By: Jacob Van Oorschot, Contributing Writer
Cover Image: Reno Zhu, Illustrator (original work)
Monday’s article broke down the evidence supporting and contradicting the alleged crimes of blue light against our eyes and skin. Light at the other end of the visible spectrum, though, carries a different narrative around it. Claims of the beneficial effects of red light and near-infrared (IR) abound on social media as well as reputable publications. Often, I see red-light face masks targeted at women for “beauty” and red light panels targeted at men for “recovery.” Both of these terms are nebulous, perhaps intentionally so.
This whole thing might have started thanks to findings that red and near-IR light could speed up the healing of some kinds of wounds (8–11). It is believed that the mechanism at play involves chromophores一the same kind of molecules that meditate the effects of UVA and blue light discussed in Part 1. These chromophores absorb red light, leading to increased energy in cells and also producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO). These chemicals may serve as signals of damage to the body, encouraging healing processes (11).
But you, astute reader, are already recalling from Part 1 that blue light was believed to cause harm through similar mechanisms! Indeed, cytochrome c oxidase is implicated for both red light and blue light absorption (1, 11, 12). Yet paradoxically, the production of ROS and NO are believed to be beneficial in the context of wound healing when induced by red light. Perhaps different wavelengths of visible light excite cytochrome c oxidase in different ways, or perhaps the ultimate effects are dose dependent.
So we’ve just learned that red and near-IR light is biologically active and can be beneficial in the context of wound healing. Does it apply to the cosmetic and recovery applications for which it is advertised?
One study of a red light mask, conducted by the company that developed it, found that it reduced wrinkles, improved skin elasticity, and reduced oil production by the skin, but doesn’t suggest a mechanism (13). The effects, at least, were somewhat durable, lasting at least a month. Intensity of red light may also play a role in its effect. Too little intensity and there may be no effect; too much intensity, and the red light could even contribute to skin aging through excessive ROS production (12).
As for recovery, it is plausible that red and IR light can aid tissue healing process in general through increased blood flow, but findings are mixed and these studies focus on actual medical problems rather than ambiguous “recovery” from regular exercise (14, 15). Regular exercise itself also improves circulation but that’s harder to package, market, and sell (16).
The best conclusion I can draw here is that different doses of various colours of visible light in various levels of exposure can have a variety of effects, sometimes good, sometimes bad, but overall mostly minor when in moderation. Blue light before bed is clearly detrimental to sleep, but most other supposed effects for visible light are poorly supported or understood. As is often the case in health science, more research is needed to know for sure.
References
- Schutz R. 2021. Blue Light and the Skin, p. 354–373. In Challenges in Sun Protection. Karger, Switzerland.
- Rosenfield M. 2019. Living With Blue Light: The sun is your biggest enemy, and digital devices aren’t as bad as you think. Here’s the current research and recommendations.
- Huffman J. 2024. Computers, Digital Devices, and Eye Strain. American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/computer-usage. Retrieved 7 January 2026.
- Kumari J, Das K, Babaei M, Rokni GR, Goldust M. 2023. The impact of blue light and digital screens on the skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 22:1185–1190.
- Dong K, Goyarts EC, Pelle E, Trivero J, Pernodet N. 2019. Blue light disrupts the circadian rhythm and create damage in skin cells. International Journal of Cosmetic Science 41:558–562.
- Nathan N, Manstein D. 2020. Tinted sunscreens: Benefits beyond an attractive glow. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/tinted-sunscreens-benefits-beyond-an-attractive-glow-2020071320534. Retrieved 8 January 2026.
- Melrose S. 2015. Seasonal Affective Disorder: An Overview of Assessment and Treatment Approaches. Depression Research and Treatment 2015:178564.
- Whelan HT, Smits RL, Buchman EV, Whelan NT, Turner SG, Margolis DA, Cevenini V, Stinson H, Ignatius R, Martin T, Cwiklinski J, Philippi AF, Graf WR, Hodgson B, Gould L, Kane M, Chen G, Caviness J. 2001. Effect of NASA Light-Emitting Diode Irradiation on Wound Healing. Journal of Clinical Laser Medicine & Surgery 19:305–314.
- Yadav A, Gupta A. 2017. Noninvasive red and near-infrared wavelength-induced photobiomodulation: promoting impaired cutaneous wound healing. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine 33:4–13.
- Erdle BJ, Brouxhon S, Kaplan M, Vanbuskirk J, Pentland AP. 2008. Effects of Continuous-Wave (670-nm) Red Light on Wound Healing. Dermatologic Surgery 34:320.
- Kuffler DP. 2016. Photobiomodulation in Promoting Wound Healing: A Review. Regenerative Medicine 11:107–122.
- Barolet D. 2021. Near Infrared Light and the Skin: Why Intensity Matters, p. 374–384. In Challenges in Sun Protection. Karger, Switzerland.
- Couturaud V, Le Fur M, Pelletier M, Granotier F. 2023. Reverse skin aging signs by red light photobiomodulation. Skin Res Technol 29:e13391.
- Keszler A, Lindemer B, Broeckel G, Weihrauch D, Gao Y, Lohr NL. 2022. In Vivo Characterization of a Red Light-Activated Vasodilation: A Photobiomodulation Study. Front Physiol 13.
- Rayegani SM, Raeissadat SA, Heidari S, Moradi-Joo M. 2017. Safety and Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Lasers Med Sci 8:S12–S19. 16. Maiorana A, O’Driscoll G, Taylor R, Green D. 2003. Exercise and the Nitric Oxide Vasodilator System. Sports Med 33:1013–1035.
- Maiorana A, O’Driscoll G, Taylor R, Green D. 2003. Exercise and the Nitric Oxide Vasodilator System. Sports Med 33:1013–1035.
The Abstract 