Why wavelengths are crucial

Light is not only a source of brightness, but also a form of energy that can deeply influence biological processes. Light is frequency – and different frequencies have different colors and wavelengths. These wavelengths are measured in nanometers (nm) .

When we talk about the topic: "Which wavelength should I choose for my red light therapy?" , there are some important basics to understand:

• Light has different colors and groups: UV, visible light (violet to red), and infrared.

• Only the range between 600–900 nm , known as the “therapeutic window” , is suitable for red light therapy.

• In this area, light has a particularly strong effect on the enzyme cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) in the mitochondria, which is responsible for the production of ATP (cellular energy) .

Three main factors for selecting the ideal wavelengths:

1. CCO efficacy – How well the wavelength activates the enzyme cytochrome c oxidase.

ATP is the energy molecule of every cell. The mitochondria are the "powerhouses" of the cells. Certain wavelengths of light stimulate the enzyme cytochrome c oxidase , which leads to:

• Increased ATP production

• Improved cellular respiration

• Reduction of oxidative stress

• Increased regeneration leads to

Effectiveness curve of CCO activation by light

Research shows that light in the 630–670 nm and 810–850 nm range significantly increases CCO activity. The 830 nm wavelength stands out as a particularly high value.

2. Penetration depth – How deep the light can penetrate into skin, muscles and tissue.

Light is an electromagnetic wave – depending on its wavelength (measured in nanometers, nm), it is absorbed or scattered to varying degrees before reaching deeper tissue layers. Therefore, the crucial question for light therapy is how deeply a particular type of light penetrates the tissue – and what happens there.

Short-wavelength light (380–550 nm: blue, green)

• It is widely scattered and absorbed by melanin and hemoglobin , therefore it barely penetrates deeper than 0.5 mm into the skin.

• These wavelengths are well suited for acute surface treatments , such as for acne or antibacterial effects , but not for deeper therapeutic targets.

Red light (600–700 nm: Visible red)

• It is moderately absorbed and penetrates approximately 1–3 mm deep into the tissue.

• It specifically activates cells in the epidermis and dermis , especially fibroblasts (collagen production), keratinocytes (wound healing), and skin stem cells .

• Highly effective for skin rejuvenation , inflammation reduction , wound healing , and pain therapy in the area of ​​skin and superficial connective tissue.

Near-infrared light (700–900 nm: NIR-I)

• Low absorption , little scattering – resulting in high tissue penetration up to 6–7 mm .

• These wavelengths reach deeper structures such as:

  • muscle fibers

  • tendons

  • joints

  • Peripheral nerves

• In the mitochondria, NIR light activates cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) , which increases ATP production , accelerates cell metabolism and supports regeneration.

Long-wave infrared (>1000 nm)

• It is increasingly absorbed by water molecules in the tissue .

• Although theoretically deeply penetrating, this leads to increased heat generation and can damage tissue.

• For this reason, light therapy usually uses the safe and effective window of 600–900 nm – the so-called “therapeutic window” .

✅ Summary: Which wavelength for which goal?

3. Scientific evidence – The number of high-quality studies on the respective wavelength.

The diagram above shows the number of scientific studies on different wavelengths in light therapy. The diagram clearly highlights which wavelengths have been most frequently used and documented in research – e.g., 660 nm, 810 nm, and 630 nm . This data supports the selection at Heilys Panels.

Wavelength overview of heilys gene panels

Most commercial panels use 660 + 850 nm wavelengths because these are cheap and readily available (originally developed for plant lighting). heililys, however, takes a different approach:

With limited power per panel, it is crucial to combine effective and scientifically proven wavelengths in a targeted manner:

• 630 nm – Stimulates skin cells, promotes collagen production

• 660 nm – a classic for wound healing and pain relief

• 670 nm – Particularly effective for mitochondrial ATP production

• 810 nm – Very deep tissue, muscle regeneration, brain

• 830 nm – Highest CCO activation (according to studies)

• 850 nm – In addition to its deep-penetrating effect, often found in muscles and joints

Application overview of wavelengths

🔬 Study support: How can the efficiency of CCO activation be increased by combining individually controllable wavelengths?

• 81.7% matching to the oxidized CCO absorption curve (Tran et al., 2024)

• Combinations such as 630/660/830 show significant increases in cell activity and wound healing in studies (Leal-Junior & Tomazoni, 2019)

heilys offers more than standard

Thanks to evidence-based selection, heilys panels cover both surface and deep application areas . The combination of several scientifically validated wavelengths and their targeted use clearly distinguishes heilys from conventional products – for maximum effect with limited light output.