Does red light therapy really work?
That sounds like a simple question.
Spend five minutes scrolling social media, however, and suddenly it is not simple at all.
One person says red light transformed their skin. Another says it did absolutely nothing. Someone is sitting in front of a professional-looking panel. Someone else bought a $29 device online that may or may not be doing anything beyond making the room red.
Then come the claims about collagen, mitochondria, ATP, inflammation, recovery, eyesight, wrinkles, circulation and cellular energy.
Welcome to wellness on the internet.
Or, as Jake and Kylie put it on the Solex Podcast:
“We scroll the internet so you don’t have to.”
Their episode, “We Went Down the Health Trend Rabbit Hole,” explores exactly that problem: our feeds are packed with health hacks, wellness gadgets and bold promises, but figuring out which ideas have legitimate research behind them takes a little more work. The episode moves through red light therapy, collagen, sleep, caffeine, eye health, hormones, AO Scan and other wellness questions rather than simply accepting whatever happens to be trending that week.
Red light turned out to be a particularly interesting rabbit hole.
And one question from the conversation was too good not to investigate further.
Does Red Light Therapy Really Work?
Short answer: red light therapy has legitimate scientific research behind it, but “red light therapy works” is much too broad a statement.
A better answer is:
Certain wavelengths and doses of red and near-infrared light have been studied for specific biological effects through a process known as photobiomodulation. Results depend on the wavelength, power, treatment duration, tissue being targeted, device design and the outcome being measured.
That distinction matters.
Red light therapy is not magic simply because something glows red.
And two devices that both say “red light” on the box are not necessarily delivering the same wavelength, intensity or dose.
Cleveland Clinic describes red light therapy as acting on cells in ways that may influence processes including collagen and fibroblast production, blood circulation and inflammatory activity. Researchers continue to study both its mechanisms and its effectiveness for different uses.
The scientific term you will frequently encounter is photobiomodulation, often abbreviated PBM.
And that brings us to what Jake and Kylie were trying to unpack.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
One of the leading explanations involves your cells’ mitochondria.
You probably remember mitochondria from biology class as the “powerhouses of the cell.”
They help produce adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, which cells use as an immediate source of energy.
Photobiomodulation research examines how specific wavelengths of light interact with cellular photoreceptors and mitochondrial processes. Rather than thinking of red light as simply “heating” tissue, PBM researchers are interested in how light may influence cellular signaling and function.
That can include changes involving:
- mitochondrial activity
- ATP production
- nitric oxide signaling
- reactive oxygen species
- gene expression
- inflammatory signaling
- fibroblast activity
- collagen metabolism
This is also why wavelength matters.
Light is electromagnetic energy, and different wavelengths interact differently with tissue.
Red light generally occupies approximately the 620–750nm portion of the visible spectrum, while near-infrared wavelengths extend beyond visible red light.
For skin and photobiomodulation research, wavelengths in the red and near-infrared ranges appear again and again.
One of them is particularly relevant to this podcast.
660 nanometers.
Why Is 660nm Red Light So Interesting?
This is where the conversation gets unusually specific.
During the episode, Kylie explains that she is a master esthetician and was taught that red light can support collagen production.
But she makes a wonderfully honest observation:
She learned that red light helped collagen.
She simply hadn’t stopped to ask:
Why?
The video Jake and Kylie were watching suggested that red light may not only influence collagen production—it may also influence an enzyme involved in breaking collagen down.
Naturally, they went looking for the enzyme.
So did we.
Meet MMP-1
The enzyme they were circling around is matrix metalloproteinase-1, abbreviated MMP-1.
MMP-1 is one of a family of enzymes involved in remodeling the extracellular matrix. Among its roles is the breakdown of collagen.
That matters because aging skin is not simply a story of producing less collagen.
It also involves the balance between building collagen and breaking collagen down.
And this is where one 660nm study becomes particularly interesting.
Researchers investigating a pulsed 660nm LED light source found that treated reconstructed human skin showed an average:
31% increase in type-I procollagen
and approximately an:
18% decrease in MMP-1
compared with untreated reconstructed skin.
The clinical portion of the study also reported improvements in wrinkle-related measurements after repeated treatments.
Now, there is an important scientific distinction here.
