Red and Infrared Light Therapy for Skin Health

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always consult with your dermatologist, general practitioner, or other qualified healthcare professional before starting any new treatment or therapy.

How Photobiomodulation Works from Within to Transform Your Complexion

In the quest for healthy, youthful skin, we often seek solutions that promise quick fixes. Yet, true, lasting radiance comes from supporting the skin’s own natural biology. Emerging from decades of scientific research, red and near-infrared light therapy - a treatment known as photobiomodulation (PBM) - offers precisely that: a non-invasive, science-backed method to energise your skin cells, reduce visible ageing, and promote a healthier complexion.

By harnessing specific wavelengths of light, this technology works at a foundational level to boost collagen, calm inflammation, and improve skin texture, offering a clear, evidence-based path to glowing skin.

Understanding the Science: How Light Energises Your Skin Cells

At its core, red and infrared light therapy is a form of photobiomodulation (PBM), a treatment that uses specific, low-energy wavelengths of light to stimulate natural cellular processes. Unlike harsh lasers or ultraviolet light, PBM is gentle, non-thermal, and works by triggering a cascade of beneficial biological events.

The journey begins when photons of red (630–700 nm) or near-infrared (800–860 nm) light penetrate the skin’s surface. These specific wavelengths are absorbed by a key enzyme in our cells called cytochrome c oxidase, which resides in the mitochondria - the powerhouse of the cell.

This absorption acts like a cellular power-up:

Boosts Cellular Energy: The primary effect is increased production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the fundamental energy currency that powers all cellular functions. With more ATP, skin cells have more resources to perform at their best.
Stimulates Repair and Regeneration: This surge in energy enhances the cell’s ability to repair itself and regenerate. It also promotes the release of beneficial cell-signalling molecules that encourage healing and renewal.
Reduces Oxidative Stress: PBM helps modulate the delicate balance of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can lower oxidative stress - a major contributor to premature skin ageing.

In essence, this therapy provides your skin cells with the biological support they need to function optimally, leading to visible improvements in skin health and appearance.

The Anti-Ageing Benefits: Smoothing Wrinkles and Improving Skin Texture

One of the most celebrated and well-researched applications of light therapy is its ability to combat the visible signs of ageing. Clinical studies consistently show that regular use can lead to measurable improvements in wrinkles, skin elasticity, and overall texture.

A landmark 2023 clinical study published in Skin Research and Technology provides compelling evidence. Researchers had 20 volunteers use a red LED light mask (630 nm) twice weekly for three months.

The results were progressive and significant, showing improvement after just one month of use:

Reduction in wrinkle depth, particularly around the crow's feet.
Increased skin firmness and elasticity, as measured by cutometry.
Improved dermal density revealed by ultrasound analysis.
Enhanced skin smoothness and complexion homogeneity.

Furthermore, these positive effects persisted for up to 1 month after stopping treatment, indicating a lasting structural rejuvenation of the skin. This is supported by a 2025 randomised, double-blind, sham-controlled trial - the gold standard in clinical research.

This study found that participants using a combined 630 nm LED and 850 nm infrared LED mask saw significant improvements in crow's feet wrinkle grades after 8, 12, and 16 weeks of use.

Boosting Collagen and Elastin: The Foundation of Firm, Youthful Skin

Collagen and elastin are the essential structural proteins that keep skin plump, firm, and elastic. Their natural depletion over time leads to sagging and wrinkles. Red and infrared light therapy directly addresses this by stimulating fibroblasts, the cells that produce these critical proteins.

Scientific research at the cellular level confirms this mechanism. A 2021 in vitro study demonstrated that a combination of low-level red (640 nm) and near-infrared (830 nm) light significantly increased gene expression and synthesis of both type I collagen and elastin in human dermal fibroblasts. The study concluded that this light combination "stimulated the production of collagen and elastin associated with anti-ageing benefits".

The clinical outcomes mirror these cellular findings. A controlled trial involving 136 subjects found that red and near-infrared light treatment increased intradermal collagen density, as measured by ultrasound. This was accompanied by a reduction in skin roughness assessed profilometrically.

By encouraging your skin to produce its own supportive matrix, light therapy helps restore a firmer, more resilient complexion from within.

