Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a noninvasive therapeutic modality that utilizes light within specific wavelengths to stimulate beneficial biological processes in living tissues.1
This article explores the benefits and penetration depths of three distinct wavelengths: 660 nanometers (nm), 850 nm and 1,050 nm. These wavelengths have unique properties and applications in diverse fields.
Understanding the Optical Window
More than half the wavelengths that come from the sun — 53% — are red, near-, mid- and far-infrared. Each of these wavelengths has important health benefits. Solar rays can be divided into three categories:
- Ultraviolet (UVA, UVB and UVC), which account for 7% of the solar spectrum
- Visible light (violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange, red), ranging from 400 to 700 nm, which account for 39% of the spectrum
- Invisible infrared (near-, mid- and far-infrared) light, ranging from 700 to 10,000 nm, which account for 54% of the spectrum
• There’s a term in biophysics called the optical window — This ranges from approximately 600 nm to 1,100 nm; 600 nm is red-orange. Around 700 nm you get into near-infrared, which becomes invisible and tops out roughly at 1,500 nm.
• The ideal optical window is about halfway through the near-infrared range, between 600 to 900 nm — Within this optical window, the wavelengths are long enough to penetrate into the body and reach deep into the tissues, but they’re not readily absorbed by hemoglobin, melanin and water.
• Below 600 nm, the rays don’t penetrate very deep — What does get into the body gets absorbed by hemoglobin and melanin. The optical window sweet spot is around 800 to 810 nm, which is classic near-infrared. However, research suggests there are benefits at other wavelengths as well.
What Are the Benefits of the 660 nm Wavelength?
Red light at 660 nm exhibits a penetration depth ranging from 1 millimeter (mm) to 10 mm, effectively reaching the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis layers of the skin, as well as some underlying tissues.2 This wavelength is readily absorbed by skin tissue, making it particularly beneficial for skin health and collagen production.3
• The depth of penetration of 660 nm light is influenced by several factors — These include irradiance (power density), tissue thickness, gender, and bone and muscle composition.4 While light penetration was unaffected by skin tone, it increased with irradiance and relative bone/muscle composition, and decreased with greater tissue thickness and in males. Tissue penetration depths were greater for females than for males.5
• The 660 nm wavelength offers a range of benefits, particularly for skin health and wound healing — Its ability to stimulate collagen production makes it a valuable tool for skin rejuvenation and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.6 Additionally, its anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties contribute to faster tissue repair and recovery from injuries.7
Further, 660 nm light reduces neuropathic pain8 and increases energy levels by promoting the release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) from cells’ mitochondria.9 Combining 660 nm with 830 nm near-infrared (NIR) light could have additional benefits, delaying muscle fatigue and enhancing skeletal muscle performance.10 This suggests there are synergistic effects when using multiple wavelengths. Additional benefits of 660 nm light include:
• Increases cellular energy (ATP), which kickstarts cells to regenerate faster11
• Improves bone healing by increasing ATP production and accelerating callus formation in the bone fracture healing process12
• Accelerates wound healing by increasing the formation of new blood vessels and enhancing collagen deposition13
• Stimulates fibroblast differentiation, which is important for wound healing14
• Promotes proliferation in human adipose-derived stem cells, which is considered beneficial in regenerative medicine15
What Are the Benefits of the 850 nm Wavelength?
Near-infrared light (NIR) at 850 nm penetrates deeper into tissues than 660 nm light, reaching up to 50 mm in depth, although with reduced intensity at such depths.16 This allows it to reach muscles, joints and even bones.17 Further, 850 nm light stimulates mitochondrial activity and enhances cellular energy production, promoting tissue repair and regeneration.18
• It has also been shown to enhance M1-related cytokine release — This increases fibroblast proliferation,19 while reducing pain levels in individuals with chronic back pain.20 Research suggests photobiomodulation at 850 nm plays an anti-inflammatory role by decreasing TNF-α levels,21 improves skin complexion and builds collagen to diminish wrinkles.22
• The 850 nm wavelength offers a broader range of benefits compared to 660 nm — Its benefits extend beyond skin health to include muscle recovery, pain management and hormonal and metabolic effects. Its deeper penetration allows it to address issues related to muscles, joints and deeper tissues, making it suitable for athletes and individuals with chronic pain conditions.
• It also can be used to treat hyperpigmentation — 850 nm light significantly reduces melanin production and tyrosinase expression, suggesting applications in treating hyperpigmentation and melanin-overproducing skin conditions.23
It’s important to note that while 850 nm light has shown many therapeutic benefits, some studies suggest that 808 nm NIR light is more effective for specific applications, such as promoting wound healing and reducing inflammation.24 Further research is needed to fully compare the efficacy of these two wavelengths.
What Are the Benefits of the 1,050 nm Wavelength?
