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Discover one of the most exciting and non-invasive methods for rejuvenating the body at the cellular level, the use of which has been growing rapidly in recent years.
Red light phototherapy, scientifically known as Photobiomodulation (PBM) or Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), is one of the most advanced and scientifically documented natural treatment methods of modern times.
This innovative therapeutic approach uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light (typically 660nm, 850nm and 940nm - with an energy density that is low compared to other forms of laser treatments) to stimulate the body's natural healing processes at the cellular level.
Unlike traditional methods that simply mask symptoms, red light phototherapy targets the source of the problem, enhancing the body's ability to heal itself.
Think of it as a “charger” for your cells. Just as plants use sunlight to grow through photosynthesis, our bodies can absorb these specific wavelengths of light, boosting the function of our mitochondria – the “energy factories” of our cells.
This process leads to increased cellular energy (ATP) production, resulting in a range of amazing benefits: from improving skin texture and reducing wrinkles, to faster muscle recovery and relieving pain and inflammation.
- Why Red Light?
- A Fascinating Historical Flashback: From the Sun to Modern Phototherapy LEDs
- Why do we need red light therapy?
- Mechanisms of action and health benefits
- They said about red light therapy...
- The evolutionary mechanism of adaptation to sunlight that provides protection from ultraviolet radiation
- What are the differences between red light therapy and infrared sauna?
- Sunbathing or Infrared Sauna Therapy or Red Light Therapy (Red Light Therapy - Photobiomodulation);
- Are there any contraindications to the use of red light therapy?
- Recommended books on the healing power of red light
Why Red Light?
Red light has unique properties that make it ideal for therapeutic applications:
Deep Penetration: Red light penetrates deeper into tissues than any other color in the visible spectrum, reaching up to 8-10mm below the skin surface
Optimized Absorption: Our cells have evolved to absorb and utilize red light with maximum efficiency
Zero Thermal Damage: Unlike other forms of light, therapeutic red light does not produce harmful heat.
Safety: It is completely safe for daily use without side effects
A Fascinating Historical Flashback: From the Sun to Modern Phototherapy LEDs
The Beginning: Sunbathing (Antiquity - 19th century)
The use of light for therapeutic purposes has roots that go back centuries. Ancient civilizations recognized the healing power of the sun:
Ancient Egypt (3000 BC): Priest-physicians used concentrator lenses to focus sunlight on specific points on the body
Hippocrates (460-370 BC): The "father of medicine" described "light therapy" as a key treatment tool
Roman Empire: The Romans created special "sun rooms" (solaria) for therapeutic purposes
The Scientific Awakening (19th - early 20th century)
1903 - Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine: Danish physician Niels Ryberg Finsen is awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his work on phototherapy. Finsen demonstrated that concentrated light could cure skin tuberculosis (lupus vulgaris), paving the way for modern phototherapy.
1910 - The Age of Pioneers: John Harvey Kellogg (yes, the cereal guy!) develops the first artificial light therapy system, using arc discharge lamps.
The Laser Revolution (1960-1970)
1960 - The Birth of the Laser: Theodore Maiman invents the first laser, using a ruby crystal. This innovation would change phototherapy forever.
1967 - The Scientific Miracle: Hungarian professor Endre Mester makes the discovery that would change everything. While trying to test whether lasers could cause cancer in mice, he noticed the exact opposite: the animals' fur grew faster and their wounds healed faster. This was the first scientific proof of "Low-Level Laser Therapy" (LLLT).
The Space Age (1990-2000)
1990s - NASA and Space Exploration: NASA was looking for ways to help astronauts heal wounds and maintain muscle health in space. Its scientists discovered that red light LEDs were extremely effective for:
- 40% faster healing
- Increase collagen production by 31%
- Improving cellular respiration
The 2001 Landmark Study: NASA publishes its groundbreaking results, demonstrating that red LED light at 670nm increases healing capacity by 40% compared to natural healing.
