Skip to content

Light & Dark - Why does light exposure matter for health?

Light, a crucial element often overlooked, plays a vital role in our overall health and wellness. Going beyond mere illumination, different frequencies of light interact with our body’s cellular structures impacting various biological responses and processes. The nuances of light exposure and its profound implications for our well-being guide the designs of our devices. Let's break down some of the bands of light we're most interested in...

Melanopic Light & OPN4

Melanopsin (OPN4), a non-visual photoreceptor located predominantly in our eyes, is notably sensitive to blue and green light - melanopic light. This light assists in regulating our circadian rhythms, influencing sleep patterns, mood, and even cognitive function. We need this energizing light in the daytime to support a natural circadian rhythm, and should avoid it before going to bed as OPN4 stimulation suppresses natural melatonin production.

Key Points:

  • Circadian Synchronization: Stimulating OPN4 with our Sky Portal device synchronizes our internal clock with the external environment to promote optimal sleep-wake cycles and mental alertness.

  • Mood Regulation: Daytime OPN4 stimulation influences serotonin production, pivotal for maintaining a balanced and positive mood.
    View Study

  • Enhanced Alertness: Morning OPN4 stimulation leads to enhanced alertness and cognitive performance throughout the day.
    View Study

The Red & NIR Light Spectrum...

Red and Near-Infrared (NIR) light exposure taps into the cellular
powerhouse of our bodies. These wavelengths stimulate mitochondrial function (the energy centers of our cells), promoting enhanced recovery, reducing inflammation, and aiding in numerous cellular repair processes. From skin rejuvenation to muscle recovery, the implications of red and NIR light are vast and continually being explored.

What Is NIR Light Good For?

The power of Red and Near-Infrared (NIR) light has gained attention for its diverse health benefits, delving deep into the cellular level to augment healing, recovery, and regeneration. Because this range of light works on the mitochondria, it seems to exhibit a sort of do-everything spectrum of benefits.

Cellular Rejuvenation...

Red & NIR light has been well studied to enhance mitochondrial function, thus promoting energy production and cellular repair.

Inflammation Reduction...

Many studies have shown time and time again the power of red light in alleviating pain and inflammation, expediting the healing process.

How Are Chroma Devices Different?

Michael Chapiro, founder of Chroma, became interested in near infrared (NIR) light after partially tearing a pulley in his finger while rock climbing. Before Chroma, there were no devices that offered high power density light for targeted application. While most red light devices are simply greenhouse lights with the LED's swapped out - the Ironforge is different: custom designed from the ground up to offer the most power dense device we could build.

Narrow Band UVB for Vitamin D Synthesis

Vitamin D, often dubbed the "sunshine vitamin," is paramount for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being. We offer the first narrow band UVA light device designed to mimic the natural synthesis process of Vitamin D in our skin, providing a safer, controlled method to ensure your levels are optimized, even in the absence of direct sunlight. NIR & Red light has been shown to have a protective effect against UV exposure, so we've included red, deep red and NIR in the D-Light in an effort to create a safer Vitamin D device.

The Future of Chroma - Unlocking Potential with OPN3 & OPN5

Our upcoming device, the Lux Vital is designed to activate Opsin 3 (OPN3) and Opsin 5 (OPN5) non-visual photoreceptors. This device pioneers a new avenue in utilizing deep violet and near-UVA bands of light for holistic wellness. Keep an eye out for the release of the Lux Vital... Blending the power of red & near infrared with targeted Opsin stimulation.

Key Points:

  • Pain & Inflammation: Mitigating pain through a cascade of often ignored biological pathways. This is the cutting edge of wellness.
  • Improved Sleep: While more research is needed on OPN3 & OPN5, experts like Dr. Jack Kruse have studied the wide range of positive effects of UV light in and on the body, including improved sleep.
  • Optimized Recovery: Enhancing recovery processes post-exercise or strain.
Drawer Title
Similar Products