Red Light Therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM) or low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a treatment that uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as the light source for treatment to offer therapeutic benefits.

Red light therapy, for low-level red and near-infrared light wavelenghts, has been extensively researched and clinically proven to produce medical-grade results for various skin conditions.

Benefits include skin rejuvenation (collagen production, reduced fine lines & wrinkles, recovery from sun damage, reduced pigmentation), reversed inflammation, cellular repair, wound healing, pain relief, and muscle recovery, depending on the light source parameters, treatment schedule, personal background and tissue background.

Other uses of LED light therapy include acne, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea treatment.

Red Light Therapy uses optimised energy output and clinically proven low-level red and near-infrared light wavelenghts; to target cells and enhance cellular energy production and to trigger cellular activity in targeted layers of skin tissue. These wavelengths are readily absorbed into the skin and do not contain harmful ultraviolet light.

The light penetrates the skin and reaches the energy-producing cellular organs (mitochondria). Light activates a protein called cytochrome c oxidase, clearing nitric oxide from mitochondria. As the nitric oxide is removed, oxygen absorption in mitochondria increases. Oxygen levels are correlated with the production of energy molecules (ATP). Increased energy production fuels cellular activity.

Therapy for joint pain can make an immediate difference, for muscle soreness a difference in feeling may come in between 8 hrs after the therapy to 3 sessions. Long-term benefits such as the feeling of an energised body, a glowing skin, and faster recovery after strength training may be visible in 4 to 8 weeks.

Consistency is the key to achieving results, as in every other aspect of well-being. You may not notice an improvement, since it will come gradually from the early days. You may expect to receive some feedback from people you know. By measuring and reporting in quantifiable terms, you will realize greater improvement. Don't be shy to take some before and after photos, to see the results yourself.

You can improve the effects even more when combined with proper diet, sleep, and exercise.

Systemic effects are defined as the effects that occur in distant tissues, from where the medical device is no contact with. Red Light Therapy has proven to have systemic effects at some level, which means; your whole body is influenced by the effects of Red Light Therapy at some extend.

Initially conceived by NASA for plant growth experiments during shuttle missions, LED Light Therapy unexpectedly revealed potential in the realm of wound treatment.

U.S. Navy SEALs employed Red Light Therapy to expedite wound healing and regenerate damaged muscle tissues back in 1990s.

Since its inception, extensive research has been conducted to explore its efficacy in various aesthetic contexts, primarily renowned for its ability to boost collagen production and tissue regeneration. Today, this technology has found its way into the hands of aestheticians, where it serves as a tool in the quest to rejuvenate ageing skin. Applications extend to the treatment of acne, marking it as a multifaceted asset in the realm of skincare. One 2018 animal study found that blue LED improved the healing of third-degree skin burns.

Irradiance (or power density), is a measurement expressing the amount of light energy, shedding on a given area. For red light therapy, this is often expressed as mW/cm² (milliwatts per square centimeter). Irradiance from a light source is adversely affected by distance and ambient light.

Red light therapy is effective within a particular window. The beneficial "sweet spot" in between corresponds to the irradiance of the sun. Hence, mimicking sunlight intensity (total 80-110 mW/cm2, NIR 30-35 mW/cm2) will trigger beneficial cutaneous effects. If irradiance is lower than the physiological threshold value (which is the sunlight intensity, concerning our evolutionary setup), it will not produce beneficial effects. Intensity (irradiance) is likely more important than the fluence (dose) delivered.

The commonly used unit for dose is J/cm2 (Joules per square centimeter). The formula to calculate this dose is: J/cm2= (Irradiance in mW/cm2, at the distance of application) x (Treatment time in seconds) / 1000

EXAMPLE: Say that the product you are using has an irradiance reading 100 mW/cm2 at 30 cm (12''). To have a 60 J/cm2 session with the device, while you are 30 cm apart; 60 = 100 x Time (sec) /1000, You need to have a 600 second (10 minute) session.

For skin and topical treatments, the recommended sweet spot of dosing for a given treatment area is roughly between 2-10 Joules/cm2.

For deeper tissues, such as muscles, ligaments, or bone, the sweet spot for a given treatment area is between 10-60 J/cm2. Consult your dermatologist for extended doses.

As a rule of thumb, 10-15 minutes per treatment area at a distance of around 20 to 35 cm for deep tissue or 30 to 48 cm for superficial facial skin therapy on bare skin per day is a great average usage guideline, basically for almost everybody.

