💡 Frequently Asked Questions About Light Therapy

Red light therapy — also called photobiomodulation (PBM) or low-level light therapy (LLLT) — uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate cellular processes. The light is absorbed by mitochondria in cells, increasing ATP production and triggering reduced inflammation, improved circulation, and faster tissue repair.

It is not the same as SAD light therapy or tanning. It uses no UV radiation. Over 5,000 peer-reviewed studies support its use. Read the full explainer: Learn about photobiomodulation →

Red light (630–680 nm) is visible and penetrates 8–10 mm into tissue. Best for skin health, wound healing, collagen production, and surface inflammation.

Near-infrared light (810–850 nm) is invisible and penetrates up to 5 cm. It reaches muscles, joints, tendons, and deeper organs — making it the more powerful wavelength for pain, recovery, and systemic effects.

The best panels combine both. All BioWave Core and PulseWave Pro panels use both wavelength ranges.

Photons in the red and near-infrared range are absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase — an enzyme in the mitochondria. This triggers a cascade:

• ATP production increases by up to 200%
• Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are brought back into balance
• Nitric oxide is released, improving blood flow
• Inflammatory cytokines are modulated downward
• Fibroblasts are stimulated to produce more collagen

The result is faster repair, less inflammation, and more cellular energy — across every tissue the light reaches.

No. Tanning beds use UV radiation to darken skin pigmentation. Red light therapy uses only red and near-infrared wavelengths — no UV whatsoever. There is no risk of burning, no DNA damage, and no cancer risk. The mechanisms are completely different: UV affects pigmentation; red and NIR light affect mitochondrial function.

The evidence base is strong for: skin rejuvenation and anti-aging, wound healing, pain relief for joints and muscles, hair growth stimulation, improved sleep quality, athletic recovery, and mood and energy. Emerging research also covers gut health, oral health, thyroid function, and cognitive performance.

Browse devices by use case: Panels for body and recovery · Portable devices for targeted treatment

Yes. Near-infrared light (810–850 nm) penetrates deep enough to reach joints, reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines, improves localised blood flow, and stimulates cartilage repair. Multiple RCTs have documented significant reduction in pain scores and improved mobility in knee osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

For joint pain, a panel with strong NIR output or a targeted therapy torch placed directly over the joint is the typical approach.

Red light (630–660 nm) stimulates fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin, accelerates wound closure, reduces scar tissue formation, and calms inflammatory acne. For active acne, blue light (415 nm) targets C. acnes bacteria directly — the beauty and rejuvenation mask combines both wavelengths for skin and anti-aging use.

Results on wrinkles and skin tone typically appear after 4–8 weeks of consistent use.

Red and near-infrared light does not suppress melatonin production, making it safe to use at any time of day including evenings. Blue and white light — from screens, overhead lighting, and standard bulbs — does suppress melatonin and disrupts the circadian signal. Reducing blue light after sunset, combined with red light if desired, supports natural melatonin onset and better sleep quality.

The circadian lighting range and blue light blocking glasses are designed exactly for this.

For general health and maintenance: 3–5 sessions per week. For acute conditions (injury, active inflammation, skin repair): daily is fine. For chronic pain: 3–4 times per week long-term. For athletic recovery: immediately post-training works best.

For skin-level effects (collagen, wound healing): 5–15 cm. For deep tissue (muscles, joints): 10–25 cm. Contact devices — masks, wraps, and torches — work directly on skin by design. The key variable is irradiance at the treatment distance; I measure this for every panel I sell.

More is not always better. Photobiomodulation follows a biphasic dose response — too much light can inhibit the cellular response just as too little does nothing.

Red and near-infrared light does not suppress melatonin, so evening use is safe and won't affect sleep. Morning use has been shown to support blood sugar regulation and mitochondrial priming. For pain and recovery, timing matters less than consistency — find a time you'll stick to.

• Same session: Improved energy, relaxation, reduction in acute pain
• 1–2 weeks: Better sleep quality, reduced inflammation
• 4–6 weeks: Visible skin improvements, chronic pain reduction
• 8–12 weeks: Significant changes in skin texture, joint mobility, muscle recovery
• 3–6 months: Maximum anti-aging, hair growth, and systemic effects

Consistency matters far more than session length. A 15-minute session 4 times a week beats 60 minutes once a week every time.

Yes — it works well alongside physiotherapy, skincare routines, exercise, and supplements. One exception: avoid using red light directly after aggressive exfoliating treatments or laser resurfacing. Wait 48–72 hours for the skin barrier to recover first. If you're combining with medical treatments, check with your healthcare provider.

For body panels at normal distances (15 cm+): eye protection is not required. For facial treatments close to the eyes, or high-powered devices very close to the face: goggles are recommended. Near-infrared is invisible, so you won't feel the instinct to look away — which is exactly why care near the eyes matters. Prolonged direct staring into any bright light source at close range is not advisable.

Yes — red light therapy has an excellent safety record across 50+ years of clinical use. Over 5,000 peer-reviewed studies report no serious adverse events. It uses no UV radiation, carries no cancer risk, and is non-ionising. Rare mild effects on first use include slight fatigue, a temporary acne purge response, or mild skin redness — all self-resolving within a day or two.

It is FDA-cleared for pain relief, wound healing, and skin treatment.

