What Red Light Device Is Right for Me?
From fat loss to anti-aging to muscle gain, Red Light Therapy has proven to be a remarkable tool for health and wellness.
But with all the devices on the market now, how do you choose the right one?
There are 5 key factors to consider when choosing the perfect near-infrared and red light therapy device.
Let’s dive in…..
How To Choose The Perfect Red Light Therapy Device
1. The Type of LED Wavelengths Matter
The wavelength of the device is crucial as it determines the health benefits you can derive from it. The most researched and proven ranges are 630-680nm and 800-880nm. These ranges are known to have the most significant impact on the mitochondria, which is essential for cellular energy production.
Therefore, when choosing a device, ensure it offers wavelengths within these ranges for optimal results. Most devices use a combination of 660nm red light leds and 850nm near-infrared lights.
Here are some conditions you might want to treat and the different wavelengths that are best:
| Condition | Wavelengths of Benefit (nanometers) |
| Alzheimer’s | 627, 670, 800, 810, 1070 |
| Cognitive Performance | 660, 810, 1064 |
| Depression | 630, 650, 810 |
| High Blood Pressure | 660, 780 |
| Eye Health | 630, 650, 660, 670, 680, 780, 810 |
| Hair Growth | 630, 650, 830 |
| Exercise Performance | 630, 640, 660, 670, 810, 850 |
| Arthritis | 630, 660, 785, 810, 830, 910 |
| Oral Health | 630, 640, 650, 660, 670, 685, 780, 790, 810, 830, 850, 900, 940, 980, 1068 |
| Pain | 650, 660, 780, 810, 820, 830, 900, 980 |
| Fertility | 630, 650, 830 |
| Skin Rejuvenation | 630, 650, 660, 830, 890 |
| Thyroid Health | 630, 780, 830 |
As you can see, Wavelength matters. Both red and near-infrared light have the same effects on cells – the significant difference is the depth of penetration.
The 800-880nm range (near-infrared) is better suited for penetrating deeper to affect muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, organs, and the brain. (Only near-infrared goes deep enough to penetrate the skull.)
If you primarily want anti-aging benefits like wrinkle reduction and combatting cellulite, red lights (650nm) may be a better choice. I recommend getting a device that offers both red and near-infrared lights to get all the benefits Red Light Therapy has to offer.
Blue light has been used in some facial devices for treating conditions such as acne, eczema, rosacea, and sun damage. Various studies have shown that blue wavelengths can kill bacteria and cancer cells.
One of the top RLT companies, PlatinumLED, has recently included blue lights in their BioMax panels along with their red and near-infrared lights. If you are concerned about these types of skin conditions, adding this spectrum into your red light sessions might be a wise choice.
The Image below shows the difference in the penetration depth depending on what wavelength is used.
2. Power Density – determines the effectiveness and time of treatment
Power density, measured in mW/cm2, refers to the amount of irradiance or power the device delivers. It measures how many miliwatts are delivered per square centimeter. Another way to look at power density is how much energy is put out over a given area.
A device with an optimal power density can provide:
- more effective treatment in less time
- a therapeutic level of energy from the red lights and near-infrared lights
- a larger area of treatment without being too far from the device that would lessen the power density
Your cells need to receive a certain intensity of red light to benefit from the therapy. Ideally, you want a device that has a power density of at least 30mW/cm2 and around 100mW/cm2 from close range (e.g., 6” away). This level of power density allows you to get up to the therapeutic levels used in studies, especially for deeper tissues.
Moreover, a device with a high power density allows you to use the light from further away and treat a much larger area of your body. In contrast, lower wattage lights need to be right next to your body to deliver an effective dose, limiting the treatment area.
High-power lights are going to give you far more benefits in far less time, are more effective (especially for deep tissues), and have more flexibility in how you can use them.
3. Size of Device – The Bigger the Better
When it comes to the size of the device, bigger is usually better. I highly recommend getting a large panel light over a handheld device or pad.
There are situations where a smaller, targeted device is warranted but unless you have unlimited money and can afford a device for each body part, why not start with a full body panel that will give the same targeted benefits plus the full body systematic benefits?
Having a high-powered red light panel that is also large enough in size allows you to treat the whole body in minutes.
4. Warranty and Longevity
The warranty of the device is an important consideration as it gives you time to find out if the device works as expected. Look for a device with at least a one-year warranty or longer.
This gives you peace of mind knowing that you’re covered should any issues arise with the device within the warranty period.
5. Identify Your Needs – What are you trying to treat?
The last thing you want to take into consideration is “what do you plan on using it for”?
If you’re looking to treat skin issues and hair loss, a device with all 660nm red leds may be optimal. For deeper organs, muscles, tendons, and glands, 850nm leds are optimal. For brain issues like depression, anxiety, cognitive performance, or neurological problems, you need the deeper penetration of the near-infrared 850nm lights.
Keep in mind, for most purposes, and most people, the best choice is a combination of 650nm and 850nm lights in a full body panel that will treat all areas at the same time. This option is best because it will work for all conditions.