Does red-light therapy work? Here's what the science says
Red-light therapy, once considered fringe, is gaining acceptance as a treatment for various conditions, with a growing body of science exploring its benefits. Researchers are uncovering how red and near-infrared light may exert effects, with mitochondria emerging as a central piece of the puzzle.
A dermatologist's son had a stroke in 2021 and was partially paralyzed. The dermatologist tried red-light therapy, which showed promise in early research, and now his son is walking and back in university. Red-light devices are increasingly used in dermatology offices and homes, with the global market projected to surpass $1 billion by 2030. Experts warn of hype, but clinical studies have reported improvements in peripheral neuropathy, retinal degeneration, and neurological disorders. Researchers are studying how red and near-infrared light affect cells, particularly mitochondria. The use of red and near-infrared light to influence cellular processes, known as photobiomodulation, has been around since the 1960s.
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