Red Light Therapy

Red Light Therapy Protocol

Goal: Skin health & cellular recovery

Photobiomodulation (PBM) works through cytochrome c oxidase absorption at specific wavelengths. Optimal therapeutic windows are 630-680nm (red) and 800-850nm (near-infrared). Dosing is determined by irradiance (mW/cm2) and exposure time.

Red Light Therapy Protocol

Skin health & cellular recovery

Wavelength

630-680nm red + 800-850nm NIRStrong Evidence

Distance from panel

6-12 inchesModerate Evidence

Session duration

10-20 minutesModerate Evidence

Frequency

Daily or every other dayModerate Evidence

Eye protection

Required for facial/panel useStrong Evidence

Skin exposure

Bare skin required -- no clothing over target areaStrong Evidence

The mitochondria in your cells are literally absorbing photons from red and near-infrared light. It is not a metaphor -- photobiomodulation drives real electron chain activation and downstream cellular signaling.
M
Michael Hamblin, PhD
Principal Investigator, Harvard Medical School / Wellman Center

Research Behind This Protocol

630-850nm photobiomodulation penetrates tissue and activates cytochrome c oxidase, increasing mitochondrial ATP synthesis and reducing oxidative stress.

Hamblin et al.BBA Clinical(2016)

Shining light on the head: Photobiomodulation for brain disorders

PubMed DOI

Equipment for This Protocol

See our evidence-ranked red light therapy buying guide for the best gear to implement this protocol.

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