Red Light Therapy Guide
The popularity of red light therapy is soaring as a safe and effective treatment for various health concerns. This comprehensive guide helps you understand the risks and benefits of red light therapy.
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What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy involves exposing the body to low levels of red or near-infrared light wavelengths, which can potentially aid in healing. These therapy panels typically use LED bulbs that emit light similar to that of the sun and fire. Also known by various names like low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM), this treatment has garnered significant attention due to its promising results in research. NASA even conducted a clinical trial on red light therapy's effectiveness in alleviating pain from cancer treatments, with impressive outcomes.
Understanding the Science
Most wavelengths of light don’t penetrate into the body, but red and near-infrared can. There are different wavelengths of light from non-ionizing to ionizing. Non-ionizing rays are not harmful to the body, while ionizing rays (like x-rays) can damage DNA.
The science behind red light therapy lies in its ability to penetrate the body at a cellular level, stimulating the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in mitochondria, the cell's powerhouse. ATP production provides energy essential for numerous bodily functions, contributing to various therapeutic effects, including reducing inflammation, aiding in wound healing, increasing testosterone levels, improving skin conditions, and even enhancing cognitive function.
The Benefits
Red light therapy has been known to:
Reduce pain
Decrease insomnia
Improve hair growth
Activate stem cells
Decrease oxidative stress
Reduce inflammation
Can ease arthritis symptoms & joint pain
Improve vision
Improve mood & seasonal affective disorder
Reduce appearance of scare
Improve fibromyalgia symptoms
Improve skin conditions & skin concerns, like acne, psoriasis, eczema, & rosacea
Improve brain-degeneration diseases such as Alzheimer’s
Increase testosterone
Improve the appearance of wrinkles and cellulite
Decrease symptoms from carpal tunnel syndrome
Improve oral health
Increases collagen production and collagen density
The Risks
Choosing the right red light therapy device involves many factors, with the most important component being EMF exposure. Factors to consider:
You may not see benefits if you only use your device once a week or less
If you’re very sensitive to light, this may not be the best option for you
Take caution with how closely you use your device to your face and body
Many brands don’t provide any information about the wavelength even if they claim to be “medical grade” and “FDA-cleared”
Many wands and masks are less potent due to the proximity of the bulbs on your face; if you don’t know the wavelength it’s unclear to determine how effective they are
It’s best to avoid putting red light (such as masks and wands) directly onto your skin
Purchasing Criteria for a Red Light Therapy Device:
1.Irradiance vs Power
The higher the irradiance, the more potent your device (measured in mW/cm²)
Power (aka wattage) only focuses on how much power the device uses
Choose irradiance over wattage (irradiance = the strength of the device)
For deeper cellular penetration, an irradiance level greater than 120 mW/cm² at the point of therapy is recommended; for surface treatments, an irradiance level between 25 mW/cm² and 120 mW/cm² is appropriate
2. Wavelengths
The most effective devices use wavelengths of 660 nm for red light and 850 nm for NIR light
Beyond 850nm, infrared waves penetrate even deeper; infrared light therapy is most commonly used in infrared sauana which typically use wavelengths in the 1000nm range
You don’t have to choose between red or near-infrared light; red light and near-infrared can be independently beneficial or paired together
Never buy from a brand that does not specify the wavelengths they use (ideally they would provide third party studies to back up their claims)
Don’t fall for “pulsed light” marketing; red light devices don’t necessarily need to pulse to be effective although some studies have shown pulsing to have positive results
3. Size
Larger light emitting diodes (LED) light therapy devices with more LED lights increase effectiveness and reduce treatment time. Having more LED bulbs delivers an increase in red and/or near-infrared light than a device with a smaller number of LED bulbs (the more LED light bulbs, the better the unit will be)
Small units are ideal for spot treatments, the face, or for traveling
4. EMFs
Low-quality red light devices can release EMFs; try to buy a ‘low-EMF’ red light therapy device
Avoid panels which connect to wifi or Bluetooth as this is unnecessary and can increase EMF exposure (steer clear of red light devices which come with a phone app)
Low-quality red light devices can release more EMFs than high-quality devices
5. Questions to Ask Yourself
Do you want to stand or sit while using the device?
