What the light does in tissue
Photobiomodulation (PBM) describes the effect of specific light wavelengths on cells. Red light around 660 nm and near-infrared light around 850 nm are absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondria. In published research this absorption is associated with changes in cellular energy metabolism, oxidative stress and inflammation signalling.
The treatment is non-invasive and drug-free. It uses no ultraviolet light, and the devices emit no ionising radiation.
Why wavelength and dose matter
Wavelength sets the depth. Red light is taken up mainly in the upper layers of the skin; near-infrared passes deeper, which is why it is the wavelength most studied for muscle and joint discomfort.
Dose matters more than the number of LEDs. The useful measures are irradiance (power delivered per area, mW/cm²) and session dose (energy per area, J/cm²). A device with fewer, higher-output emitters can deliver more usable light than a panel with a large LED count. Where a manufacturer publishes measured output at the skin, that figure is the one worth comparing.
What it is commonly studied for
Published work most often examines skin tone and texture, wound and tissue repair, pain and recovery after physical activity, and sleep quality. Results vary between studies and between individuals.
What we do not claim
- Red light therapy is not a treatment for disease, and it is not a replacement for medical care.
- Individual results vary. No specific outcome is guaranteed.
- We describe published research; we do not make medical claims.
- If you are pregnant, taking photosensitising medication, or have a diagnosed condition, ask your clinician before use.
- Do not look directly into the emitters.