Effects, Studies and Science behind light therapy

Red light therapy with a wavelength of 630nm has been shown to be a safe and effective method of stimulating hair growth in both men and women. One study says, that the light stimulated the stem cells in the hair follicle, thereby encouraging the hair follicle into the growth phase.

Other studies have shown that also The 810 nm wavelength can promote significant hair growth in patients with androgenetic alopecia. That is why EasyLight panels contain these wavelengths together with red light.

Studies show that blue and UV light are very effective for such problems.

Blue light therapy is best known for its extremely strong antimicrobial effects. However, at EasyLight we also pay attention to circadian rhythm and overall light hygiene, which is why we are in our Mitochondriak lasers have added a small amount of blue light that you can turn on along with red and infrared at the same time.

Light therapy, which includes red or NIR (ideally both) and small amounts of blue and/or UV, helps clear acne and also has an antibacterial effect because:

• Kills bacteria and any infections deeper in the skin
• Reduces inflammation
• Better wound healing
• Promotes blood circulation to the skin
• Stimulates collagen synthesis, which can help reduce acne scars
• Helps hydrate cells by improving water production in mitochondria
• Promotes energy production in cells, thus better nourishing them

For example this study, which investigated the effects of red light on rosacea used a combination of blue and red wavelengths to address visible blood vessels and skin thickening. This small study treated only two subjects: a 22-year-old Caucasian woman and a 68-year-old Caucasian man..

However, as you can see in the pictures, the results after 10 treatments are dramatic (see picture below).

Aj preto sme sa po dlhšom zvažovaní rozhodli do nášho laseru mitochodnriak pulse pridať aj malé množstvo modrého svetla, ktoré si môžete, ale nemusíte zapnúť a viete ho využiť lokálne aj na takéto problémy.

Papulopustular rosacea on the nose before treatment (a), after five sessions (b) and after ten sessions (c) with blue (489 nm) and red (650 nm) light therapy.

Papulopustular rosacea with erythema and telangiectasias on the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin at baseline (a), after five sessions (b) and after ten sessions (c) with blue (480 nm) and red light (650 nm).

For rosacea, you can use the device as follows: The recommended dose is up to 100 Joules, which should be applied 2 to 3 times a week, for at least 4 to 5 weeks. Turn on the red (RED) light on the panels, or turn on both.

In practice, this means this for our panels::

• Recommended distance from the panel 60 cm = time 20 to 25 minutes or at a distance from the panel 30 cm = time 15 minutes 

Illumination with 670 nm after a meal for 15 minutes reduces glycemia by 22%.

Some studies have shown that red light has the ability to increase the electrical potential of the mitochondrial membrane and thus improve ATP production. As a result, red light can probably improve glucose oxidation and correct its amount in the blood as a side effect.

Just 15 minutes of exposure to 670 nm light (40mW/cm2, total 36 J/cm2) reduced the degree of increase in blood glucose levels after glucose ingestion by 27.7% over 2 hours.

As a result, 670 nm light exposure can be used to reduce blood glucose fluctuations after meals. This can reduce harmful fluctuations in blood glucose levels in the body, which is a major risk factor for diabetic complications and diabetes. In other words, red and infrared light therapy therefore offers a safe, non-invasive intervention for the treatment of diabetes at home.

Also in studies showed that while red light reduces blood glucose, blue light increases both blood glucose levels and blood glucose fluctuations. In the study, some animals were starved overnight and given a glucose load in the morning. In the first group, glucose levels were monitored at hourly intervals. In the second group, the bees were additionally exposed to 670 nm (red light) or 420 nm (blue light) light and their blood glucose levels were monitored.

Zvýšenie mitochondriálnej aktivity so svetlom 670 nm na vrchole cirkulujúcej glukózy viedlo k významnému 50 % zníženiu nameranej koncentrácie. Avšak vystavenie svetlu 420 nm, ktoré spomaľuje mitochondriálne dýchanie, naopak zvýšilo systémové hladiny glukózy o viac ako 50 %.

Study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9632789/

In study from 2016 red light therapy was used to treat 10 women suffering from chronic headaches associated with temporomandibular disorders. Blood flow velocity, as well as serotonin and cholinesterase levels were measured before treatment, immediately after treatment, and 3 days after treatment.

