What Light Therapy Does: Benefits & How It Works

Light therapy uses targeted wavelengths to activate biological processes in the body, improving mood, repairing skin, reducing inflammation, and restoring energy production. It helps regulate the body’s internal clock, supports sleep, and is used in skincare, recovery, and mood support protocols. 

The effectiveness depends on wavelength, dosage, and how consistently it’s applied.

If you’re looking for therapeutic-grade tools, Lumara offers clinically dialed-in panels like the Illuminate Red Panel and VISO LED Mask to support full-body and facial needs.

Below, we’ll walk through how it works inside the body, starting with the cellular chain reaction behind every result.

How Light Therapy Works Inside the Body

Activating Mitochondria with Light

Photo Source -> Photobiomodulation, Underlying Mechanism and Clinical Applications

Red and near-infrared light penetrate tissue and trigger a response in the mitochondria. These organelles produce ATP, the molecule that powers cellular repair and function. 

When exposed to specific wavelengths, cells create more ATP, leading to better skin tone, muscle recovery, and tissue resilience.

As cells produce more ATP, the body ramps up anti-inflammatory signalling and begins repairing damaged tissue more efficiently. That’s why the Lumara Pad, with deeper-reaching wavelengths, works well for sore joints and muscle fatigue. 

The energy boost improves blood flow, reduces stiffness, and accelerates healing.

Types of Light and Their Functions

Red Light (660 nm): Skin Rejuvenation and Inflammation

This wavelength supports collagen production, reduces visible redness, and calms irritated skin. It’s well studied for anti-aging and wound healing. 

The VISO LED Mask delivers pure 660 nm red light for facial use, while the Illuminate Red Panel covers larger areas for body-wide sessions. 

Both devices are engineered with consistent LED spacing to avoid patchy coverage.

Near-Infrared Light (830–940 nm): Deep Tissue Repair

These wavelengths reach deeper layers of the body, targeting muscle tissue, fascia, and joints. The Lumara Pad combines 635, 830, and 940 nm light in a flexible format designed for back, knee, or neck recovery. 

It’s often used post-exercise or after injury to promote circulation and support cellular repair without heat or abrasion.

Blue and Green light: Acne, Redness, Pigmentation

415 nm blue light reduces surface bacteria and is commonly used to treat acne-prone areas. The Illuminate Blue Panel is tuned to that wavelength and provides a wide treatment field for face, chest, and back. 

For pigmentation issues, Illuminate Green Panel targets melanin clusters, helping to even skin tone and brighten dull patches.

What Specs Actually Matter in a Light Therapy Device

Why Wavelength Dictates Effect (nm = Function)

Each wavelength triggers a different biological response. Red light at 660 nm targets collagen and inflammation. Blue light at 415 nm targets bacteria. Near-infrared between 830–940 nm reaches deeper tissue. 

Devices like the Illuminate Red Panel and Illuminate Blue Panel list these exact specs, so users know what results to expect.

Energy Dose (J/cm²) and Treatment Time

The body needs a specific energy threshold to activate change. This is measured in joules per square centimetre (J/cm²). 

For skin or recovery, aim for 4–6 J/cm² per session. The Illuminate Red Panel delivers 5 J/cm² in 5 minutes due to its high irradiance, cutting down treatment time without sacrificing effectiveness.

Common Misunderstandings and Red Flags

Many users ask if sunscreen is required during light therapy. 

High-quality panels like the Illuminate Blue Panel don’t emit UV, so no SPF is needed unless your skincare routine includes light-sensitive ingredients.

Cheap Devices with No Wavelength Listings

Devices that skip wavelength or energy specs often don’t deliver usable energy. 

If your device doesn’t mention lux, irradiance, or J/cm², it's likely not therapeutic. Tools like the VISO LED Mask and Lumara Pad clearly list optical specs and clinical output.

The Lumara Difference: Specs That Drive Results

Light therapy works, but only when it’s grounded in real science. Wavelengths must be specific. Energy output must be measurable. And the design of your device, from LED spacing to treatment time, will determine whether you’re getting results or just bright lights.

At Lumara, we’ve spent years developing tools that meet clinical standards because your skin, recovery, and wellness deserve more than guesswork. Every device we make is engineered with precision and backed by clear specs, so you know exactly what’s happening beneath the surface.

If you’re serious about transformation, start with tools that deliver:

• Illuminate Red Panel:  full-body 660nm red light in just 5 minutes

• VISO LED Mask:  facial treatment for fine lines, redness, and tone

• Lumara Pad:  targeted recovery with red and near-infrared wavelengths

• Illuminate Green Panel:  mood and pigmentation support with 525nm green light

You don’t need more steps, just better tools.