Why Everyone’s Talking About Red Light Therapy (And Why You Should Be Too)

If you've ever thought, "What’s the deal with all these people sitting under red lights like they’re in some kind of sci-fi movie?"—you’re not alone. But let me tell you, this trendy therapy isn’t just for Instagram influencers; it might just be the lightbulb moment your health has been waiting for.

Red light therapy (RLT) is more than a pretty glow. It’s a game-changer for anyone looking to heal their body from the inside out—and yes, that includes those of us who have tried everything to feel better and still wake up feeling like we were hit by a bus. Let’s dive in.

What Is Red Light Therapy?

Picture this: You stand in front of a panel of glowing red lights, and instead of just looking fabulous, your body actually starts repairing itself. Sounds like magic, right? It’s not magic, but it’s close.

RLT uses low-level wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to penetrate your skin and stimulate your cells. This boosts energy production in the mitochondria (aka your cells’ powerhouses), which leads to better healing, less inflammation, and more energy.

Think of it as a power nap for your cells—but without the risk of waking up groggy.

The Benefits of Red Light Therapy

Here’s where it gets really cool. RLT has a laundry list of benefits, and it’s versatile enough to tackle a wide range of issues.

1. Wrinkle-Fighting Superpower

Want glowing skin without selling your soul for a 14-step skincare routine? Red light therapy can help reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots by stimulating collagen production. It’s like a spa day for your face—but faster and cheaper.

2. Muscle Recovery Like a Pro

If you’ve ever waddled out of a workout because your muscles screamed, "Never again!" RLT can help. It reduces soreness and speeds up recovery, so you can actually enjoy leg day again (or at least tolerate it). Red light therapy promotes faster tissue healing by boosting mitochondrial activity, which enhances cellular energy production, reduces inflammation, and improves blood flow to damaged areas. 

I have personally used this for healing diastasis recti, sprained ankles, and wrist pain. We also use this for healing sore throats and anytime the kids have a sore muscle from sports. It works AMAZINGLY!

3. Chronic Pain Relief

Got aches and pains that won’t quit? Red light therapy can reduce inflammation and promote healing, making it a go-to for people with arthritis, back pain, or the general "I slept funny" syndrome.

4. Hormone Harmony

For those of us working on balancing hormones, red light therapy can help regulate cortisol (your stress hormone) and improve thyroid function. Translation: You’ll feel less stressed and more like yourself—without needing a time machine to your 20s.

5. Boosted Energy (No Coffee Required)

Because RLT supports mitochondrial function, your cells produce energy more efficiently. That means fewer afternoon crashes and more I can conquer the world vibes.

6. Better Sleep

If counting sheep hasn’t worked since 2012, red light therapy might help you finally get some shut-eye. By regulating your circadian rhythm, it can make falling—and staying—asleep easier.

7. Neurodegenerative Disease

Emerging research suggests that red light therapy may help mitigate symptoms of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s by lowering oxidative stress, modulating neuroinflammation, and supporting mitochondrial health in brain cells.

8. Blood Sugar Support

Animal Studies: Research in diabetic rodent models has shown that red light therapy may improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels, possibly through enhanced mitochondrial function and reduced oxidative stress.

Early Clinical Evidence: Initial human trials offer promising, yet preliminary, data on red light therapy’s potential for blood sugar management; however, more extensive, controlled studies are needed before it can be recommended as a standard treatment for diabetes.

Who Is It For?

Red light therapy is for anyone who:

• Is tired of being tired.
• Wants glowing, youthful skin without a million serums.
• Struggles with chronic pain or inflammation.
• Wants to feel like they have the energy of their younger, more vibrant self.
• Is willing to try something science-backed and simple instead of just "powering through."

(Yes, that probably includes you.)

How to Get Started with Red Light Therapy

Now that you’re sold on the benefits, here’s how to get glowing:

1. Find a quality device: Look for an FDA-approved RLT device if you’re going the DIY route. Bonus points if it fits into your bathroom because let’s face it—you’ll use it more often that way.
2. Be consistent: A few minutes a day, 3–5 times a week, is all you need to start seeing results. No need to overdo it; your cells can only absorb so much light at a time.
3. Pair it with a healthy lifestyle: RLT isn’t a magic fix, but combined with good nutrition (like I teach in the Reclaim Your Metabolism® program), it’s a powerful tool to level up your health.

The (Literal) Bright Side

Whether you’re dealing with stubborn pain, low energy, or skin that’s lost its glow, red light therapy is like a Swiss Army knife for your health. It’s simple, science-backed, and might just be the easiest thing you do for yourself this week (aside from putting on stretchy pants).

So go ahead, give red light therapy a try. Because you deserve to feel lit—inside and out.

Feeling constantly exhausted and battling stubborn weight gain? It might not be just stress—it could be your hormones. Our free 4-day recorded webinar series, Reclaim Your Hormones, is designed especially for mamas who are done having babies and headed into perimenopause and are ready to uncover why they're so dang tired and reclaim their energy. In this series, you'll learn clear, actionable insights into balancing your hormones so you can boost your energy, shed extra pounds, and feel like yourself again. You deserve to thrive every day. Register now and start your transformation today!