Red and near-infrared light therapy are fantastic for wound healing. This was one of the original findings of the NASA research that really put red light therapy on the map. In fact, red and near-infrared light therapy has been found to help close wounds—even those resistant to healing—20% faster and with less scarring. Red and near-infrared light therapy has also proven to reduce the appearance of facial scars.
It also increases circulation and the formation of new capillaries. Increased circulation and the formation of new capillaries means the wounded area receives more of the oxygen and nutrients it needs to initiate and maintain the marvellous healing process. Red/infrared light accomplishes this in several ways:
- cleaning up dead and damaged skin cells (phagocytosis)
- increasing ATP in skin cells, giving cells more energy to heal themselves
- increasing the production of fibroblasts
- increasing blood flow, supplying the wound more oxygen and nutrients needed for repair
- stimulating the production of collagen and the health of the extracellular matrix
- stimulating lymph activity
- stimulating the formation of new connective tissue and blood capillaries on the surface of the wound.