The study used a 660nm LED protocol.
That does not mean every 660nm device automatically produces the same result, nor does it establish equivalence between an LED research device and every commercial red-light or laser product.
Dose, power, exposure time, pulse characteristics, treatment distance and device construction all matter.
But the wavelength itself is notable.
Because the current Solex Illuminator is also a 660nm red-light device. Solex lists its wavelength specifically as 660nm on the current official product page.
That gives us something much more useful than saying:
“Red light is good for collagen.”
We can ask a much better question:
Could 660nm red light influence both sides of the collagen equation—supporting collagen production while also influencing enzymes involved in collagen degradation?
That is exactly the kind of question worth exploring.
Collagen Is Not Just About Making More
Think of collagen in skin like the structural framework of a building.
Your body is constantly remodeling that framework.
Some processes create new collagen.
Other processes break old collagen down.
With intrinsic aging and environmental exposures such as ultraviolet radiation, that balance can shift. Collagen synthesis may decline while enzymes involved in collagen degradation become increasingly relevant.
That is why the MMP-1 conversation on the podcast caught our attention.
The interesting story may not simply be:
“Red light makes collagen.”
It may be more accurately understood as red light interacting with a much larger biological system involving cellular energy, fibroblasts, collagen synthesis, extracellular-matrix remodeling and signaling pathways.
That is considerably more interesting than a red Christmas light.
And it also explains why Kylie had seen clients arrive convinced that “red light doesn’t work” after using inexpensive devices whose specifications were unclear.
Because before we can ask whether red light therapy works, we have to ask another question:
Are All Red Light Therapy Devices Actually the Same?
Absolutely not.
And this is where the health-trend rabbit hole gets even deeper.
A device can look red without necessarily delivering a wavelength, irradiance or dose comparable to equipment used in published photobiomodulation research.
There is also substantial confusion around terms such as:
FDA registered
FDA cleared
medical device
general wellness device
LED
laser
red light
near-infrared light
Those terms are not interchangeable.
The FDA specifically recognizes certain photobiomodulation devices as Class II medical devices, including some light-based devices intended for over-the-counter wrinkle reduction. FDA guidance also distinguishes those from some lower-risk light products marketed only for general wellness.
That means Kylie was right about the bigger consumer lesson:
Do not judge a red-light device by the color of the glow.
Look at the actual specifications.
In Part 2B, we are going deeper into exactly what to check—including wavelength, dose, device quality, red versus near-infrared light, oral versus topical collagen, how long skin changes may take, what the FDA terminology really means, and why the Solex Illuminator’s 660nm wavelength is worth understanding.
And then we will bring this entire discussion back to the bigger question Jake and Kylie are really asking:
Which viral wellness trends are actually worth our time?
The 7 Red Light Therapy Facts Worth Remembering
Before we go any farther down the rabbit hole, here is the short version.
- Red light therapy is a real field of study called photobiomodulation—not simply a red-colored bulb.
- Wavelength matters. Red-light photobiomodulation generally uses light in roughly the 620–700nm range, while near-infrared extends above visible red light.
- 660nm has specifically been studied for skin rejuvenation and collagen-related effects. One study found higher type-I procollagen and lower MMP-1 after a 660nm LED protocol.
- The mitochondria are part of the photobiomodulation story. Research describes changes involving cytochrome c oxidase, ATP, reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide and downstream cell signaling, although scientists continue to refine the exact mechanisms.
- Dose matters as much as wavelength. Irradiance, exposure time, fluence, treatment frequency and device design can all change the biological response.
- Skin changes generally require repeated use—not one heroic session. Clinical studies of 660nm light have used repeated sessions over several weeks.
- Not every device glowing red is equivalent to a researched photobiomodulation device. Specifications matter.
That last point may be the most useful lesson in the entire episode.
How Much Collagen Do We Really Lose as We Age?
During the podcast, Jake and Kylie started trying to pin down exactly when collagen production declines and how quickly it happens.
This is one of those places where internet health information becomes messy because different numbers get repeated without context.
There is not one universal percentage that every adult loses every year.
Skin aging involves multiple processes, including reduced collagen synthesis, changes in fibroblast behavior, increased collagen fragmentation and changes in enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases.
Hormonal transitions matter too.
