Red light therapy (RLT), also known as photobiomodulation therapy is an emerging treatment that’s showing promise in treating post COVID inflammation. This scientifically proven therapy involves periodic brief exposure to red or infrared light, is a noninvasive, safe, and affordable method that is currently being used to treat inflammatory conditions. This article provides an overview of the treatment.

Updated February 14, 2024

Scientific overview

The absorption of red/near-infrared light energy, a process termed "photobiomodulation," enhances mitochondrial ATP production (cellular energy in the body), cell signaling, and growth factor synthesis, and counters oxidative stress. Exposure to two 10-min, high-intensity periods per day of infrared light causes a marked reduction in theinflammatory response pathway, which has been implicated in the onset of cytokine storms in COVID-19 patients. Infrared light exposure resulted in a significant decline in the activity of inflammatory genes and an 80% decline in secreted cytokines. Researchers saw changes in the inflammatory response occurred after only 48 hours of treatment. See the links to the full studies in the resources section at the bottom of this page.

Recommended therapeutic dosing from the NIH:

Research found the best anti-inflammatory outcomes with red light intensity ranges between 6 and 18 W/m2.

Lights with 1 W/m2 had a 30% decline in effectiveness compared to the 6-18 W/m2 range, and lights with a 0.1 W/m2 rating were ineffective.

A therapeutic dose is considered 6 W/m2 intensity for 10 minutes twice a day at the cellular level, but higher doses had no harmful effects on the cells and was still fully therapeutic. This means that excess above the minimum has no harmful effects.

What is red light therapy?

Red light therapy (RLT) is a treatment that uses low wavelength red light to reportedly improve post COVID inflammation and other medical conditions. It is also effective on the skin’s appearance, such as reducing wrinkles, scars, redness and acne..

Other names you might hear to describe red light therapy include:

Low-level laser light therapy.
Low-power laser therapy.
Non-thermal LED light.
Soft laser therapy.
Cold laser therapy.
Biostimulation, photonic stimulation.
Photobiomodulation and phototherapy.

How does red light therapy work?

Red light therapy is thought to work by acting on the “power plant” in your body’s cells called mitochondria. With more energy, other cells can do their work more efficiently, such as repairing skin, boosting new cell growth and enhancing skin rejuvenation. More specifically, certain cells absorb light wavelengths and are stimulated to work.

Red light therapy may work in skin health to:

Reduce inflammation in cells.
Increase blood circulation to the tissue.
Stimulate collagen production, which gives skin its structure, strength and elasticity.
Increase fibroblast production, which makes collagen. Collagen is a component of connective tissue that builds skin.

Medical conditions red light therapy is used for.

Potential medical uses include:

Multiorgan inflammatory syndrome (MIS-A, MIS-C)
Anxiety and depression
To reduce cancer chemotherapy side effects, including oral mucositis.
Pain and inflammation associated with ankle tendonitis, rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and osteoarthritis of the knee.
To prevent cold sores from herpes simplex virus from recurring.
Alzheimers
Hair growth
Dental issues
Arthritis

Improve wound healing.
Reduce stretch marks, wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and improve facial texture.
Improve acne, skin texture, scars, psyoriasis, rosacea, eczema, sun damaged skin, and hair growth in people with alopecia.

VIEW HOME RED LIGHT THERAPY DEVICES ON AMAZON

Is red light therapy safe?

Red light therapy appears to be safe and is not associated with any side effects, at least if used short-term and as directed. This therapy is not toxic, not invasive and not as harsh as some topical skin treatments. Unlike the cancer-causing ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or tanning booths, RLT doesn’t use this type of light.

However, if products are misused there is a chance your skin or eyes (if not protected) could be damaged, the same way that looking into the sun or laser lights can burn the eye without pain.

Your safest option is to see a doctor, dermatologist or qualified therapist.

Are devices purchased for at-home use a safe, reasonable option?

You’ll find many red light therapy products if you search on the internet. While these products are generally safe to use, they may use a lower wavelength frequency (meaning they’re less powerful) than devices that may be used by long COVID clinics, dermatologists, or trained professionals.

If you do choose to purchase a red light therapy device, make sure to shield your eyes for protection, follow all directions and take good care of the device.

In addition to medical office-based use and at-home use with a purchased device, you may see RLT being promoted at beauty spas and salons, saunas, tanning salons, gyms and wellness centers. Be cautious of who is supplying and where you are receiving treatment. It’s always best to check in with a medical professional about the best options to treat your condition.

What else do I need to know about red light therapy?