The Modern Era (2000-present)
2002-2010 - Clinical Applications: Red light phototherapy is approved by the FDA for:
- Acne treatment (2002)
- Wound Healing (2005)
- Wrinkle reduction and skin improvement (2007)
- Relief from arthritis and muscle pain (2010)
2010-2020 - The Scientific Explosion: More than 6,000 studies are published in international scientific journals, demonstrating the effectiveness of phototherapy in:
- Neurological disorders (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's)
- Cardiovascular health
- Athletic performance and recovery
- Mental health and depression
2020-present - The Age of Personalization: Technology has evolved into highly precise devices that can be adapted to individual needs, combining:
- Multiple wavelengths
- Scheduled sessions
- Smart progress tracking
- Combination with other therapies (infrared heat, vibration, salt therapy, etc.)
Today, red light phototherapy is no longer an "alternative" treatment, but a recognized medical method used in:
- Hospitals and clinics worldwide
- Sports centers for elite athletes
- Beauty and wellness centers
- Homes of millions of people
With more than 8,000 published studies and ongoing research, red light phototherapy represents the future of preventive and therapeutic medicine - a method that harnesses the body's natural ability to heal itself, simply enhancing it with the science of light.
Why do we need red light therapy?
When we think about nutrition for the body, we usually think about food. Food is essential for our survival.
In fact we also need light in our bodies in the same way we need food for our bodies. Red light therapy can be thought of as nutrition for the body.
The human body needs to produce cellular energy ATP (adenosine triphosphate) to function and survive. This occurs naturally when our bodies are exposed to natural sunlight.
Our body produces important elements from the absorption of specific wavelengths of light. e.g. Vitamin D which our body creates when we are in the sun.
The red wavelengths of natural light stimulate the mitochondria in our cells, and the mitochondria convert it into usable energy for our body.
However, for a large part of the population, there is exposure to sunlight, only for a short period of time and/or only for specific parts of the body (e.g. face), while exposure to beneficial red wavelengths of light is also accompanied by exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
Phototherapy using the Clearlight® Light Therapy Tower provides us with only the therapeutic benefits of the sun, without having to leave the house.
Mechanisms of action and health benefits
Red light therapy ensures that our cells reach their potential and have the energy to perform optimally, resulting in a range of therapeutic benefits.
When red light is absorbed by cells, a series of amazing biological processes occur:
- Mitochondrial Activation: The "energy factories" of cells increase ATP (cellular energy) production by 150-200%
- Collagen Boost: Stimulates the production of Type I, III collagen and elastin
- Improved Circulation: Microcirculation and oxygen supply to tissues are increased
- Anti-inflammatory Action: Inflammatory cytokines are reduced and anti-inflammatory factors are increased
During a red light therapy session, photoreceptors in our skin called chromophores absorb red and near-infrared light, which is converted into adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in our mitochondria and increases cellular energy.
Additionally, red light is used to build new proteins such as collagen and elastin and aids in cellular regeneration.
Red light therapy has been tested in more than 4,000 clinical studies with positive results for anti-aging skin, increasing fat loss, improving sleep, increasing strength and endurance, enhancing muscle recovery, combating hair loss, reducing inflammation, combating depression and anxiety, combating neurological disorders and much more.
Clearlight's red light therapy tower includes LEDs that emit, with minimal heat, at wavelengths of 650 nm and 850 nm, which have been studied for their ability to stimulate mitochondria and increase energy within human cells.
These specific wavelengths have been used primarily for the treatment of psoriasis, eczema, scars, wrinkles and fine lines on the skin, combating depression, combating hair loss, etc.
SKIN AND BEAUTY
Anti-aging
Boosting collagen & elastin production
Skin rejuvenation
Treatment of acne, psoriasis, eczema
Scar healing
Hair growth
GYMNASTICS AND REHABILITATION
Muscle recovery
Increase strength and endurance
Testosterone increase for men
Increased fat loss
Muscle preparation
SLEEP CYCLE
Improving sleep and circadian rhythm
INJURIES
Reduced inflammation
Reduction of chronic and acute pain
Rapid healing from injury
Tissue regeneration
Improved thyroid health
Traffic enhancement
MENTAL HEALTH
Combating neurological disease, depression, anxiety, SAD
See more:
The ultimate guide to red light therapy and near-infrared light therapy
Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring
Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation.
They said about red light therapy...
