Red light isn’t just a new biohacking trend. It’s an ancestral remedy that humans have relied on for mitochondrial health and skin support for thousands of years. Here’s the history and how you can add it to your skincare routine.

If red light therapy is showing up on your social media feed, you might wonder whether it actually deserves a spot in your skincare routine. Red light devices are relatively new, and our ancestors survived thousands of years without them, right?

Well, not entirely. It’s a bit more complex.

The red light devices we see online are new. Technology has allowed us to recreate red light and bring it into our homes. But our ancestors got red light exposure from two natural elements: sun and fire.

In fact, before humans moved to indoor living, we were exposed to a much broader spectrum of light. The mitochondria boost and skincare benefits that come with red light were free to anyone who watched the sunrise or sat around a family cooking fire.

So why red light devices? Why now?

Here’s the short answer: there’s still very little research on the benefits of this part of the light spectrum. Sure, we know that vitamin D from the sun is crucial for maintaining bone health, but red light wasn’t considered crucial until recently.

While Americans spend roughly 90% of their time indoors, red light devices allow us to reclaim the same red and near-infrared light that powered our ancestors. With it comes the potential for faster wound healing, less inflammation, and improved skin elasticity.

 

How Does Red Light Therapy Work?

Let’s start with the visible light spectrum. This is a small range of electromagnetic light we can see with the human eye, measured from 380–700 nanometers. Some of these lights come with natural health benefits. For example, blue light keeps us alert and focused, while red light helps us shift into rest and repair mode.

Since most people spend their time indoors, this means a dramatic shift in our exposure to the light spectrum, from both visible and invisible lights. We’re primarily exposed to blue light, and some days miss the red light spectrum altogether. That’s why red light devices can be helpful.

What’s most important to remember about red light therapy is that it has wavelengths that actually penetrate through the skin. The higher the wavelength, the deeper it gets. This means the benefits don’t just stay on the skin’s surface; they reach all the way down to the cell.

 

The Different Types of Red Light Therapy

The term “red light therapy” is often used to describe all types of red light. But there’s a significant difference between red light, near-infrared light, and infrared light. They all refer to different wavelengths of red light and come with unique benefits. Higher wavelengths go beyond the surface, even surpassing the visible light spectrum, to supercharge the cells.

• Red light primarily works on the skin’s surface. It helps with fine lines, dark circles, acne, redness, and collagen production.

• Near-infrared light penetrates deeper into the skin to improve inflammation, blood flow, collagen production, tissue repair, and detox.

• Infrared light is the strongest form of red light, significantly outside of the visible light spectrum. It helps with pain relief, detox, mitochondria support, and improved circulation.

The best skincare devices combine multiple types of red light to resolve both surface-level skin issues and cellular function.

 

What are the Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Skincare?

As a whole, red light helps our bodies transition from day to night. But red light also helps with skin and cellular repair, making it the perfect addition to your skincare routine. If you’re considering a red light device, here are some of the benefits.

• Skin elasticity. Red light therapy can improve skin elasticity for plump skin that bounces back. This means fewer wrinkles and fine lines with regular use.

• Muscle recovery. Near-infrared light gets deep into the skin to help repair muscles after a workout. This means less soreness and better results from exercise.

• Collagen production. If you’re taking a collagen supplement, consider pairing it with your red light device. Red and near-infrared light help boost collagen production by activating fibroblast cells.

• Cellular function. Think of red light therapy as a way to charge your cells. The light penetrates deep into the skin, lighting up your mitochondria for better energy and detox.

• Less inflammation. Especially the higher-frequency red lights are great for inflammation support. By boosting the mitochondria, cells produce more energy and are able to fight off free radicals and suppress inflammatory signals.

• Acne support. One of the safest ways to resolve acne is with red light. There are no pore-clogging ingredients, and you don’t need to do a patch test before you begin.

 

How to Pair Red Light Therapy with Your Skincare Routine

Now that you know everything there is to know about red light, let’s habit stack with your skincare routine.

 

• Step 1: Cleanse and exfoliate

You always want to start with clean skin and a clean red light mask. Bonus points if you exfoliate before your red light session, since this can help the light penetrate deeper, without dead skin cells in the way.

 

• Step 2: Use your red light on bare skin

Put on your red light mask or set your panel directly on the skin. Since red light therapy is an easy biohacking habit, you can pair it with other activities like reading. Keep in mind, red light does encourage some detox. It’s best to only use it for 30-minute sessions and only at night.

 

• Step 3: Finish with hydration and antioxidants

Let’s really seal in the benefits of your red light therapy session. Power your skin with antioxidants and hydration, two tools the cells can use while they’re functioning at a higher capacity. We recommend the Vitamin C Serum followed by a tallow moisturizer.

 

The Bottom Line

Red light isn’t a new skin therapy. It’s one that we lost. For thousands of years, our ancestors soaked in the benefits of red light without even realizing it. Now, we have the option to bring it back through red light devices and intentional time outdoors. The Toups review? Red light therapy genuinely works and pairs well with a consistent skincare routine.