The Red Light Report

Welcome to another edition of the Doctor's Note where we talk about what's on our minds when it comes to your health.

This week I dove deep into a popular topic that many of you have been curious about—red light therapy. Also known as low-level laser therapy or photobiomodulation, red light therapy is something I use personally and extensively in my daily routine. It involves exposing your skin to a special LED device that emits a safe, visible red light—often paired with near-infrared light for maximum benefits. Together, these lights penetrate deeply into the body, boosting everything from cell repair to pain relief and skin health. Unlike ultraviolet light from the sun, which can burn and damage skin, red light and near-infrared are safe and don’t carry the risk of skin cancer.

I went over a long list of conditions where red light has shown promise—ranging from acne and arthritis, to more complex issues like anxiety, hair loss, wound healing, and even cancer adjuncts. While not every use is FDA approved, over 5,000 scientific studies have shown the safety and effectiveness of this therapy without adverse effects. In my own routine, I use different types of devices: masks, mats, panels, and handheld wands to address both whole-body and specific areas of concern. Whether you’re seeking more energy in the morning or restful sleep at night, I genuinely believe that most households will one day have red light therapy as part of their wellness routine.

PODCAST NOTES 

• When I say “red light therapy”, I’m talking about exposing your body to a very specific visible light spectrum—between 620 and 700 nanometers. Most of the devices I recommend also emit near-infrared light (700 to 1000 nm), which you can’t see but penetrates even deeper into tissues and joints. This isn’t just about skin-deep improvements—we’re supporting deep tissue healing, all the way down to the cellular powerhouse, the mitochondria. That’s why I always recommend devices that combine both red and near-infrared light, since the synergy between them gives you a much broader range of health benefits.

• One of the big reasons I like red light therapy so much is that, unlike blue light or ultraviolet light, it doesn’t come with the risks of skin damage, sunburn, or increased cancer risk. Blue light has some targeted uses (like acne treatments), but it doesn’t penetrate the skin as deeply. Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun does help us make vitamin D and fend off some diseases, but overexposure leads to burns, skin aging, and cancer risks. Red and near-infrared don’t burn, don’t damage, and are safe for regular, daily use—even for sensitive skin.

• At the heart of red light therapy’s magic is the impact on your body’s mitochondria. Our mitochondria make ATP—the energy currency every one of our cells must have. Low mitochondrial function is linked to just about every chronic disease I see in medicine. Red and near-infrared light, when absorbed, boost ATP production, make cells more oxygen-rich, and help blood move better throughout your body. These improvements enhance tissue healing, speed recovery from injury or surgery, and even modulate harmful stress hormones. I personally feel a noticeable difference in my stress levels and sleep quality when I use my red light devices routinely.

• The list of health problems that can potentially benefit from red light therapy is extensive—and constantly growing as research expands. I’m not just talking about wrinkles or minor aches. We're seeing positive results with acne, arthritis of all types, muscle and tendon injuries, hypothyroidism, diabetic ulcers, depression, nerve pain, hair loss (including male and female pattern baldness), dental issues, vision concerns (like macular degeneration or lazy eye), hormonal imbalances, Raynaud’s, traumatic brain injuries, and even as an adjunct in some cancer therapies. I’ve used it personally for things like canker sores and lichen planus, and in my practice for wound care and chronic pain.

• Some folks worry about safety—and I get it. But the good news is there are over 5,000 published studies examining the effects of red light therapy, and across all that research, there are no significant adverse side effects reported. That’s rare for almost any therapy in medicine. Several applications are FDA approved already (like for joint pain, hair loss, and wound healing), but to me, the most reassuring thing is this consistent safety profile, unlike many pharmaceuticals or invasive treatments.

• You don’t need to go to a fancy clinic to benefit. Red light therapy is designed for home use, and I do recommend you make it part of your daily routine. For general wellness or whole-body effects, stand or sit about a foot away from your device for 20–30 minutes. If you’re targeting a specific area (like knee pain or a low back injury), place the device right at the site for around 12–15 minutes. Morning use can jumpstart your energy; evening use can help you unwind and sleep. I keep multiple devices at home—mats, handhelds, masks, panels. The consistency is what matters.

• A question I often get is about eye safety. You typically don’t need to wear goggles, and decades of study haven’t shown damage to the eyes with red or near-infrared exposure. If you want to use a red light mask or panel for ocular issues (like macular degeneration), I suggest you use just the red light setting if you plan to look directly into it. I personally do this for my own vision. It’s an easy precaution and helps you play it extra safe while still gaining the potential benefits.

• After trying many brands in actual practice, my top pick for a red light therapy device is Lumara. Their panels and wraps have been reliable, easy to use, and effective for me and my patients. That said, there are many solid companies out there—do your research, read reviews, and make sure your choice covers both red and near-infrared wavelengths. The most important thing is to pick a system you’ll actually use regularly.

Consider adding red light therapy to your health regimen—it’s a safe, effective, and versatile tool that I wouldn’t go without in my own household. If you’re curious, do a little research, try a device for yourself, and see what regular sessions can do for your energy, pain, skin, or even sleep quality. Invest in your health—get a red light, give it a try, and let me know how it works for you.

Stay educated. Stay healthy. 

Till next week.