The Science of Red Light
Red Light:
Red light is a type of visible light with wavelengths between 610 nm and 750 nm, meaning our eyes can see it as red. It can reach about 4 to 5 mm deep into the skin and has been scientifically proven to help with skin, hair, nails, and more. It has longer wavelengths that are gentle and do not harm cells or DNA.
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Infrared Light:
Infrared light is similar to red light but falls outside the visible spectrum, with wavelengths between 750 nm and 850 nm—so we can't see it. Instead of appearing red, it looks clear. This light can go deeper, reaching just over 5 mm into the body, where it benefits bones, muscles, blood vessels, organs, fat, lymph nodes, and deep tissue. Like red light, infrared light is safe for cells and does not harm DNA.
Near-Infrared (NIR) Light:
NIR light has the shortest wavelengths but goes the deepest into the body because it isn’t absorbed by water in the body. It can raise the body's core temperature and boost energy at a cellular level by stimulating ATP (the energy source of cells).
Mid-Infrared Light:
Mid-infrared light interacts with water molecules, increasing circulation by widening blood vessels. This process helps improve blood flow, heart rate, and metabolism temporarily.
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Far-Infrared (FIR) Light:
FIR light works by transferring heat, which is easily absorbed by water in the body. This type of infrared light feels very natural because it is close to the same heat energy our bodies naturally emit at 9.4 microns.
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What is Red Light? ​
The Electromagnetic Spectrum & Sunlight
The Sun gives off many different types of light, even beyond what we can see. The light we see (visible light) falls within a small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum—ranging from about 400 to 750 nanometers (a nanometer is incredibly small, one-billionth of a meter).
But the Sun also emits invisible light at both longer and shorter wavelengths:
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Longer wavelengths: These include infrared, microwaves, and radio waves—which carry heat and signals but aren’t visible to our eyes.
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Shorter wavelengths: These include ultraviolet (UV), X-rays, and gamma rays—which are powerful and can affect skin, medical imaging, and even space events.
Most of the Sun’s energy falls within three major categories:
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Infrared (heat-based energy)
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Visible light (what we see as sunlight)
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Ultraviolet (UV) light (higher-energy light that can affect skin)
Other Types of Solar Light
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Radio waves: The Sun does emit these, but much less than visible light.
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X-rays: These come from the Sun’s outermost layer, the corona, which is extremely hot and active.
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Gamma rays: The Sun creates gamma rays inside its core, but they get converted into lower-energy light before reaching Earth. The only gamma rays that do reach us come from powerful solar storms.​​​​
What is Red Light Therapy?​​
How Red Light Works in the Body
When red light enters the body, tiny energy particles called photons are absorbed by special parts of the cells called chromophores, located in the mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell). This triggers a series of natural processes that help repair damaged tissues, speed up wound healing, boost blood circulation, and reduce pain and inflammation. Recent research even shows that red light can improve the function of healthy cells, making them perform better.
Red Light & Near-Infrared Light Benefits
Red light (610 nm - 750 nm) and near-infrared (NIR) light (750 nm - 850 nm) are the most beneficial for health and wellness. This range is known as the “therapeutic window,” where red light therapy works best. Within this window:
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It boosts ATP production (the energy that powers cells).
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It helps break down nitric oxide, improving blood circulation.
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It enhances oxygen use in cells, helping them function more efficiently.
These effects lead to better healing, reduced pain and inflammation, and overall improved well-being.
Far-Infrared & Heat Therapy
Far infrared (FIR) light is different—it doesn’t work through visible light but instead transfers heat. It interacts with the body’s thermal receptors to warm the body’s core naturally. Infrared saunas, which use this type of light, operate at lower temperatures than traditional saunas because FIR warms the body directly instead of heating the air around it.
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Cell Aging & Mitochondria Dysfunction
Cells age over time due to damage from things like pollution, stress, and poor lifestyle habits. One key part of aging happens when mitochondria—the cell’s energy producers—stop working efficiently. When mitochondria slow down, they produce more harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can lead to inflammation and damage. This can trigger cellular senescence—a state where cells stop functioning properly and start releasing harmful substances. As a result:
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The body produces too much nitric oxide (NO), leading to inflammation.
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Inflammation is linked to diseases like arthritis and heart disease.
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Excessive NO can damage DNA and proteins, speeding up aging.
Why Red Light Therapy Helps
Red light therapy helps by recharging mitochondria, increasing ATP production, and improving blood flow by reducing nitric oxide buildup. This leads to benefits like:
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More cellular energy (keeping cells active and healthy).
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Boosted collagen production (reducing fine lines and wrinkles).
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Faster healing (repairing wounds and damaged tissues).
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Less pain and inflammation (helping with recovery).
