The Science of Red Light
Red-light therapy has been used in dermatology for years and studied by NASA since the 1990s. White Jade uses the same wavelengths — red at 630nm and near-infrared at 850nm — in a wireless home device.
Why skin loses firmness
From the mid-twenties, the skin produces roughly one percent less collagen each year. Collagen is the protein that keeps skin firm and smooth; as it declines, lines form and tone becomes uneven. Topical products act on the surface. Light acts below it.
How it works
Red and near-infrared light are absorbed by mitochondria in skin cells, raising cellular energy (ATP). This is understood to support the processes behind collagen and elastin production, circulation and repair. The light produces no heat and no UV.
Two wavelengths
- 630nm (red): acts near the surface. Studied to support tone and the appearance of fine lines.
- 850nm (near-infrared): penetrates deeper. Studied to support firmness and repair.
What it supports
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Uneven tone and the appearance of dark spots
- Redness
- Firmness and elasticity
- Texture
Timeline
- Weeks 1–2: skin appears calmer and more hydrated.
- Weeks 3–4: tone appears more even.
- Week 8+: the appearance of fine lines is reduced; skin feels firmer.
Results depend on consistent use: ten minutes, three to five times a week.
Further reading
Red-light therapy (photobiomodulation) is an active area of research. For independent, non-commercial overviews:
- Harvard Health — Red light therapy for skin care
- Cleveland Clinic — Red Light Therapy: Benefits, Side Effects & Uses
An honest note: home LED devices are lower-powered than the machines used in clinics, and researchers agree the evidence is still developing. We describe what red light is studied to support — not guaranteed outcomes.
Questions
Is it safe? Red light is non-thermal and contains no UV. Avoid if pregnant, photosensitive, or taking photosensitising medication.
How often? Ten minutes, three to five times a week.
Who is it for? All skin tones and types.
White Jade devices are cosmetic tools intended to support the look and feel of healthy skin. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Results vary.