The light used was 830 nm with an intensity of 100 mW and the illumination time was only 34 seconds. On our panels and lasers you can activate only infrared light as well

The results showed a significant decrease in blood flow velocity and a significant increase in serotonin levels 3 days after treatment. They also recorded a 64% reduction in pain after treatment.

Another study was conducted in 2013, where 10 patients received treatment 3 times a week for a total of 10 sessions in an attempt to reduce pain caused by chronic rhinosinusitis.

The results were incredible – symptoms improved significantly by 39% after 2 weeks and by 46% after 4 weeks. The effects lasted for an average of 5 months.

Many studies show that Near Infrared Light (NIR), with wavelengths of 810 nm and 900 nm, shining on the abdomen can change (improve) the microbiome in just 11 weeks.

In one study from 2022, people's abdomens were irradiated with 900 nm light, which was pulsed, with a total delivered power of 861.3 Joules. The study participants' abdomens were illuminated for 11 weeks, 3 times a week.

The results of the study showed that the participants' microbiome showed significant changes in diversity after light treatment, with an increase in the number of known beneficial bacteria (Akkermansia, Faecalibacterium and Roseburia) and a decrease in the number of potentially pathogenic bacterial genera."

In another study conducted on mice, it was shown that after 14 days of illumination with 810 nm, 3 times a week, with a pulsation of 250 Hz, a power of 103.75 mW/cm2 and a total amount of energy delivered of 10 Joules/cm2, the microbiome of the mice changed for the better.

Given that the Mitochondriak devices contain pulsation modes as well as 810 nm and have a high radiation intensity, they are also great for intestinal problems and the microbiome.

With our devices, you can achieve 10 Joules already during illumination from a distance of approximately 60 to 100 cm from the panel in 2 minutes.

Studies show that the 630nm wavelength helps reduce inflammation, acne, and breakouts. Red and infrared light penetrates deep into the skin, helping to hydrate and regenerate.

Blue light, such as that found in some of our Mitochondriak products, is also used to treat acne. A 2008 study found that blue light therapy improved acne symptoms in 21 patients. In another 2008 study, researchers found that blue light therapy led to significant improvements in patients with moderate to severe acne. Patients treated with LED light only needed 10 sessions to achieve at least 90% clearance of their acne.

The most effective seems to be a combination of blue, red and near-infrared (NIR) light, because red and NIR wavelengths penetrate much deeper into the skin, while blue, which does not penetrate deeply, can have an antimicrobial effect on the surface.

Therefore, our practical Mitochondria Pulse Laser seems to be the most effective for acne, which can be used both for skin treatment, for rosacea or acne, and for its antimicrobial effect.

Red light in combination with the near-infrared wavelength of 830 nm delays the development of muscle fatigue and increases skeletal muscle performance.

The ability to return to life/sport as quickly as possible after injury or trauma is a key concern for every amateur or professional athlete. 830 nm light therapy has been shown to significantly and safely shorten the time to injury in both professional and amateur athletes.

Another study looked at the use of 850 nm wavelengths in athletes and found that the use of near-infrared light increased muscle mass after training and reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in muscle biopsies.

That is why our panels contain both 630 and 670 nm wavelengths, which maximize mitochondrial performance and ATP production, and also contain NIR infrared light, which improves recovery after exercise.

A study of soccer players showed that an 810 nm wavelength applied before activity improved muscle performance and recovery after exercise.

Many studies show that both red and infrared light can improve vision. For example, this 2020 study found that shining red light with a wavelength of 670 nm into the worse eye for 3 minutes every morning for 2 weeks improved vision by an average of 20%, but in some people by up to 47%. The improvement was greatest in people over 40 years old.

According to this second 2020 study, from the well-cited journal Nature, it was shown that even a single 3-minute morning exposure to 670 nm red light, at energy levels approximately similar to those in the sun, significantly improved the color vision threshold of some people tested.

Since the red light from the panels is very bright and can be uncomfortable to use with your eyes open, we recommend that you have your eyes closed during therapy. However, if you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor.

Infrared light therapy at 850nm can promote collagen production, leading to a fuller, more radiant complexion and a more even texture. This benefit is especially appreciated by women who care about their skin. A simple few minutes of exposure to this light can help.

