Red and near-infrared light therapy: what's true, what's marketing and how it's used for the brain
Red light panels have become popular on social media: for skin, sleep, muscle recovery, energy. Some promises are based on serious research. Others are just marketing. It's worth knowing the difference, especially when it comes to the brain.
In short
Red and near-infrared light therapy, scientifically called photobiomodulation (PBM), uses light of certain wavelengths, usually between about 600 and 1100 nanometres, to influence the activity of cells. The main proposed mechanism is the absorption of light by an enzyme in the mitochondria, cytochrome c oxidase, with effects on cellular energy production. Research is more advanced for skin and certain medical applications, promising for muscle recovery and at an early but active stage for the brain. Results depend a lot on the wavelength, dose, duration and the area treated.
What photobiomodulation is
Photobiomodulation means using low-intensity light to influence biological processes, without significantly heating the tissue. It was first observed in the 1960s by Hungarian physician Endre Mester, who studied the effects of low-intensity lasers on wound healing.
Two areas of the spectrum are used:
- red light, about 620–700 nm: visible, penetrates less into tissue, used mainly for the skin;
- near-infrared light, about 780–1100 nm: invisible or nearly invisible, penetrates deeper, used for muscles, joints and the brain.
How it would work
The most studied mechanism:
- light is absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase, an enzyme in the respiratory chain of the mitochondria;
- the enzyme's activity increases, and cellular energy production, in the form of ATP, may increase;
- changes occur in cell signalling and in local blood flow.
An important concept is the biphasic response: too low a dose has no effect, and too high a dose can reduce the effect. More doesn't mean better.
In photobiomodulation, the dose matters as much as the light.
What research says, by area
Skin
This is where the evidence is most plentiful, for some aspects of skin ageing, wound healing and certain medically treated skin conditions.
Oral mucositis
Photobiomodulation is recommended in some guidelines for preventing oral mucositis in cancer patients treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Muscles and recovery
Some studies show effects on recovery after exercise and on muscle pain, but the results vary.
The brain
Transcranial photobiomodulation, or tPBM, uses near-infrared light applied to the forehead and scalp. Research, including that of the group led by Francisco Gonzalez-Lima, has studied effects on attention, memory and the brain's energy metabolism. The studies are promising, but many are small, and the protocols differ a lot.
Home panels and tPBM
Panels for the skin
They're designed for large areas of skin, with red and sometimes near-infrared light. Quality, power and wavelengths vary a great deal between products.
tPBM devices
They're designed to deliver near-infrared light to the brain, with specific parameters: wavelength, power, duration, application area.
A panel for the skin isn't a device for the brain, and vice versa.
What to avoid
- "cures everything" promises;
- products without clear specifications of wavelength and power;
- looking directly into strong near-infrared light sources without protection;
- using it on areas with suspicious skin lesions, without a medical consultation.
Questions to ask beforehand
- What wavelength is used?
- What power and what duration?
- Which area is it applied to?
- What do studies say for my goal?
- Are there contraindications for me: pregnancy, photosensitising medication, eye or skin conditions?
tPBM at NeuroFit
NeuroFit by Emmanuel CliniX, in Bucharest, uses tPBM, near-infrared light applied to the forehead and scalp, as part of three experiences:
- Focus (tPBM, neurofeedback, tDCS);
- Reset (taVNS, tPBM, CES);
- Longevity (tPBM, neurofeedback, taVNS).
What you feel: usually, just a slight warmth. Each circuit is set after a safety screening. We use tPBM for wellness, not for treatment, and we tell you honestly what has been studied and what hasn't.
The first experience costs 190 lei and includes onboarding, the screening and a 50–60-minute session. Bookings: +40 790 099 070.
NeuroFit is brain wellness, not medical treatment.
Frequently asked questions
What is red light therapy?
It's a form of photobiomodulation, which uses low-intensity red or near-infrared light to influence the activity of cells, mainly through the mitochondria.
Does red light therapy work?
The evidence is stronger for some skin applications and for certain medical uses, promising for muscle recovery and at an early stage for the brain. Results depend a lot on the dose and the parameters.
What's the difference between red and near-infrared light?
Red light, of about 620–700 nm, is visible and penetrates less into tissue. Near-infrared light, of about 780–1100 nm, penetrates deeper and is used for muscles and the brain.
What is tPBM?
tPBM, or transcranial photobiomodulation, uses near-infrared light applied to the forehead and scalp, with the aim of influencing the energy metabolism of neurons. It's studied for attention and memory.
Brain wellness information. It is not medical advice and does not replace specialist assessment, diagnosis or treatment.