Scientific Research on Red Light Nasal Therapy Benefits

The Science & Research Behind Red Light Therapy

So, What Is Red Light Therapy (RLT)?

Red Light Therapy — sometimes called low-level light therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation — sounds complicated, but the idea is surprisingly simple. It uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light (typically between 630 to 850 nanometers) to gently pass through the skin and into your tissues. Once there, the light helps energize your cells and reduce inflammation, speeding up the healing process.

The way it works is a bit like photosynthesis for your body. Your cells absorb the light and get a boost in energy production, which kicks off a cascade of helpful effects: improved blood flow, less inflammation, and faster tissue repair. It’s non-invasive, drug-free, and backed by a growing number of clinical studies.

What the Research Says:

You don’t have to take our word for it — this therapy has been tested, reviewed, and peer-approved. Scientists have explored how red light affects everything from muscle recovery to skin health to (yes) allergy relief and nasal congestion. Here’s where the science really shines:

1. Inflammation & Allergy Support

Allergies and sinus issues start with inflammation — your immune system reacting to something it sees as a threat. Red light therapy steps in by calming that inflammation at the source.

A 2013 clinical trial published in Photochemistry and Photobiology found that people with allergic rhinitis (that annoying combo of sneezing, congestion, and runny nose) experienced significant symptom relief after using low-level red light therapy inside the nose.
➤ Nir et al., 2013, PMID: 23582027
Another study from 2016 in Lasers in Medical Science echoed those findings, reporting that red light therapy helped improve breathing and reduce nasal blockage — and with zero reported side effects.
➤ Lee et al., 2016, PMID: 26649891

2. Relief for Sinus Pressure and Congestion

If you’ve ever had a cold that made your whole face feel swollen, you’re not alone — and you’ll be glad to know red light may help with that, too. Research has shown it can reduce sinus inflammation and help promote drainage by improving circulation and reducing oxidative stress in the nasal tissues.

A small study in Acta Oto-Laryngologica found that red light therapy helped patients with chronic sinusitis feel better, faster. Less pressure, easier breathing, and fewer flare-ups.
➤ Fadel et al., 2005, PMID: 16195183

It’s not a miracle cure — but for many people, it’s a meaningful step toward real, drug-free relief.

3. Colds, Flu & Immune Function

When your immune system ramps up to fight a virus like the flu or a common cold, your nose often takes the hit. Swelling, congestion, pressure — it’s all part of the immune response. The good news? Red light therapy may help ease some of that response and support the healing process.

Studies suggest that red light stimulates immune cells, especially macrophages and lymphocytes, which help your body fight off infection while keeping inflammation in check.

One review article in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery looked at how photobiomodulation could support the upper respiratory system and reduce inflammation without interfering with your body’s ability to heal.
➤ Hamblin, 2012, PMID: 22853728

Why We Chose Red Light Therapy

The truth is, we tried everything. Antihistamines, decongestants, sprays, rinses. Some worked temporarily. Some didn’t work at all. And many just came with side effects we didn’t want to deal with.

Then we came across red light therapy — and the more we looked into it, the more it made sense. The science was there. The personal results were there. And once we experienced how much better it made us feel (especially during allergy season), we knew we had to make this more accessible to others.

That’s how RedBud was born — out of genuine frustration, personal discovery, and a whole lot of research.

What We Stand For

At RedBud, we’re not chasing trends. We’re building tools that actually help people feel better — backed by research, designed with care, and tested by real humans (us included). Every product we offer goes through rigorous development and is chosen based on one simple question:

Would we use this ourselves?

If the answer isn’t a clear yes, it doesn’t make the cut.

Still Curious?

If you want to dive deeper into the science, we’ve collected some of the most useful clinical studies in one place. You’re welcome to read them, share them, or bring them to your doctor for more context. You can find them [here].

Or, just shoot us a message. We're happy to answer your questions, point you toward more research, or help you figure out if red light therapy is a good fit for your needs.

Key Studies & References:

Nir, R. R., et al. (2013). Low-level intranasal phototherapy for allergic rhinitis. Photochem Photobiol, 89(6), 1255–1261. PMID: 23582027
Lee, J. H., et al. (2016). Clinical efficacy of low-level light therapy for allergic rhinitis. Lasers Med Sci, 31(3), 585–593. PMID: 26649891
Fadel, R., et al. (2005). Phototherapy in chronic rhinosinusitis. Acta Otolaryngol, 125(10), 1096–1100. PMID: 16195183
Hamblin, M. R. (2012). Anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. Photomed Laser Surg, 30(5), 295–309. PMID: 22853728