1. RLT is Absorbed by Mitochondria to Boost Cell Energy

When red light is directed to the skin of different body parts, a primary red light therapy mechanism occurs: the light is absorbed by the mitochondria. 

Mitochondria are the cell organs that produce the chemical energy needed for the functioning of cells. These organs have a molecule known as cytochrome c oxidase. It is the main photoreceptor of the red and near-infrared (NIR) light.

According to research, once red and NIR light is absorbed into the cells, it stimulates several biochemical processes. These processes include:

• The breakdown of repressive nitric oxide in order to boost enzyme activity.
• Enhanced mitochondrial electron transport chain. 
• Boosted mitochondrial respiration.
• Increased production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

All these processes are key in activating other intracellular activities related to cell production and survival. They also trigger tissue repair and regeneration.

Once red light is absorbed by the mitochondria and these processes are triggered, then the other red light working principles are triggered, beginning with boosted ATP production.

2. Boosting the Production of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

Adenosine triphosphate is the primary energy source for cells produced by light-stimulated mitochondria. ATP generates energy for cellular processes like tissue growth, skin healing, and skin repair.

Research has shown that higher ATP production benefits skin health by supporting fibroblast proliferation. Fibroblasts are connective tissues that are crucial for the production of collagen and other tissue fibers. 

ATP also promotes the regeneration of cytokines (key proteins for cell function). The proteins support wound healing, especially through the keratinocyte growth factor process.

3. Enhancing Collagen Production and Synthesis

Collagen is vital in skin health and other tissue processes like cartilage repair and skin elasticity. It is the main protein that supports body structure.

Clinical studies on red light therapy efficacy have shown positive results for increased collagen and elastin production when cell fibroblasts are exposed to red and near-infrared light. The red light treatment also induces gene expression for different collagen types and skin fibers.

Similarly, boosted collagen synthesis from cell exposure to red light increases skin tissue repair. This leads to skin rejuvenation and regeneration.

4. Supporting Cell Function and Reducing Oxidative Stress

Studies have revealed that low-level light therapy (LLLT) triggers key cell signaling pathways to increase cell production, migration, and differentiation. All three processes are vital in tissue regeneration and repair.

Also, red light therapy reduces reactive oxygen types, triggering anti-oxidant effects and reducing oxidative stress.

5. Increasing Blood Flow

Enhanced blood flow is key to cell function and tissue healing. Research has shown that red light therapy supports vasodilation, the widening of blood vessels. This happens because red light causes the muscular walls of blood vessels to relax.

6. Activating Anti-inflammation Responses in Cells

Red light therapy controls inflammatory responses in cell proteins. Instead, it activates anti-inflammatory responses that are key in pain relief and tissue healing.

Studies have revealed that inflammation control by RLT reduces the formation of free radicals and effectively modulates inflammatory gene expression.

7. Blocking Pain Receptors and Triggering Natural Pain Blockers

Red light therapy reduces the sensitivity of pain receptors by acting on the peripheral nervous system. In addition, it triggers the release of natural pain blockers to regulate tissue and nerve sensitivity to pain.

Research has confirmed that both red and infrared light wavelengths reduce pain in people with acute joint pain from conditions like osteoarthritis.

And now that you know how red light therapy works, you certainly want to know which conditions it can help with.

1. Device Size and Coverage

• At-home therapy uses mostly handheld or portable devices, like masks, wands, wraps, and small panels. These devices have fewer light-emitting diodes and are generally used for localized treatment that covers a specific area. Note, however, that larger panels can be used at home to treat areas like the back and deliver broad whole-body light illumination. 
• Professional therapy devices can be handheld for small-area specialized treatment.  They can also be full-body devices with thousands of LEDs for comprehensive single-session therapy.

2. Power Intensity

• At-home therapy devices usually have lower power intensity. As such, you must use them regularly for longer sessions to achieve the desired effects.
• Professional therapy devices, like large panels and beds, have higher power intensity and deliver stronger irradiance. So, they have deeper penetration in shorter session time.

3. Wavelength and Advanced Technology

• At-home therapy devices offer red (630-660nm) and near-infrared (810-850) wavelengths. While some brands like the RedLiteX use medical-grade materials, others may not have this safety quality.
• Professional therapy devices are often high-end. Although they use the same wavelengths, they may have varied wavelength technology for specific treatments. They also have special settings like pulsed light, which can also be included in at-home panels.

4. Cost 

• At-home therapy devices usually cost less, between a few hundred dollars to a little over a thousand dollars, depending on the size.
• Professional therapy devices cost thousands of dollars, so customers pay high per-session charges on top of the charge for professional service by an expert.

5. Combined Therapies

• At-home therapy devices usually deliver clean red light without additional products.
• Professional centers often combine red light therapy with skin products for issues like cellulite.  They may also combine phototherapy with massages or infrared saunas.

If you choose at-home red light therapy, in which case you have to purchase an RLT device for home use, ensure you select the right one for your needs. Consider factors like wavelength, treatment depth, cost, and device safety.

Read the full details of how to choose a red light therapy device in our designated article.