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Red Light Therapy Myths: What's True?

Written by Infralight Team

Published on October 21, 2024

Red light therapy (RLT) has started to gain a lot of hype for all of its claimed health benefits, whether it's skin rejuvenation, pain relief, athletic recovery or improved cellular health. RLT's been popping up everywhere; beauty clinics, health spas, even your aunty’s living room. With all the wild claims and influencer videos out there, Its difficult to determine what's real and what's not. In this article, we'll dive deep into what's factual, and what's fluff. We'll have a look at some scientific research and see if RLT is actually the grand solution it claims to be.

Title

Myth #1: Red Light Therapy Is Just a Placebo

The Truth: Red light therapy is backed by decades of scientific studies and clinical research

 

A lot of people still think there's no actual effects beyond the placebo effect (like those magnetic bracelets from the early 2000's), but this couldn't be further from the truth. Plenty of peer reviewed scientific studies and articles prove that red light therapy provides tangible effects on cellular and tissue health.

 

Red and near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths between 630–850nm penetrate the skin and interact with your mitochondria and increase the production of ATP. This process is known as photobiomodulation (PBM), and it leads to numerous physiological changes in the body. The effects:

 

- Your cells pump out higher levels of ATP which is the primary energy source for your cells.
- Reduced oxidative stress, and inflammation
- Enhanced circulation and blood flow, which allows for improved oxygen delivery.
- Increased collagen production, which leads to faster and more efficient tissue repair.

 

We get it, people assume if something feels gentle or they can't feel it at all, then surely it can’t be doing much. But the reality is, with the right wavelength of light, you can trigger some surprisingly powerful effects in the body.


A recent study in Lasers in Medical Science showed that Red Light Therapy produced notable benefits for wound healing and inflammatory marker reduction in conducted in vitro experiments. The biological effects were measurable and repeatable: not anecdotal, and certainly not placebo.

 

Bottom line: Red Light Therapy functions as a proven treatment that delivers multiple health benefits, no snake oil, no pseudoscience. 

 

Myth Busted.✅

Myth #2: Red Light Therapy has immediate effects

The Truth: RLT requires consistent and regular use, in order to experience the full benefits.

 

Reality check: Red Light Therapy is like any other part of your selfcare routine, you're going to need to do it a few times before the effects become apparent. Some users will give it a go once or twice and wonder why they don't look 10 years younger, or why their chonic inflammation hasn't magically disappeared over night. We hate to be brutally honest, but: would you expect to turn your coffee stained teeth into bright pearly whites after one quick brush using whitening toothpaste? Probably not. Delivery of immediate effects still remains a widespread belief among some users. The initial benefits people experience through their first few sessions include small relief from pain and boosted energy, but real long lasting results will take time and consistency. Here's what you can expect:

 

2+ weeks: Small improvements in blood flow and circulation, reduced muscle and joint stiffness, slight pain relief.
3 - 6 weeks: Better skin tone, reduced inflammation, faster post workout recovery.
6 - 8 weeks+: Noticeable wrinkle reduction, improved joint mobility and even less pain. If you're treating an injury, this is where the effects start to become more apparent.

 

One reason that some people think Red Light Therapy doesn’t work is because they simply give up too soon. The benefits accumulate: think of it like charging up your body’s battery more and more with each RLT session. If you give up too early, you'll short circuit the process and wonder why you never got results.

A 2014 study in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery showed that people who used Red Light Therapy consistently for 12 weeks achieved noticeable improvements in skin elasticity, reduced wrinkle depth & collagen production. It takes commitment, not overnight magic.

 

Bottom Line: RLT is just like any fitness program or selfcare routine. Results take time, consistency, and a little bit of effort.

 

Myth Busted ✅

Myth #3: Red Light Therapy Can Cause Skin Damage

The Truth: RLT gives off no harmful UV rays, is non-invasive, and safe for everyday use

 

There's a flawed belief that Red Light Therapy is somehow the same as those dodgy tanning beds from the early 2000's. This couldn't be further from the truth. RLT uses non-ionizing wavelengths that don't harm DNA. Here's a look at the key differences:

Feature

Red Light Therapy

UV light (tanning/sun)

Wavelength:

✅ 630-850nm

❌ 280-400nm

Skin damage risk:

✅ None

❌ High (burns, premature aging)

Effect on collagen:

✅Increased production

❌ Collagen breakdown

Cancer risk:

✅ None

❌ Proven risk with overexposure

So no, you won't get that summer tan from an at-home Red Light Therapy device, but you won't get the harmful rays either. What you will get is increased collagen production, skin benefits, better circulation, the list could go on.

 

Researchers at the Journal of Biophotonics found that Red Light Therapy causes absolutely no DNA mutations, while also being completely safe for every skin type, causing zero damage, no matter how often you use it.

 

Bottom Line: Red Light Therapy is nothing like a tanning bed, it's the complete opposite. RLT is a beneficial treatment for skin health, due to collagen formation, faster wound recovery and reduced inflammation.

 

Myth Busted ✅

Myth #4: All Red Light Therapy Devices Are the Same

The Truth: Device quality, irradiance, and wavelengths matter (a lot)

 

There's a wide range of  Red Light Therapy devices on the market, which range from dodgy $50 units to professional panels designed for clinics that will set you back 5 figures. The problem? Cheap devices underperform and fail to emit the needed wavelengths required for therapeutic benefits. Sometimes the catchphrase is true: you get what you pay for: and those cheapo looking panels with no reputation? Yep, you get what you pay for. Here's what to look for in a quality RLT product.

