At 212, red light therapy is such a popular treatment that we put our red light machine right by the front entrance! Throughout the day, you’ll see a steady flow of clients using it—some come specifically for red light sessions, while others enjoy it before their other treatments. And while we’re certainly biased, we believe you can’t go wrong with these red light therapy benefits. It feels like a beach nap right in your hometown, and we always walk away from the machine thinking we could have lazed inside even longer!

Red light therapy has been gaining attention for good reason. This treatment, also called low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM), uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to support your body’s natural processes. The light penetrates your skin and gets absorbed by the mitochondria in your cells, which can boost cellular activity and trigger helpful biological responses.

Let’s get specific about what all that means. Here are six ways red light therapy might benefit your health:

1. Speeds Up Healing

Your body already knows how to heal itself, and red light therapy can help it work more efficiently. Research shows that certain wavelengths of red and near-infrared light can encourage cellular repair and regeneration. This happens because the light affects your mitochondria, increasing ATP production, basically giving your cells more energy to work with.

When your cells have more energy, they can repair tissue faster. Studies have looked at how this applies to wound healing and recovering from muscle and joint injuries, with encouraging results for speeding up the body’s natural repair processes. 

2. Calms Inflammation

One of the most interesting benefits of red light therapy is how it can reduce inflammation. The light appears to influence inflammatory pathways at the cellular level, often calming down an overactive inflammatory response.

Less inflammation often means less pain and discomfort. This could be helpful for conditions like arthritis, sore muscles, and certain skin problems. When inflammation decreases, you typically feel better and your body functions more smoothly. Who could deny that?

3. Improves Your Skin

Red light therapy has become popular in skincare, and there’s science behind why it works. The light wavelengths penetrate your skin to stimulate collagen production. Collagen is the protein that keeps your skin firm and elastic.

This process may help reduce wrinkles and fine lines, even out your skin tone, and create a smoother complexion. The therapy also supports the repair of damaged skin cells and can help with various skin conditions by encouraging cell regeneration and reducing redness. 

4. Boosts Mood and Energy

The effects of red light therapy go beyond physical healing. When your mitochondria produce more energy, your mood lifts, and you feel like a more joyful person. Many people report feeling more alert and less tired after regular sessions.

While researchers are still studying this connection, the positive impact on cellular function throughout your body may indirectly support mental well-being and your overall mood. With that in mind, we have a strong sense that red light therapy could be a helpful addition to your routine if you’re looking to feel more energetic during the day. Plus, after enjoying regular sessions, you may find that you’ve ditched that afternoon coffee (or Diet Coke, Monster, Lotus, etc.). 

5. Supports Better Sleep

If you have trouble sleeping, red light therapy might help regulate your sleep patterns. Unlike blue light, which can interfere with sleep, red light exposure—especially in the evenings—doesn’t disrupt melatonin production. Melatonin is the hormone that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle.

By supporting your body’s natural circadian rhythm, red light therapy may help prepare you for more restful sleep. This gentle influence on your sleep cycle contributes to better overall rest and recovery. 

As a side tip: You can change your phone screen color to red with a few clicks, which is easier on your eyes, especially at night. Here’s a tutorial for iPhone users. 

6. May Help with Hair Loss

Red light therapy is being explored as a treatment for hair loss. The therapy can stimulate hair follicles, encouraging hair growth and potentially increasing hair thickness. It’s thought to work by increasing blood flow to the scalp and boosting cellular activity within the follicles, leading to stronger, healthier hair.

This makes red light therapy a cool, natural option if you’re experiencing thinning hair or certain types of hair loss, especially since it’s a non-drug approach to supporting hair health. 

Come Over to 212 Med Spa for Red Light Therapy

If you’re curious about trying red light therapy, 212 Med Spa in Edmonds, WA, is a great place to start. We’re here to support all things wellness and longevity in South Snohomish County, and we’d love to show you around. Plus, this is a treatment you can easily try out during your lunch break. Book a red light therapy session today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of red light technology does 212 use? 

We use advanced red light therapy devices that deliver specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light for safe, effective treatment. Our technology provides full-body exposure to help you get the most benefits from each session.

How is red light therapy different from other light therapies? 

Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths that are completely different from UV light (like in tanning beds) or blue light therapy (used for acne). Red light doesn’t damage your skin like UV light does. Instead, it works by stimulating cellular processes rather than targeting surface bacteria or pigmentation. 

Do I need to protect my eyes during treatment? 

While red light therapy is generally safe, we may recommend eye protection depending on the brightness of the light and your sensitivity. We’ll make sure you’re comfortable and safe during your session.

Is red light therapy safe during pregnancy? 

The safety of red light therapy during pregnancy hasn’t been definitively researched and reported yet. We always recommend talking to your healthcare provider before trying any new treatments if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

What other services work well with red light therapy? 

To amplify the impact of your red light therapy sessions, add a few other treatments while you’re at 212. Our Infrared Sauna is great for detoxification and relaxation, while our Himalayan Salt Sauna supports respiratory and skin health.

What health goals are you hoping to address with red light therapy? Everyone’s different, so we’d love to hear about your wellness goals to help decide if red light therapy is right for you (but, spoiler alert—it probably is). Start the conversation here. We can’t wait to see you.