How to Choose near-infrared laser?

You may have heard of light therapy, but with all the different types of light (red, blue, infrared, etc), selecting the best light therapy device can be confusing to most. Red light therapy - also referred to as RLT, low level laser light therapy, cold laser therapy, or phototherapy - sends visible red and near-infrared light energy to your body’s cells. This infusion of energy stimulates cell repair and tissue growth. There is no doubt that RLT is quickly becoming one of the most popular treatments available.

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You may already know that RLT is touted as a treatment that repairs multiple skin conditions, including: wounds, sun damage, scars, psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema. However, other potential medical uses currently being researched include reducing the side effects of chemotherapy, relief of pain and inflammation from tendonitis, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and preventing the recurrence of cold sores, to name just a few.

There are many skin care clinics, healthcare providers, and therapists that provide RLT services. However, if taking advantage of the cell repair and rejuvenation of this therapy is appealing, a red light therapy device designed for home use is a good option for convenience. With several models available, there are considerable variables to discuss and consider when choosing a home RLT unit. 

Table of Contents

• Science-Backed Features To Consider
• Questions To Answer Before Purchasing
• Our Favorite Red Light Therapy Device
• 4 Myths About Red Light Therapy
• Why At-Home Treatment Is More Convenient Than A Clinic
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Final Thoughts
• Want More?

Science-Backed Features To Consider

Red, Near-Infrared, Or Combo

When looking for a RLT unit, there are three different types. A red light, a near-infrared light, and a combination of both. Red light therapy and near-infrared light therapy are sometimes incorrectly referred to as the same thing. There are similarities, but they are not the same. You can’t physically see infrared light. Rather, your body feels it as heat on the skin. The longer wavelengths of near-infrared light infiltrate deep into your cells. Comparatively, you can visualize the shorter wavelengths of red light. It does not penetrate as deeply into the skin, and therefore is used to mainly treat the surface of the skin.

When considering red and near-infrared light, one is not necessarily better than the other. Both types of therapy are beneficial to the skin; they just offer different benefits. Red light is ideal for treating skin issues such as sunburns, acne, hair loss, wound healing, and even yeast infections. Near-infrared light penetrates about three times deeper into tissues than red light. While providing similar benefits for the skin as red light therapy, near-infrared extends to joints, muscles, and bones that require remedial benefits. 

If you would benefit from treatment of the skin surface as well as deeper tissues, but only want to purchase one device, a combo unit is a great choice to meet a broader range of needs. 

Hooga Red Light Therapy Belt with Near Infrared Light and Rechargeable Battery

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Optimal Wavelength

You may recall learning in science class that light is measured in nanometers (nm) by its wavelength. Red light ranges from 600 to 700 nm and is visible and bright. Infrared or near-infrared light is in the 700 to 900 nm range, which isn’t visible to the naked eye. 

Research suggests that light wavelengths ranging from 660-670 nm and 830-850 nm are in the range that has the most impact on the cellular respiration process while providing the highest level of light absorption. Finding a unit that can provide these ranges of optimal wavelengths will provide the greatest value to your skin health. 

Light Intensity & Irradiance

Light irradiance is the power density - the amount of light energy that reaches your skin. It’s measured in milliwatts per square centimeter (mW/cm2), referring to the number of photons flowing through an area and available for cells to absorb. 

Light intensity refers to the amount of light energy at the source. This is an important factor to consider, as a low-powered device won’t be the source of enough red light energy to create the irradiance necessary for maximum benefit. When the light is more intense, it can be absorbed in less time, providing a more efficient therapy.

Total Number Of LEDs

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. In short, the more LED light bulbs, the better the unit will be. 

Questions To Answer Before Purchasing

Targeted Or Large Area?

Available products for home RLT units range from handheld to full-body pods. Smaller red light therapy devices, like the Medlight 630 Pro Red Light Therapy Device, are an ideal option if you have a single issue to address in one section of your skin. Smaller devices, like handheld wands or face masks, are highly portable and lightweight. 

Larger, full-body red light therapy devices, like the Hooga HG Red Light Therapy Panel, are more effective for vast problem areas, such as the torso or extremities. They are typically heavy and stationary. 

Will Family Members Be Using It Also?

There are many benefits to red light therapy, and it’s understandable if you want to share what works for you! Because RLT can address a multitude of issues, people in the same family with different needs can benefit from having this kind of treatment available at home. 

If one family member has age spots they want to lighten, and another family member has back pain, it’s more efficient to have a larger device that can treat both conditions.

Our Favorite Red Light Therapy Device

We love the Medical-Grade Red Light Therapy Device because of its versatility. This unit is unique in that it is considered a combo device, emitting red and near-infrared light. The Medical-Grade Red Light Therapy Device has four different wavelengths to choose from to target surface skin issues and deeper tissues.

