cell – the mitochondria – directly influencing the lifespan of a given cell and how quickly we age. It is precisely this positive action on mitochondria that is the main theme of the current anti-aging movement. Photobiomodulation using RED and NIR radiation is one of the most effective ways to achieve this. While you will feel some of the effects immediately, consistent use maintains the longevity effect. Looking back on many years of daily phototherapy, you will smile that you have not aged a day.
- Photobiomodulation using red and near-infrared light alters the aging process of the central nervous system, improving neuronal survival and function and reducing gliosis and inflammation. (Reference)
- Photostimulation with red and near-infrared light affects mitochondria to increase the production of a major energy source called ATP. (Link)
- Red and near-infrared light therapy has a positive effect on the composition of the gut microbiome. (Reference)
- Increased exercise capacity and fewer angina symptoms during exercise testing in patients with advanced coronary artery disease after red light therapy. (Reference)
- Near-infrared light therapy has been shown to be safe and effective in treating ischemic stroke in humans when initiated within 24 hours of stroke onset. (Reference)
