What is red light therapy?

Red light therapy involves using specific wavelengths of red light, typically between 650 to 800 nanometers, to provide various health benefits. This therapy uses red light panels, which can range in size from small panels to larger ones, including full-body beds. Red light therapy is designed to penetrate tissues at substantial depths, depending on the tissue type, and is often marketed for its intensity and the precision of its wavelengths 1.

The benefits of red light therapy include reducing reactive oxygen species in photoreceptors, potentially reversing the aging process in neurons, and improving skin health by enhancing vascular flow. It's used for various applications, such as mitigating age-related vision loss, improving skin appearance, and supporting recovery post-procedure 2 3. Additionally, it's used for hair restoration and to increase blood flow to promote dermal health 3.

For general health and wellness, red light therapy has been shown to improve muscle recovery, wound healing, and mitochondrial function while reducing pain and inflammation. It's recommended for people living in areas with limited sunlight to help counter some of the effects of low natural light exposure 4.