The Science of Light
Photobiomodulation has been studied for decades. Here is the published research, the institutions writing about it, and the measured output of every device we make.
Different wavelengths reach different depths.
Blue works at the surface. Red and near-infrared travel further. The research is organised around these bands, and so are our devices.
Wavelengths used across the Spacetouch range, plotted on the visible and near-infrared spectrum.
What researchers and institutions have published.
Each link opens the original source in a new window. We have quoted them as they wrote it.
A 21-member panel on clinical photobiomodulation
Built through systematic review and two Delphi rounds until unanimous agreement. States that PBM is a safe treatment modality for adult patients and red light PBM does not induce DNA damage.
Photobiomodulation in dermatology
Defines the field as light in the red (620–700 nm) and near-infrared (700–1440 nm) spectrum, and describes it as non-invasive with a favourable safety profile.
Read the reviewHow light is absorbed by cells
Photons are absorbed by mitochondrial chromophores, increasing electron transport, ATP production and nitric oxide release. The mechanism paper the field is built on.
Read the paperA consumer guide to LED light therapy
Plain-language explanation of the modality and who should avoid it. Notes that while LED light therapy seems to be safe in the short term, there's less information about its long-term safety.
Five health benefits of red light therapy
States that photobiomodulation seems to have significant health benefits with few adverse effects
, while noting researchers are still determining optimal duration and frequency.
From growing plants in orbit to medical research
Red and blue LEDs developed to grow plants in space were later studied for wound healing by university researchers, funded through NASA's small-business research programme.
Read the articleThe field's only formal dosimetry guideline
The Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer issued evidence-graded recommendations for photobiomodulation with specified dosimetry — for oral mucositis in cancer care.
Read the guidelineWhy more is not better
The response is biphasic. Too little light does nothing; too much does less. Reviews place the useful range at roughly 5–50 mW/cm² and 1–20 J/cm² — which is why we publish both figures for every device.
Read the review
Watts describe electricity. Milliwatts per square centimetre describe light.
Most devices publish wattage, because it is the larger number. It tells you what the device draws from the wall, not what arrives at your skin. A device can consume a great deal of power and deliver very little light.
Irradiance is the figure the research is written in — and it is meaningless without a stated measurement distance. Ours carry one.
Measured output, published in full.
Every figure below was measured by the manufacturer at a stated distance. Compare them against the papers above yourself.
Irradiance in mW/cm². Panels measured at 10 cm; handheld heads measured at the treatment window.
Three of our devices are FDA-cleared.
Spacetouch Vega, Jupiter and Neptune are cleared under K210545 for the treatment of facial wrinkles in adults using red and infrared light, and mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne in adults using blue light.
Clearance is specific. It covers those devices, those wavelengths and those indications — and nothing beyond them.
About the sources on this page. The organisations and researchers cited here write about photobiomodulation as a field. None has tested, reviewed or endorsed a Spacetouch product, and nothing here is a claim about our devices. Links go to the original publications so you can read them in full.
Spacetouch devices are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, except as cleared under K210545 for Vega, Jupiter and Neptune. If you take photosensitising medication or are being treated for a skin condition, speak to your doctor before using light therapy.