“Whether you are looking for systemic benefits such as weight management, sleep, testosterone and muscle building, or simply trying to repair an injury or achieve an aesthetic skin enhancement, I highly recommend red infrared light therapy.”
Ben Greenfield, Performance Coach & Biohacker
“Red light therapy has become an increasingly popular form of technology used to treat a range of conditions that require stimulation of healing, relief of pain and inflammation, and restoration of function.”
Tony Robbins, Life coach & Business Strategist
“Red light therapy works from the inside out to enhance mitochondrial function in cells. Red light reduces skin inflammation, evens out skin tone, repairs sun damage, fades scars and stretch marks, and builds collagen in the skin, reducing wrinkles.”
Dave Asprey, Biohacker and founder of Bulletproof
The evolutionary mechanism of adaptation to sunlight that provides protection from ultraviolet radiation
Infrared radiation and red light are naturally produced by the sun mainly at sunrise and sunset and, in addition to the other health benefits analyzed below, they prepare our body to better cope with the dangerous ultraviolet radiation produced mainly during midday hours (Infrared and Skin: Friend or Foe, Barolet et al, J Photochem Photobiol).
For example, in a 2008 study (LED photoprevention: Reduced MED response following multiple LED exposures, Barolet), 13 participants received red light pre-treatment on one thigh before UV exposure on both thighs. The treated areas had significantly reduced erythema (redness) compared to the untreated side. Researchers observed a protective effect equivalent to SPF-15!
What are the differences between red light therapy and infrared sauna?
1) The red light therapy tower includes LEDs that emit, with minimal heat, at wavelengths of 650 nm and 850 nm, which have been studied for their ability to stimulate mitochondria and increase energy (ATP = adenosine triphosphate) within human cells.
These specific wavelengths have a shallow penetration depth and have been used mainly for the treatment of psoriasis, eczema, scars, wrinkles and fine lines in the skin, through increasing collagen production, combating depression, combating hair loss, etc.
2) Infrared saunas emit infrared heat at different wavelengths, depending on the type of heating panel they use.
Carbon panels (as well as hybrid carbon/ceramic panels in Clearlight's ESSENTIAL and PREMIER models) emit mainly far infrared heat with wavelengths between 3000 nm – 0.1 mm that heat the body to a greater depth.
Ceramic panels emit near infrared heat with wavelengths of 700 – 1400 nm and mid infrared heat with wavelengths between 1400 – 3000 nm and have a smaller penetration depth into the human body.
The FULL SPECTRUM TRUE WAVE II in Clearlight's SANCTUARY models emit approximately 1/3 near infrared, 1/3 mid infrared and 1/3 far infrared.
The infrared sauna is used therapeutically in heart failure, hypertension, recovery after exercise, treatment of chronic pain, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, anorexia, depression, chronic fatigue, detoxification, kidney function, skin anti-aging, weight loss, etc.
Sunbathing or Infrared Sauna Therapy or Red Light Therapy (Red Light Therapy - Photobiomodulation);
The main difference between sunbathing and infrared sauna and/or red light therapy is that the latter expose us to only a safe part of the solar spectrum.
Sunbathing exposes us to a wide range of frequencies:
Ultraviolet: UVA/UVB/UVC (just before ionizing/radioactive radiation, with very short wavelengths 10 - 400 nm)
Visible light – the only part of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye: Purple 400-440 nm, Blue - 440 - 490 nm, Green - 490 - 570 nm, Yellow - 570 - 585 nm, Orange - 585 – 620 nm, Red 620 - 780 nm
Infrared: Near infrared with wavelengths of 700 – 1400 nm, Mid infrared with wavelengths of 1400 – 3000 nm and Far infrared with wavelengths of 3000 – 100000 nm (longer wavelength = greater penetration depth into the human body).
Short-term exposure to the sun is beneficial for humans as it helps produce vitamin D and strengthen the immune system.
Prolonged exposure to the sun, due to ultraviolet radiation, is linked to photoaging and skin cancer.
