🔗 Share this article

Light-based treatment is definitely experiencing a surge in popularity. You can now buy light-emitting tools for everything from dermatological concerns and fine lines to sore muscles and oral inflammation, recently introduced is an oral care tool outfitted with small red light diodes, promoted by the creators as “a significant discovery in personal mouth health.” Worldwide, the sector valued at $1bn last year is expected to increase to $1.8bn within the next decade. There are even infrared saunas available, that employ light waves rather than traditional heat sources, your body is warmed directly by infrared light. Based on supporter testimonials, it feels similar to a full-body light therapy session, stimulating skin elasticity, easing muscle tension, alleviating inflammatory responses and chronic health conditions as well as supporting brain health.

Research and Reservations

“It sounds a bit like witchcraft,” observes a Durham University professor, professor in neuroscience at Durham University and a convert to the value of light therapy. Naturally, we know light influences biological functions. Our bodies produce vitamin D through sun exposure, needed for bone health, immunity, muscles and more. Natural light synchronizes our biological clocks, too, stimulating neurotransmitter and hormone production during daytime, and winding down bodily functions for sleep as it fades into night. Daylight-simulating devices are standard treatment for winter mood disorders to boost low mood in winter. Clearly, light energy is essential for optimal functioning.

Various Phototherapy Approaches

While Sad lamps tend to use a mixture of light frequencies from the blue end of the spectrum, the majority of phototherapy tools use red or near-infrared wavelengths. In rigorous scientific studies, such as Chazot’s investigations into the effects of infrared on brain cells, finding the right frequency is key. Photons represent electromagnetic waves, which runs the spectrum from the lowest-energy, longest wavelengths (radio waves) to high-energy gamma radiation. Phototherapy, or light therapy uses wavelengths around the middle of this spectrum, the highest energy of those being invisible ultraviolet, followed by visible light encompassing rainbow colors and then infrared (which we can see with night-vision goggles).

Dermatologists have utilized UV therapy for extensive periods to manage persistent skin disorders including eczema and psoriasis. It modulates intracellular immune mechanisms, “and dampens down inflammation,” says Dr Bernard Ho. “Substantial research supports light therapy.” UVA penetrates skin more deeply than UVB, in contrast to LEDs in commercial products (which generally deliver red, infrared or blue light) “tend to be a bit more superficial.”

Safety Protocols and Medical Guidance

UVB radiation effects, such as burning or tanning, are understood but clinical devices employ restricted wavelength ranges – meaning smaller wavelengths – which minimises the risks. “Treatment is monitored by medical staff, meaning intensity is regulated,” explains the dermatologist. And crucially, the light sources are adjusted by technical experts, “to confirm suitable light frequency output – as opposed to commercial tanning facilities, where it’s a bit unregulated, and we don’t really know what wavelengths are being used.”

Home Devices and Scientific Uncertainty

Red and blue light sources, he says, “aren’t typically employed clinically, but could assist with specific concerns.” Red wavelength therapy, proponents claim, improve circulatory function, oxygen utilization and dermal rejuvenation, and promote collagen synthesis – a key aspiration in anti-ageing effects. “Studies are available,” says Ho. “However, it’s limited.” Regardless, amid the sea of devices now available, “it’s unclear if device outputs match study parameters. Optimal treatment times are unknown, ideal distance from skin surface, whether or not that will increase the risk versus the benefit. Numerous concerns persist.”

Targeted Uses and Expert Opinions

One of the earliest blue-light products targeted Cutibacterium acnes, bacteria linked to pimples. Research support isn’t sufficient for standard medical recommendation – despite the fact that, says Ho, “it’s commonly used in cosmetic clinics.” Some of his patients use it as part of their routine, he observes, but if they’re buying a device for home use, “we just tell them to try it carefully and to make sure it has been assessed for safety. Without proper medical classification, the regulation is a bit grey.”

Advanced Research and Cellular Mechanisms

Simultaneously, in advanced research areas, Chazot has been experimenting with brain cells, identifying a number of ways in which infrared can boost cellular health. “Virtually all experiments with specific wavelengths showed beneficial and safeguarding effects,” he says. The numerous reported benefits have generated doubt regarding phototherapy – that claims seem exaggerated. But his research has thoroughly changed his mind in that respect.

The researcher primarily focuses on pharmaceutical solutions for brain disorders, but over 20 years ago, a doctor developing photonic antiviral treatment consulted his scientific background. “He created some devices so that we could work with them with cells and with fruit flies,” he recalls. “I was quite suspicious. This particular frequency was around 1070 nanometers, which most thought had no biological effect.”

Its beneficial characteristic, however, was its efficient water penetration, meaning it could penetrate the body more deeply.

Mitochondrial Effects and Brain Health

Additional research indicated infrared affected cellular mitochondria. These organelles generate cellular energy, creating power for cellular operations. “All human cells contain mitochondria, including the brain,” says Chazot, who prioritized neurological investigations. “It has been shown that in humans this light therapy increases blood flow into the brain, which is always very good.”

With specific frequency application, energy organelles generate minimal reactive oxygen compounds. At controlled levels these compounds, explains the expert, “stimulates so-called chaperone proteins which look after your mitochondria, protect cellular integrity and manage defective proteins.”

All of these mechanisms appear promising for treating a brain disease: free radical neutralization, anti-inflammatory, and cellular cleanup – autophagy representing cellular waste disposal.

Ongoing Study Progress and Specialist Evaluations

When recently reviewing 1070nm research for cognitive decline, he says, about 400 people were taking part in four studies, comprising his early research projects