For more information about the correct dosing in Red Light Therapy, please visit our blog post The Correct Dose for Red Light Therapy.

LEDs are the most effective because they deliver designed wavelengths of light.

They offer convenience in light therapy with minimised heat generation.

Red light reduces inflammation, pigmentation, and redness, promoting cellular repair and circulation for a vibrant complexion.

Near-infrared light stimulates collagen and elastin production for firmer, youthful-looking skin.

Red light is effective for skin-related issues, while near-infrared light penetrates deeper, suitable for treating muscles and joints.

Blue light penetrates the dermis layer and, targets the oil glands. By reducing the amount of oil that these glands produce, the skin can become drier which in turn could lead to fewer acne breakouts.

Natural blue light is the highest during the sunrise, regulating our wakefulness in our evolution. Exposure to blue light suppresses the release of melatonin -also known as the 'sleep hormone', responsible for regulating sleep and wakefulness- as it signals your brain that it is still daylight, keeping you energised and stimulated, trying to keep you awake and alert.

Blue Light should be used in moderation to maintain a regular and healthy body clock and sleep-wake cycles (circadian rhythm).

Red and near-infrared light will heal redness and inflammation caused by acne, but it will not help clear acne. Blue and orange wavelengths are penetrating the dermis layer, which will help to dry the acne. You should target acne and pigmentation (low wavelength) initially for better results.

Remember to use blue light in moderation to maintain a regular and healthy body clock and a sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm).

Your skin responds as a resistor to wavelengths of light. Higher wavelengths penetrate deeper into the tissue. Wavelengths that do not exceed the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum (900 nm) are considered safe. With multiple wavelengths in a therapy, different layers of the skin tissue can be targeted at simultaneously.

With proper care and use, the product life is equivalent to the LED bulbs' service life, which is +15,000 hrs. This is equal to;

Two people sharing a device, each of them having 15-minute sessions, 3 times a week for 1000+ years.

Or, a wellness studio giving 12 LED therapies in 15 minute sessions, every single day for 40+ years.

Our products come with a warranty. Please reach out if you experience any issues with your device.

Hair will deflect light. Facial or body hair will prevent some light from penetrating the skin. The best results are achieved when the mask is used after shaving.

Red Light Therapy is a gentle risk-free and non-invasive treatment that will not burn, cut, or hurt your skin as with laser treatments. RLT will not cause skin inflammation or erythema after treatments and is safe enough to do at home.

Red Light Therapy has been subject to thousands of peer-reviewed medical studies and clinical trials. The studies have shown extremely positive results, and an almost total lack of side effects or developed complications on non-risk groups.

See our related blog post for information in depth.

You can also dive into literature for various clinical studies and researches on red light therapy in PubMed.gov/red_light_therapy

You should not use your panel and/or mask after heat-based treatments.

Use on freshly cleansed, clean, and dry skin. Remove all makeup or aftershave. You may prepare your skin, with your prescribed cleanser or exfoliator, after consulting your dermatologist.

You may use a hydrogel mask or a light water-based serum before the treatment if you have marginally dry skin. Remember such agents will reduce the skin's absorption of light waves. Use with moderation and if only necessary. Other products may result in skin reactions.

It is not necessary to apply anything after treatment. However, if you choose to enrich your skincare routine, you should always apply your skincare or post-shave products, after the treatment.

Please review the contra indications for a list of products and ingredients to avoid using with LED.

On your first days, start slow with the lowest power with the automated 20 minute session, for your skin to adapt the light, and review your skin's reaction (if any). Increase the power in moderation. Highest power output is absolutely safe for regular skin types, and red light therapy does not include any harmful UVs.

You should target acne and pigmentation (low wavelength, Blue light) initially for better results. Improvements in skin health and restoration are more visible once the skin is dry.

Excessive exposure may lead to itchiness, discomfort, and swelling, due to increased derma-cellular activity. If you see any of these symptoms, stop your routine until fully recovered, and consult your dermatologist.

Red Light Therapy devices do not emit ultraviolet rays. Visible and NIR wavelengths are not harmful to the eyes. However intensity of the light may cause discomfort.

Red Light Panels come with eye protection googles, and Red Light Therapy Masks are equipped with eye patches to avoid the discomfort.

