Last updated on August 10, 2026

Light affects your body every day. It controls your sleep-wake rhythm, influences your mood, and plays a role in hormone balance. This is exactly where light therapy comes in: it specifically uses certain types of light to support natural processes in the body. Especially in winter, when daylight is scarce, many people more frequently report sleep problems, lack of drive, or depressed mood.

What is Light Therapy?

Light therapy refers to the targeted application of light with defined properties: wavelength, intensity, and duration. Unlike normal ambient light, light is intentionally used here to address biological processes.

Depending on the type of light, light therapy develops different effects. Some applications are based on natural daylight, others work with UV light, red light, or infrared. Important to remember: Light therapy does not replace medical treatment. It is understood as a supportive approach that can accompany the body.

How does Light Therapy work in the body?

Light is absorbed through the eyes, but also through the skin. These stimuli are processed further and can influence various processes, including hormone balance, the sleep-wake rhythm, and cell regulation processes. In research, light therapy is associated with these effects, among others:

• Support of the natural day-night rhythm
• Accompanying regeneration processes
• Influence on mood and energy level
• Support of skin functions

Which effect is noticeable in individual cases strongly depends on the type of light, application, and individual starting situation.

The four forms of light therapy

Light therapy is not a uniform concept. Depending on the goal, different light spectra are used, which work on various levels. Some mainly influence the biological rhythm through the eyes, others act directly through the skin. A clear distinction helps in classification.

1. Daylight lamps, light as a biological pacemaker

Daylight lamps simulate bright, natural daylight. Most devices operate with up to 10,000 lux. This form primarily acts through the eyes and influences the sleep-wake rhythm as well as hormonal processes. It is mainly used in the darker months and often in the morning to support the start of the day, and is frequently mentioned in connection with seasonal affective disorder and sleep problems.

2. UV light therapy, light as a biological stimulus

UV light therapy uses light in the ultraviolet, invisible range for us. Especially UVB light plays a role because it is involved in the body's own vitamin D production. UV light acts through the skin and specifically addresses biological processes, but requires conscious handling, as incorrect application can cause skin irritation or sunburn. Therefore, UV is limited in time and, as with the VITORI® UVB application, used in well-tolerated intensities.

3. Red light and biophotons, visible light and cell communication

Red light is in the visible spectrum, typically around 660 nanometers, and is used in connection with biophotons, which are very weak light emissions detectable in living cells and associated with communication and regulation processes. The application takes place via uniformly emitted LED light and acts directly through the skin.

4. Infrared light, light instead of heat source

Infrared light is often equated with heat, but at its core, it is also light. In light therapy, the heating effect is not the focus, but rather the targeted light pulse that addresses photobiological processes in the skin, such as skin regeneration and collagen formation. This clearly distinguishes it from classic infrared lamps, which primarily generate heat.

Light therapy at home, useful or not?

Many modern systems now make light therapy easily accessible at home. However, it's not just about the right type of light, but also about how the application fits into daily life. A good light application should

• be easy to integrate into the day,
• have clearly defined light parameters,
• and be used regularly and relaxedly.

The highest intensity does not determine the benefit, but rather that you adjust the light to your needs.

Side effects and conscious use

As with any targeted application, less is more here too. Too long or incorrectly dosed applications can trigger mild side effects.

Light thought holistically

Light does not act in isolation. Its potential unfolds particularly when it is part of a coherent whole, consisting of rest, sleep, movement, and conscious routines. At VITORI®, light applications are therefore embedded in a comprehensive approach and combined with other nature-based applications.

Conclusion: Use light therapy consciously

Light therapy is the targeted use of light to support natural processes, versatile and more accessible today than ever before. Whether daylight, UVB, biophotons or infrared: it is crucial that you understand what you are using and why. Then light becomes a meaningful companion, not as a miracle cure, but as a conscious addition for more balance. The article why your body is not actually the problem explains why so many people feel exhausted despite all their efforts.