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10 Myths Busted in 10 Years of the Red Light Therapy Trend: What Have We Learned?

10 Myths Busted in 10 Years of the Red Light Therapy Trend: What Have We Learned?

This year, 2026, marks the 10 year anniversary of the Red Light Therapy trend! What made 2016 such a special year for Red Light Therapy? That was the year Joovv was founded. According to their first trademark registration, it was first used in January of 2016.  For better or worse, we can thank Joovv for popularizing the modern LED Red/NIR Light Therapy panel. And a big part of that was through their aggressive affiliate marketing funnel. Not long after, every biohacking influencer was suddenly sharing their expertise in Red Light Therapy. And it was just a coincidence that they were...

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Sugar Supercharges Red Light Therapy: Effectiveness for Diabetics vs Athletes

Sugar Supercharges Red Light Therapy: Effectiveness for Diabetics vs Athletes

Could sugar be the underappreciated key component to Photobiomodulation effectiveness? If we could understand the role of glucose with Red Light Therapy, we may be able to optimize treatments, reduce variability, and answer common questions about how the therapy is working.  We covered in a previous article the supplements and topicals that have been clinically studied with Photobiomodulation (the science of Red/NIR Light Therapy). The point being that Light can provide cellular energy, but the essential building blocks still come from proper diet and nutrition.  However, the most profound dietary influence on Red Light Therapy that has been right under...

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Near-Infrared 250W Incandescent Heat Lamps: The Best Value Red Light Therapy.

Near-Infrared 250W Incandescent Heat Lamps: The Best Value Red Light Therapy.

Are 250W Incandescent Heat Lamps the best "Value" Red Light Therapy device?  Yes, in many ways.  A recent article from Glen Jeffery showed that simple 60W incandescent lighting at a workplace can improve eye health. And these effects lasted longer than his previous trials with 670nm LED light therapy that only lasted 5 days. [1] Professor Jeffery also cautions against excessive power and intensity from LED panels.  However, he indicates that incandescent bulbs can be used more safely and for longer exposure times without adverse reactions.  Unbiased Review Criteria: According to top RLT influencers' review criteria, Incandescent 250W Red-Coated Heat...

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LED Spacing for Optimal Penetration in Red Light Therapy: Mind the Gap

LED Spacing for Optimal Penetration in Red Light Therapy: Mind the Gap

Red Light Therapy devices come in many forms. But is there an optimal design? Or do they all bring us to the same level of effectiveness in the long run? Is it better to have continuous, uniform coverage over an entire treatment area - or are some gaps and spaces between LEDs acceptable? For example, consider these pictures. Will the "uniform" coverage on the left always be better, or would the more "spotty" coverage on the right would be sufficient? The left side may additionally benefit from the convergence of beams from multiple LEDs and wavelengths. The right side the...

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The Wavelength Equivalence Guide to Red/NIR Light Therapy

The Wavelength Equivalence Guide to Red/NIR Light Therapy

Do we need specific wavelengths of light to produce different benefits with Red and Near-Infrared (NIR) light therapy? If so, to obtain all of the reported clinical benefits then we would need to buy devices with multiple wavelengths or have many devices for different applications.  How close do wavelengths need to be on target? If a study used 810nm, could you not get the same result with 850nm? If a study used 670nm, could you not use 660nm? How far away from a wavelength can you be to have assurance that you would get the same result? +/- 1nm, +/-...

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