It also offers photobiomodulation, which is a low-level laser therapy. You are able to customize the device to your specific needs based on specific wavelengths that can be pulsing or continuous. 

There are two panels of the Medical-Grade Red Light Therapy Device to choose from. The main difference between these models are their size and number of LED light bulbs. The “R1” is considered medium-sized at 12.5 inches tall and has 60 LEDs. The “R3” is larger at 38 inches tall and has 180 LEDs. Both models offer the same therapy and control panels. Smaller treatment areas including hands, knees, feet, and neck are well served by the R1, while more vast areas such as the back, legs, and arms are easily treated with the R3.

These RLT panels can be used up to twice a day for 20 to 30 minutes per session, and the health benefits can be achieved after only 2 to 3 weeks of regular use. 

Medical-Grade Red and Infrared Light Therapy Panel by Red Reactive

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4 Myths About Red Light Therapy

1. Myth: Wattage Is The Most Important Specification

Bulb wattage measures the power the red light device consumes, not the device’s output. Simply put, wattage lets you know how much electricity your device requires to operate. If you are told wattage relates to the intensity of the light - then that is a red flag (pun intended)!The specification to look for is irradiance. Irradiance is the measurement of intensity of power being emitted by the device.

2. Myth: Red Light Therapy Is Risk-Free & Is For Everyone

As with any treatment, RLT can interact with certain medications and may have side effects. If you are prescribed medicine that makes you sensitive to light, have migraines or seizures triggered by bright light, pregnant/breastfeeding, or diagnosed with bipolar disorder or other conditions that are potentially influenced by light exposure, a red light therapy device might not be a good option for you right now. If you have concerns regarding if this treatment is right for you, please consult with your healthcare provider.

3. Myth: Bloggers = Experts

As you know, you can’t believe everything you read on the internet. A blogger posting a piece in support of a product doesn’t mean it’s the best product. Many bloggers may not have expertise in the area of RLT. Typically, there are incentives for their endorsement, so be weary that it may not be an unbiased expert opinion. In this age of influencer marketing, be careful who you trust online.

4. Myth: Red Light Therapy Can Burn Your Skin

No, RLT is not the same as a tanning bed. Traditional tanning beds use fluorescent light bulbs that emit UV rays which damage the skin. In contrast, red light therapy doesn't harm or burn your skin. Red light therapy devices use very low levels of heat and your skin is not exposed to any damaging UV rays.

Why At-Home Treatment Is More Convenient Than A Clinic

Red light therapy is most effective when it is used consistently. Purchasing a red light therapy device for home use allows you to have a treatment when and where it works best for you. If you have other family members who can benefit from red light therapy, it makes the unit even more cost-effective. Alternatively, taking multiple trips to a clinic for RLT can add up financially. Compliance for a treatment plan decreases when convenience is lacking. Save time and money by investing in a home RLT to see results faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use a red light therapy device?

First, start with clean skin and use eye protection. Place the device about 6 to 8 inches from the intended area of treatment. Initially, start by using it 10 to 20 minutes at a time, 3 to 5 times per week. When you obtain the results you desire, ongoing treatments 2 to 3 times per week will help you maintain them. These are general guidelines; please read the instruction manual of your product for detailed information.

What is the difference between red light and near-infrared? 

Red light is visible light falling on the light spectrum between 630-700 nm. This light therapy is used to treat conditions on the skin’s surface. Near-infrared wavelengths are not visible, landing between 700 and nm on the light spectrum. Near-infrared light penetrates deeper than red light into the body’s tissues.

How long and often should I use red light therapy?

Starting with 10 to 20 minute treatments 3 to 5 times per week, you can increase up to 20 to 30 minutes 1 to 2 times per day. Once you achieve the results you’re seeking, you can maintain them with ongoing treatments 2 to 3 times per week.

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How do I get the best results?

Choosing a device that is designed to give you the results you are seeking is the most important factor. Ensuring the device’s specifications match your needs for wavelengths, light intensity, irradiance, LEDs, following the user instructions, and being consistent with your treatment will ensure you get the best results.

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. 

Will a red light therapy device increase my power bill?

Since red light therapy uses the most energy-efficient lighting technology, it is the least expensive kind of light to power. There will not be a significant impact on your power bill when you use a red light device for home use.

Final Thoughts

There are many ways red light therapy can be a benefit for your health. From skin cell rejuvenation to deep penetrating tissue healing, having a device for home use can serve a range of needs. As mentioned above, compliance with any light therapy treatment is essential. Having a device right in the comfort of the home provides the user with the utmost convenience. Apart from skin and tissue healing, many users also report an increase in mood as a result of using RLT.

