Why red light is the SH*T
Let’s Talk About Red Light Therapy!
Red light therapy is one of my absolute favorites and a consistent part of my routine. If I had to choose one “Bio Hack” for the rest of my life it would be red light. Over the years, I’ve used countless LED devices—some combining both blue and red light, others focused solely on red. From panels and masks to facial tools and massagers, I’ve tried them all. My go to is a 3-foot panel I keep right next to my bed and use for 15 minutes every night before I go to sleep. Read below for more in depth info on all the benefits!
WARNING: This is more so an informative and sciency blog with lots of info and facts about LED light therapy. The main benefits are bolded and If you just want a link to my favs, its at the bottom of this page;)
1. Skin Health & Hair Growth
Red light therapy offers a multitude of benefits, with skin health being the most well-known. It boosts collagen and elastin production, promoting firmer, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. One of my personal favorites is its ability to reduce acne breakouts by targeting inflammation and bacteria, all while speeding up the healing process. Additionally, by enhancing circulation and cellular regeneration, it evens out skin tone and texture while also diminishing UV damage and hyperpigmentation.
Beyond skincare, red light also supports hair growth by stimulating dormant hair follicles—particularly beneficial for conditions like androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness in both men and women). It reduces hair thinning and promotes a fuller, thicker appearance.
2. Pain/Inflammation Relief & Wound Healing
Red light therapy is known for its ability to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain from conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and tendonitis. It can improve joint function and reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis. Additionally, it helps reduce muscle soreness, speeds up recovery, and enhances flexibility.
This therapy also stimulates tissue repair, accelerating the healing of wounds, cuts, and injuries. It can be especially useful for regenerating skin and soft tissues post-surgery, while also reducing scarring. Red light therapy has oral health benefits too. It aids in the healing of gum tissue, reduces inflammation, and speeds up recovery from oral surgery or injuries. It can also treat canker sores, relieving pain and promoting faster healing.
3. Enhanced Circulation, Cellular Health & Energy
By improving blood flow, red light promotes better circulation, ensuring that oxygen and nutrients are delivered efficiently to tissues for faster healing. It also supports vascular health, and can help with conditions like varicose veins.
Additionally, red light stimulates mitochondrial function, increasing ATP production. This boost in energy enhances overall cell vitality, supports cellular repair, and speeds up recovery for damaged or stressed cells. Some studies even suggest red light therapy may assist with fat breakdown (lipolysis).
4. Mental Health Benefits
Red light therapy has promising effects on mental health. It can help alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression by boosting serotonin levels and reducing cortisol. By regulating circadian rhythms and increasing melatonin production, it also improves sleep quality. The increased blood flow to the brain can enhance cognitive function, memory, and focus. Additionally, it may protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s by reducing inflammation and stimulating brain cell regeneration.
5. Immune Function & Detoxification
Red light therapy enhances immune function by stimulating the production of white blood cells, improving the body’s ability to fight infections. It also promotes detoxification and lymphatic drainage, aiding in the removal of toxins from the body, improving lymph flow and reducing fluid retention.
Red light therapy offers a wide range of remarkable benefits, making it an essential part of a wellness routine. I truly notice a difference physically and mentally when I am using it vs. when I’m not. Below, I’ve linked some of my favorite LED devices to explore. Like I mentioned above, my absolute favorite is the panel linked below, and though It is quite pricey I believe it is well worth it. Interested in checking out a full body panel but not wanting to pay for it? There is probably somewhere in your city that offers LED light therapy sessions where you lay in bed for 20 or so minutes. Give it a try next time you have a head cold and feel super inflamed.
There are also many benefits from other colors of light therapy, red and blue just happen to be my favorite :)