Combating Inflammation and Supporting Skin Healing

Inflammation is a root cause of many common skin concerns, from redness and sensitivity to acne and impaired healing. Red and infrared light therapy has well-documented anti-inflammatory effects, making it a versatile tool for calming the skin.

The therapy works by modulating the body's inflammatory response. In simple terms, it can help "calm down" overactive immune cells and reduce the production of pro-inflammatory signalling molecules. This makes it beneficial for:

Soothing inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea.
Reducing redness and promoting a more even complexion.
Supporting wound healing: PBM is known to positively influence all phases of the wound-healing process, helping reduce inflammation and encourage tissue repair.

Experts note that red light's ability to cause vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) likely plays a key role. This improves local circulation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the skin while carrying away waste products, which supports overall skin health and recovery.

Practical Application and Safety: What You Need to Know

For those inspired to try this technology, understanding safe and effective use is key. Light therapy devices for home use, such as masks and panels, have made this treatment highly accessible.

Treatment Consistency is Crucial: Benefits are cumulative. Clinical protocols typically involve short sessions (often around 10-20 minutes), performed several times per week over a period of months.
Patience for Results: While some may notice improvements in skin texture within a few weeks, significant anti-ageing effects, such as wrinkle reduction, generally become apparent after 8-16 weeks of consistent use.
An Excellent Safety Profile: When used as directed, red and infrared light therapy is considered very safe. It is non-invasive, non-thermal, and does not contain harmful UV radiation. The most common risk, though rare with at-home devices, is eye strain, so it is prudent to use protective goggles or ensure the device has built-in eye-safety features.
A Note on Expectations: Dermatologists emphasise that while the science for skin rejuvenation and anti-inflammatory effects is promising, it is not a miracle cure. It works best as part of a holistic skincare regimen. Always consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional if you have specific concerns.

Choosing the Right Red and Infrared Light Device for Skin Health

Unlocking the full potential of red and infrared light therapy for your skin health starts with a device engineered for results.

Our premium masks, panels and devices use scientifically-optimised red and near-infrared wavelengths to directly target the root causes of skin issues. This synergistic approach helps to boost collagen, calm inflammation, and improve skin texture, offering a clear, evidence-based path to glowing skin.

All devices are AU/NZ safety certified, locally supplied, and designed for effortless daily use.

LIGHTFORCE SILICONE 4 SPECTRUM LED FACE AND NECK MASK

Designed for professional-grade skincare at home, the LightForce Silicone 4 Spectrum LED Face & Neck Mask delivers comprehensive photobiomodulation to target signs of ageing, boost skin vitality, and promote a clearer, more radiant complexion from the forehead to the décolletage.

Key Benefits:

Comprehensive Anti-Ageing & Skin Rejuvenation: Four targeted wavelengths - Blue (415nm), Yellow (590nm), Red (660nm), and Near-Infrared (850nm) - work synergistically to reduce wrinkles, minimise pigmentation, calm redness, combat active acne, and improve skin firmness and elasticity.
High-Power, Clinical-Grade Technology: Powered by 186 medical-grade quadruple-chip LEDs (totalling 744 individual chips) for potent, consistent, and even light delivery across the entire face, neck, and chest area.
Lightweight, Comfortable & Maximum Coverage: The flexible, form-fitting silicone design ensures comfortable wear while providing uniform light dispersion for optimal treatment of often-neglected areas, such as the neck and décolletage.
Customisable Treatment Modes: Features 6 pre-set modes using different spectrum combinations, allowing you to tailor each 10-minute session to your specific skin concern, from acne care to deep wrinkle reduction.
Promotes Healthier, Plumper Skin: Stimulates cellular energy and supports collagen production for visibly plumper, more hydrated, and refreshed skin, with enhanced results over time.
Safe, Non-Invasive & Convenient: Offers clinically-proven light therapy without UV damage, heat, or downtime - ideal for integrating into your daily skincare routine at home.
Good to know: This mask utilises both visible and invisible (Near-Infrared) light spectrums; its effectiveness is not dependent on the light you see, allowing for multi-spectrum treatment in a single session.

