About a year ago, I stumbled into a sunbeam during an especially gray London spring—and felt almost superhuman for a moment. Coincidence? Maybe. But according to Dr. Jeffrey (who knows mitochondria like most of us know our Spotify playlists), the connection between light and energy is baked right into our biology. Forget the tropes—today, let’s swap ‘get some sun’ for a deep-dive into the strange, surprisingly ancient story of red light therapy, from naked apes in Africa to next-gen eye clinics.
Wavelengths to Wander: How Red Light and Infrared Slip Past Our Skin
Solar light is more than just the visible rainbow—its deep red and near-infrared wavelengths (660–900nm) are the real health hotspot for Red Light Therapy and Infrared Light Therapy. While most people ignore infrared because it’s invisible, these rays easily slip past skin, bone, and even reach organs like the liver and heart. In fact, “we have used 670 on the eye to improve vision in older people very successfully.” Humans evolved naked under African sunlight, absorbing not just UV and vitamin D, but a balanced spectrum of healing light. Modern fluorescent tubes and LEDs miss these beneficial wavelengths, but sunlight and old incandescent bulbs are rich in them. Anything in the 660–900nm range can impact cells—even if you can’t see it. Beyond 900nm, most energy is absorbed by water, not cells, limiting its biological impact.
Trains, Batteries, and Mitochondria: Why Your Cells Care About Light
Dr. Jeffrey likens the mitochondrial respiratory chain to a train route: light smooths the tracks, so your body’s energy trains run faster. As we age, these tracks get wobbly—red light therapy benefits mitochondrial function by making the journey smoother, boosting ATP production and cell energy. Mitochondria act like batteries and even decide when a cell should die:
“When you undermine your mitochondria… they can kill you. Keeping them happy is a really important thing in life.”
Under special equipment, scientists can watch mitochondria change color, revealing their activity. Surprisingly, photobiomodulation doesn’t need intense light—a low dose (as little as 5 milliwatts/cm²) at the right wavelength can flip the cellular switch. Just 1 minute 15 seconds of red light therapy can trigger benefits that last five days, supporting inflammation control and healthier aging.
Red Light and Aging: Eyes, Brains, and Everyday Performance
Eyes age faster than almost any other tissue, but red light therapy—especially at 670nm—shows real promise for vision improvement in elders. Clinical trials in eye hospitals reveal that just three minutes daily can lower inflammation and boost mitochondrial health, leading to sharper sight. Long-wave red light even passes through the skull and chest, hinting at benefits for the heart and brain. As Dr. Jeffrey notes,
“We know from all the science that the red light, and 670 in particular, can help es schia. It costs nothing, it’s going to do you absolutely no harm.”
Anecdotes abound, too—a neighbor swears her knees feel “like new” after gardening, thanks to her red light device. While dosing can get complex, experts agree: consistency in photobiomodulation matters more than perfection for aging effects and cognitive benefits.
Tuning the Dose: When Less Is Actually More
When it comes to dosing red light therapy, more isn’t better. Red light works like a real “on-off” switch—just 1 minute and 15 seconds is the minimum effective dose. “It is something that we now know is a switch – when you do something, you turn the switch that improves mitochondrial function and that switch, once you’ve turned it, will last five days.” Unlike aspirin, higher doses don’t speed up or intensify Red Light Therapy Benefits. For older adults, three minutes daily isn’t about maximizing results—it’s simply insurance to hit the threshold. Modern Photobiomodulation devices use surprisingly low energy (as little as 5 mW/cm²), making sessions comfortable and safe. Studies show this minimum effective dose works across humans, flies, and even bumblebees—proof that evolution conserved this cellular “reset.” In practice, simple routines matter more than perfect timing; consistency is key.
Wild Side: Inflammation, Animal Clinics, and Battery Trouble
Veterinarians have trusted red light therapy for inflammation reduction and pain relief in prized racehorses for decades. When a horse like ‘Cinders’ at the local stable strained a muscle, red light sessions helped speed recovery—proving its value in animal clinics. The science is simple: mitochondria, our cellular “batteries,” drive inflammation when they’re low on power, leaking damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Red light therapy fixes the leak, boosting ATP and reducing ROS. As one expert notes,
“We know red light reduces ROS, increases ATP, and when we look at a whole range of inflammatory markers, they go down.”
Human and animal studies alike show consistent drops in inflammation, with benefits for skin health, longevity, and daily energy. From professional clinics to home devices, photobiomodulation delivers real results—though device quality matters for maximum skin health benefits.
Practical Quirks: Routines, Reminders, and the Human Factor
When it comes to Red Light Therapy, the biggest challenge isn’t the science—it’s remembering when you last used it. Most people lose track of dates, so experts recommend making Photobiomodulation a daily habit.
“We tend to say to people just do it daily—build it into your routine. There is absolutely no harm in doing it daily.”
Even though benefits can last up to five days, daily use is safe and removes the guesswork. Forget marathon sessions—long exposures don’t add value. Keep it short and sweet. With so many Infrared Light Therapy devices out there, focus on those with the right wavelengths and comfortable intensity. If you’re forgetful, tie your session to a morning ritual—think of it as ‘sunrise for your cells.’ No need to tinker or perfect; simple, consistent wellness routines work best for lasting results.
Conclusion: Our Ancestors’ Sunbathe, Reimagined
Modern science now meets primal behavior: we’re rediscovering what our ancestors instinctively knew—sunlight matters. Red Light Therapy and Photobiomodulation aren’t magic, but the health benefits are too compelling to ignore. Research shows that just a few minutes of the right light can boost energy, ease pain, and sharpen your mind. It’s a simple, practical way to support your healthspan—no need for loincloths or ancient rituals. As we pull apart the mysteries of the spectrum, one thing is clear:
Let’s just make sure we get a broad spectrum of infrared light in our lives.
Ready to see for yourself? Build Red Light Therapy into your week, and your mitochondria might just thank you. For the best results, schedule a session or book a wellness consultation to discover the right approach for you.
TL;DR: Red light therapy, harnessing infrared and deep red wavelengths, can supercharge your mitochondria, ease inflammation, and may improve everything from skin glow to brain power. The right dose—and the right kind of light—matters more than you think. Got questions? Book a consult to see how light therapy fits your wellness routine.
