Studies

The science

What the research says about red light therapy

Red and near-infrared light therapy — photobiomodulation — is one of the most studied non-invasive modalities in modern dermatology and body contouring. Here is a plain-language look at the peer-reviewed research behind it.

The studies below examine red / near-infrared light therapy as a modality, across a range of devices, wavelengths and protocols in controlled settings. They are shared to explain the science — not as claims about the RubyBeam device specifically. Individual results vary.

Body contouring & circumference

Waist · hips · thighs

Participants lost significantly more circumference with light therapy than with a sham device.

In a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial, low-level laser therapy applied to the waist, hips and thighs produced a measurable reduction in combined girth versus placebo.

Jackson RF et al · Lasers in Surgery & Medicine · 2009Read the study →
A controlled trial reported meaningful waist reduction after low-level laser therapy.

Overweight participants treated with LLLT showed greater reductions in waist circumference than controls, which the authors linked to light-driven changes in the fat-cell membrane.

Caruso-Davis MK et al · Obesity Surgery · 2011Read the study →

Collagen & skin firmness

Density · elasticity · fine lines

Red & near-infrared light increased intradermal collagen density and improved skin.

A controlled trial found regular red/NIR light significantly improved skin complexion, feeling, roughness and wrinkles, with ultrasound confirming higher collagen density versus untreated skin.

Wunsch A & Matuschka K · Photomedicine & Laser Surgery · 2014Read the study →
LED light therapy improved wrinkles and elasticity, with new collagen on biopsy.

Across 633nm and 830nm LED treatments, patients saw measurable improvements in wrinkles and skin elasticity, and biopsies showed increased collagen and elastic fibers.

Lee SY et al · J. Photochemistry & Photobiology B · 2007Read the study →

Circulation & how it works

Blood flow · mitochondria · ATP

Red/NIR light is absorbed by the mitochondria, boosting cellular energy (ATP).

Photobiomodulation works when light is absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondria, raising ATP production and signaling that drives repair, collagen synthesis and circulation at the cellular level.

Hamblin MR · AIMS Biophysics · 2017Read the study →
Red and near-infrared light measurably increased local blood flow.

Research on red/near-infrared exposure shows increased local microcirculation and tissue oxygenation — part of why gentle warmth and a flushed feeling are common during a session.

Photobiomodulation research · Lasers in Medical ScienceRead the study →

Science, studies & references

  • Jackson RF, et al. Low-level laser therapy as a non-invasive approach for body contouring: a randomized, controlled study. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2009. View →
  • Caruso-Davis MK, et al. Efficacy of low-level laser therapy for body contouring and spot fat reduction. Obesity Surgery. 2011. View →
  • Wunsch A, Matuschka K. A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in patient satisfaction, reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and intradermal collagen density increase. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. 2014. View →
  • Lee SY, et al. Skin rejuvenation associated with LED phototherapy. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B. 2007. View →
  • Hamblin MR. Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophysics. 2017. View →

Clinic-grade red light, now at home.

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