• Pregnancy: Insufficient research — consult your doctor before use
• Active cancer: Light therapy may stimulate cell proliferation — discuss with your oncologist first
• Photosensitising medications: Some antibiotics, retinoids, NSAIDs, and certain antidepressants increase light sensitivity
• Epilepsy: Pulsed light modes may trigger seizures — use continuous mode only
• Hyperthyroidism: Avoid direct exposure to the thyroid area
• Active infections: Wait until treated before applying light to the affected area

When in doubt, check with your GP. I'm also happy to discuss your specific situation — contact me directly.

Most medications have no interaction with red or near-infrared light. The ones to be aware of are photosensitising drugs — some antibiotics (doxycycline, tetracycline), retinoids (isotretinoin, tretinoin), certain NSAIDs, and some antidepressants. If your medication carries a warning about sun exposure, apply the same caution to light therapy and check with your prescriber first.

No. Red and near-infrared light is non-ionising — it does not damage DNA and carries no cancer risk. UV radiation, which causes skin cancer, is not present in any therapeutic red or NIR device. You may feel mild warmth from NIR during a session, which is normal, but correctly dosed sessions do not burn. Some research even suggests red light may offer protective effects against UV-induced oxidative damage.

Yes, with appropriate adjustments. For sleep support via red evening lighting: safe for all ages. For therapeutic PBM sessions: use lower power, greater distance, and shorter sessions (5–10 minutes) for young children, always under adult supervision. Consult a paediatrician before use for children under 1 year or with specific health conditions.

The circadian lighting range includes options specifically suited to children's sleep environments.

The factors that actually matter:

• Wavelengths: Both red (620–680 nm) and near-infrared (810–850 nm). Bespoke wavelength combinations are available for specific clinical needs — contact me to discuss.
• Power density (irradiance): Minimum 50 mW/cm² at 15 cm, measured with a proper optical meter — not a solar meter. Contact devices (masks, wraps, torches) work at skin contact and have different requirements.
• EMF output: Under 3 mG at 15 cm
• Flicker: No flicker, or above 1000 Hz
• Certifications: CE-marked minimum; FDA clearance is a strong additional signal
• Warranty: Minimum 1–2 years on a quality device

All devices I sell are tested for wavelength output and irradiance before they go on sale. Read more: Honest guide to RLT devices in Norway →

LED (home use): Non-coherent light covering large surface areas. Safer, more cost-effective, ideal for whole-body or large-area treatment, and lower risk of over-dosing at a single point. All devices at Home Light Therapy are LED-based.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT, clinical): Coherent, focused beam for precise point treatment. Used mainly in clinical settings, requires training to use safely, and costs significantly more. Not necessary for most home applications.

Yes. Over 5,000 peer-reviewed studies, more than 700 randomised controlled trials, and FDA clearance for multiple applications. Research institutions including Harvard Medical School, MIT, and NASA have all conducted substantial photobiomodulation research. The mechanism — absorption by cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria — is well understood and reproducible.

The full breakdown by condition and study type is in the photobiomodulation research database →

A few honest reasons: the clinical evidence grew faster than consumer awareness; light cannot be patented so there's no pharmaceutical-scale commercial incentive to promote it; early consumer devices were poor quality and damaged trust; and the complexity of wavelengths, dosing, and protocols resists simple marketing messages. The research community has known about PBM for decades — it's the consumer market catching up. Norway is still early in that curve, which is part of why I started this in 2017.

PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy uses low-frequency electromagnetic pulses — not light — to stimulate cellular repair, reduce inflammation, and improve bone density and circulation. Red light therapy works through photons absorbed by mitochondria; PEMF works through electromagnetic fields that influence cellular ion channels and membrane potential. The two address overlapping but distinct biological mechanisms, and combining them as part of a broader protocol can be synergistic. See the Harmony grounding and PEMF collection →

• Clean skin: No sunscreen, thick moisturiser, or makeup — they block light penetration
• Consistency: 3–5 sessions per week delivers far better results than long irregular sessions
• Right distance: Follow the protocol for your specific device — distance affects dose significantly
• Hydration: Drink water before and after — cellular processes require it
• Stack with good sleep: Red light supports mitochondrial recovery, so it complements good sleep hygiene
• Track it: Take photos or keep a log — the changes are gradual and easy to underestimate without a reference point

Established tattoos: yes, safe. The light may even support healing of surrounding skin tissue. New tattoos: wait 4–6 weeks until fully healed before applying light directly over the area. Dark pigments absorb more light and can heat up — monitor for warmth and reduce session time if needed. Red and near-infrared light does not cause tattoo fading.

Yes — red light is anti-inflammatory and has shown benefit for eczema (improved skin barrier, reduced itch), psoriasis (reduced plaque thickness and inflammation), and rosacea (reduced redness). Start with lower power and shorter sessions (5–10 minutes) during active flares, then build up gradually. For severe or widespread conditions, check with a dermatologist before starting.

Wipe down with a soft dry cloth after each use. If needed, use a cloth barely dampened with mild soapy water — never spray directly onto LEDs or into ventilation openings. Keep ventilation clear of dust. Store in a dry place. Avoid bending or straining power cables. These are robust devices with long LED lifespans when treated sensibly.