Red light penetrates human tissue superficially, with approxinately 80% of the energy being absorbed in the first 2cm. Red light energy has a significant effect on mitochondrial stimulation, which increases the production of ATP and in turn boosts fibroblast activity. This leads to an increase in cellular turnover, superficial circulation, and an anti-inflammatory emission.

Infrared light energy penetrates tissue at a greater depth than the blue and red light. Approximately 50% penetrates to 8cm and decreases to less than 1% at 20% (NASA Study). IR is known to heat tissue and its effects are well documented for therapeautic pain management. For cosmetic applications, IR stimulates the NaK+ pump which increases cell membrance permeability; facilitating equilibrium of cellular pH, while increasing nutritional absorption and elimination of waste byproducts.

Blue light provides a very superficial penetration even with a high-intensity narrowband lightsource It is primarily absorbed b the epidermis of the skin. Once it is absorbed, blue light targets P. acnes bystimulating porphyrins which then produce intracellular singlet oxygen and thus inducing bacterial death.