Introduction
Red light therapy has become extremely popular in recent years, and for good reason. What once started as a niche treatment in clinics is now increasingly being used at home. Not only by fanatic biohackers, but also by busy mothers of forty-plus, top athletes with overstrained muscles and people who have tried everything against skin problems. But what is it really, what exactly does it do to your body, and why does it work for one person and not for another?
As the founder of a brand that supplies red light panels to both private individuals and professionals on a daily basis, I often get these questions. That is why I wrote this article: no hype, no medical claims, but the substantiated facts, my personal vision, practical applications and tips for home use. We will take you through the science, the benefits (and limitations), compare red light with other forms of light therapy, and answer the most frequently asked questions. Whether you are new to red light therapy or have been hesitating for a while about which device to choose: this is your starting point.
What is red light therapy and how does it work?
Simply put, red light therapy (RLT) is a way to give your body an 'energy boost' through light. This is done with specific wavelengths of red (630–660 nm) and near-infrared light (810–850 nm). These reach deeper tissues, up to about 10 millimeters, and stimulate the energy factories of your cells: the mitochondria.
A bit technical? Sure. But here comes the translation to practice: think of a top athlete who wants to speed up his recovery after a tough workout. Or of a client of ours, a 49-year-old woman with early osteoarthritis who says that after three weeks of daily use she gets up more smoothly in the morning. Science calls it photobiomodulation, we prefer to call it: making smart use of what light can do to your body.
The core process is that cells will produce more ATP (that is their energy source) thanks to this light. More energy means: faster recovery, less inflammation, better cell renewal. And you notice that.
How it works at the cellular level: this is how it works exactly
When that red light enters your skin, something special happens: an enzyme in the mitochondria, cytochrome c oxidase, captures the light. That sets in motion a series of reactions: higher ATP production, better blood flow, more antioxidants. In jargon, that's called photobiomodulation. In practice, it simply means that your cells repair themselves faster, inflammation is inhibited and your skin or muscles are literally turned 'on' again.
Personally, I see this as one of the few wellness tools that are so widely applicable and at the same time so well-founded. Whether it is skin aging, muscle pain, hormonal complaints or fatigue, it is always the same basis: better cell function.
Red Light Therapy: From NASA to Your Own Bathroom
Many people think that red light therapy is a hype of recent years, but nothing could be further from the truth. Already at the end of the 19th century, doctors wrote about the therapeutic use of light. Fast forward to the nineties: NASA investigated how light affects certain processes in the body during space flights. They discovered, among other things, that red light could accelerate wound healing in astronauts.
In the years that followed, the medical world started to pick it up. First with lasers, later with LEDs. And now? Now we use compact, safe LED panels that you can simply use at home. We have customers who used to go to a beauty salon for light therapy every week, and now say: “I just have it at home, I use it whenever it suits me.” That convenience, combined with low entry thresholds, is one of the reasons that RLT is growing so fast.
Who is red light therapy suitable for?
Let’s be honest: RLT is not a magic bullet, but it is an incredibly versatile tool. Our customers are very different, but you can roughly divide them into five groups. For all these target groups, red light works on the same biological principles, but the application differs:
1. Women between 40 and 60
who want to work on their skin without botox or heavy treatments
2. People with chronic complaints
such as joint pain, fibromyalgia or lower back pain
3. Sportsmen and athletes
who want to recover faster after strength training or cardio
4. Biohackers & high performers
that measure and optimize everything related to energy and sleep
5. Wellness professionals
such as physiotherapists and beauticians who use RLT in their practice
The benefits at a glance, with practical examples
1. Skin improvement & anti-aging
We regularly receive photos from customers who have improved their skin condition without chemical creams. Think of a reduction in fine lines, a more even complexion, less redness. This is because red light stimulates the production of collagen and calms inflammation in the skin. A customer once said: “After 6 weeks I was asked if I had done anything to my skin. Only light, I said.”
