Waarom roodlichttherapie niet alleen in de winter, maar het hele jaar door essentieel is

Why red light therapy is essential not just in winter, but all year round

Red light therapy has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially during the winter months when people see less daylight. However, red light therapy is not just a “winter aid.” It is a powerful, scientifically proven tool that offers numerous benefits for the body and mind all year round . In this article, you will discover why red light therapy is just as important in the spring, summer, and fall as it is in the dark days of winter.

1. Support of circadian rhythm and melatonin production

One of the most powerful benefits of red light therapy is regulating your body clock , or circadian rhythm . In our modern world, we are constantly exposed to artificial blue light from screens and lights, which disrupts the natural production of melatonin, the sleep hormone.

In addition, during spring and summer the sun shines much longer. As a result, it only gets dark late in the evening, which signals your body that it is not yet time to sleep. This makes it more difficult to fall asleep on time, especially if you have to get up early for work, children or sports.

Red light can be a huge support in this. By exposing yourself to red light therapy about 90 minutes before going to bed , you give your body a natural signal to produce melatonin and slowly enter rest mode. This helps you to get tired in time and sleep more deeply, even on long summer days.

Research shows that exposure to red light about 90 minutes before bed can help trigger melatonin production, helping you fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply.
📄 Figueiro et al., 2011 – The impact of red light on melatonin suppression and sleep

🧠 Key benefit : Better sleep also means more recovery, better hormone balance and mental clarity during the day – even in summer!

2. Reduction of allergies and inflammation

Did you know that red light therapy is also effective for seasonal allergies such as hay fever? The red light spectrum has a proven anti-inflammatory effect, and is even mentioned in studies as a way to reduce allergic rhinitis (runny nose, sneezing, stuffy nose).

📄 Neuman et al., 2005 – Treatment of allergic rhinitis with red light phototherapy

Red light also provides relief for skin allergies and eczema by calming the overreaction of the immune system.

3. Sun damage repair and skin protection

Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to:

  • Accelerated skin aging

  • Pigment spots

  • Inflammations

  • Damage to the DNA in skin cells

Fortunately, red light therapy helps repair sun damage . Research has shown that red and near-infrared light stimulates collagen production and strengthens the skin barrier.
📄 Barolet & Boucher, 2010 – Light-emitting diode treatment of photodamaged skin

Bonus : Red light protects skin cells from oxidative stress – one of the biggest causes of skin aging.

4. Beauty Benefits That Last All Year Long

Many people use red light therapy for aesthetic purposes – and rightly so. It is one of the few natural methods that penetrates deep into the skin layers to regenerate cells. And the best part is: you don’t have to take a seasonal break for this.

📄 NASA study by Whelan et al., 2001 – NASA light-emitting diode medical applications

Advantages at a glance:

  • Increased collagen production
  • Reduced fine lines and wrinkles
  • Smoother skin texture and improved complexion
  • Less acne
  • Faster recovery from wounds and scars

5. Energy and mood: a natural boost effect all year round

Red light therapy increases energy production in your mitochondria – the 'power plants' of your cells – and helps create ATP (adenosine triphosphate) .

📄 Hamblin, 2016 – Shining light on the head: Photobiomodulation for brain disorders

This study shows that red light therapy is effective for depressive complaints, fatigue and even brain disorders.

6. Sports, recovery and muscle building – also in summer

Whether you're in the gym in winter or doing boot camp in the park in summer, red light therapy supports muscle recovery all year round.

📄 Leal-Junior et al., 2015 – Photobiomodulation therapy in exercise performance and recovery

This study showed that athletes who used red light therapy recovered faster, had less muscle soreness and performed better.

7. Hormone balance and fertility

For women, red light therapy can help with:

  • PMS complaints
  • Menstrual disorders
  • Fertility problems

📄 Furuhashi et al., 2018 – Infrared therapy and its effects on female reproductive health

This research suggests that near-infrared light stimulates blood flow in the pelvic area, which may benefit ovarian function.

Conclusion: Red light therapy is not a seasonal product, but a lifestyle

The science is clear: red light therapy supports your health, skin, hormones, sleep and energy all year round .
Whether you are looking for:

  1. More energy
  2. Better sleep
  3. Skin improvement
  4. Faster muscle recovery
  5. Support for allergies or hormonal balance...

Red light therapy offers a natural, safe and proven effective solution, every season.

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