Recent studies that suggest red light therapy is very healthy for the eyes and will help slow down the ageing of eyes and improve eyesight, but therapy masks are optimised to treat skin conditions, not eyesight, therefore we do not suggest looking directly into the light. You should consult to your doctor if you suffer from sensitivity to light.

Visible red light and near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths stimulate cellular activity in hypodermis tissue, recovering uncomfortable and unsightly redness or inflammation. A 10-minute session will reduce post-operative inflammation after micro needling.

There are numerous animal studies and cell culture experiments demonstrating a biphasic dose response; where low levels of light have a much better effect on stimulating and repairing tissues than higher levels of light.

Several review articles suggest this could be linked to an overproduction of reactive oxygen within the mitochondria of cells, whereas some others suggest that red light acts as a mild stressor to cells, prompting an adaptive response that strengthens them against red light influence.

While a high-dose is typically safe, it may not be as effective or efficient, and can undo or delay benefits.

Similar to many other wellness routines, the benefits of Red Light Therapy occur in the recovery period.

Red Light Therapy, also known as photobiomodulation or low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is generally considered safe for most people. However, there are a few cases where caution is recommended or the therapy should be avoided altogether:

Photosensitivity: People with photosensitive conditions, such as lupus or porphyria, should avoid Red Light Therapy as their skin may be more sensitive to light exposure and could cause an adverse reaction.

Pregnancy: Red light therapy is not suitable for pregnancy. Pregnant women should consult with their healthcare provider for limited or targeted use before using Red Light Therapy.

Epilepsy: People with epilepsy, a history of seizures or a light-associated hypersensitivity should be cautious as the pulsing lights in some Red Light Therapy devices may trigger a seizure.

Cancer: For individuals with cancer, especially skin cancer, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using Red Light Therapy. Some studies suggest that Red Light Therapy may promote cell growth, which could be detrimental for those with cancerous tumours. You should not use Red Light Therapy whilst being treated or recovering from cancer.

Certain eye conditions: While Red Light Therapy is generally safe for the eyes, those having a genetic predisposition to light, those with pre-existing eye conditions, or who are taking medications that increase light sensitivity should exercise caution and consult their healthcare provider.

Medications: Some medications can cause increased sensitivity to light, including certain antibiotics, diuretics, and retinoids. If you are taking medications that increase photosensitivity, consult with your healthcare provider before using Red Light Therapy.

Pacemaker / other implanted electronic device: If you have a pacemaker or any other implanted electronic device, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider or the device manufacturer before using Red Light Therapy. Although Red Light Therapy does not typically interfere with pacemakers, it is always best to seek professional advice to ensure your safety. It may also be worth considering using from a distance of 6" away or more to minimise any possible EMF interference.

Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting Red Light Therapy, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns. They can provide guidance on whether the therapy is appropriate for your specific situation and ensure that you are using it safely.

The American Academy of Dermatology deems Red Light Therapy safe. Since LEDs do not contain UV rays, this is considered a safer form of light therapy that will not cause longterm damage to your skin with regular use. The procedure is also noninvasive and has few risks.

Unlike more invasive procedures such as chemical peels, dermabrasion, and laser therapy, LEDs do not burn your skin. They also do not cause any pain.

Some oral acne medications and products like retinoids (i.e Accutane) can increase skin sensitivity to light and may cause scarring in some instances.

Do not use LED Light Therapy if you are using anything on your skin that makes you sensitive to sunlight.

You also might consider avoiding this treatment if you currently have an active rash. Talk with your doctor if you have psoriasis. Red Light Therapy could help but only if you use it in conjunction with your regularly prescribed treatments.

Side effects from LED Light Therapy are rare and were not noted during clinical trials. Consult with your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms post-treatment; increased inflammation, redness, rash, pain, tenderness, or hives; comparatively with your current medications and topical products.

If you have had plastic surgery, consult your surgeon before using Red Light Therapy.

We recommend consulting with a doctor to make sure they approve of any new health protocols such as Red Light Therapy.

If approved by the doctor, then infants and children must always be supervised by an adult.

All electric devices have some degree of electromagnetic field, due to the nature of their power source. The light source (visible and NIR spectrums) in Red Light Therapy devices emit Non Ionizing radiation, that does not have enough energy to break up (ionize) atoms or molecules.

The EMF output of our devices are very low and drops down to 0.0 µT at 15 cm (6"). This means that at 6" and beyond, you are receiving zero EMF exposure.

Red light therapy does not include UV wavelengths, and therefore will not give you any tan.