Light-based recovery
Red light therapy: what it does, what to expect & where to try it
Red light therapy (RLT), also called photobiomodulation (PBM), uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light — typically 630–680 nm (red) and 800–850 nm (near-infrared) — to deliver low-level light energy to skin and underlying tissues. Unlike UV light, these wavelengths do not burn or damage skin; they are absorbed by cellular photoreceptors and are thought to support cellular energy production.
Red light therapy (RLT), also called photobiomodulation (PBM), uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light — typically 630–680 nm (red) and 800–850 nm (near-infrared) — to deliver low-level light energy to skin and underlying tissues. Unlike UV light, these wavelengths do not burn or damage skin; they are absorbed by cellular photoreceptors and are thought to support cellular energy production. RLT devices range from handheld panels for home use to full-body beds and large standing panels at recovery studios, gyms, and med spas. In a studio setting, sessions involve standing or lying in front of a full-body panel at close range for 10–20 minutes. Red light therapy is among the fastest-growing wellness modalities in the US, used for skin health, wound healing, muscle recovery, joint pain, and hair growth. It is non-invasive, painless, and requires no preparation beyond removing clothing layers from the target area.
How red light therapy works
Red and near-infrared wavelengths are absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase — an enzyme in the mitochondrial electron transport chain — which research suggests can stimulate ATP (cellular energy) production and reduce oxidative stress. Near-infrared light (800–850 nm) penetrates more deeply into tissue than red light, making it more relevant for muscle and joint applications, while red light (630–680 nm) primarily targets surface skin tissue. Early clinical evidence supports benefits for wound healing, localized pain, and skin aging; research on systemic benefits is ongoing and results vary by protocol and device power output.
Is red light therapy right for you?
A quick, goal-based fit guide — who tends to get the most from red light therapy, and when it's worth a word with a professional first. This is wellness guidance, not medical advice.
Often a great fit if…
Red light therapy is popular with people seeking skin improvements (anti-aging, acne, collagen support), athletes managing muscle soreness or joint pain, and individuals exploring recovery and wellness optimization. Those experiencing hair thinning also frequently seek scalp-targeted RLT, which has meaningful supportive evidence.
Worth a quick check first if…
People with photosensitivity disorders or taking photosensitizing medications should consult a clinician before starting red light therapy. RLT should not be applied directly to the eyes — studios provide protective eyewear. Pregnant individuals should discuss use with a healthcare provider, as specific applications have not been well studied in pregnancy.
What a first session feels like
Studio sessions typically last 10–20 minutes with a full-body panel. The experience is painless — you may notice mild warmth but no discomfort. Most people integrate RLT with other modalities in the same visit. Consistent use over weeks is generally needed before visible skin or recovery improvements are noticeable.
Studios offering red light therapy
349 verified studios across 159 cities.
Float RI
5 modalitiesWarwick, RI
4.9· 82 reviews
Exotic Tans & Red Light Sauna Spa
5 modalitiesWarwick, RI
Innovative Health Seattle
4 modalitiesSeattle, WA
4.8· 131 reviews
Recovery Oasis
4 modalitiesSt. Petersburg, FL
Biohackr Health
6 modalitiesSan Francisco, CA
4.9· 51 reviews
Pause Studio - Long Beach
8 modalitiesLong Beach, CA
5.0· 100 reviews
Equipment & brands for Red light therapy
The equipment brands that power red light therapy at studios in our directory.
TheraLight
Full-body red light therapy beds
**What they sell.** TheraLight manufactures full-body red-light / photobiomodulation BEDS — the TheraLight 360, a stand-in/lay-in pod delivering multiple near-infrared and red wavelengths at high total power across the whole body in short sessions. **Positioning.** Sells on highest-power full-body PBM for clinics, med-spas, and recovery studios — a turnkey high-ticket light-therapy station rather than a panel. A featured catalog brand; differentiates from panel makers (Joovv, PlatinumLED) on full-body coverage and power. Source: theralight.com, accessed 2026-06-29.
HigherDOSE
Infrared sauna & red light
HigherDOSE is a consumer wellness brand that makes infrared sauna blankets, red light therapy masks, PEMF mats, and related home recovery devices. Founded in New York, the company focuses on compact, home-friendly formats that approximate studio modalities without requiring dedicated space or professional installation. Product lines are sold direct-to-consumer and through retail partners. HigherDOSE targets wellness-aware consumers who want accessible versions of infrared and red light modalities for personal use at home, at a price point below full-size commercial equipment.
Mito Red Light
Red light therapy
Joovv
Red light therapy panels
PlatinumLED Therapy Lights
Red light therapy panels
SunPower LED
Red light therapy
SunPower LED designs red and near-infrared photobiomodulation (red light therapy) devices — handheld “Palm” units, mini and full canopy panels, a transcranial helmet, and full-body systems. Its devices use switchable 660nm red and near-infrared (810nm or 1050nm) wavelengths, a patent-pending cooling system, and a “Wall of Light” panel design, and are built for both home use and professional recovery and wellness settings.
Shop red light therapy equipment
Real red light therapy products from the brands studios run — and biohackers buy for home.
Red light therapy panelSunPower LED
Mini-Canopy
A portable red and near-infrared photobiomodulation panel (660nm + 810nm) for treating larger body areas in short sessions, at home or in a clinical setting.
Joovv
Joovv Go 2.0
A handheld, portable red light therapy device with dual-chip LEDs for targeted treatment and a fanless design with Bluetooth app control.
Full-body red light bedTheraLight
TheraLight FIT
A compact full-body red light therapy bed designed for smaller spaces, with a wireless tablet controller.
Targeted red light deviceSunPower LED
Transcranial PBM Helmet
A transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) helmet built from 10 Palm handheld units, delivering 660nm red and near-infrared light across the head; ships with a floor stand.
SunPower LED
Stand Adapter
An adapter for mounting SunPower Palm handheld devices on a stand.
SunPower LED
Extra Cord Extenders
Additional cord extenders for SunPower devices.
Frequently asked questions
Does red light therapy actually work?
A growing body of peer-reviewed research supports benefits for wound healing, skin aging, and localized joint and muscle pain. Results vary by device quality, wavelength, treatment area, and consistency of use. Professional studio panels are typically more powerful than consumer at-home devices.
How often should I do red light therapy?
Most protocols recommend 3–5 sessions per week during an initial 4–8-week phase, followed by 1–2 maintenance sessions per week. Effects are cumulative — consistency over time matters more than frequency alone.
How long does red light therapy take to work?
Many people notice reduced muscle soreness after one to a few sessions. Skin improvements (texture, tone, fine lines) typically require 4–8 weeks of consistent use before becoming visible.
Should I do red light therapy before or after a workout?
Both approaches are used in studio settings. Pre-workout RLT may warm up muscles and reduce injury risk; post-workout use may support recovery. Follow the studio's recommended protocol or experiment to find what works best for you.
What is the difference between red and near-infrared light?
Red light (630–680 nm) targets surface skin layers — most useful for skin health. Near-infrared (800–850 nm) penetrates deeper into muscle and joint tissue, making it more relevant for recovery and pain applications. Many studio devices emit both wavelengths simultaneously.
Keep exploring red light therapy
Red light therapy for your goal
How it compares
Protocols that use it
For studio operators
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