Red light therapy is often called “photobiological regulation” or “RLT”, which can help skin, muscle tissue and other parts of the body recover. It actually depends on the wavelength (or color) of the light. The wavelength of common red light therapy is 660 nm, 610nm, 630nm. The wavelength of near infrared therapy is 810nm, 850nm, 830nm, which is a wavelength that your eyes can’t see, but your body can feel heat.

All these wavelength therapies have their advantages, which help to relieve pain and increase blood circulation, like most sauna rooms, they have thermal effects. You should make an informed decision on which therapy to use and why. The following is a detailed introduction about the similarities and differences between red and infrared light therapy.

Near Infrared vs Red Light Therapy Wavelength Range

Most PBM (photobioremediation or phototherapy) is accomplished by one or more wavelengths. Red light therapy is a form of photobioremediation therapy using light in the red spectrum. More precisely, the wavelength is between 600 and 700 nanometers (nm). This red light can penetrate 5mm below the skin surface. It promotes the production of collagen, making it an excellent choice for skin healing and promoting metabolism. When red light is used in the wavelength range of+/-close to 660 nm, it seems that the best penetrating power and therapeutic effect will appear.

The wavelength range of near infrared light therapy is 800-880nm. It can penetrate to a depth of 10 cm. Because of its wide range of action, this spectrum enhances mitochondrial function and promotes healthy blood flow. Red light therapy device should combine red light and near infrared light to achieve the best effect, because this wavelength will also radiate heat and cure the human body in a completely different way. Their effects are synergistic. Near infrared (NIR)- When using+/-wavelengths close to 850 nm, it seems that the best penetrating power and therapeutic effect will appear.

Both red and infrared light offer similar benefits:

1. relieve pain and inflammation through various channels.

2. Increase mitochondrial activity and ATP production.

3. Release of nitric oxide.

The main difference between red light vs infrared light therapy:

Penetration depth is different

Different antibacterial effects

Some red light therapy devices use only one color (660nm or 850nm), while other infrared and red light therapy devices use a combination of colors (630 nm, 660 nm, 630nm 660nm 830nm 850nm). Because of the different wavelengths, when the switch is turned on, some lights will light up, while others will not (because the near infrared light is invisible).

Enhanced spectral energy output (ESPEO)-Red light therapy device is designed to deliver light energy in the whole red and near infrared (NIR) therapeutic spectrum. You will benefit from all red wavelengths between 600 nm and 700 nm (peak power is 660nm) and all wavelengths between 800 nm and 880 nm of NIR (peak power is 850nm). Your body will get the complete red and NIR therapeutic spectrum as expected by nature!

As shown in the spectrogram of our independent test below, when you use red light, you will get the full spectrum of beneficial red light (600-700nm) and beneficial near infrared light (800-880nm).

Is Near Infrared Therapy Better Than Red Light Therapy?

Red light and infrared light are regarded as “red light therapy” or photobiological regulation. Both are amazing healing. The main differences are antibacterial level (better red) and penetration depth (deeper IR). It is best to use both together.

Red light with wavelength range of 630-660 nm and near infrared light with wavelength of 850nm are used to enter deep skin, so as to enhance vitality in cells and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Because of the high content of blood and water, the skin layer can easily absorb light. People who use red light therapy device can be found in skin care clinics, dermatologists’ offices, plastic surgeons’ offices, spas, gyms, homes and even tanning salons.

How Long Does The Red Light Therapy Take?

It is important to choose a therapy device that can provide an ideal amount of light in an ideal wavelength range. If you want to test red light therapy yourself, we strongly recommend that you find an expert to ensure that the correct wavelength and method are used for your unique situation. Infrared light has the ability to penetrate deep into tissues, and does not only affect the surface like other classical heat sources.

Whether the red light therapy device is useful or not will depend on the above situation, and whether the red light therapy device is used correctly and proper amount of light is obtained from it every day. It actually depends on which type of therapy device you use and the amount of body you want to treat. You can cover most of your body for whole body treatment. It is recommended that the duration of a red light therapy be 10 to 20 minutes. The duration of red light therapy depends on the amount of light emitted by red light therapy device, and varies greatly with different therapy.