LIGHTFORCE SILICONE 4 SPECTRUM LED FACE MASK

Designed for professional-grade skincare at home, the LightForce Silicone 4 Spectrum LED Face Mask delivers comprehensive photobiomodulation to target signs of ageing, improve skin vitality, and promote a clearer, more radiant complexion.

Key Benefits:

Targeted Skin Transformation: Four precise wavelengths - Blue (415nm), Yellow (590nm), Red (660nm), and Near-Infrared (850nm) - work to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, minimise pigmentation, calm active acne and redness, and improve overall skin texture and elasticity.
High-Density, Clinical-Grade Power: Features 122 medical-grade quadruple-chip LEDs per spectrum (totalling 488 powerful chips) for intense, even, and consistent light delivery across the entire treatment area.
Lightweight & Comfortable Design: The flexible, form-fitting silicone construction ensures a comfortable fit and even light dispersion for maximum facial coverage during each session.
Customisable Treatment Modes: Offers 6 pre-set modes using different spectrum combinations, allowing you to tailor each 10-minute session to target specific concerns, from acne clearing to deep anti-ageing.
Promotes Plumper, Healthier Skin: Stimulates cellular activity to leave skin feeling and looking more hydrated, refreshed, and revitalised after a single use, with cumulative benefits from regular treatment.
Safe, Non-Invasive & Convenient: Provides clinically-proven light therapy without UV damage, heat, or downtime - ideal for easy integration into your daily skincare routine at home.
Good to know: The mask utilises both visible and invisible (Near-Infrared) light; its full therapeutic effect is active even when some of these wavelengths are not visible to the eye.

PHOTONMARS SILICONE RED & NEAR INFRARED 120 LED LIGHT THERAPY FACE MASK

Designed for deep skin rejuvenation and repair, the PHOTONMARS Silicone Red & Near Infrared Face Mask delivers targeted photobiomodulation to combat signs of ageing, improve skin texture, and accelerate healing from the comfort of your home.

Key Benefits:

Dual-Wavelength Rejuvenation: Combines Red Light (630nm) to stimulate collagen production, reduce fine lines, and improve skin texture with Near-Infrared Light (850nm) to penetrate deeper, reduce inflammation, and boost circulation for comprehensive skin healing.
High-Power, Clinical-Grade Output: Powered by 120 dual-chip medical-grade LEDs (120 Red 630nm & 120 NIR 850nm, totalling 240 chips) for potent, consistent, and effective light delivery across the entire facial area.
Comfortable, Contoured & Waterproof Design: The flexible, lightweight silicone mask offers a comfortable fit for relaxed treatment and features a waterproof construction for easy cleaning and durability.
Targets Surface & Deep Tissue Concerns: Effectively addresses surface-level issues like wrinkles, pigmentation, and active acne while also working deeper to soothe inflammation and promote faster skin recovery.
Promotes Healthier, Revitalised Skin: A single 10-minute session leaves skin feeling plumper, more hydrated, and refreshed, with significant improvements in clarity and firmness observed through repeated use.
Safe, Non-Invasive & Universal: Provides clinically-proven, painless light therapy without UV exposure, heat, or downtime, making it safe and suitable for all skin types and conditions.
Good to know: Near-Infrared light is invisible to the eye, meaning the mask is delivering deep-tissue therapeutic benefits even when you primarily see the red light spectrum.

LIGHTFORCE SILICONE 4 SPECTRUM LED 70 X 26CM CANOPY/PAD

Designed for total-body wellness and advanced skincare, the LIGHTFORCE Silicone 4 Spectrum LED Canopy/Pad offers versatile, professional-grade photobiomodulation. Its flexible design and four therapeutic wavelengths allow you to target muscle recovery, ease joint discomfort, and rejuvenate your skin - all from the comfort of home.

