The Science of Light
Your cells run on light.
Red and near-infrared light aren't cosmetic trends — they're a measurable input your mitochondria convert into energy. Here's the biology behind every MaxAura device, and what the research actually shows.
How It Works
From photon to cellular energy
Photobiomodulation (PBM) is the scientific name for what red light therapy does. The mechanism is well characterised: specific wavelengths are absorbed by an enzyme in your mitochondria, and the downstream effect is more usable energy per cell.
Light is absorbed
Red (660nm) and near-infrared (850–940nm) photons pass into tissue and are absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase — a key enzyme in the mitochondrial electron transport chain.
Nitric oxide releases
The light displaces nitric oxide bound to the enzyme, freeing it to accept oxygen. Electron transport speeds up and the cell's energy machinery runs more efficiently.
ATP increases
The result is more adenosine triphosphate (ATP) — the fuel cells use to repair, regenerate and signal. Redox signalling also activates genes involved in healing and inflammation control.
The Wavelengths
Not all light is equal
Only a specific band — roughly 630–900nm, the "optical window" — penetrates tissue without being absorbed by water or blood. MaxAura devices use the three most-studied wavelengths in this window, each reaching a different depth.
Visible Red · Surface
Absorbed in the upper skin layers (0.5–2mm). Drives collagen and elastin production, supports skin tone and calms redness. The primary wavelength for skin and follicle-surface effects.
Near-Infrared · Deep
Invisible to the eye, reaches 5–10mm into muscle, joints and the scalp vasculature. Supports circulation, recovery and deeper tissue repair.
Extended NIR · Deepest
The deepest-reaching wavelength, used in the AuraCap Pro. Extends microcirculation support to the layers where hair follicles are nourished.
What The Light Does
Five evidence-backed effects
Each MaxAura device targets a specific application of the same underlying biology. Here's what the peer-reviewed research shows — and which device is built for it.
In a randomised controlled trial of 136 volunteers, red and near-infrared light produced significant increases in intradermal collagen density and measurable improvements in skin roughness versus untreated controls. A separate RCT documented a ~30% reduction in periocular wrinkle volume.
Wunsch & Matuschka, Photomed Laser Surg 2014 · Periocular wrinkle RCT, 2023
Explore the AuraLight →Because collagen and elastin decline is driven partly by falling cellular energy, boosting mitochondrial ATP is a direct lever on visible aging. Controlled studies using red-plus-NIR light over 12–15 weeks reported reduced fine lines, improved firmness and smoother texture — without heat, needles or downtime.
Controlled LED-RL/NIR trials, intradermal collagen density endpoints
Explore the AuraPanel →PBM acts on the same target implicated in cellular aging: mitochondrial function. A 2023 National Institute on Aging workshop reviewed mechanisms by which light stimulates cytochrome c oxidase, modulates redox signalling and supports mitochondrial efficiency — the cellular foundation of healthy tissue over time. This is an emerging field; think of it as supporting the machinery, not a cure.
NIA PBM workshop, 2023 · GeroScience review, 2025
Full-body coverage: AuraPanel →Low-level light therapy for pattern hair loss is among the best-evidenced applications. A meta-analysis of 11 double-blind RCTs found a significant increase in hair density versus sham devices. A 48-week prospective trial reported hair density rising from ~99 to ~124 hairs/cm² and ~15% greater shaft thickness.
Meta-analysis, 11 RCTs (SMD 1.32) · 48-week prospective trial, 2026
AuraCap → AuraCap Pro → AuraScalp 3-in-1 →A meta-analysis of 22 controlled studies found PBM significantly reduced post-exercise muscle soreness and fatigue markers. In one trial, athletes reported ~47% less soreness at 48 hours versus placebo; trained cyclists given 850nm NIR improved time-to-exhaustion by ~12%.
PBM recovery meta-analysis (22 studies) · Journal of Athletic Training · Lasers Med Sci 2015
Recovery coverage: AuraPanel →An Honest Word
Consistency over hype
Light therapy is a supportive tool, not a miracle. The strongest results in the research come from consistent use over weeks — not a single session. Effect sizes vary between individuals, and the evidence is stronger for some applications (skin, hair) than others (longevity, still emerging).
MaxAura devices are wellness products. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or take photosensitising medication, speak with your doctor first.
Ready to put the science to work?
See exactly how to use each device — session length, frequency and the first-4-week ramp-up — in our protocol guide.
View the Protocol Shop devices