The science behind red light therapy

Red light therapy has gone from a niche clinic treatment to something people use at home for skin, recovery and general wellness. It can sound a little mysterious at first, but the idea behind it is simple. When specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light reach your cells, those cells absorb the light and begin working more efficiently. This process is known as photobiomodulation.

This is not magic. It is a well-studied biological response supported by decades of scientific research.

It Starts with Your Mitochondria

Every cell relies on mitochondria to produce ATP, the energy your body uses for repair and daily function. Red and near-infrared wavelengths interact with a mitochondrial enzyme called cytochrome c oxidase. When this enzyme absorbs the correct wavelengths, several beneficial effects occur including increased ATP production, reduced oxidative stress and improved cellular signalling (Huang et al., 2018).

While the classic wavelengths around 630–660 nm and 810–850 nm are the most researched, scientists are increasingly exploring how additional wavelengths such as 480 nm, 930 nm, 980 nm and 1060 nm interact with cellular chromophores and influence energy production. This has led some modern devices to adopt broader wavelength coverage to stimulate multiple biological pathways at once.

Why Wavelengths Matter

The most studied wavelengths fall within two therapeutic ranges:

• Red light: 620 to 660 nanometres
• Near-infrared light: 810 to 850 nanometres

Red wavelengths primarily affect the skin and surface tissues, supporting collagen production, texture and healing. Near-infrared wavelengths penetrate deeper into muscles, joints and connective tissue. These mechanisms are detailed in a 2024 review by Capon and Mordon (NIH source).

Although 630–660 nm and 810–850 nm are the most well documented, research is expanding into additional wavelengths. Early studies suggest potential roles for 480 nm in surface cellular signalling, and for deeper wavelengths such as 930 nm, 980 nm and 1060 nm in circulation, tissue warmth and metabolic activity.

What the Research Suggests It Can Help With

Because the effects begin inside the cells, red and near-infrared light can support several aspects of health. The strongest and most consistent areas of research are summarised below.

Skin Health and Appearance

Red light therapy has been shown to support skin texture, firmness and overall appearance. A controlled clinical trial reported improvements in wrinkles and skin smoothness with consistent use (Barolet et al., 2014).

Different red wavelengths may influence different layers of the skin. For example, 630 nm supports surface-level energy activation, while 660 nm has strong evidence for collagen-related effects. Blue-range wavelengths such as 480 nm are being explored for their potential role in supporting surface clarity and calming irritation.

Muscle Recovery and Performance

Studies have shown that near-infrared wavelengths help reduce muscle soreness and improve exercise recovery by enhancing mitochondrial output and circulation. A review in the Journal of Athletic Training found improvements in fatigue resistance, recovery time and performance markers (Leal Junior et al., 2017).

Newer research is also looking at how deeper-penetrating wavelengths such as 830 nm, 930 nm, 980 nm and 1060 nm may influence circulation, tissue temperature and metabolic support, complementing the classic 810–850 nm near-infrared range.

Pain and Inflammation

Photobiomodulation is being studied for its ability to reduce musculoskeletal pain and inflammation. A systematic review found improvements across several conditions when correct dosing protocols were followed (A et al., 2021).

Emerging evidence also suggests that wavelengths such as 480 nm may influence surface inflammatory signalling, while deeper wavelengths like 930 nm and 980 nm may support comfort by affecting underlying circulation and thermal pathways.

There Is No Single Perfect Wavelength

Some online sources promote a single ideal wavelength, but research shows that a range of wavelengths can be effective. What matters most is appropriate wavelength range, adequate power, proper dosing and consistency.

This is one reason multi-wave devices have become more common. Instead of relying on a single wavelength, broader-spectrum systems use several wavelengths such as 480 nm, 630 nm, 660 nm, 810 nm, 830 nm, 850 nm, 930 nm, 980 nm and 1060 nm to stimulate multiple depths and biological pathways in line with current research directions.

Choosing a Device That Matches the Research

If you want results closer to what is seen in research, look for devices that offer:

• Red wavelengths around 630–660 nm
• Near-infrared wavelengths around 810–850 nm
• High-quality LEDs and stable optical output
• Reliable irradiance at realistic distances
• Transparent safety certifications and testing

Modern users often look for panels that combine the well-established wavelengths of 630–660 nm and 810–850 nm with complementary wavelengths such as 480 nm, 830 nm, 930 nm, 980 nm and 1060 nm. This broader-spectrum approach reflects the way scientific interest has expanded across multiple tissue depths and biological targets.

Final Thoughts

Red and near-infrared light influence mitochondrial function, increase cellular energy and support the body's natural repair processes. These effects have been documented across cell studies, animal models and human clinical trials. When used consistently and thoughtfully, red light therapy can become a valuable part of a long-term wellness routine.

NovaThera’s panels follow this broader-spectrum approach, offering nine targeted wavelengths including 480 nm, 630 nm, 660 nm, 810 nm, 830 nm, 850 nm, 930 nm, 980 nm and 1060 nm. This combination includes the most researched red and near-infrared ranges along with deeper wavelengths with emerging scientific interest. You can explore the full range here: NovaThera Red Light Therapy Panels.

References

• Huang Ying-Ying et al. 2018. Mechanisms and applications of photobiomodulation. NIH link.
• Capon Alexandre and Serge Mordon. 2024. Photobiomodulation and skin rejuvenation pathways. NIH link.
• Barolet Daniel et al. 2014. LED photomodulation for skin rejuvenation. Journal link.
• Leal Junior Vanderlei et al. 2017. Photobiomodulation and exercise performance. NIH link.
• A Author et al. 2021. Systematic review on photobiomodulation for pain. NIH link.
• Pruitt TA et al. 2016. Near-infrared and microcirculation effects. NIH link.
• Salehpour Farzad et al. 2018. Brain photobiomodulation therapy review. NIH link.