For women, menopause can produce a particularly dramatic shift. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that women may lose about 30% of the collagen in their skin during the first five years of menopause, followed by a more gradual decline of approximately 2% per year for the following 20 years.
So rather than thinking:
“I turned 25 and now my collagen disappears.”
A more accurate picture is:
Collagen remodeling changes gradually with age, lifestyle, ultraviolet exposure, hormones and other biological factors—and the rate is not identical for everyone.
Which makes Kylie’s next question even more interesting.
If collagen production can decrease while collagen-degrading activity increases, can we influence either side of that equation?
That is one reason photobiomodulation research is so compelling.
Oral Collagen vs. Topical Collagen: Which One Actually Reaches the Skin?
Kylie brought up another question that comes up constantly in aesthetics:
Can you simply put collagen on your face and replace the collagen underneath?
Not quite.
Native collagen is a very large protein. Reviews of topical collagen delivery note that its molecular size makes passage through the skin barrier difficult. Native collagen is approximately 300 kDa, which is far larger than molecules that typically penetrate the stratum corneum efficiently. Hydrolyzed collagen and smaller peptides behave differently and may have useful moisturizing or biological properties, but rubbing intact collagen onto the skin is not equivalent to rebuilding dermal collagen underneath it.
That does not mean a collagen-containing cream is useless.
Topical formulations may:
- improve surface hydration
- act as humectants
- support skin feel and texture
- contain smaller peptides or other ingredients with different biological activity
But the simplistic claim that topical collagen simply “soaks in and becomes your collagen” is not supported by how the skin barrier works.
What About Drinking Collagen?
This is where the research gets more interesting—and more controversial.
Several meta-analyses of randomized trials have reported improvements in skin hydration and elasticity among people taking hydrolyzed collagen supplements. A 2025 review of 10 randomized trials involving 646 participants found statistically significant improvements in hydration and elasticity.
Other analyses have reached similar positive conclusions.
But then comes an important wrinkle.
A separate 2025 meta-analysis looked specifically at study quality and funding source. Although the combined studies initially showed benefits, the researchers found no significant skin-aging benefit when they isolated higher-quality trials or trials without pharmaceutical-company funding.
That means the fairest answer in 2026 is not:
“Collagen supplements definitely work.”
Nor is it:
“Collagen supplements are useless.”
It is:
Oral collagen has promising clinical research behind it, but the strength of the evidence remains debated, particularly when study quality and industry funding are considered.
That is exactly why we like going down these rabbit holes.
The answer is usually more interesting than the viral headline.
How Long Does Red Light Therapy Take to Work?
This may be one of the most useful questions for anyone who has tried red light therapy for three days and declared:
“Nothing happened.”
Skin remodeling is not an instant process.
Clinical research uses very different protocols, but repeated exposure is a recurring theme.
A randomized 2023 study used 10 sessions over four weeks with 660nm red photobiomodulation and reported a reduction in periocular wrinkle volume after treatment.
A 2025 randomized trial using a 660 ± 10nm LED mask compared two versus three sessions per week for four weeks, for totals of eight and 12 treatments.
Another controlled study evaluated daily 660nm LED use over 12 weeks and reported improvement in wrinkle measurements at week 12.
Those studies used different devices, doses and protocols, so they cannot simply be transferred onto every commercial device.
But they do reveal something important:
When red light is being used for skin appearance and collagen-related goals, think in terms of consistency over weeks—not instant gratification.
Kylie’s instinct that skin changes may require months rather than days was much closer to the way these studies are designed.
Red Light vs. Near-Infrared Light: Are They the Same?
No.
They are related, but not identical.
A 2024 dermatology review defines photobiomodulation as using wavelengths in the red-light range of approximately 620–700nm and the near-infrared range of approximately 700–1440nm.
660nm is visible red light.
Near-infrared wavelengths are invisible to the human eye and are often chosen when researchers want light to reach deeper tissues.
That is why a device’s actual wavelength matters far more than whether the product happens to produce a pleasant-looking red glow.
A device labeled simply “red light therapy” tells you surprisingly little.
Ask:
What wavelength?
Then:
What output?
Then:
What treatment time?
Those are much smarter questions.
How Do You Know Whether a Red Light Therapy Device Is Legitimate?