Near-infrared light at 1,050 nm penetrates even deeper than 850 nm light, reaching deep into tissues and influencing brain structures.25 This wavelength is thought to influence cellular processes, including the activation of cytochrome c oxidase, a key enzyme in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, also known as the electron transport chain.26
• The 1,050 nm wavelength offers unique benefits — These benefits are related to its deep penetration capabilities, particularly in the context of brain health and ophthalmic applications. Its ability to support cognitive function makes it a promising area of research for conditions like dementia.27 Additionally, its use in ophthalmic imaging suggests potential for improved diagnostics and treatment of eye conditions.28
• The reflection and absorption spectra of 1,050 nm light play a role in its penetration depth and thermal impact on tissues29 — Studies have shown a reflection peak around 1,050 nm to 1,120 nm, indicating that a significant portion of light at this wavelength is reflected. This, combined with its lower absorption, contributes to its deeper penetration and reduced thermal impact on the skin.
• Hormesis is relevant to 1,050 nm light therapy — This is a concept where maximal responses are observed at intermediate doses.30 This suggests that optimal therapeutic effects are likely achieved with moderate doses of 1,050 nm light.
Meanwhile, 1,050 nm light supports stroke recovery and the cardiovascular system of the brain,31 while promoting overall detoxification by supporting the lymphatic system’s flushing of toxins out of the body.32
Diverse Applications of 660 nm, 850 nm and 1,050 nm Light
The 660 nm, 850 nm and 1,050 nm wavelengths of light in photobiomodulation each exhibit unique properties and applications in various fields.
• 660 nm appears most effective for skin health and wound healing — This is due to its ability to stimulate collagen production and promote cell regeneration. This has implications for dermatology, cosmetic surgery and wound care.
• 850 nm offers a broader range of benefits due to its deeper penetration into tissues — These include muscle recovery, pain management and hormonal and metabolic effects. This wavelength holds promise for sports medicine, pain management clinics and rehabilitation settings.
• 1,050 nm shows promise in brain health and ophthalmic applications — It can reach deep into tissues and influence brain structures. This has implications for neurology, ophthalmology and the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
This highlights the versatility of PBM therapy and its ability to address a wide range of health concerns. By continuing to investigate the therapeutic ability of PBM therapy, we can unlock its full range of benefits and improve patient outcomes across various medical specialties.
Dosing Suggestions
Spending time outdoors provides natural near-infrared exposure, but many people don’t get outside on a regular basis. Red and near-infrared therapy has also been shown to improve athletic performance and recovery, and for this effect, a PBM device is far more effective than sunshine, as the wavelengths are more targeted. This is also the case for targeting health conditions like myopathy and neuropathy.
• For general health, you’re looking for the Goldilocks amount of red, near- and infrared light — With too little, you don’t get a biological effect. With too much, you get into an inhibitory zone. So, what’s an ideal dose, in terms of an individual session? Most of the scientific literature uses anywhere from 5 joules to 50 joules. (Joule is a measurement of the energy delivered to the body in watts per second.)
• As a general guidance, get as much full-spectrum sunlight from the outdoors as you can — Afterward, use a dose of 25 joules, and take a day off every now and then. With a large panel, that would equate to 10 minutes on the front and 10 minutes on the back, for a total of 20 minutes.
• There are no hard rules to go by when it comes to selecting a device — In general, red is not going to penetrate as deep, and is typically more for skin disorders. Near-infrared will penetrate deeper, which is ideal for muscle recovery and cognitive enhancement. A mixed device gives you the best of both worlds, but you’ll need to spend about 50% more time using it, compared to a pure near-infrared device.
The effectiveness of PBM varies depending on factors such as wavelength, power density and treatment duration. When considering PBM for various health concerns, consult with a health care provider experienced in this therapy. They will help determine the most appropriate parameters for your specific condition and guide you on how to integrate PBM for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Photobiomodulation
Q: What is photobiomodulation (PBM), and how does it work?
A: Photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level laser therapy, uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light (660 nm, 850 nm, and 1,050 nm) to stimulate biological processes, enhance cellular energy (ATP), and support healing, pain relief and tissue regeneration.
Q: What is the significance of the “optical window” in PBM therapy?
A: The optical window (600 to 1,100 nm) allows light to penetrate tissues effectively without being absorbed by hemoglobin, melanin, or water. This window maximizes therapeutic benefits by targeting deeper tissues for healing and regeneration.
Q: What are the key benefits of the 660 nm wavelength?
A: The 660 nm red light improves skin health, collagen production, wound healing and neuropathic pain relief. It also boosts cellular energy, making it ideal for dermatology, skin rejuvenation and tissue repair.
Q: How does the 850 nm wavelength differ from 660 nm in its effects?
A: The 850 nm near-infrared light penetrates deeper, aiding muscle recovery, joint pain management, reducing inflammation and improving skin complexion. It’s widely used in sports medicine, rehabilitation and chronic pain treatments.
Q: What makes the 1,050 nm wavelength unique in PBM?
A: The 1,050 nm wavelength penetrates the deepest, reaching brain structures to support cognitive function, brain health, stroke recovery and detoxification. It shows promise in neurology, ophthalmology and treating neurodegenerative conditions.
Test Your Knowledge with Today’s Quiz!
Take today’s quiz to see how much you’ve learned from yesterday’s Mercola.com article.
How does fasting affect your beta-cell maturity if you’re a young person?
articles.mercola.com (Article Sourced Website)
#Light #Wavelengths #Benefit #Health