The Science of Light as My Most Powerful Biohacking Tool for All
Updated: Mar 5
Dr. Chris Bachtsetzis, a renowned biomedical scientist and Lifestyle Medicine Physician, is internationally recognized for his commitment to preventive care and longevity medicine.
PhotoBioModulation (PBM), also called low-level light therapy (LLLT) or simply Red Light, uses visible red (around 600-700 nm) and near-infrared (NIR, roughly 700-1100 nm) light to stimulate cellular activity without heat or tissue damage. The primary cellular target is cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, which leads to increased ATP production, modulation of reactive oxygen species, and changes in signaling pathways that affect inflammation, repair, and metabolism.
What is the mode of action?
Mitochondrial modulation
PBM increases ATP and modulates redox balance in mitochondria, which may support cellular energy and survival.
Inflammation regulation
Light exposure modulates inflammatory cytokines and may reduce pro-inflammatory markers while increasing anti-inflammatory signaling.
Blood flow and microcirculation
Increased microvascular perfusion with PBM may contribute to tissue repair and reduce edema.
There is plenty of peer-reviewed research across different therapeutic areas to support the benefits of PBM. Here are some examples:
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) show PBM can reduce chronic pain and inflammation in musculoskeletal conditions.
Systematic analyses highlight reductions in inflammatory markers and pain in conditions like osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.
PBM promotes collagen synthesis, improves skin elasticity, and can reduce wrinkles, texture irregularities, and other signs of photo-aging.
Clinical data support its use in acne, melasma, psoriasis, and other inflammatory dermatoses, notably as an adjunct to standard therapy.
PBM enhances wound healing, tissue regeneration, and reduces inflammatory phases during repair processes.
Transcranial PBM shows promising evidence for improved mitochondrial function, blood flow, and neuroinflammation reduction, with early human data indicating cognitive benefits in mild cognitive impairment.
Studies indicate PBM may increase resting energy expenditure and improve metabolic efficiency in people with obesity, but these are preliminary and not yet supported by large longitudinal trials.
Meta-analyses in obesity suggest potential favorable effects on body anthropometrics (e.g., BMI, waist circumference), but these require confirmation with larger, standardized studies.
Key differences between red-light face masks and PhotoBioModulation beds
Whole-body PBM beds provide broader and deeper coverage, potentially reaching systemic tissues, whereas face masks are limited to superficial applications. A red-light face mask is limited in most consumer devices to wavelengths of 630 nm-660 nm, a design focused on superficial dermal targets. As such, they are appropriate only for acne, skin redness, surface inflammation, and collagen stimulation to some extent. This is why we refer to cosmetic red light in this case. The multiwavelength whole-body PBM bed, on the other hand, combines superficial and deep wavelengths. It delivers a higher total photon output due to the large body surface exposure, which impacts systemic cytokine modulation and shows higher cumulative ATP upregulation. This is why a PBM bed is considered a whole-body anti-inflammatory support, fundamentally different from a simple cosmetic red-light.
If you had the choice for the same price and planned treatments, would you opt for a "simple" cosmetic red-light face mask? Or would you enjoy a full-body 30-minute red-light session that not only addresses your cosmetic concerns but also goes deeper into your whole body? The choice is yours.
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Dr. Chris Bachtsetzis, BSc, MD, PhD, PGCert, Lifestyle Medicine & Longevity Physician
Dr. Chris Bachtsetzis is a certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician with a strong international presence. He holds dual qualifications in Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, having also a pre-medical background in Healthcare Business, Economics, and Management, combining clinical expertise with a deep understanding of human biology and healthcare management. Dr. Chris has contributed to numerous research initiatives and clinical programmes aiming at combating chronic disease through sustainable lifestyle changes. He is a sought-after speaker at global conferences and has collaborated with leading institutions in the field of preventive medicine.
References:
González-Muñoz, A., Cuevas-Cervera, M., Pérez-Montilla, J.J., Aguilar-Núñez, D., Hamed-Hamed, D., Aguilar-García, M., Pruimboom, L. & Navarro-Ledesma, S. (2023). Efficacy of photobiomodulation therapy in the treatment of pain and inflammation: a literature review. Healthcare (Basel).
Hernández-Bule, M.L., Naharro-Rodríguez, J., Bacci, S. & Fernández-Guarino, M. (2024). Unlocking the power of light on the skin: a comprehensive review on photobiomodulation. Int. J. Mol. Sci.
Navarro-Ledesma, S. et al. (2024). Outcomes of whole-body photobiomodulation on pain, quality of life, leisure physical activity, and psychological factors in fibromyalgia. Front. Neurosci.
De Nardi, M. et al. (2025). Photobiomodulation acutely augments resting metabolism in women with obesity. Nutrients.
Wevers, A., San Roman-Mata, S., Navarro-Ledesma, S. & Pruimboom, L. (2025). Effects of photobiomodulation on metabolic, inflammatory, and neurological outcomes in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int. J. Mol. Sci.
Photobiomodulation: Cellular, molecular, and clinical aspects (2023). Elsevier.
Hamblin, M.R. (2017) ‘Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation’, AIMS Biophysics, 4(3), pp. 337–361.
Karu, T.I. (2010) ‘Multiple roles of cytochrome c oxidase in mammalian cells under action of red and IR-A radiation’, IUBMB Life, 62(8), pp. 607–610.
Chung, H. et al. (2012) ‘The nuts and bolts of low-level laser (light) therapy’, Annals of Biomedical Engineering, 40(2), pp. 516–533.
World Association for Laser Therapy (WALT) (2010). Recommended treatment doses for low-level laser therapy.