Kylie described clients who had faithfully used inexpensive devices and concluded that red light therapy did nothing for them.
Then she looked at the devices and thought:
What exactly is this thing?
That is a legitimate consumer problem.
When evaluating a red-light device, look for actual specifications rather than marketing adjectives.
| What to Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Wavelength in nanometers | “Red” alone does not identify the wavelength |
| Irradiance/output | Helps determine how much light reaches the treatment area |
| Treatment duration | Dose depends partly on exposure time |
| Distance from skin | Light intensity changes with distance |
| LED vs. laser specification | These are different light-delivery technologies |
| Treatment protocol | More is not automatically better |
| Eye-safety instructions | Light-based devices require responsible use |
| Manufacturer information | You should know who built and supports the product |
| Regulatory wording | “Registered,” “cleared,” and “approved” do not mean the same thing |
| Actual research wavelength | Compare what the studies used with what your device emits |
There is another scientific wrinkle here.
Photobiomodulation appears to have a biphasic dose response—meaning too little light may not produce the intended response, but more is not automatically better either. Higher doses can produce different or even inhibitory effects.
So this is one wellness trend where:
“If a little is good, a ton must be better”
is not a particularly scientific strategy.
FDA Registered vs. FDA Cleared: What Does It Actually Mean?
This is another internet-health rabbit hole worth clearing up.
You may see red-light products marketed using phrases such as:
FDA registered
FDA listed
FDA cleared
FDA approved
Those phrases are not interchangeable.
The FDA states very clearly that simply registering a facility or listing a device does not mean the FDA has approved, cleared or authorized that product.
Some light-based wrinkle-reduction devices are regulated as Class II medical devices and go through the FDA’s 510(k) pathway. FDA’s current product classification for over-the-counter light-based wrinkle reduction specifically lists these devices as Class II.
There are, for example, FDA-cleared wrinkle devices using 660nm red light along with infrared wavelengths.
At the same time, FDA guidance recognizes that some low-risk light-emitting products marketed only for general wellness purposes may fall outside the same photobiomodulation medical-device pathway.
So whenever you see an FDA claim, ask:
What exactly is being claimed?
Then verify it.
Why the Solex Illuminator’s 660nm Wavelength Caught Our Attention
This brings us back to the device Jake was holding during the episode.
The Solex Illuminator uses 660nm red light according to Solex Global’s current product information.
That immediately caught our attention because 660nm is not an arbitrary wavelength pulled from a marketing department.
It is a wavelength that appears repeatedly in published photobiomodulation research.
The collagen/MMP-1 study Jake and Kylie were indirectly searching for?
660nm.
The randomized periocular-wrinkle study using 10 sessions over four weeks?
660nm.
The randomized facial-rejuvenation study examining two versus three applications per week?
660 ± 10nm.
The 12-week controlled wrinkle study?
660nm.
That does not mean every study of 660nm light proves every claim about every 660nm product.
It does mean the Illuminator operates in a wavelength with a legitimate photobiomodulation research history.
And that is a much more meaningful reason to become interested in a device than:
“It looked cool on TikTok.”
Explore the Solex Illuminator
Our AO Scan Global product-link master lists the current Illuminator – Black replicated purchase page as:
https://shop.solexnation.com/energy1/product/519
For step-by-step use information, see our How to Use the Solex Illuminator resource, including current application guidance and device specifications.
What About the Solex 660 Band?
The Illuminator is not the only Solex product using 660nm light.
The Solex 660 Band combines three 660nm and three 605nm red-light elements in a wearable format designed for use around the wrist.
That makes it another natural part of the broader Solex red-light ecosystem.
But again, format matters.
A handheld device, wearable band, full-body panel and facial mask are not interchangeable merely because they all use some form of red light.
The wavelength, dose, target area and intended application all matter.
Where Does AO Scan Fit Into This Conversation?
This episode is fundamentally about something bigger than red light.
It is about how we make wellness decisions when we are surrounded by information.
That is exactly where AO Scan becomes interesting to many of us.
AO Scan is an educational frequency wellness technology developed within the Solex Global ecosystem.
It is not a photobiomodulation device, and it does not measure collagen, MMP-1 or whether a red-light treatment is medically effective.
