Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level red wavelengths of light to promote tissue restoration, reduce inflammation and improve skin health.
A beginner's guide to: Red light therapy
RLT, light therapy, infrared
Want to get into red light therapy?
- • Open our free app for step-by-step support. You’ll get guides that help you start and stick with it. You don’t need to be a pro, just jump in and give it a go.
- • You’ll also find other activities, with suggestions that match what’s most useful to you right now. Less thinking, more doing.
- • Track what you do, make gains, and adjust as you go.
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Check the safety tips
A few must-knows to ensure you’re covered.
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Space, setup, and time. Check the practical stuff so you're good to go.
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What is red light therapy?
Red light therapy (RLT) is a versatile and innovative treatment that uses the power of specific red light wavelengths to benefit your body at a cellular level. Originally used by NASA for plant growth in space, it has evolved into a popular method for enhancing skin health, reducing pain and accelerating recovery from injuries. This non-invasive treatment works by penetrating the skin to stimulate rejuvenation in the cells, which can lead to improved soft tissue repair, reduced inflammation and a more youthful appearance.
Whether you're looking to treat a specific condition or simply boost your overall wellbeing, red light therapy offers an accessible and effective solution that can easily be integrated into your routine, either at home or in a professional setting.
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Why red light therapy is good for you
Red light therapy speeds physical recovery. Regular sessions enhance energy levels, reduce inflammation and improve mood.
Speeds muscle and skin recovery
Focus area: Recovery (Impact rating: High)
Improves mood and relaxation
Focus area: Lightheartedness (Impact rating: Medium)
Boosts endurance and daytime energy
Focus area: Vitality (Impact rating: Medium)
People who love red light therapy
Margot Robbie
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Miranda Kerr
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Cristiano Ronaldo
Sports
The Office
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Want a closer look at red light therapy?
Ways to try it, what to expect, and how to stay safe. Read on!
You've seen the masks, read the research and you're eager to dive in. While red light therapy is generally safe, there are some key details to consider. We've compiled the essential information to help you enjoy this activity successfully and safely.
Common styles
Home devices
Clinical treatments
Sports recovery
Beauty treatments
Safety
⚠️
Listen to your body, start gradually and practise with care to minimise risks. If you are pregnant or have a health condition, we recommend consulting with your healthcare provider.
⚠️
Ensure you are using the correct equipment and it’s not faulty.
⚠️
Discontinue use if you experience any adverse reactions.
What you might experience
🤔
"How does light help my body?"
😊
"This feels warm and relaxing."
😬
"Am I supposed to feel something more?"
😌
"This is more calming than I thought."
😊
"I can see how this could become a habit."
Start today
- • Open our free app for step-by-step support. You’ll get guides that help you start and stick with it. You don’t need to be a pro, just jump in and give it a go.
- • You’ll also find other activities, with suggestions that match what’s most useful to you right now. Less thinking, more doing.
- • Track what you do, make gains, and adjust as you go.
Explore your options
Whether you go it alone, join a group, or work 1:1 with a teacher, we’ve laid out what each path can look like.
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Recommendation for first-timer
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Average cost per session
Special equipment required
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Safety & skill building
Space or privacy required
Ease of scheduling
Setup time
Active practice time
Unexpected advantages
Ancestry, history, facts and other trivia
Red Light Therapy is thought to help cells produce more energy by enhancing mitochondria.
Red Light Therapy is based on ancient healing practices that used sunlight for skin health.
Red Light Therapy was initially developed by NASA to grow plants and to help astronauts with healing wounds, in space.
Some studies suggest Red Light Therapy can help with seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
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Popular memes
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Academic research we rate
Red light and the sleep quality and endurance performance of Chinese female basketball players.
Zhao, J., Tian, Y., Nie, J., Xu, J., & Liu, D. (2012). Red Light and the Sleep Quality and Endurance Performance of Chinese Female Basketball Players. Journal of Athletic Training, 47(6), 673–678. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-47.6.08
Light emitting diode‐red light for reduction of post‐surgical scarring: Results from a dose‐ranging, split‐face, randomized controlled trial
Kurtti, A., Nguyen, J. K., Weedon, J., Mamalis, A., Lai, Y., Masub, N., Geisler, A., Siegel, D. M., & Jagdeo, J. R. (2021). Light emitting diode‐red light for reduction of post‐surgical scarring: Results from a dose‐ranging, split‐face, randomized controlled trial. Journal of Biophotonics, 14(7). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/jbio.202100073
The Anti-Acne Effect of Near-Infrared Low-Level Laser Therapy
Szymańska, A., Budzisz, E., & Erkiert-Polguj, A. (2021). The Anti-Acne Effect of Near-Infrared Low-Level Laser Therapy. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, Volume 14, 1045–1051. https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s323132
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7 research pieces
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