Ep. 257 Red Light Therapy: What Actually Works (And What’s Just a Red Bulb)

Red light therapy is everywhere right now — from skincare devices to sauna rooms to $20 bulbs online.But not all “red light” is created equal.In this episode of Alpha Health and Wellness Radio, I’m breaking down the real science behind:Red LED lightNear-infrared (NIR) lightIncandescent red heat bulbsBecause they are not the same thing — and they do very different things in the body.If you’ve been wondering whether you need a panel, if a sauna bulb is enough, or which wavelengths actually matter for hormones, skin, recovery, or thyroid health — this episode will clear it up.Red light (630–660 nm)Best for skin, collagen, acne, surface-level healing.Near-infrared (810–880 nm)Penetrates deeper — ideal for joints, muscle recovery, brain health, thyroid, and systemic inflammation.Incandescent red bulbsPrimarily provide heat and circulation benefits — not precise mitochondrial stimulation.If you’re going to invest, combining red + near-infrared wavelengths gives you both surface and deep tissue benefits.Red light devices I likeBoncharge (panel and face mask, red light lamp/bulbs code drhalie) Biolight (code drhalie) Fringe (red/blue mask, wraps code drhalie10)Lumebox mini panelHigher Dose blanket My red light protocol