2. Pain relief & anti-inflammatory
A physiotherapist who works with us uses it with patients with osteoarthritis and notices that they move more smoothly and experience less pain. Red light stimulates blood flow and inhibits inflammation. We see strong feedback especially with knee, back and shoulder complaints.
3. Muscle recovery & sports performance
A CrossFit coach recently ordered several panels for his gym. His members use them immediately after a workout and report less muscle pain and faster recovery . Not surprising, because RLT supports the removal of waste products and helps muscle cells recover faster.
4. Acne, rosacea and psoriasis
Here the light is used to calm inflammation. I myself have psoriasis , and I can say that red light can really provide relief during periods of flare-ups. Not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle, but it does help.
5. Sleep & Mood
A biohacker who has his panel on his desk said that after two weeks he felt more energy in the morning. Not surprising, because light influences your biological clock. Studies also show that red light can contribute to better sleep and mood, especially in people with a disturbed rhythm.
Red light therapy for the face
For many users, it all starts with the face. Because let's face it: if you look in the mirror and see a difference, you'll keep going.
We recommend clients to do a session 3 to 5 times a week for 10 to 15 minutes, for example with our LITE 300, a compact panel. The most popular targets? Fine lines, pigment spots, redness, acne. And that works especially well because it increases blood circulation and decreases inflammation. After a few weeks you often see a difference.
What we often hear from customers: “I used expensive creams and peels, but this is the first time I really see a difference.” And: “I now use it together with my daughter, she against acne, I against wrinkles. Win-win.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Light Therapy
What exactly is red light therapy?
Red light therapy uses concentrated light waves in the red and near-infrared spectrum to energize your cells. This allows them to recover faster, function better and reduce inflammation. In practice, you see this in tighter skin, less pain and faster recovery.
How exactly does it work?
It's all about your mitochondria, the energy factories of your cells. Specific light waves 'turn them on', so to speak. They start producing more ATP, which is what your cells need to renew themselves. Think of it as food for your cells, but via light instead of food.
When will I see results?
It depends a bit on what you want to achieve. People who use it for pain often notice a difference within 1 to 3 weeks. For skin improvement it is usually 4 to 8 weeks, depending on how often you use it. And importantly: it is not about one magic session, it only really works if you do it regularly.
Are there any side effects?
If you use it normally: almost none. At most a slight redness or warm feeling immediately after the session, especially if you work with high intensity. With our panels we always advise: start with 5 minutes at a time, and slowly build up to 10 to 15 minutes.
Can I use it safely at home?
Definitely. Our customers are often surprised at how easy it is to use. You put the panel down, point it at the area to be treated, turn it on and you're done. Important: choose a device that is certified and has the right wavelengths and power, because not all red light devices are the same.
Is it reimbursed by health insurance?
Unfortunately not at the moment. Even though there is a lot of scientific evidence, RLT is not yet recognized as a regular therapy. That means you pay for it yourself. But many of our clients see it as a one-time investment in their health and at the same time save on salon visits or expensive creams with recurring costs.
Can I combine it with other treatments?
Absolutely. Many clients combine it with microneedling, peelings, hyaluronic acid or supplements. Light therapy actually works strengthening, it supports the body's natural recovery process, which often makes other treatments work even better.
Which red light bulb should I choose? Our tips
When you first start, it’s easy to lose sight of the forest for the trees. Big panels, small masks, 4 wavelengths, 5 wavelengths, pulsating light – what do you really need?
Here is a simple overview of what to look out for:
1. Wavelength (crucial!)
Always look for 630–660 nm (red light) and 810–850 nm (near infrared). These reach both the skin and deeper tissue. Many cheaper lamps claim to be effective but lack these proven wavelengths .
We regularly receive questions about devices that also use 1060 nm, which sounds impressive, but that wavelength is so deep in the infrared spectrum that in practice it barely penetrates the skin.