Does the device come with a stand or will it easily hand over your door?
Does the device plug into the wall or use batteries?
Can you travel with it or do you need it for daily use at home for large areas?
These questions can help you determine what type of device you need (the easier it is to use, the more often you’re likely to actually use it)
Best Affordable Red Light Panels:
Hooga Health ($129-$4,500 Discount code: ASHLEYDEELEY)
Known for zero EMF at six inches
3 year warranty and 60 day trial period
High irradiance of 100mW/cm2 at 6”
EMR-TEK ($199 with discount: ASHLEY15)
Known for low EMF and zero flicker
Offers calibrated spectrum of orange-red 630nm, red 670nm and near-infrared light 830nm
They don’t use wifi or Bluetooth
Therassage Tri-lite ($240 but $204 with discount: DEELEY15)
Flicker free and zero EMF
Irradiance at 6 inches = 130mW/cm²
They don’t use wifi or Bluetooth
LUMEBOX ($629, but $369 with discount: ASHLEYDEELEY)
Known for low EMF
Irradiance at 1cm = 140 mW/cm² for NIR and 125 mW/cm² for red light
They don’t use wifi or Bluetooth
Rogue Red Light Therapy ($265-$24,999 Code: ASHLEY)
Known for low to zero flicker
Irradiance: 200 mW/cm² at 6 inches when tested with a solar meter
Third party tested for quality
BON CHARGE (Devices range from $299-$1,599 discount: DEELEY15)
Known for low EMF and flicker free
Irradiance is >100 -162 mW/cm² depending on which device you purchase
1 year warranty on all products
MITORED (Devices range from $549-5,000 use discount: ASHLEY5)
Known for low EMF and flicker free (all devices can be operated without the app)
Irradiance is 106-120 mW/cm² depending on which device you purchase
Third party tested for quality
PlatinumLED BIOMAX ($659-$1,299)
Known for low to no flicker
Irradiance is >100 -162 mW/cm² depending on which device you purchase
Offers worldwide shipping (HFA/HSA qualifying)
BioLight ($499 - $38,000)
Known for low to no flicker
Irradiance is third party tested and these products are some of the top quality in the market
They don’t use wifi or Bluetooth
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can you make your own red light therapy device?
It’s not advised to make your own RLT device from home, mostly because you won’t be able to achieve the specific wavelength required.
Do I need to wear goggles during treatment?
It is not a requirement, but since the lights are very bright and may be uncomfortable for some individuals with sensitivities to light, eye protection is suggested. This recommendation is especially important if the treatment location is near the eyes.
Please note: you DO NOT want to use near infrared light close to your eye as the light can heat the retina and this can be dangerous. Additionally, if you have melasma, it’s not advised to use near infrared (NIR) light on the face.
How long and often should I use red light therapy?
Start with 6 to 20 minute treatments 3 to 4 times per week. Do not exceed 20 minutes per day. Ongoing treatments can be daily or between 3 to 5 times per week.
Are red lamps for chickens the same as red light therapy devices?
The main difference in red light therapy devices and red lights for chickens is heat. Even if heat lamps could deliver clinical results similar to light therapy, the burn risks aren't worth it (tempertures can reach 500 degrees Fahrenheit). Because the light is diffused, you'd have to be inches away from the bulb, which would result in severe burns. Red lights for chicken coops are mostly incandescent and halogen lights with a red coating; coatings allow red and near infrared light to pass through, but there’s no way to determine what the wavelengths are. Even bulbs sold as "infrared light" or "NIR light" can't specify wavelengths—which means you could be using one that's mostly heat. These bulbs also generate ultraviolet radiation, which accelerates skin aging.
Are tanning beds the same as red light therapy beds?
