Benefits of the Red Light Spectrum (630–660nm)

The visible red light spectrum is primarily beneficial for skin conditions. It is known for its anti-aging properties such as fine lines and wrinkles, even skin tone and photoaging; skin wound healing; stretch marks; and hair loss.

Other potential health benefits of red light include:

Stimulates hair regrowth in men and women

Reduces acne inflammation and breakouts

Reduces fine lines, sagging skin, sun damage and wrinkles

Get rid of psoriasis

Cure for non-melanoma skin cancer

speeds up wound healing

Reduce inflammation caused by pleurisy

Reduce neuropathic pain (sciatica)

Reduce swelling and inflammation after injury

Less training fatigue/faster exercise recovery

NOTE: A powerful LED phototherapy device will ensure the maximum possible penetration depth of any wavelength.

Advantages of Near Infrared Spectroscopy (810–850nm)

As mentioned earlier, NIR wavelengths of 810 to 850nm can penetrate deeper than red light, including connective tissue and bone. Most notably, these wavelengths can penetrate the skull, making them effective in treating neurological disorders and brain injuries.

Other potential health benefits of near-infrared light include:

Improves muscle healing and speeds up recovery

Improve recovery from moderate to severe stroke

Improved recovery/reduction of nerve damage from traumatic brain injury

Improve mental illness, including anxiety and depression

Reduce recovery and speed up healing after plastic surgery

Speeds healing and reduces infection

Improves bone repair and growth

Accelerated return to physical activity after injury

Nerve cells in particular seem to respond well to infrared light energy; most studies refer to infrared waves in the 800 to 900 nanometer range.

Therefore, infrared light in the near-infrared spectrum could be a potentially effective treatment for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases

Another potential use of NIR light is in the treatment of neuropathy. This could be exciting news for those with diabetes or anyone with nerve damage in the hands, feet or other parts of the body.

Benefits of Infrared Therapy (900+nm)

Beyond 850 nm, infrared waves penetrate deeper. Infrared light therapy is most commonly used in infrared saunas, typically using wavelengths in the 1000nm range.

What’s really interesting is that the human body responds differently to these longer wavelengths, the body perceives them as infrared heat rather than light. When infrared waves come into contact with the tissues of your body, it causes molecules to vibrate, which generates heat and causes an increase in body temperature.

Due to this infrared thermal effect, infrared radiation can promote local blood circulation and relieve muscle tension, which is one of the reasons why infrared saunas are so popular all over the world.

Key Point: Infrared light therapy (over 900 nanometers) has the deepest penetration and positive health effects, but should be used with caution to prevent thermal damage to the body’s cells.