Benefits of infrared sauna and red light
- they do not expose us to dangerous ultraviolet radiation
- they don't tan our skin
- they are done in our space, in the warmth of our home
- are available at any time, unlike the sun
- can expose our entire body, while sunbathing naked is less practical
Both treatments have advantages and can be combined for optimal results. The Red Light Therapy Tower can be used as a standalone product outside the sauna, or inside the sauna for simultaneous use (only on Clearlight sauna models).
Are there any contraindications to the use of red light therapy?
If you have a serious health condition or chronic illness, consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting red light therapy to address any concerns or drug interactions.
Red light therapy is generally safe and painless, with no serious side effects reported. However, some users have experienced minor side effects such as headaches, irritability, and eye strain.
If you have photosensitivity conditions like lupus or are taking medications that make you photosensitized, it is best to avoid red light therapy.
Consult your doctor if you have bipolar disorder, as there have been rare reports of red light therapy causing mania in patients with bipolar disorder.
Phototherapy continues to be studied for its potential applications. If you have any questions or concerns, we recommend that you contact your healthcare provider.
Recommended books on the healing power of red light
This book offers a comprehensive and up-to-date look at the use of red and near-infrared light as a therapeutic tool. Ari Whitten examines how this form of light therapy can help slow skin aging, boost energy and endurance, reduce fat, and improve cognitive function. It includes evidence from the latest studies and guidance on proper use of light devices, avoiding common mistakes, and proper dosage. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
A special element of the book is the attempt to “demystify” phototherapy, to clarify the exaggerations, and to present practically how everyone can incorporate light therapy into their daily lives – whether for skin, or for muscle recovery, or for endurance, or for wellness and mental clarity. It urges the reader to be aware of the quality of the devices and how to truly evaluate their differences.
This book serves as a practical guide to creating scientifically-based Red Light Therapy protocols. Dr. Mike Belkowski explains how to choose devices with the right light output, how long to use the exposure, and how to tailor the applications depending on the goal: anti-aging, rehabilitation, pain relief, or cognitive enhancement.
Of particular interest is that Belkowski examines many usage scenarios – for professional use, semi-professional or home use – providing guidance for safety and optimal results without requiring overly powerful, expensive devices. A very useful book for anyone who wants to apply RLT accurately and safely.
The book "Red Light Therapy: Boost Your Brain and Body" focuses on the connection between light therapy and cognition, mood, and mental health. John Iovine explains how using red light can reduce inflammation, improve recovery after exercise, and boost energy overall.
Although not as comprehensive as some other guides, it offers practical advice for everyday use, with an emphasis on safe and consistent application. It is suitable for those who want to try RLT but are not familiar with the theory behind it.
A practical guide by Melanie Gray that focuses on red light therapy as a tool for pain relief, anti-aging, fat loss, and mental enhancement. The book explains how to use the light in moderation, avoid overdoing it, and choose devices that actually work.
Includes examples of daily use, safety tips, and guidelines for duration and intensity of treatment. Suitable for those who want to implement RLT as part of their daily routine for wellness and recovery.
This book offers guidance on how to choose the right red light device: what specifications it should have in terms of intensity, wavelength, power, and surface coverage. Authors Bethlehem Romulus and AJ Daas gather technical and practical information so that the reader can avoid devices that do not perform.
It is especially useful for those interested in purchasing an RLT device and knowing what to look for — what prices/features are worth it, how to read the technical specifications, and how to use it safely and carefully, for greater benefit and fewer risks.
This book combines information on exercise recovery, fitness, skin care, and overall wellness using infrared light therapy. The authors explain how to safely use infrared light for recovery, inflammation reduction, improved skin appearance, and overall wellness.
It includes practical advice for use at home or after physical activity, with an emphasis on time, frequency and power of the devices. Without theoretical exaggerations, it focuses on practice and experience.
Dr. Eric McIver in “Red Light Therapy: The Practical Guide” focuses on a holistic approach: anti-aging, pain relief, weight loss, sleep and cognitive enhancement, all through photobiomodulation with red and near-infrared light. The book provides a “practical map” for those who want to incorporate this therapy into their lives, without exaggeration but with consistency and knowledge.
It includes instructions on duration, frequency, light intensity and distance from the body, in order to ensure safe and maximized results. It also emphasizes the importance of choosing a device of appropriate quality, checking for actual specifications and not just advertisements.