What Does Red Light Therapy Do? A Complete Guide to Benefits & Uses

It seems like red light therapy is popping up everywhere—athlete recovery centers, high-end spas, even at-home devices promising glowing skin or better sleep. But what exactly does red light therapy do, how was it discovered, and why is it becoming a wellness essential rather than just another passing trend? In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about Red Light Therapy, and if you'd rather watch a video, founders Tim and Spencer break it down here!

The History: How Red Light Therapy Was Discovered

Red light therapy wasn’t just randomly stumbled upon one day—it was actually a NASA-backed discovery. In the 1990s, NASA researchers found that red and near-infrared light was able to help plants grow faster in space. As they tested its effects on human cells, they discovered that the same light could promote healing, improve wound recovery, and even relieve pain.

Since then, red light therapy has been widely studied for its ability to support everything from skin health to muscle recovery. Over the years, it has moved from a specialized medical treatment to an accessible wellness tool used by athletes, biohackers, and everyday people looking for natural healing solutions. Now, it is widely recognized as a booming recovery modality and for good reason.

The Science Behind Red Light Therapy: How It Works

To really understand what red light therapy does, it makes sense to unpack the science behind the technology. Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared (NIR) light to penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular energy production. Unlike ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can damage skin, red light is completely safe and actually helps the body heal itself from within. We know, a lot of acronyms, but stay with us here.

When red and NIR light enters the body, it stimulates the mitochondria— which is essentially the energy-producing powerhouse for all of the cells in our body. This fuels cellular repair, reduces inflammation, and promotes faster recovery.

What Does That Mean for Your Body?

Red light therapy’s impact is wide-ranging, but here is what red light therapy does that has so many people buzzing:

• Skin Rejuvenation – Boosts collagen production, reduces wrinkles, and helps heal acne.

• Muscle Recovery – Accelerates healing and reduces soreness post-workout.

• Pain Relief – Helps with arthritis, joint pain, and muscle stiffness.

• Inflammation Reduction – Supports the immune system by decreasing chronic inflammation.

• Brain Health – Early research suggests it may help with cognitive function and neurodegenerative conditions.

• Better Sleep – Helps regulate circadian rhythms by influencing melatonin production.

With these benefits, it’s easy to see why red light therapy is gaining so much attention.

How Long Should You Use Red Light Therapy?

The effectiveness of red light therapy depends on consistency and duration, and ultimately what your goals are with the treatments. Unlike a one-time treatment that produces immediate results, RLT works by building up benefits over time. Here’s a general guide for different use cases:

• For Skin Health & Anti-Aging – 10-20 minutes per session, 3-5 times per week.

• For Muscle Recovery & Pain Relief – 15-20 minutes per session, 3-7 times per week.

• For Sleep & Relaxation – 5-15 minutes in the evening, preferably before bed.

• For Overall Wellness – 10-20 minutes per session, 3-5 times per week.

The key takeaway? More is not always better. Overuse can reduce effectiveness, so sticking to moderate, consistent sessions is ideal.

Why Red Light Therapy Is a Trend That’s Not Going Away

Some wellness trends come and go (remember the shake-weight?), but red light therapy is backed by science and continues to gain traction because of its real, noticeable results. Here’s why it’s here to stay:

1. It’s Natural and Non-Invasive

Unlike medications or invasive procedures, red light therapy works with the body’s natural processes to heal itself. There are no chemicals, injections, or surgery involved—just light doing its thing.

2. Athletes and Celebrities Swear by It

From LeBron James to elite marathon runners, top athletes use red light therapy to recover faster and improve performance. Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Chrissy Teigen also have raved about it for skin health and anti-aging benefits.

3. It’s Backed by Research

Red light therapy has been studied for decades, with thousands of research papers supporting its benefits. The more we learn, the more it proves to be a legitimate wellness tool rather than just hype. Anything that is NASA-backed has to have some merit! 

4. People Are Looking for Drug-Free Solutions

In a world where people are becoming more cautious about pharmaceuticals, natural therapies like RLT offer an effective alternative for pain relief, skin care, and mental health support. Many mothers even have started using red light panels for their children when they are sick rather than getting them an antibiotic - and swear by this treatment. Remember Resetters, we are not here to give you medical advice but always want to not only inform you of what these modalities can do, but also what the science says about them.

Experience Red Light Therapy for Yourself

If you haven’t tried red light therapy yet, now is the time. At RESET Mind & Body, we integrate this cutting-edge red light therapy into our signature RESET Method to help you feel your best—whether you’re recovering from a workout, looking to improve your skin, or just want a moment to relax and recharge. 

At RESET, our red light therapy panels are designed for maximum effectiveness. Unlike many at-home devices that offer limited wavelengths and lower power output, our professional-grade panels deliver optimal red and near-infrared light exposure to penetrate deeply and provide real results. Don’t get us wrong, if you don’t live near a RESET studio, these at home devices can still pack a mighty punch and can be a great way to dip your toes in the water when it comes to this technology. Whether you’re looking for muscle recovery, pain relief, or skin rejuvenation, our expertly curated sessions ensure you get the best possible experience in a relaxing, guided environment.

Book a session today and experience firsthand why red light therapy is the real deal. Your body (and mind!) will thank you. We can’t wait to see you in the studio!