The 630nm wavelength has also been found to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and may also stimulate hair regrowth.

According to available studies, it appears that the use of a wavelength of 850 nm can promote rapid tooth alignment in patients undergoing orthodontics.

An animal study has shown that red and infrared light therapy using a wavelength of 830 nm improves bone repair by stimulating new bone growth. Red light therapy helps animals with bone health in a variety of ways, including dogs and horses.

The 810nm wavelength offers a unique range of neurological benefits, including the ability to penetrate the brain beneath the skull.

It has long been recognized that prescription medications for psychiatric conditions have limited ability to help individuals suffering from psychiatric problems.

Furthermore, pharmacotherapy often comes with a number of unwanted side effects, while near-infrared light therapy does not. 810nm wavelengths applied to the forehead have been shown to help patients suffering from major depression and anxiety.

According to another study, 830nm wavelengths have been shown to increase the release of endorphins.

The ideal wavelength for all types of skin problems appears to be 630nm in combination with infrared. The 630nm wavelength penetrates into skin cells and sebaceous glands to rejuvenate skin tone and texture by smoothing and evening out uneven pigmentation.

The 630nm wavelength has been shown to help treat non-melanoma skin cancers, and the 810nm wavelength has been shown to help accelerate wound healing and help tissue granulate (heal) more quickly.

Like the 810nm wavelength, the 830nm wavelength also accelerates wound healing of varying severity and helps prevent infection.

Improved aesthetic outcomes after plastic surgery:

• Rapid exposure to 830nm wavelengths speeds recovery after cosmetic surgery, reduces downtime, and improves surgical outcomes by reducing swelling, infection, bruising, and pain, leading to greater patient satisfaction. This is also possible for other skin/dermis-related surgeries.
• Lesions have also been shown to heal faster when exposed to 850nm light therapy.
• Red and infrared light have also been shown to increase new blood vessel formation and collagen deposition, which aids in wound healing.

Study showed that the use of a 630nm wavelength used in conjunction with a hematoporphyrin derivative (HPD) helped eliminate symptoms associated with psoriasis within 17 days.

This study found that athletes who were exposed to 670nm red light for just 20 minutes every night for 14 days had better sleep quality and more melatonin secretion during sleep. Melatonin is our master hormone and anything that improves sleep and melatonin improves overall health, performance and well-being!

In this study conducted by Yeager in 2007, it was shown that 670 nm red light helped restore the redox balance of glutathione after toxicological damage and also increased the production of cytochrome c oxidase and thus the production of energy and intracellular water. The amount of energy used was only 4 Joules, which for EasyLight panels corresponds to a time of about one to two minutes, depending on the panel model.

Another study investigating the effects of red light therapy on pleurisy found that these wavelengths also have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Wavelengths of 850 nm can also help reduce joint and muscle pain and reduce overall inflammation in the body.

A study investigating sciatic nerve pain in rats found that a wavelength of 660 nm significantly reduced pain.

In another study looking at pain [Sushko et al.], they examined the role of pulsed light in reducing pain in white male mice. The same wavelength of light was used as in the Kymplová et al. study (670 nm) with frequencies of 10, 600, and 8,000 Hz. Both modes of delivery (continuous and pulsed light) reduced behavioral signs of somatic pain compared to control mice, but it was the pulsed light (10 and 8,000 Hz) that was more effective.

Our Mitochondriak products feature a 670 nm wavelength and a 10 Hz pulse mode, and can also pulse at a frequency of 12,000 Hz !

Studies have also shown that pulsed light can help with the synchronization of brain waves, endorphins, and neurotransmitters.

According to some studies, while the so-called alpha waves (about 10 Hz) are the ones that our brain emits when we meditate, are calm, and relax, the so-called gamma waves, which range from about 30 to 100 Hz, have a major impact on brain function (remembering, learning, concentrating, maintaining attention, etc.).

It is pulsing at a frequency of 40 Hz, applied to a specific area of ​​the brain, that can change the way the brain functions, and in particular, help the brain cleanse itself.

One study conducted among stroke patients showed that 810 nm wavelengths provided neuroprotective benefits and improved recovery in patients with moderate to severe strokes.

Five days after the stroke, there was significant improvement in those treated with 810 nm infrared light therapy compared to those not treated.