Key Benefits:

Dual-Action Relief & Rejuvenation: Four targeted wavelengths deliver comprehensive treatment. Blue (415nm) and Yellow (590nm) light target skin clarity and tone, while Red (660nm) and Near-Infrared (850nm) light work synergistically to soothe surface skin, penetrate deep into muscles and joints to reduce inflammation, ease stiffness, and accelerate healing.
High-Density Medical-Grade Power: Equipped with 240 quadruple-chip LEDs per spectrum (totalling 960 individual chips) for intense, full-body therapeutic light delivery, ensuring consistent and effective treatment across a large area.
Ultimate Versatility in Use: The flexible 70x26cm silicone pad can be used with included metal stands as a free-standing canopy, a vertical panel, or draped directly over the body - perfect for treating the back, legs, face, neck, or any area needing attention.
Professional Skin & Recovery Results: Offers dedicated skincare modes to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation, while simultaneously providing deep relief for muscle spasms, arthritis stiffness, and joint pain by increasing local blood circulation.
Cost-Effective Clinical Alternative: Delivers the quality of in-clinic light therapy for a fraction of the cost. Achieve and maintain visible skin and recovery results with convenient 10-minute sessions at home.
Safe, Comfortable & Non-Invasive: Provides a heat-free, UV-free, and painless treatment suitable for all skin types, with no downtime or risk of skin darkening.
Good to know: This single device bridges the gap between professional skincare and physiotherapy. While the red light is visible, the powerful near-infrared spectrum works invisibly at a deeper cellular level to support healing and pain relief beneath the skin's surface.

LIGHTFORCE LED RED & INFRARED LIGHT THERAPY 180 x 60 CM MAT

Designed for full-body wellness and transformative skincare, the LIGHTFORCE LED Red & Infrared Light Therapy Mat delivers professional-grade photobiomodulation on a grand scale. This full-body blanket harnesses dual wavelengths to rejuvenate skin from head to toe, accelerate recovery, and promote deep relaxation - all from the comfort of your home.

Key Benefits:

Full-Body Skin Rejuvenation: The powerful combination of Red Light (660nm) and Near-Infrared Light (850nm) works synergistically to stimulate collagen production, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, and enhance overall texture and tone across large treatment areas, such as the back, legs, and décolletage.
High-Density, Professional-Grade Power: Features an impressive 1,440 triple-chip LED diodes (4,320 total chips) in an optimal 1:2 ratio (33% Red, 67% NIR), delivering intense, consistent, and full-body therapeutic light coverage for maximum efficacy.
Dual-Action Treatment: Red light targets surface-level skin repair and anti-ageing, while near-infrared light penetrates deeper to reduce inflammation, boost circulation, and support healing - addressing both cosmetic and recovery concerns simultaneously.
Versatile, Full-Body Application: The large 1.8m x 0.6m flexible mat can be laid on or draped over the body, making it ideal for comprehensive sessions that treat skin and soothe muscles simultaneously. The soft, wipe-clean PVC cover ensures hygiene and durability.
Promotes Radiance & Recovery: A single session can enhance skin hydration and luminosity while relieving muscle tension and joint stiffness. Regular use helps maintain skin clarity, firmness, and a revitalised appearance.
Safe, Convenient & Clinical-Strength: Offers the benefits of in-clinic light therapy - without UV rays, excess heat, or downtime - in a convenient at-home format suitable for all skin types.
Good to know: For optimal skin and wellness results, use both red and near-infrared spectrums together. The near-infrared light, though invisible, is crucial for deep-tissue healing and enhancing the skin-rejuvenating effects of the visible red light.

Harnessing Light to Support Your Skin Health

Red and near-infrared light therapy offers a powerful, science-backed way to revitalise your skin and promote a healthy complexion. It’s not a quick fix - but an advanced technology that works with your body’s natural cellular processes.

From stimulating collagen production and reducing fine lines to improving skin texture, calming redness, and enhancing overall radiance, its benefits help your skin look firmer, smoother, and more luminous.

Ready to Transform Your Skincare?

Explore our premium Red & Near-Infrared Light Therapy range designed to support skin rejuvenation, tone improvement, and a more youthful appearance - featuring powerful outputs, proven wavelengths (660 nm & 850 nm), and simple, at-home convenience.

We are proudly New Zealand-owned and operated, specialising in:

✔ Genuine, research-backed technology that promotes collagen production and reduces signs of ageing

✔ Honest, expert guidance on using light therapy for glowing, healthy-looking skin

✔ High-quality devices designed to enhance skin clarity, elasticity, and long-term complexion health

Experience the power of photobiomodulation - revitalise your skin, improve texture, and reveal a more radiant you, naturally.

Shop Our Range or Get in Touch, and take the next step in your skincare journey.