Instead, AO Scan provides another educational layer for people who want to explore patterns and ask better questions about their wellness.
Depending on the module being used, AO Scan users may explore areas such as:
- Inner Voice
- Vitals
- Comprehensive
- Body Systems
- energetic patterns
- emotional themes
- lifestyle observations
- personalized frequencies and optimizations
The most useful mindset is not:
“My AO Scan told me I need red light.”
It is:
“I am gathering more information about myself, observing patterns, experimenting responsibly and paying attention to what changes over time.”
That is also why AO Scan fits so naturally into the biohacking world.
The goal is not to collect the greatest number of gadgets.
The goal is to become better at deciding which information deserves your attention.
[INTERNAL LINK: What You Need to Know About Biohacking in 2026–2027]
[INTERNAL LINK: AO Scan FAQ / How AO Scan Technology Works]
So Which Viral Health Trends Are Actually Worth Trying?
This may be the real question behind the entire Solex Podcast episode.
Every week, another wellness trend explodes online.
Red light.
Cold plunges.
Peptides.
Grounding.
Continuous glucose monitors.
Mouth tape.
NAD+.
Sauna.
Collagen.
Wearables.
Frequency technology.
Supplements.
The answer should not automatically be:
YES.
It also should not automatically be:
THAT’S CRAZY.
Instead, use a better filter.
The Solex Health-Trend Rabbit Hole Test
Before adding the latest viral wellness trend to your life, ask seven questions:
1. Is There Actual Research?
Not:
“A person with 3 million followers said it worked.”
Actual published research.
What population was studied?
What outcome?
What dose?
What duration?
Was there a control group?
2. Is the Product I’m Buying Similar to What Was Studied?
This is critical.
If a study used 660nm photobiomodulation at a particular output and dose, that does not automatically validate every red device sold online.
3. Is the Claim Bigger Than the Evidence?
“May improve the appearance of wrinkles” is very different from:
“Reverses aging.”
Language matters.
4. Is There a Plausible Biological Mechanism?
Mechanism does not prove effectiveness.
But understanding the proposed mechanism helps separate sophisticated research questions from pure marketing language.
5. What Is a Realistic Time Frame?
Many wellness interventions require consistency.
If research looks at four, eight or 12 weeks, judging the intervention after two sessions may not tell you much.
6. What Are the Risks or Reasons It Might Not Be Appropriate?
Even wellness technologies deserve thoughtful use.
With light-based devices, that includes eye safety, photosensitivity, medication considerations and following the specific device instructions. FDA notes that light-based procedures can cause eye injury and that some people may need additional caution around photobiomodulation.
7. Can I Measure Anything Meaningful?
Take a photo.
Track your sleep.
Track pain or recovery.
Track skin measurements.
Keep a journal.
Use your AO Scan educational wellness information as another pattern-awareness tool when appropriate.
Then reassess.
Because experimenting without tracking is mostly guessing.
And around here, we prefer:
Stop Guessing. Start Scanning.
What Jake and Kylie Got Right About the Health Trend Rabbit Hole
One of my favorite parts about the Solex Podcast is that Jake and Kylie do not pretend to know everything.
They ask questions.
They Google things.
They challenge what they just heard.
Kylie can bring her background as a master esthetician to the discussion and still say:
“I was taught that red light supported collagen—but I never stopped to ask why.”
That is curiosity.
And curiosity is exactly what good wellness education should create.
The internet rewards certainty.
Science usually rewards better questions.
Sometimes those questions lead us to an enzyme we had never heard of.
Sometimes they lead us to MMP-1.
Sometimes they lead us into mitochondria.
Sometimes they lead us into a 660nm rabbit hole.
And sometimes we discover that something viral actually has decades of research hiding underneath the trend.
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Light Therapy
Does red light therapy really work?
Research supports specific applications of red and near-infrared photobiomodulation, including some dermatologic uses. Results depend on wavelength, dose, treatment schedule, device specifications and the outcome being studied. It is more accurate to evaluate a specific red-light protocol than to say every form of red light “works.”
Is 660nm good for red light therapy?
660nm is one of the better-studied visible red-light wavelengths in photobiomodulation research. Clinical and laboratory studies have examined 660nm light for skin rejuvenation, wrinkles, collagen metabolism and related cellular effects.