Ninety days after the stroke, 70% of the treated patients had a successful outcome compared to only 51% in the control group.

810 nm has also been shown to be particularly effective in promoting recovery from traumatic brain injuries and reducing long-term neurological damage.

In a 2016 study, red light therapy was used to treat 10 women with chronic headaches. Blood flow velocity, as well as serotonin and cholinesterase levels were measured before treatment, immediately after treatment, and 3 days after treatment.

The light used was 830 nm with an intensity of 100 mW and the exposure time was only 34 seconds. You can also activate only infrared light on our panels and lasers

The results showed a significant decrease in blood flow velocity and a significant increase in serotonin levels 3 days after treatment. They also noted a 64% reduction in pain after treatment.

Photobiomodulation (red and infrared light) is frequently associated in the scientific literature with improved endothelial function and increased availability of nitric oxide (NO), which may support vasodilation and microcirculation. More on the NO and endothelium mechanism: PubMed.

Overview of PBM use in hypertension (including clinical data and study limitations): PMC.

In several clinical studies, photobiomodulation has been investigated as a supportive approach in heart failure and myocardial function. Example of a clinical study in ischemic heart failure: PubMed.

Broader overview of PBM mechanisms in cardiology (including preclinical data): PMC.

Transcranial photobiomodulation (NIR) has been studied in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and memory-related functions. Example of a randomized, placebo-controlled study: PubMed.

Review article on tNIR and cognitive outcomes in dementia: PMC.

Clinical data in Alzheimer’s disease are still evolving, however pilot and more recent clinical studies using NIR light are available. Pilot clinical study: PubMed.

More recent clinical studies using 810 nm in Alzheimer’s disease: PubMed.

In photobiomodulation research, effects on autonomic regulation and HRV (heart rate variability) are also monitored, often in the context of recovery and stress adaptation. Example study evaluating HRV in relation to PBM: PMC.

Study combining rehabilitation and transcranial PBM with HRV assessment: PubMed.

Photobiomodulation has also been studied in diabetic peripheral neuropathy, primarily focusing on pain reduction, sensory function, and functional scores. Systematic review: PubMed.

Example of a randomized study showing improvement in neuropathic symptoms: PubMed.

Some clinical studies describe a relationship between PBM and glycemic control, often accompanied by monitoring HRV and metabolic responses. Example clinical study: PMC.

In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, several studies have investigated PBM as an adjunct to standard care (thyroid function markers, antibodies, need for hormone replacement). Clinical study: PubMed.

Additional clinical study on this topic: PubMed.

In knee osteoarthritis, PBM is frequently studied as an adjunct to exercise, aiming to reduce pain, stiffness, and improve function. Randomized placebo-controlled study: PubMed.

Review of PBM in osteoarthritis: PubMed.

In tendons and soft tissues, research primarily focuses on pain reduction, tissue healing, functional recovery, and local inflammation. Randomized study in Achilles tendon rupture: PMC.

Preclinical data on tendon healing using LED PBM: PubMed.

Photobiomodulation also has clinical data in the area of lymphedema, most commonly following oncological treatment. Study in breast cancer-related lymphedema: PubMed.

Meta-analysis of randomized trials in lymphedema: PubMed.

In oncology, PBM is frequently studied for the prevention and reduction of oral mucositis severity, where mucosal tissues are highly inflamed and sensitive. Randomized clinical study: PubMed.

Systematic review of randomized clinical trials: PubMed.

Low-level light therapy (LLLT / PBM) has also been studied in dysmenorrhea, aiming to reduce pain and improve comfort during the menstrual cycle. Clinical study: PubMed.

In a clinical study involving older adults with NAFLD, a combination of low-level laser therapy and a Mediterranean diet was investigated, with outcomes including liver enzymes, lipid profile, and anthropometric parameters. Randomized clinical study: PubMed.

Open-access version available on PMC: PMC.

Photobiomodulation has also been investigated in a respiratory context (inflammation, recovery, functional parameters), with evidence depending on the specific indication and protocol. Randomized double-blind study: PubMed.

There are also research protocols testing low-level laser therapy applied locally to the soft palate and tongue base in obstructive sleep apnea. Example research protocol: PubMed.