Benefits

The Science-Backed Benefits of Red Light Therapy.

Curious about red light therapy? Read this first.
From boosting skin health and speeding up recovery to improving sleep, we’ve gathered evidence-based facts and cleared up common myths—so you can make a confident, informed choice about this innovative treatment.

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What is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy uses red and near-infrared light to stimulate your body’s natural healing processes. The light penetrates the skin and helps cells produce more energy, which supports faster recovery, reduced inflammation, and healthier skin.

It is also called photobiomodulation therapy (PBM). Research shows it can help with muscle repair, joint pain, circulation, and overall wellness. K2 devices bring this same clinical-grade therapy into your home, making it safe and easy to use every day.

Red Light Therapy Does Actually Wor

Red Light Therapy Does Actually Work?

Yes, red light therapy works. Results can vary depending on the condition, but it is more than just a wellness trend. This therapy is clinically validated and backed by decades of scientific research. Hundreds of studies show it can reduce inflammation, support muscle recovery, improve skin health, and boost cellular energy. K2 devices bring this proven therapy safely into your home.

THE SCIENCE

How Red Light Therapy Works

Every living organism is made up of cells—the basic building blocks of life responsible for vital processes such as respiration, metabolism, and energy production. When cells don’t function at their best, it can trigger a chain reaction throughout the body that contributes to various health concerns. This is where red light therapy can make a difference.

Red light therapy supports cellular health by stimulating mitochondrial activity and boosting the production of ATP—the energy source that powers our cells. With improved energy availability, cells can work more efficiently, promoting overall wellness. The benefits can be wide-ranging, from healthier skin and reduced inflammation to faster muscle recovery and beyond.

~90%

of our cellular energy is produced by mitochondria

Mitochondria generate nearly 90% of the body’s cellular energy as ATP. Red light therapy helps optimize mitochondrial performance, boosting ATP production and supporting a wide range of health benefits.

Benefits of Red Light Therapy

When the body is exposed to red light therapy, it activates a series of beneficial physiological responses. These effects are driven by how the therapy interacts with tissues and the positive changes it produces at the cellular level. Read on to discover how red light therapy can support your overall health and wellness.

Full Body Wellness

Red light therapy can improve skin health and reduce signs of aging by by stimulating collagen and elastin production, repairing damage from UV rays, and reducing inflammation and bacteria. It has been found to improve skin conditions such as acne, sunspots, eye wrinkles, and enhance skin complexion, roughness, and collagen density. Early clinical trials have also found that natural red and near-infrared light can have a therapeutic effect on the symptoms of painful skin conditions such as psoriasis, herpes, and acne. Learn more about red light for skin health here.

Skin Health & Anti-Aging

Red light therapy supports healthier, younger-looking skin by stimulating collagen and elastin production, repairing UV-related damage, and helping reduce inflammation and bacteria. Research shows it can improve common skin concerns such as acne, sunspots, fine lines around the eyes, and uneven texture, while increasing overall skin smoothness and collagen density. Early clinical studies also suggest that natural red and near-infrared light may help relieve symptoms associated with painful skin conditions including psoriasis, herpes, and acne. Learn more about how red light therapy benefits skin health here.

Wound Healing, Scars and Tissue Repair

Red light therapy supports wound healing and tissue repair by activating key physiological processes involved in cellular regeneration, including improved circulation. These effects can help accelerate healing and enhance recovery from injuries. Additionally, red light therapy stimulates collagen production—an essential component for healthy skin, strong tissue, and effective scar repair. Research has shown its effectiveness in treating a variety of skin conditions, including burns, scars, post-surgical healing needs, and diabetic ulcers.

Joint Pain and Inflammation

Red and infrared light therapy have been shown to effectively reduce joint pain and inflammation in individuals with arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis. A 2000 review analyzing 13 randomized controlled trials reported pain reductions of up to 70%. This therapy is believed to stimulate the release of nitric oxide, improving blood circulation and increasing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues. These effects support tissue repair and regeneration, helping to relieve both pain and inflammation. Compared to many traditional treatments, red light therapy offers a safe, non-invasive option for pain management.

Muscle and Injury Recovery

Red light therapy has been shown to significantly speed up injury recovery and reduce athletes’ return-to-play time. For example, a study involving the U.S. track team reported a 50% reduction in recovery time—from 19.23 days down to just 9.6 days. Beyond injury recovery, red light therapy also supports muscle recovery and enhances physical performance. Research published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology found that combining red light therapy with exercise led to over a 50% increase in muscle thickness and strength, as measured by ultrasound imaging and isokinetic dynamometry.

