Red light therapy (RLT) is an interesting tool from a natural health perspective. It essentially works by delivering low-level red and near-infrared light to the body, which penetrates the skin and tissues to support cellular energy (ATP production), reduce inflammation, and enhance healing. While it’s not “natural” in the sense of coming from the sun, it mimics the beneficial wavelengths of sunrise and sunset without harmful UV exposure.
Best Time for Red Light Therapy
From a circadian perspective, the best times for RLT are:
🌅 Morning – Mimics sunrise, helps signal wakefulness, and can support mitochondrial function for energy throughout the day.
🌆 Evening – Mimics sunset, may support relaxation, reduce blue light impact from screens, and aid in melatonin production.
🚫 Midday – Less ideal because natural midday sunlight provides full-spectrum light, and we don’t necessarily need artificial red light then.
What to Look For in a Red Light Panel
There are a lot of devices on the market, so key things to consider are:
✅ Wavelengths: Look for 630-680nm (red) and 800-850nm (near-infrared) as these are the most studied for benefits.
✅ Irradiance (Power Output): Ideally 30-100mW/cm² for effective penetration without overheating.
✅ Flicker & EMF Levels: Lower is better—cheap panels can have high flicker, which may be counterproductive.
✅ Size Matters: A larger panel gives better full-body exposure, but even a small handheld device can be useful for spot treatments.
Conflicting Info & Misconceptions
The confusion comes because:
- Some say too much exposure can be counterproductive—overloading mitochondria. Shorter, consistent sessions (5-15 mins per area) are better than overuse.
- Others argue it replaces natural sunlight, but RLT should be a supplement to, not a substitute for, real sun exposure.
- Some promote it as a weight-loss hack, but its real benefits are more about reducing inflammation and improving metabolic function rather than directly burning fat.
Overall Thoughts
RLT can be a great biohack when used correctly, especially for:
✔️ Supporting skin health & collagen production
✔️ Enhancing muscle recovery & reducing inflammation
✔️ Balancing circadian rhythm when sunlight exposure is limited
✔️ Improving mitochondrial health & energy
For general wellness, red light therapy can be a great tool, especially when used in alignment with your natural rhythms. A few practical ways to incorporate it:
☀️ Morning Use – Helps energize you for the day, supports mitochondrial function, and can boost mood.
🌙 Evening Use – Can help wind down, reduce inflammation, and support sleep.
🎯 Targeted Sessions – If you have muscle soreness, skin concerns, or general tension, applying it directly to those areas can be beneficial.
Keeping sessions around 5-15 minutes per area a few times a week is a good starting point. If you’re using it consistently, you may notice improved energy, better skin, and enhanced recovery.
Brand Recommendation (save 15% off with link below)
Kala Therapy is a Canadian company specializing in red light therapy devices designed for home use. Their product line includes handheld devices like the Kala Therapy Wand, portable options such as the Kala Red Light Mini, and larger panels like the Kala Red Light Pro.
Product Highlights:
- Kala Therapy Wand: Combines red and blue light therapy with galvanic current and therapeutic warmth, targeting fine lines, breakouts, and redness.
- Kala Red Light Mini: Features clinically proven red (660nm) and near-infrared (850nm) wavelengths, aimed at stimulating cellular activity, enhancing collagen production, and accelerating recovery. kalaredlight.com
- Kala Red Light Pro: A larger panel suitable for more extensive treatment areas, offering similar wavelength specifications for broader application. kalaredlight.com
Certifications and Recognition:
Kala Therapy devices are FDA-registered as Class II medical devices, meeting high electrical performance and safety standards. The company has also been featured on platforms like “Dragons’ Den,” highlighting its prominence in the market. synctherapy.ca
Conclusion:
Kala Therapy appears to offer a range of red light therapy devices that have garnered positive feedback for their design and effectiveness. However, potential buyers should consider both the positive reviews and the reported customer service issues when making a decision. As always, consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any new therapy is advisable.