Red light

Red light may support neuronal function, eye health, and skin treatment, and dim red light can help people stay alert at night without suppressing melatonin or raising cortisol.

• Early-day use: Red light exposure within the first three hours after waking was studied for neuronal function; dim red light may also help shift workers stay awake late at night. 1 2
• Photoreceptor and vision support: Red light may support retinal cell mitochondrial function and visual performance; research discussed potential reduction of age-related deposits in the eye, with possible relevance to age-related macular degeneration. 3
• Therapeutic wavelengths: The wavelengths highlighted for neuronal function were 670 nm red light and 790 nm near-infrared light. 4
• Skin treatment: Red and near-infrared light are used for skin concerns including acne, wound healing, scars, and pigmentation. 5 6
• Eye safety: Avoid excessively bright light; discomfort or squinting is a warning to move farther away or stop, since excessive illumination can harm the retina. 7

Use red light cautiously, especially when directing it toward the eyes.