Why Red Light Therapy Means So Much More Than “Just Glowing Skin”
Most people come in for the glow. They’ve seen the before-and-after photos, the dewy skin, the healthy radiance that looks like eight hours of sleep and a green juice combined. But what they don’t realize is that red light therapy isn’t just a beauty treatment — it’s a biological one.
At Altered States Wellness, we see it every day: guests walk in looking for skin deep results and walk out feeling like their whole body just hit reset. Because when you nourish your cells with red light, you’re not only brightening your skin — you’re giving your body the energy to repair, recover, and truly thrive.
Let’s explore the science behind why it works, how to prep for your session, and the best ways to make red light therapy part of your wellness routine.
The Science Behind the Glow (and then some)
When you enter one of our red-light therapy rooms, you’re not just getting a spa moment. You’re triggering cellular responses throughout your body. Here’s how it works and why it matters.
1) Cellular Recharge & Mitochondrial Boost
Your body’s cells have powerhouses called mitochondria. These little factories create energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Research shows that when certain wavelengths of red and near-infrared light reach your cells, they stimulate a key enzyme called cytochrome c oxidase. That stimulation helps increase ATP production, giving cells more “fuel” to carry out repair, regeneration, and renewal. Aura Functional Neurology Center+3PMC+3PMC+3
With more energy your cells can do the work—skin cells renew more effectively, muscle repair happens faster, and you build a stronger foundation for wellness.
2) Collagen, Elastin & Skin Renewal
We all love the visible part—the glow, the smoother texture—but behind the scenes the light is doing deeper work. Studies show exposure to red light in the ~620-670 nm range up-regulates fibroblasts (cells that build collagen) and reorganises the dermal matrix in skin. PMC+1
In plain English: your skin’s support system (collagen + elastin) gets a gentle boost. Fine lines soften, skin tone improves, texture becomes nicer, and the “glow” you see is the surface outcome of deeper cellular changes.
3) Reduced Inflammation + Improved Circulation
One of the most powerful benefits is how red light therapy helps calm inflammation. When your tissues are inflamed (muscles after a workout, joints over-used, skin irritations) the photons of red/near-infrared light help modulate the immune response—reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α, increasing nitric oxide, improving micro-circulation, and prompting faster tissue recovery. Frontiers+2PMC+2
Better circulation means oxygen and nutrients reach your cells more efficiently. Waste products get cleared. Your recovery feels faster. Muscles feel less sore. Skin redness calms.
4) Hair Growth Support + Scalp Health
Yes, hair too. Studies show that red light (and near-infrared) can stimulate hair-follicle activity, improving thickness and length in cases of androgenic alopecia. UCLA Health+1
How? By improving cell proliferation in the follicle, increasing micro-circulation in the scalp, and supporting the cells’ energy systems (remember ATP?). So if hair health is one of your goals, red-light therapy is a smart part of the plan.
5) Whole-Body Wellness & Recovery
The ripple effect of all this cellular support extends beyond skin or hair. Because you’re supporting your mitochondria, circulation, and reducing inflammation, you’re also supporting your muscle recovery, joint comfort, maybe even your mood and sleep quality (emerging research). UCLA Health+1
In short: the glow is beautiful, but what’s happening beneath the surface? That’s the real story.
How to Prepare for Your Red Light Session at Altered States Wellness
Since you’re showing up, we want you to get the most from it. Here are steps to walk in ready and set yourself up for success.
- Arrive clean of product: Use a gentle cleanser. Skip heavy makeup, thick lotions, or SPF layers right before your session. Your skin will absorb the light better when it’s not blocked by heavy products.
- Hydrate well: Drink a glass of water before you arrive. Your cells work better when you’re well hydrated. It’s a simple prep step but makes a difference.
- Wear comfortable, minimal clothing: Red light has a hard time penetrating through clothing, so be prepared to undress to your comfort level.
How Often Should You Do Red Light Therapy for Real Results
Consistency is key. Because while one session feels great, the deeper benefits build over time.
- Many sources suggest 2 to 5 times per week for about 10 to 20 minutes per session as a starting block. Health+1
- For skin renewal, hair support, or deeper repair, consider an initial block of 3 months where you go frequently (say 3-5 times/week) then transition into a maintenance rhythm (once or twice a week) depending on your goals.
- For recovery (muscles, joint inflammation) you might use the therapy more often in the high-demand phase, then scale back.
- Avoid over-doing it. More isn’t always better. Some research suggests too frequent or high intensity can reduce benefit or cause unwanted skin irritation. Axios
- Monitor your response. If after 4-6 weeks you’re seeing and feeling positive change (skin smoother, muscles less sore, energy up), you may adjust frequency. If not yet, stick with your block.
At Altered States Wellness we’ll help you design the schedule that fits your body, your goals, and your lifestyle.
Best Practices to Maximize Your Outcome
Because we care about your full wellness story, not just the light turning on and off, we recommend these supportive habits:
- Book consistent appointments: Treat your red-light sessions like you would any self-care ritual. Choose days/times you can stick with and make it part of your rhythm.
- Track your metrics: Keep a simple note after each month: skin texture? sleep? soreness after workouts? energy levels? Comparing “before you start” and “after 4-6 weeks” helps you see the real impact.
- Complement with other good habits:
- Whole-food diet and good hydration (your cells love fuel).
- Quality sleep (so the repair and renewal get supported).
- Movement/recovery routines (foam-rolling, yoga, light cardio) to improve circulation and enhance the light’s effect.
- Gentle skin care post-session: a light moisturizer, sun protection the next day (because even though red light is non-UV, your skin still needs protection for optimal results).
- Whole-food diet and good hydration (your cells love fuel).
- Be patient: Some benefits (skin glow) may appear early, others (hair density, deep muscle recovery) take more time. Celebrate the steps along the way and trust the process.
Final Thoughts & Invitation
If you’ve been curious about red-light therapy and wondered whether it’s “just for skin” — let me reassure you: yes, the skin benefits are beautiful, but the real story is much deeper. At Altered States Wellness we believe in whole-body, intentional care. When you book your red-light session with us, you’re saying yes to skin texture, yes to muscle recovery, yes to better circulation, yes to your cells working harder for you, yes to whole-self wellness.
So come in expecting that gorgeous glow. And stay open to how deeply your body responds. Because when you treat your cells to extra love, the outcomes ripple through your skin, through your movement, through your rest, through your vibe.
Ready to shine from the inside out? We’re here for you.
*We are not medical professionals, and the information provided in this blog and podcast is for informational purposes only. Wellness practices mentioned should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider if you have any questions about your health.
