Independent research

The Science Behind Light Therapy

Red and near-infrared light therapy has been studied for its potential effects on skin appearance, cellular activity and post-exercise recovery. Explore selected independent research examining how different wavelengths and treatment protocols have been used.

Study01

Skin appearance and texture

Study focus

Researchers compared broad-area red and red-to-near-infrared light protocols with a control group and measured complexion, roughness and collagen density.

What researchers found

Participants receiving light experienced improvements in reported skin feeling and complexion, while instrument measurements indicated reduced roughness and increased collagen density compared with controls.

Study details

611–650 nm or 570–850 nm; 12–25 minutes per session; twice weekly for 30 sessions; 136 enrolled, including 23 controls; prospective randomized controlled study.

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Study02

Fine lines and measured wrinkle volume

Study focus

A split-face trial compared red and amber photobiomodulation delivered at the same light dose around the eyes.

What researchers found

The study reported reductions in measured periocular wrinkle volume on both treated sides; it did not report improvements in hydration or skin viscoelasticity.

Study details

660 nm red and 590 nm amber; 10 sessions over 4 weeks; 137 women; split-face randomized clinical trial.

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Study03

At-home red and near-infrared light use

Study focus

A home-use mask combining red LED and near-infrared light was compared with a sham device for crow’s-feet measurements.

What researchers found

The study reported differences between test and sham groups in independent and investigator grading at later assessments and described the protocol as generally well tolerated.

Study details

630 nm LED plus 850 nm IRED; 9 minutes, 5 times weekly for 12 weeks with follow-up to week 16; 60 enrolled and 59 analysed; multi-centre randomized double-blind sham-controlled trial.

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Study04

Exercise fatigue and recovery

Study focus

Researchers tested a mixed-wavelength photobiomodulation protocol before a sprint field test in high-level rugby players.

What researchers found

Participants experienced changes in average sprint time, fatigue index, blood-lactate response and perceived fatigue compared with placebo in this small athlete sample.

Study details

640 nm LED, 875 nm LED and 905 nm laser; 30 J at 17 sites on each lower limb before exercise; 12 male rugby players; randomized crossover double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

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Study05

Human muscle research overview

Study focus

A review mapped research using red and near-infrared photobiomodulation before or after exercise across different muscles, devices and doses.

What researchers found

The review described positive findings in parts of the literature but emphasised that treatment parameters varied and that wavelength, dose and timing influence whether results translate.

Study details

Red and near-infrared protocols varied by included study; 46 studies and 1,045 participants; narrative review without a pooled meta-analysis.

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How to read the evidence

Protocol details matter

Research findings apply to the specific devices, wavelengths, irradiance, dose, session length and treatment schedule that were tested. Compare those details with the specifications and instructions supplied for an individual product rather than assuming that every light-therapy device will perform in the same way.

This page summarises research for general information and does not make a medical or product-specific efficacy claim.