What red light therapy
actually does for you
Red light therapy — also known as photobiomodulation — uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate cellular function. Below is a closer look at each major benefit, the science behind it, and what the Spare Sun panel delivers.
Spare Sun delivers 660nm red light and 850nm near-infrared light simultaneously — covering surface-level skin benefits and deep tissue benefits in every single session.
Skin rejuvenation
660nm red light is absorbed efficiently by skin cells, where it stimulates fibroblasts — the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin. These two proteins are what keep skin firm, elastic, and smooth. As we age, fibroblast activity naturally declines, which is part of why skin loses firmness over time.
Regular exposure to 660nm light has been shown to increase collagen density, improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and even out skin tone by reducing inflammation-related redness.
Muscle recovery
850nm near-infrared light penetrates significantly deeper than 660nm — reaching muscle fibres, tendons, and joint tissue. At this depth, light energy is absorbed by mitochondria, boosting ATP (cellular energy) production and accelerating the cellular repair processes that occur after exercise.
This translates to reduced inflammation, decreased oxidative stress, and faster clearance of metabolic by-products from muscle tissue — the combination of which is widely reported as reduced soreness and quicker return to training.
Energy & focus
At a cellular level, both wavelengths are absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase — an enzyme in the mitochondria that plays a central role in ATP production. ATP is the energy currency your cells run on. More efficient ATP production means more available cellular energy throughout the body.
Many users describe this as a noticeable lift in mental clarity and sustained energy — particularly when sessions are done in the morning, setting a positive cellular tone for the rest of the day.
Sleep quality
Unlike blue light — which suppresses melatonin production and signals to your brain that it's daytime — red light does not interfere with your circadian rhythm. Evening exposure to red light has been shown to support natural melatonin production, helping the body transition into a restful state.
This makes red light therapy a useful addition to an evening wind-down routine — particularly for those who spend their evenings around screens, where blue light exposure is already working against sleep onset.
Joint & pain relief
850nm near-infrared light reaches deep enough to affect joint tissue, tendons, and ligaments. At this depth it helps reduce inflammatory markers and supports the body's natural tissue repair processes — both of which contribute to chronic discomfort when left unmanaged.
This makes it particularly useful for areas that experience repetitive strain or chronic stiffness — knees, lower back, shoulders, and hands — as well as general post-exercise joint soreness.
Hair growth
Hair follicles are highly metabolically active — they require significant cellular energy to produce new hair. 660nm red light increases blood flow to the scalp and boosts ATP production within follicle cells, supporting the follicle's natural growth cycle.
This is one of the slower benefits to materialise — hair growth cycles are measured in months, not weeks — but consistent use over a sustained period has been shown to improve hair density and thickness in clinical settings.