Ask Onix
Red light therapy: Wellness trend or scientific breakthrough?
Manchester's Thriyv wellness suite offers clients 15-minute sessions in glowing red light beds, promising cellular repair without the damage of UV rays. The treatment, once niche, is now a booming industry, with proponents claiming benefits from skin rejuvenation to muscle recovery. But experts urge caution, citing inconsistent evidence and unregulated devices.
How red light therapy works
Red light therapy uses wavelengths between 630 and 660 nanometres-visible to the human eye-to penetrate skin layers. Longer, near-infrared wavelengths (700-1,100 nanometres) target deeper tissues, stimulating mitochondria to boost energy production and accelerate cell repair. Devices range from LED masks to full-body beds, each varying in intensity and effectiveness.
Athletes and skincare enthusiasts embrace the trend
Kate McLelland, 32, credits red light therapy for her recovery after a neck fracture during CrossFit training. Combining the treatment with physiotherapy, she returned to competition faster than expected. "It used to take me a week to recover from Hyrox events," she said. "Now it's just a few days."
McLelland also uses an LED face mask, claiming it reduced sun damage and improved her skin's glow. Such devices, priced from hundreds to thousands of pounds, promise collagen stimulation and acne reduction, though evidence remains mixed.
Experts warn of overstated claims
Professor Glen Jeffery, a neuroscientist at University College London, cautions against unregulated devices. "Blasting yourself with an expensive red light device off the internet won't necessarily give you the results you want," he said. Dr. Sophie Weatherhead of the British Association of Dermatologists echoed concerns, noting studies vary widely in methodology, dosage, and skin type considerations.
Weatherhead explained that facial skin, being thinner, may show marginal improvements, but effectiveness depends on device power and wavelength penetration. Home devices often lack the intensity of medical-grade equipment, limiting their impact.
Infrared saunas: Heat vs. light
Infrared saunas, another wellness staple, use longer wavelengths to induce heat stress, which may reduce inflammation and aid cellular repair. Unlike red light therapy, their benefits stem from thermal effects rather than mitochondrial stimulation. Yoga instructor Eloise Skinner reported clients prefer infrared heat for targeted warmth and quicker recovery.
Safety and future research
While generally safe, red light therapy isn't risk-free. Experts advise consulting a doctor for those with light sensitivity, autoimmune conditions, or cancer treatment. Overuse should be avoided, and devices should bear CE or UKCA safety marks. Eye protection is recommended during sessions.
Dr. Cal Shields, Thriyv's medical director and former NHS physician, acknowledged the lack of robust clinical trials but argued the mechanism is sound. "There's limited evidence, but that doesn't mean it doesn't work," he said.
Emerging research hints at broader applications, from glucose regulation to spinal nerve repair. Professor Zubair Ahmed of the University of Birmingham noted the field's potential but stressed current evidence falls short of industry claims. "We may see proof in the future," he said.
The verdict: Proceed with caution
After a 15-minute session, the reporter felt relaxed but questioned whether the effects were physiological or psychological. With wellness culture driving demand, red light therapy's popularity shows no signs of fading-even as science races to catch up.