Why? Because this wavelength is largely absorbed by water and heat in the upper skin layers. As a result, it barely reaches the target tissue, while your skin is warming up. And that is exactly the problem: if your skin gets too warm, you can use the device for a shorter period of time, and that is at the expense of the effectiveness of the useful wavelengths such as 660 or 850 nm. In short, more is not better here. It is about the right wavelengths, not the highest.
2. Power density (mW/cm²)
This determines how much light power actually reaches your skin. For effective results, you ideally have between 30 and 100 mW/cm² at the treatment distance. Lower than 30? Then the effect is often minimal. Higher than 100? Sounds powerful, but can quickly heat up your skin, which means your session has to be shorter, and that limits the effect of other useful wavelengths.
Also note how this value is measured. Some brands use a solar power meter, which also measures heat and therefore shows values that are too high. We measure with a spectrometer that specifically looks at the power per wavelength, which is also very important for the dosage .
So always check: at what distance was it measured, and with which device?
3. CE marking
If you buy a light that will be close to your face or body, you want it to be safe. Period. CE certification is not a luxury, it is a must.
4. Size of the device
Are you only going to treat your face? Then a compact panel like the LITE 300 will suffice. Do you also want to treat your back, legs or entire body? Then a larger panel like the LITE1500 (or a lounger like the PRO bed) makes more sense. Many customers start small and expand later when they notice that it works. Click here to view our full collection.
5. Pulsation or continuous light?
Some devices offer both. In science there is debate about which is better, but in practice: consistent use is more important than exact pulse settings.
My advice: don't let marketing terms fool you. Check the wavelength, the power and the certification - then you'll be fine.
Hoe veilig is rood licht therapie? En wanneer moet je opletten?
Rood licht therapie is een van de meest onderzochte en veiligste wellness behandelingen die je thuis kunt doen. Onze klanten hebben inmiddels duizenden sessies achter de rug, en bij correct gebruik is het risico op bijwerkingen minimaal.
Milde reacties
Soms merk je in de eerste dagen lichte roodheid of een tintelend gevoel – vooral bij gevoelige huidtypes. Dat is normaal en trekt meestal snel weg. Wat we ook geregeld horen: “Ik voelde me na de eerste sessies juist wat moe.” Logisch ook. Je mitochondriën (de energieleveranciers van je cellen) worden ineens geactiveerd. Net zoals je je na een eerste workout wat uitgeput kunt voelen, moeten je cellen ook even schakelen. Die vermoeidheid is dus tijdelijk en meestal een teken dat je lichaam aan het werk gezet wordt. Geef het de tijd.
Wanneer moet je oppassen?
Er zijn wel situaties waarin extra voorzichtigheid nodig is:
- Bij zwangerschap: er is geen bewijs dat het schadelijk is, maar ook niet dat het 100% veilig is. Dus bij twijfel: eerst overleggen.
- Bij gebruik van lichtgevoelige medicatie (bijvoorbeeld sommige antidepressiva of antibiotica).
- Bij bepaalde huidaandoeningen waarbij je extreem gevoelig bent voor licht.
Gebruik je gezonde verstand
Ga niet 40 minuten onder een paneel liggen in de hoop dat het ‘sneller werkt’. Meer is niet beter, je lichaam heeft ook rust nodig tussen de sessies. Ik vergelijk het vaak met trainen. Je wilt je lichaam prikkelen, niet overbelasten. Zeker bij mensen met een verminderde mitochondriale functie of een lagere algemene gezondheid is rustig opbouwen richting de aanbevolen tijd essentieel.
Houd je aan het advies van de fabrikant (kies een betrouwbare!) en luister naar je lichaam. Het blijft uiteindelijk een biologische therapie, geen laserkanon.
Science, not magic.
But... does it really work?
We could inundate you with scientific studies on the power of red light therapy (if that interests you, you can read more via the button below).
In short: yes. Current science shows that most people can benefit significantly from red light therapy in their daily routine.
Experience the power of light
With our top-class red light therapy lamps you make a long-term investment. Discover the options below and experience the power of light.
