Red light therapy stimulates the mitochondria within our cells to produce more adenosine triphosphate, otherwise known as ATP, the molecule that carries and stores energy on a cellular level. With this increased energy, cells are able to function more efficiently. One sign of this improvement is a reduction in the inflammatory response, including a reduction in swelling. A 2015 study conducted by Begum et al found that red light exposure not only stimulated the test subjects’ cells’ mitochondria, increased their ATP production, and reduced their inflammatory response, but also improved their life expectancy.¹ Additionally, improved mitochondrial production helps to regulate and minimize oxidative stress. Because lower oxidative stress levels regulate the inflammatory response, inflammation is further mitigated following the infrared-induced stimulation of mitochondria.²

     Another benefit of the anti-inflammatory effects of red light therapy is reduced inflammation on the skin’s surface. The skin is the body’s largest organ, and appears red or “flush” when inflamed. When exposed to infrared light, the skin’s levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines are reduced, thus decreasing skin inflammation and decreasing the appearance of redness and flushing.³ 

     Red light therapy has been demonstrated to stimulate the release of nitric oxide (NO), a molecule responsible for widening blood vessels, a process known as vasodilation. This widening of blood vessels leads to an increased vessel diameter, ultimately facilitating improved blood flow. This enhanced blood vessel function supports the circulation of oxygen and nutrients to various parts of the body, including the skin and underlying tissues.⁴ 

     Collagen is widely recognized for playing a significant role in several aspects of the skin, which is the body's largest organ, including elasticity, hydration, and smoothness. As collagen naturally decreases with age, skin appears more wrinkled, papery thin, and dry. By improving circulation and oxygen delivery, red light therapy stimulates collagen production in the skin, effectively improving its texture and appearance and minimizing the effects of aging on our body’s largest organ.^{4, 5} 

     Because collagen is known to be responsible for the skin’s elasticity, hydration, plumpness, and smoothness, the increased collagen production stimulated by red light therapy minimizes signs of collagen decline.⁵ The emergence of fine lines and wrinkles are one of the major visible signs of collagen decline.⁶ Furthermore, red light therapy can also facilitate the restructuring of the existing collagen fibers within the skin. This process aids in the alignment and reorganization of collagen, leading to skin that appears smoother, more youthful, and with fewer visible wrinkles and fine lines.⁷ 

     One mechanism through which red light therapy enhances the visible healing of scars and wounds is by influencing collagen production and structuring. Adequate collagen production and remodeling are essential for the effective healing of scars and wounds, impacting the texture and tone of the resulting scar tissue.⁸ Additionally, a recent study examining the effect of red light therapy on post-surgical scars found that for specific levels of light therapy, the scars that received treatment appeared more favorable to both patients and medical professionals than the scars that received a placebo treatment. Additionally, they exhibited increased softness compared to the control scars after a 6-month period.⁹

     Red light therapy has also been shown to speed up the healing process of burns, including sunburns. A 2018 experiment treating a severe sunburn with red light therapy and leaving another area untreated found that by the following day, the treated area had no remaining redness, no peeling, and no pain or itching.¹⁰ In comparison, the untreated area showed virtually no improvement by the following day. In addition to healing sunburns, red light therapy has also been demonstrated to heal 2nd and 3rd degree burns.^{11, 12}

     Red light therapy has been shown to increase the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) in cells. ATP is an important molecule that stores and transports energy within cells and is essential for a wide range of cellular processes.

     Red light therapy works by penetrating the skin and activating photoreceptors in cells called chromophores. This activation leads to an increase in the production of ATP, which can improve the overall function of the cells.

     Each type of light offers distinctive advantages and considerations, and their impacts can vary based on factors like wavelength, intensity, and exposure duration. It's crucial to use each type of light appropriately, and always advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare professional.