A Deeper Dive
Light, skin & health.
Why light became the heart of everything we do.
For as long as she can remember, Maria has been fascinated by health.
Long before she ever dreamed of opening Kalamalka Glow, she was the person devouring books, listening to podcasts, lectures, and interviews on long walks, exploring the latest research, and constantly asking why. Why does the body heal? Why do some people seem to age differently than others? What creates truly healthy skin—not simply skin that looks healthy for a little while?
Again and again, she found herself returning to one subject.
Light.
Not simply skincare.
Not simply sunscreen.
Not simply vitamin D.
Light.
As the years passed, what began as a broad interest in health evolved into a deep fascination with circadian biology, mitochondrial function, photobiomodulation, regenerative medicine, dermatology, and the remarkable ways light interacts with human biology.
Over a decade ago—long before red and near-infrared light therapy became widely recognized—Maria became an early adopter of light-based therapies. As research into circadian biology and the effects of artificial lighting was beginning to emerge, she started replacing LED lighting in her home with warmer incandescent bulbs whenever possible, sought out some of the earliest blue-blocking glasses available through sleep and circadian researchers, and began creating a home environment designed to better support the body's natural rhythms.
Around that same time, she invested in one of the earliest home red and near-infrared light therapy devices available. Over the years, it became part of everyday life—used after exercise, during recovery from injuries, and whenever someone in the family needed a little extra support. One experience that left a lasting impression was using light therapy throughout her young daughter's recovery from a significant arm fracture. While no single therapy can be credited for her recovery, witnessing her healing strengthened Maria's appreciation for the body's extraordinary ability to repair itself when given the right conditions.
The deeper she explored, the clearer it became that light is far more than something we simply see. It is one of the body's most important biological signals, influencing circadian rhythm, mitochondrial energy production, hormone balance, sleep, mood, immune regulation, tissue repair, metabolism, and countless other physiological processes that researchers continue to explore.
Nature has always been central to Maria's approach to health. Time spent outdoors, walking barefoot, swimming in the lake, gardening, and watching the sunrise have never felt separate from wellness—they have always been part of it.
For many years, she wore hats simply because bright sunlight bothered her eyes. Looking back, that habit likely offered meaningful protection to the skin of her face. Later, like many women, pregnancy introduced melasma, creating a personal appreciation for how vulnerable facial skin can be to cumulative ultraviolet exposure and reinforcing the importance of protecting the areas of the skin most susceptible to photoaging.
Today, that personal journey has evolved into the philosophy that guides Kalamalka Glow.
We don't fear the sun. We don't chase it. We respect it.
To Kalamalka Glow, respecting the sun means recognizing that light is extraordinarily powerful. The same sunlight that can contribute to premature skin aging when ultraviolet exposure becomes excessive also provides essential biological signals that influence circadian rhythm, vitamin D synthesis, nitric oxide release, mitochondrial function, mood, immune regulation, and countless other physiological processes that support human health.
The goal is not to live at either extreme. Rather, it is to cultivate an intentional relationship with light—protecting the areas of the skin most vulnerable to cumulative ultraviolet damage while embracing the many ways appropriate light exposure supports whole-body health.
How It Works
Light. Energy. Life.
The Science
The researchers who have helped shape our philosophy.
The philosophy of Kalamalka Glow has been shaped by the work of many remarkable researchers. This interest did not begin with any single book, podcast, or scientist. It developed over decades of following the evolving science of health, longevity, regenerative medicine, photobiomodulation, circadian biology, human physiology, and skin biology.
Their work spans multiple disciplines, but together they paint an increasingly compelling picture: that light is far more than illumination. It is a fundamental biological signal that influences human health in ways researchers are still working to understand.
Dr. Gerald Pollack
A bioengineer at the University of Washington, best known for his pioneering research into the properties of water. His work on Exclusion Zone (EZ) water proposed that water adjacent to hydrophilic surfaces behaves differently than bulk water and may be influenced by radiant energy, particularly infrared light — inspiring new questions about cellular biology that continue to influence regenerative medicine and photobiomodulation.
Professor Tiina Karu
Widely regarded as one of the founders of modern photobiomodulation research. Her work helped establish that red and near-infrared light interact with mitochondria — specifically cytochrome c oxidase — to influence cellular energy production and signalling, laying much of the scientific foundation for today's therapeutic use of long wavelength light.
Dr. Michael Hamblin
Has spent decades expanding the scientific understanding of photobiomodulation, exploring how red and near-infrared light may influence inflammation, wound healing, tissue repair, neurological health, pain management, and mitochondrial function — helping translate laboratory discoveries into clinical practice.
Professor Glen Jeffery
His research focuses on longevity, vision, and mitochondrial function. His studies suggest that brief exposure to deep red light may improve mitochondrial performance in aging retinal cells, broadening our understanding of light and cellular energy.
Professor Richard Weller
Transformed the conversation around sunlight by demonstrating that ultraviolet exposure may trigger the release of nitric oxide stored within the skin. His work suggests sunlight influences cardiovascular health through mechanisms beyond vitamin D alone, and supports a balanced perspective on sun exposure.
Professor Satchin Panda
One of the world's leading experts in circadian biology. His research has shown that light exposure, meal timing, and daily rhythms profoundly influence metabolism, hormone regulation, sleep, immune function, and overall health.
John Ott
Long before light biology became a recognized scientific discipline, John Ott explored how different qualities and wavelengths of light affected plants, animals, and human health. His curiosity and observations helped inspire later generations of researchers investigating light as a biological signal.
Professor Russell Foster
Helped establish the role of melanopsin-containing retinal cells in regulating the body's circadian clock. His work transformed our understanding of how light influences sleep, hormones, alertness, and long-term health.
Dr. Douglas Wallace
Considered one of the founders of modern mitochondrial medicine. His groundbreaking work demonstrated the central role mitochondria play in energy production and disease, making mitochondrial health a cornerstone of modern preventive medicine.
Dr. Martin Picard
Studies how mitochondria respond to stress, exercise, sleep, nutrition, and environmental influences. His research highlights mitochondria as dynamic communicators that adapt continuously to the body's changing environment.
Dr. Andrew Huberman
Although best known as a neuroscientist and science communicator, Dr. Andrew Huberman has helped bring the science of light, circadian biology, mitochondrial function, and human performance into the public spotlight. Through his podcast and conversations with leading researchers and clinicians, he has made complex science accessible to millions. Thanks in part to this growing public awareness, topics like red and near-infrared light therapy are now widely recognized, making it easier than ever to have informed conversations about how light can support health and longevity.
Closing reflection
Science is always evolving, and so is our understanding of human health. The researchers highlighted here represent some of the scientists whose work has most influenced the philosophy of Kalamalka Glow. Their contributions span many disciplines, yet together they paint an increasingly compelling picture of the relationships between light, skin, mitochondria, circadian biology, and longevity. As new discoveries emerge, so too will the philosophy that guides Kalamalka Glow.
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