🔗 Share this article

Phototherapy is definitely experiencing a surge in popularity. There are now available illuminated devices designed to address complexion problems and aging signs along with muscle pain and gum disease, recently introduced is an oral care tool equipped with miniature red light sources, promoted by the creators as “a major advance for domestic dental hygiene.” Globally, the market was worth $1bn in 2024 and is projected to grow to $1.8bn by 2035. There are even infrared saunas available, which use infrared light to warm the body directly, the thermal energy targets your tissues immediately. According to its devotees, it’s like bathing in one of those LED-lit beauty masks, stimulating skin elasticity, soothing sore muscles, reducing swelling and long-term ailments and potentially guarding against cognitive decline.

Research and Reservations

“It appears somewhat mystical,” observes Paul Chazot, professor in neuroscience at Durham University and a convert to the value of light therapy. Naturally, certain impacts of light on human physiology are proven. Our bodies produce vitamin D through sun exposure, crucial for strong bones, immune defense, and tissue repair. Light exposure controls our sleep-wake cycles, as well, activating brain chemicals and hormonal responses in daylight, and preparing the body for rest as darkness falls. Sunlight-imitating lamps are standard treatment for winter mood disorders to elevate spirits during colder months. Clearly, light energy is essential for optimal functioning.

Types of Light Therapy

Whereas seasonal affective disorder devices typically employ blue-range light, consumer light therapy products mostly feature red and infrared emissions. During advanced medical investigations, including research on infrared’s impact on neural cells, determining the precise frequency is essential. Light constitutes electromagnetic energy, extending from long-wavelength radiation to high-energy gamma radiation. Therapeutic light application uses wavelengths around the middle of this spectrum, including invisible ultraviolet radiation, then visible light (all the colours we see in a rainbow) and infrared light visible through night vision technology.

Ultraviolet treatment has been employed by skin specialists for decades for addressing long-term dermatological issues like vitiligo. It modulates intracellular immune mechanisms, “and suppresses swelling,” notes a dermatology expert. “Considerable data validates phototherapy.” UVA penetrates skin more deeply than UVB, while the LEDs in consumer devices (usually producing colored light emissions) “generally affect surface layers.”

Safety Considerations and Medical Oversight

The side-effects of UVB exposure, such as burning or tanning, are well known but in medical devices the light is delivered in a “narrow-band” form – meaning smaller wavelengths – which minimises the risks. “Treatment is monitored by medical staff, thus exposure is controlled,” explains the dermatologist. Most importantly, the lightbulbs are calibrated by medical technicians, “to ensure that the wavelength that’s being delivered is fit for purpose – as opposed to commercial tanning facilities, where it’s a bit unregulated, and wavelength accuracy isn’t verified.”

Commercial Products and Research Limitations

Colored light diodes, he notes, “aren’t really used in the medical sense, but could assist with specific concerns.” Red LEDs, it is proposed, help boost blood circulation, oxygen absorption and skin cell regeneration, and promote collagen synthesis – an important goal for anti-aging. “The evidence is there,” says Ho. “Although it’s not strong.” Nevertheless, with numerous products on the market, “we’re uncertain whether commercial devices replicate research conditions. Appropriate exposure periods aren’t established, how close the lights should be to the skin, if benefits outweigh potential risks. Many uncertainties remain.”

Treatment Areas and Specialist Views

Initial blue-light devices addressed acne bacteria, microorganisms connected to breakouts. Scientific backing remains inadequate for regular prescription – although, explains the specialist, “it’s often seen in medical spas or aesthetics practices.” Some of his patients use it as part of their routine, he observes, though when purchasing home devices, “we recommend careful testing and security confirmation. If it’s not medically certified, standards are somewhat unclear.”

Cutting-Edge Studies and Biological Processes

Simultaneously, in advanced research areas, researchers have been testing neural cells, discovering multiple mechanisms for infrared’s cellular benefits. “Pretty much everything I did with the light at that particular wavelength was positive and protective,” he says. Multiple claimed advantages have created skepticism toward light treatment – that results appear unrealistic. But his research has thoroughly changed his mind in that respect.

The scientist mainly develops medications for neurological conditions, but over 20 years ago, a doctor developing photonic antiviral treatment consulted his scientific background. “He developed equipment for cellular and insect experiments,” he explains. “I remained doubtful. It was an unusual wavelength of about 1070 nanometres, which most thought had no biological effect.”

Its beneficial characteristic, nevertheless, was its efficient water penetration, allowing substantial bodily penetration.

Mitochondrial Impact and Cognitive Support

More evidence was emerging at the time that infrared light targeted the mitochondria in cells. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of cells, creating power for cellular operations. “All human cells contain mitochondria, particularly in neural cells,” explains the neuroscientist, who concentrated on cerebral applications. “It has been shown that in humans this light therapy increases blood flow into the brain, which is always very good.”

With specific frequency application, cellular power plants create limited oxidative molecules. In low doses this substance, explains the expert, “stimulates so-called chaperone proteins which look after your mitochondria, protect cellular integrity and manage defective proteins.”

All of these mechanisms appear promising for treating a brain disease: free radical neutralization, inflammation reduction, and cellular cleanup – autophagy representing cellular waste disposal.

Ongoing Study Progress and Specialist Evaluations

Upon examining current studies on light therapy for dementia, he states, about 400 people were taking part in four studies, comprising his early research projects