Does red light therapy increase collagen?
Some studies suggest that particular red-light protocols can influence collagen-related processes. A 660nm study reported increased type-I procollagen in reconstructed human skin and decreased MMP-1, an enzyme involved in collagen degradation.
What is MMP-1?
MMP-1 stands for matrix metalloproteinase-1. It is an enzyme involved in extracellular-matrix remodeling and collagen breakdown. Aging and photoaging are associated with changes in collagen synthesis and matrix metalloproteinase activity.
Does red light therapy increase ATP?
Photobiomodulation research describes effects involving mitochondrial signaling and modulation of ATP production. Cytochrome c oxidase is one proposed photoreceptor involved in this process, although scientists continue to investigate the precise mechanisms.
Is red light the same as near-infrared?
No. Visible red light is generally around 620–700nm, while near-infrared begins above the visible red spectrum. Both are used in photobiomodulation research, but their tissue interactions and penetration characteristics differ.
How long does red light therapy take to show skin results?
There is no universal timeline. Published skin studies have used protocols ranging from multiple treatments over four weeks to daily use over 12 weeks. Device parameters and individual responses vary.
Are cheap red light therapy devices the same as expensive ones?
Not necessarily—and price alone does not determine quality either. Compare wavelength, irradiance, dose, treatment protocol, safety information and manufacturer specifications rather than simply judging the appearance of the light.
Is FDA registered the same as FDA cleared?
No. FDA explicitly states that establishment registration or device listing does not mean a product is approved, cleared or authorized.
Does topical collagen rebuild collagen in the skin?
Intact native collagen has difficulty penetrating the skin because of its large molecular size. Topical collagen products may support surface hydration, while smaller hydrolyzed peptides have different penetration properties.
Do collagen supplements work for skin?
The evidence is mixed. Several meta-analyses report improvements in hydration and elasticity, while a 2025 analysis found those benefits disappeared in higher-quality and non-pharmaceutical-funded studies. More high-quality independent research is needed.
What wavelength does the Solex Illuminator use?
The current Solex Illuminator is listed by Solex Global as a 660nm red-light device.
Where can I buy the Solex Illuminator?
Buy the Illuminator HERE!
Ready to Explore the 660nm Rabbit Hole for Yourself?
That is what I love about this episode.
It starts with social media.
Then a master esthetician asks:
Why?
And suddenly we are talking about collagen synthesis, MMP-1, mitochondria, ATP, photobiomodulation and the difference between a legitimate wavelength and a glorified Christmas bulb.
That is a rabbit hole worth taking.
If you want to explore the Solex Illuminator, you can find the current Illuminator – Black through my replicated Solex shop HERE!
Already have an Illuminator?
Use our complete Solex Illuminator User Guide for practical instructions and current device information.
And if this conversation has you curious about the broader Solex wellness ecosystem—including AO Scan frequency technology, the Solex 660 Band, AO Infinity Mat PEMF technology and other emerging wellness tools—keep exploring with us.
That is exactly what Jake and Kylie do every Monday on the Solex Podcast.
They go down the health and wellness rabbit hole.
We research what they find.
And you get to decide which rabbit holes are worth following.
Be Well & Do Good Things
Paige Maurer Wheeler
AO Scan Global
Independent Quantum Living Advocate
About the Author
Paige Maurer Wheeler is an AO Scan Global Team Leader, Expert Trainer and Independent Quantum Living Advocate who has worked with AO Scan technology for more than a decade. Through AO Scan Global, Paige educates individuals, families, wellness professionals, biohackers and practitioners around the world about AO Scan frequency technology, Solex Global wellness products and practical ways to become more engaged in their personal wellness journey.
Her work centers around education, implementation, training and asking better questions about the rapidly evolving world of frequency wellness and health technology.
Stop Guessing. Start Scanning.
Educational Disclaimer
This article is provided for educational and informational purposes. Discussion of photobiomodulation, red light, collagen, supplements, AO Scan and Solex wellness products is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease or replace individualized medical care. Research findings described here relate to the specific wavelengths, devices, populations, doses and protocols studied and should not be assumed to apply identically to every commercial product. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any light-based device and seek appropriate professional guidance when individual health circumstances warrant it.