Top 5 Red Light Therapy Benefits Backed by Science (Plus My Favorite At-Home Device)

In the world of wellness, few tools are as versatile and research-backed as red light therapy (aka RLT). Whether you’re navigating fatigue, pain, skin concerns, hormone shifts, or simply want to age with vitality, red and near-infrared light can support your body’s natural healing systems—without pills, needles, or downtime.

Before you invest in another supplement or topical treatment, let’s talk about why red light therapy deserves a spot in your daily routine—especially if you’re a tired mom, a wellness minimalist, or simply looking for alternatives to Botox and over-the-counter pain meds.

What Is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light (typically between 600–850 nm) to penetrate the skin and stimulate mitochondrial function—the energy-producing engines of your cells. This improves how your body heals, regenerates, and functions at a cellular level.

Red and near-infrared light stimulate a process called photobiomodulation, which enhances cellular metabolism, reduces inflammation, and supports tissue repair.

1. A Natural Alternative to Botox for Skin & Aging

Red light therapy increases collagen production, smooths fine lines, reduces wrinkles, and enhances skin tone and elasticity—without injections or downtime. It supports healthy skin from within by boosting blood flow and reducing oxidative stress.

2. Drug-Free Pain Relief for Chronic & Acute Issues

Red light has shown strong evidence for reducing inflammation, muscle soreness, joint pain, and even nerve pain. It increases circulation and supports tissue regeneration—making it a helpful tool for arthritis, injury recovery, and tension relief.

3. Improved Mitochondrial Function = More Energy & Better Healing

Red light therapy activates cytochrome c oxidase, a key enzyme in mitochondrial respiration. This boosts ATP (energy) production and helps your body repair damaged tissues more efficiently.

This is especially helpful for anyone experiencing:

• Fatigue or burnout

• Chronic illness or autoimmune flares

• Slow recovery from workouts or illness

4. Immune System Support & Faster Illness Recovery

Red and near-infrared light therapy can support immune function by activating lymphocyte activity, reducing oxidative stress, and enhancing the body’s natural defense systems.

It’s an excellent addition to your wellness toolbox during cold, flu, or allergy season—or when you're just trying to stay well as a busy mom or entrepreneur.

5. Hormonal Balance, Mood, and Circadian Rhythm

Light is one of the most powerful regulators of your circadian rhythm, which affects hormone release, mood stability, and sleep quality. Red light, especially used in the early morning or evening, can help regulate:

• Melatonin (for deeper sleep)

• Cortisol (for reduced stress and anxiety)

• Serotonin and dopamine (for emotional resilience)

Why I Love Using Red Light Therapy

As a functional registered nurse and wellness coach, I believe in tools that support the body’s natural rhythms—without overwhelm or complexity. Red light therapy is one of the few modalities that:

• Requires zero effort

• Has virtually no side effects

• Offers real, research-backed results

I use my red light device for:

• Supporting skin health and collagen

• Daily energy and focus (thanks, mitochondria)

• Reducing soreness and inflammation

• Immune and hormone support

• Grounding my nervous system at the start or end of the day

My Favorite At-Home Device: LUMEBOX

I’ve tried several red light therapy options, but LUMEBOX is the one I consistently recommend. It combines red (660nm) and near-infrared (850nm) wavelengths in a sleek, powerful design that’s easy to use at home.

It’s the tool I personally use—and right now, it’s 50% off for a limited time. Shop the sale HERE!

Want to Learn More About Foundational Wellness?

I help women simplify their wellness using real tools and root-cause strategies. If you’re tired of feeling fatigued and unwell, but ready to reclaim your energy, confidence, and vitality—without extremes—check out:

• 📞 Book your free discovery call with me here!

• 📘 Download my free Foundations for Optimal Wellness guide

• 💻 Learn more about my 3-Month Health Coaching Program

_References:

_{1. Figueiro, M. G., & Rea, M. S. (2010). The effects of red and blue lights on circadian variations in cortisol, alpha amylase, and melatonin. International Journal of Endocrinology, 2010, 829351. https://doi.org/10.1155/2010/829351​:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}}

_{2. de Matos, B. T. L., Buchaim, D. V., Pomini, K. T., Barbalho, S. M., Guiguer, E. L., Reis, C. H. B., ... & Buchaim, R. L. (2021). Photobiomodulation therapy as a possible new approach in COVID-19: A systematic review. Life, 11(6), 580. https://doi.org/10.3390/life11060580​:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}}

_{3. Ferraresi, C., Kaippert, B., Avci, P., Huang, Y. Y., de Sousa, M. V. P., Bagnato, V. S., ... & Hamblin, M. R. (2015). Low-level laser (light) therapy increases mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP synthesis in C2C12 myotubes with a peak response at 3–6 hours. Photochemistry and Photobiology, 91(2), 411–416. https://doi.org/10.1111/php.12397​:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}}

_{4. de Oliveira, M. F., Johnson, D. S., Demchak, T., Tomazoni, S. S., & Leal-Junior, E. C. (2022). Low-intensity LASER and LED (photobiomodulation therapy) for pain control of the most common musculoskeletal conditions. European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 58(2), 282–289. https://doi.org/10.23736/S1973-9087.21.07236-1​:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}}

_{5. Wunsch, A., & Matuschka, K. (2014). A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in patient satisfaction, reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and intradermal collagen density increase. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 32(2), 93–100. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2013.3616​:contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}}

_{6. Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophysics, 4(3), 337–361. https://doi.org/10.3934/biophy.2017.3.337​:contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}}

_{7. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Red light therapy: Uses, benefits, and risks. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22114-red-light-therapy​:contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}}