 

Wavelengths:
- Should include both 630–680 nm (red) and 810–850 nm (NIR).  
- If a device can’t hit these sweet spots, you’re just buying an expensive lamp.

 

Irradiance (power output):
- Look for at least 150 mW/cm², but 200+ is even better.  
- This is what lets the light actually penetrate your skin and work it's magic, don't settle for less

 

LED Quality:
- Choose a panel that contains 5W LEDs, not 3W.
- Cheap LEDs will often fake the look but can't deliver the right therapeutic light.  

 

Build & Coverage:
- FDA-registered panels are the gold standard.
- Make sure the panel is big enough to actually cover the area you'd like to treat to treat.

 

Brand reputation

- Look for a brand that's trustworthy.

- Read the reviews: do other people recommend the panel?

There's no one conclusive comparative study that compares higher end panels directly against budget alternatives, but the evidence is pretty clear. Multiple reviews, including ones published in Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery show that wavelength selection, and irradiance are essential to reach the full benefits of RLT.

 

Bottom Line: Not all devices are created equal. If you're looking for genuine results, look for genuine panels that operate at the right power output and wavelength.

 

Myth Busted ✅

Myth #5: Red Light Therapy Is Just For Pro Athletes and Celebs

The Truth: Red Light Therapy is for everyone: from arthritis sufferers to skincare enthusiasts.

 

Sure, red light therapy has gained massive popularity among professional athletes, instagram biohackers and celebrities, but it provides benefits to everyone no matter their age, goals, and regardless if they have a blue checkmark or not. Here's some examples of who can actually benefit:

 

Chronic pain sufferers:

- Helps support arthritis/oesteoarthritis

- Fibromyalgia

- Neuropathy

- Tendonitis/tendonosis

 

Skincare lovers:
 - Less wrinkles  
 - Smoother, plumper skin  
 - Fights acne (yes, really)

 

Seniors:
 - Relief from arthritis and joint pain  
 - Helps heal wounds faster

 

Athletes:
 - Faster recovery time
 - Reduces inflammation  
 - Boosted endurance

 

Busy professionals:
 - Improved sleep  
 - Higher mood
 - Sharper mental focus

 

Bottom Line: If you’ve got a body and a pulse, Red Light Therapy can probably help you out. It’s not just for the rich and famous, it's for absolutely anyone who wants to live, look, and feel better.

 

Myth Busted ✅

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Bonus Myth: Red Light Therapy Is “Too New” to Be Trusted

The Truth: RLT has over 50 years of scientific research behind it

 

Here's something you might not know. RLT has actually been around for decades. NASA scientists played around with it in the '90s to develop applications for plant cultivation and for healing the wounds of astronauts. It's evolved from its initial NASA experiments into a widely researched therapeutic method that has a proven track record of strong clinical benefits and results. Here's a brief history of Red Light Therapy:

 

1960s–70s:
 - Scientists discovered how low level laser therapy (LLLT) could help heal wounds and ease pain.

 

1990s:
 - NASA experimented with Red Light Therapy for keeping astronauts healthy, and their veggies sprouting, while in space.

 

2000s–Now:  
 - Countless clinical trials and medical research conducted  
 - Devices evolved from “only in hospitals” to “in the convenience of your own home"
 - People everywhere have used it for years for pain, skin, mood, etc.
 

Bottom Line: RLT isn’t just a new TikTok trend, it's got the receipts to prove it's here to stay: decades of research, heaps of scientific backing, and countless reviews from happy users.

 

Myth Busted ✅

Final Thoughts: Busting the Myths Around Red Light Therapy

There's a lot of hype and nonsense out there, but proper research can help distinguish between fact and fiction. Red Light Therapy works, and if you choose the right device and stay consistent with it, you'll no doubt start to see great results. It's not a miracle, but it's damn close.

 

Key takeaways:

 

It’s science, not a placebo.
 - Works at the cellular level, no snake oil here.

 

Consistency matters.
 - Use it regularly, don’t be expecting miracles after a single sesh.

 

It's 100% safe for skin.
 - No, it won’t burn you or mess with your DNA.

 

Device quality matters.
 - Invest in a reputable device, skip the cheap garbage.

 

RLT is for everyone.
 - Not just athletes or celebs, if you've got skin and joints like the rest of us, you'll get results.

Ready To Experience Real Results?

Infralight Recovery provides premium Red Light Therapy devices specifically chosen for recovery, health and wellness purposes. Backed by science, trusted by thousands, and designed for results. Click the button below to explore our range of panels and devices to help you achieve your goals

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Note: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.

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At Infralight Recovery, we’re committed to delivering the highest quality red light therapy panels and recovery products. Built with premium materials and advanced LEDs, our panels emit powerful and consistent light to deliver ultra-effective results. Designed for durability and ease of use, each panel features a sleek, modern design with user-friendly controls. Rigorous and continuous testing ensures safety and reliability, giving you professional-grade equipment you can trust.

 

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Red Light Therapy 101: What It Is and How It Works

How Red Light Therapy Helps Reduce Pain and Inflammation

Red Light Therapy for Stress Relief & Mental Health

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