Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy also known as low level laser therapy (LLLT) or red light therapy is the therapeutic application of red and near infrared wavelengths of light to the face and body via light emitting panels.
The skin is the organ that is naturally exposed to light more than any other organ. Red and near-infrared are the only wavelengths that penetrate through the skin. The photons are absorbed by mitochondrial chromophores in skin cells.
Consequently, electron transport, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) nitric oxide release, blood flow, reactive oxygen species increase and diverse signalling pathways get activated.
Stem cells can also be activated allowing increased tissue repair and healing.
Red and infrared light help our mighty mitochondria function better — tiny organelles inside our cells that are responsible for the production of cellular energy. Often referred to as the “battery” or “powerhouses of our cells”.
Read on to discover the array of benefits that red light therapy has been studied for.
Energy & Ageing
As red and near-infrared wavelengths of light penetrate into our tissues and enter the cells, they are absorbed by the cytochrome c oxidase enzyme and calcium ion channels on our mitochondria. This leads to an increase in production of ATP (cellular energy) and up-regulation of antioxidant defences, which protects the mitochondria and our cells from damage.
Since dysfunctional mitochondria are at the core of ageing and associated with many chronic diseases, PBM therapy offers protective anti-aging and health benefits.
Key potential benefits:
- Stimulate the production of cellular energy to support healing from chronic diseases
- Boosting testosterone levels in men and improving fertility by enhancing sperm motility
- Reducing autoimmune markers in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis & improving T3/T4 ratio
Recovery & Pain
Red and near-infrared wavelengths are absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria, increasing ATP production, modulating reactive oxygen species, and reducing pro-inflammatory markers such as prostaglandin E2 and certain cytokines.
These effects, along with improved local microcirculation and fibroblast activity, are thought to accelerate tissue repair in wounds and soft tissue injuries, and to limit the inflammation and oxidative stress that drive delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and joint pain.
Key potential benefits:
- Reducing inflammation and pain in arthritic conditions and post-injury
- Speeding up muscle recovery and reducing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) post workout to support an enhancement in peak performance
Skin
Red light therapy boosts ATP production and stimulates fibroblast activity — associated with greater collagen and elastin synthesis, improved microcirculation, and reduced inflammatory signalling. Which together support wound healing, skin texture, and the appearance of fine lines. Clinical studies have reported improvements in skin tone, roughness, and collagen density with consistent use.
Each wavelength stimulates a specific skin response: Red reduces inflammation, pigmentation, and redness and helps prompt cellular repair and circulation for a more vibrant complexion. While near-infrared targets deeper fibroblast cells, stimulating new collagen and elastin production, resulting in plumper, firmer, more youthful looking skin.
Key potential benefits:
- Healing acne and blemishes
- Fading scars, pigmentation and stretchmarks
- Stimulating collagen synthesis & skin elasticity and texture
- Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Hair
Red and near-infrared wavelengths are absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondria of hair follicle cells, increasing ATP production and cellular activity. This is thought to prolong the anagen (growth) phase, improve local microcirculation, and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation around the follicle.
Clinical trials, particularly in androgenetic alopecia, have reported increases in hair density and thickness with consistent use, though results vary by individual and the evidence is strongest for early-stage thinning rather than complete hair loss.
Key potential benefits:
- Extended anagen (active growth) phase of the hair cycle
- Increased hair density or thickness
- Reduction in scalp inflammation around the hair follicle
- Support for early-stage hair thinning
References
ENERGY & AGEING
Brain energy rescue: an emerging therapeutic concept for neurodegenerative disorders of ageing Nature Reviews Drug Discovery 2020
Cell biology: Power games Nature 2006
Frequency-Specific Transcranial Photobiomodulation Elicits Complementary Glial Mechanisms for Neurovascular Protection and Amyloid Clearance in Alzheimer Disease Cyborg and Bionic Systems 2026
Transcranial photobiomodulation enhances visual working memory capacity in humans Science Advances, 2022
Transcranial photobiomodulation to enhance sleep by elevating adenosine signaling: a translational study Molecular Psychiatry 2026
A Wearable Photobiomodulation Patch Using a Flexible Red-Wavelength OLED and Its In Vitro Differential Cell Proliferation Effects Advanced Materials Technologies 2018
Use of 31P magnetisation transfer magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure ATP changes after 670 nm transcranial photobiomodulation in older adults Aging Cell 2023
(Targeting mitochondrial dysfunction as in aging and glaucoma.) Drug Discovery Today 2014
RECOVERY & PAIN
Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the management of neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo or active-treatment controlled trials The Lancet 2020
Light in diagnosis, therapy and surgery Nature Biomedical Engineering 2017
A double blind randomised trial of low power laser treatment in rheumatoid arthritis. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 1993
Low level laser therapy for nonspecific low-back pain Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008
A wearable and stretchable dual-wavelength LED device for home care of chronic infected wounds Nature Communications 2024
Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy and Eccentric Exercises in the Treatment of Recreational Athletes With Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy The American Journal of Sports Medicine 2008
SKIN
Clinical Validation of Face-Fit Surface-Lighting Micro Light-Emitting Diode Mask for Skin Anti-Aging Treatment Advanced Materials 2024
Shining light on nanotechnology to help repair and regeneration Biotechnology Advances 2013
A Protective Mechanism of Visible Red Light in Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts: Enhancement of GADD45A-Mediated DNA Repair Activity. Journal of Investigative Dermatology 2017
Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism In Vitro Using a Pulsed 660 nm LED Light Source: Clinical Correlation with a Single-Blinded Study Journal of Investigative Dermatology 2009
Low-energy helium-neon laser induces locomotion of the immature melanoblasts and promotes melanogenesis of the more differentiated melanoblasts: recapitulation of vitiligo repigmentation in vitro. Journal of Investigative Dermatology 2006
Low-energy helium-neon laser induces melanocyte proliferation via interaction with type IV collagen: visible light as a therapeutic option for vitiligo. British Journal of Dermatology 2009
A self-regulating wearable OLED patch for accelerated wound healing via photobiomodulation-triggered drug delivery Materials Horizons 2026
A multifunctional hydrogel coating to direct fibroblast activation and infected wound healing via simultaneously controllable photobiomodulation and photodynamic therapies Biomaterials 2021
HAIR
Wearable textile-based phototherapy platform with customized NIR OLEDs toward non-invasive hair loss treatment Nature Communications 2026
Efficacy and Safety of a Low-level Laser Device in the Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Multicenter, Randomized, Sham Device-controlled, Double-blind Study American Journal of Clinical Dermatology 2014
Hair Growth Promoting Effects of 650 nm Red Light Stimulation on Human Hair Follicles and Study of Its Mechanisms via RNA Sequencing Transcriptome Analysis Annals of Dermatology 2021
Effects of photobiomodulation on human hair dermal papilla cells with various light modes and light parameters Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology 2025