There are a lot of variables to consider when thinking about red light therapy:

Is RLT covered by my health insurance? Red light therapy is typically not a covered treatment. You may want to call your health insurance company before seeking treatment.
How many treatments will I need? You’ll likely need ongoing treatments. This is not a one-time treatment for most skin conditions. You’ll need to be seen one to three times a week for weeks or even months. Also, is there a need for additional touch-up treatments? This may add up to a lot of time and considerable out-of-pocket costs.
Will I achieve the desired results? Everyone’s skin is different so results can vary. Also, the wavelength of the red light source ranges. The wavelength affects how deeply the light penetrates your skin. The wavelength of the red light device being used in a doctor’s office versus in your at-home device could affect your desired result.
Do you trust the experience of the person providing the red light therapy? For example, is a tanning salon a place you feel comfortable receiving this treatment or might it be better to first be seen and possibly treated by a medical professional?
Is red light therapy an appropriate treatment for my skin condition? Are other, more scientifically vetted approaches a better choice for my skin condition? See your healthcare provider to confirm a diagnosis and discuss appropriate treatment options.

Talk to your doctor first

Red light therapy is being promoted as a treatment for some medical and skin conditions. If you’re interested in RLT treatment, it’s best to first discuss this with your healthcare provider or dermatologist who will examine you first and then confirm a diagnosis. Then, you’ll work together to discuss treatment options that'll achieve your desired result. Options may or may not include red light therapy. Never hesitate to ask your healthcare provider about treatment options — including if you have an interest in a particular therapy, if it’s appropriate to use for your condition and if it’s safe and effective.

Some top-rated options from Amazon:

The Ultimate Guide To Red Light Therapy - Purchase on Amazon

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USUIE Red Light Therapy Belt, Infrared Light Therapy Wrap - Purchase on Amazon

LifePro Infrared & Red Light Therapy Device - Purchase on Amazon

COVID Care Group, LLC, (CCG) offers clinical education and healthcare resources, but is not a healthcare provider that renders medical diagnosis or treatment.

As an Amazon Associate, CCG earns from qualifying purchases.

Things you can do to help yourself

Minimizing physical & psychological stressors is essential in recovery from Long COVID.

Nutrition: Give your body the fuel it needs and avoid chemical additives.
Try to eat protein and fresh vitamin rich foods daily and avoid chemicals, preservatives, sugars, fast foods, prepared foods and high histamine foods.
Don’t skip meals. Your body needs protein , vitamin C, and vitamin D to heal from any injury or illness. A low histamine or low carbohydrate (sugar) diet is recommended by doctors treating Long COVID (PASC), and many people report a reduction in symptoms within 1-3 days of the diet change, including decreases in sneezing, itching or hives, irritable bowel syndrome, body pain, along with a reduction in swelling and inflammation.
Hydration: A minimum of eight 8 oz glasses of plain water daily is recommended.
Avoid drinks with chemical additives. You can easily make a fresh electrolyte drink yourself by adding a dash of mineral rich Epsom salt and a piece a fruit like a raspberry for flavor instead of spending money on commercial drinks like Gatorade that contain chemicals and sit in plastic bottles for long periods of time. Remember that caffeine and alcohol have dehydrating effects.
Sleep hygiene: Getting 7-9 hours of sleep so your body can repair itself.
You need at least 4 hours of uninterrupted sleep to get into the restorative phase of sleep.
Avoid stimulating activities after dinner like thrilling movies or books, arguments, negative news or frustrating stimuli.
If you wake up frequently or with a startle, you may be experiencing drops in your oxygen level, which signal your brain to release adrenaline to force you to take a breath. This could be a temporary inflammation issue or more enduring sleep apnea. Ask your doctor for a sleep study to evaluate your need for a CPAP or BiPAP, a machine that pushes air into your lungs when it senses an apneic episode (periods of not breathing).
Stress management: Stress affects every component of your life.
The only thing you can control about stress is your reaction to it. Try to avoid or minimize your exposure to stressful situations: Turn off the news, make family visits that end unpleasantly short, wait for the morning to have intense discussions, let go of things that annoy you but don’t really matter in the big scheme of things, avoid intense conversations or entertainment in the evening.
Exercise within tolerance: Pace yourself and do not push your body to extremes in any way.
For some this may mean seated breathing exercises, walking to the mailbox. Rest when your body says to slow down. Gradually build on your activity endurance as your body cues you to progress. This can be hard to gauge, because when you feel good you naturally do more, but if you do too much you may experience symptom flare ups 1-3 days later as the post exertion inflammation builds. Some people describe this as post exertional malaise, others experience severe recovery set backs.
Breathwork: You can literally stop the fight or flight reaction by taking slow deep breaths.
Deep slow breathing shuts down the adrenaline flow, slows your heart rate, lowers your blood pressure and decreases stress related histamine release. When you do this, your blood reroutes back to your brain and nervous system to allow you to think clearly. It also allows your body to use its energy and oxygen to heal your inflamed nerves and organs.

Keep moving, keep breathing.

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