Uses of Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy is a relatively new area of study, yet it has already shown significant potential as an effective treatment for a variety of conditions with minimal side effects. As a safe and natural alternative to conventional therapies, it offers an appealing option for many. Numerous studies have highlighted its versatility, demonstrating its effectiveness across a wide range of health concerns.

Sleep Optimization

Red light therapy may improve sleep by helping regulate the body’s natural circadian rhythm. Unlike blue light, which can disrupt melatonin production and interfere with the sleep-wake cycle, red light exposure mimics natural sunlight, helping to realign your internal clock. This can make you feel sleepier in the evening and more alert in the morning. Research supports these effects: a 2012 study found that 30 minutes of red LED light therapy each night for 14 days improved both sleep quality and melatonin levels. Additionally, a 2019 study published in a sleep research journal showed that red light can reduce sleep inertia, a common effect of chronic sleep deprivation.

Inflammation Support

Red and near-infrared (NIR) light therapy can enhance the body’s natural inflammation response, promoting faster healing and reducing discomfort. Research shows that these wavelengths stimulate mitochondria, optimizing cellular respiration, increasing cellular function, and accelerating recovery. This therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation, support joint and arthritis pain relief, and improve blood flow to damaged tissues. Additionally, red light therapy can promote the formation of new blood vessels, collagen, and fibroblasts, all of which contribute to reducing inflammation and supporting overall tissue repair.

Sports Performance & Recovery

Light therapy is increasingly used by trainers and professional athletes to enhance fitness, boost performance, and support recovery. Muscle cells need significant energy to grow and strengthen through cycles of micro-tears and repair. By helping the body produce and utilize energy more efficiently, light therapy can improve muscle function. Additionally, its benefits in boosting circulation and reducing inflammation support faster recovery from workouts and injuries. A study in the European Journal of Applied Physiology found that combining light therapy with exercise led to over a 50% increase in muscle thickness and strength.

Hair Loss & Hair Health

Red light therapy is a non-invasive approach to hair loss that may stimulate hair growth by delivering photons to scalp tissues, improving circulation, and activating hair follicles. A meta-analysis of 11 studies involving 680 patients found significant improvements in hair count, density, thickness, and strength, with many participants reporting positive experiences. While medical experts generally agree that red light therapy can benefit some individuals with hair loss, the optimal wavelength, coherence, and dosage parameters for low-level laser therapy (LLLT) have yet to be firmly established.

Weight Loss & Cellulite Reduction

Red light therapy for weight loss remains a debated topic, despite promising patient testimonials and some study results. More research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness, as the exact mechanisms behind fat reduction are not yet completely known. Several studies have reported positive outcomes: a 2020 study found an average waist reduction of 0.8 inches after six or more treatments; a 2009 randomized study showed participants lost significantly more inches around the abdomen, hips, and thighs compared to the control group; and a 2013 study observed notable decreases in waist, hip, and thigh measurements. Additionally, a 2011 study found that combining infrared therapy with treadmill exercise reduced cellulite more effectively than exercise alone. However, many of these studies had limitations, such as small sample sizes, lack of control groups, or concurrent exercise programs.

Eye Health

Red and near-infrared light have shown promising effects on eye health. In a study involving 200 individuals with age-related macular degeneration, red light exposure improved visual acuity in 95% of participants, with benefits lasting up to 36 months.

A 2021 study also found that a single three-minute red light session enhanced color vision in participants over 35, with improvements lasting up to a week. These results suggest that red and near-infrared light may help slow the aging of photoreceptor cells and support overall eye health.

Oral Health

Early research suggests that red and near-infrared light can promote the regeneration of certain areas of the teeth and gums while reducing harmful bacteria. Studies also indicate that red light therapy may help heal mouth ulcers and alleviate pain and discomfort from dental procedures like extractions or root canals. Although more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and establish optimal treatment protocols, red light therapy shows promising potential as a tool for supporting oral health.

Psoriasis, Acne, Eczema

Red light therapy has been shown to benefit a range of inflammatory skin conditions, including psoriasis, acne, and eczema. By reducing inflammation, boosting blood flow, and promoting cell regeneration, it helps improve skin health. The therapy enhances circulation, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to skin cells, while accelerating cellular turnover. This supports faster regeneration of new, healthier skin cells, strengthening the skin barrier and making it more resilient to damage.

Risks and Side Effects of Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy is generally considered safe, with the most common side effects being mild fatigue or temporary skin redness. However, it’s still recommended to consult a doctor before using it to treat any medical condition, and it should never replace prescribed medical treatments.