The versatility and quality of the Medical-Grade Red Light Therapy Device is our favorite option for an at-home RLT unit. It allows you to choose red or near-infrared light in specific wavelengths, quantities, and continuous or pulsing waves. Available in two sizes, this unit can be customized to fit the specific needs of you and your family. You can review similar Light Therapy products for sale and compare options among different models.

Interested in learning more about light therapy? Check out all of our Light Therapy articles for everything you need to know! While you are reading, check out our full blog, Caregiver University for articles about seniors aging in place, wheelchairs, hyperbarics, pain management, special needs, and more!

Want More? 

Didn't find what you were looking for? Browse all Light Therapy products or our entire catalog of Therapeutic Modalities products.

Interested in learning more? Check out our free, educational resource Caregiver University. You will find incredible articles about light therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, cryotherapy, and much more! 

With advancements in technology now allowing people to administer non-invasive healthcare at home, light therapy has piqued the interest of many.

The science and technology behind light therapy have evolved significantly over recent years. Instead of visiting your local doctors office, this form of therapy is now much more accessible, with a range of treatment options available at our fingertips.

There’s now the option to harness the power of specific wavelengths of light to treat pain, accelerate wound healing, and improve overall well-being and athletic performance through a single handheld device.

Let’s look at the fascinating world of light therapy, exploring the red light therapy comparison to cold laser, low-level laser, and near-infrared.

What is Light Therapy?

Light therapy is a non-invasive and safe approach to treating inflammation and easing pain, done so by utilizing specific wavelengths of light.

These wavelengths are able to penetrate deep beneath the skin to stimulate various biological processes within the cells.

There are a few different forms of light therapy, all of which have their own purposes, benefits, and varying wavelengths. These include red light therapy, near-infrared, cold laser, and low-level laser therapy.

How Does Light Therapy Work?

Light therapy helps your body's natural self-healing process to kick into action by first triggering the release of nitric oxide. This dilates blood vessels, increasing the circulation of blood and decreasing inflammation in the joint. The targeted wavelengths of light stimulate our cells’ powerhouse: the mighty mitochondria.
As a result, energy production is ramped up while reducing oxidative stress. Due to the ability of light therapy to target the cells, the areas of the body that need healing the most can be specifically targeted.

With light therapy enhancing our body’s natural self-healing responses, it stimulates:

• Pain relief and reduction in inflammation by increasing blood flow, triggering anti-inflammatory molecules, and reducing oxidative stress.
• Near-complete repair of damaged tissues by stimulating cellular function and energy production in the cells.

Health Benefits of Light Therapy

Pain Relief

One of the most well-documented and widely recognized benefits of light therapy is its pain-relieving capabilities.

For athletes who train multiple days a week, light therapy can be particularly beneficial as it can ward off delayed onset muscle soreness, manage pain, and accelerate the healing of tissue for any soft tissue injuries. This means faster recovery and a shorter downtime (especially for sprains, strains, or ligament-related incidents), allowing for athletes to return to their training and competition sooner.

You don’t have to be an athlete to feel the pain relief benefits though. People living with one-off or chronic pain can use the powers of light therapy too, with light therapy offering a drug-free alternative. Red light therapy, for instance, can reduce pain by promoting the body’s natural pain-killing endorphins, helping people to find relief without the risk of complicated surgeries or medication.

Skin Rejuvenation

There’s a reason why the likes of Kim Kardashian and other TV personalities have become enamored with light therapy: it stimulates the production of collagen, allowing for maintenance of skin elasticity and suppleness - creating more youthful-looking skin. Not only is this great for the cameras, but for skincare lovers too.

The enhanced blood circulation further revitalizes the skin as it allows for further delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells. This brings a healthier and more radiant appearance.

Inflammation

When a joint is inflamed and swollen, mobility drastically decreases. However, light therapy has anti-inflammatory effects due to the modulation of cellular processes and immune responses.

This is useful for people with arthritis, with light therapy reducing joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness. This can drastically improve the quality of life for those suffering from this chronic inflammatory condition.

Types of Light Therapy

There are different types of light therapy, so determining the right one for you is important. Here are all the light therapy comparisons you need to learn more about the powers of light.

Red Light Therapy

Red light is a part of the visible light spectrum and can be found in the range of 620 nm to 750 nm. This area of the spectrum boasts longer wavelengths and lower energy compared to its blue or green light counterparts.

The cool thing about these longer wavelengths is that they can go deeper into our skin, offering all sorts of helpful effects!

Benefits: Red light wavelengths are known for their therapeutic effects on the human body, including skin rejuvenation, wound healing, muscle recovery, and pain reduction.

Common Uses: Acne treatment, skin rejuvenation, pain management, wound healing, hair growth, anti-inflammatory needs, mood and mental health, joint health, muscle recovery, circulation, dental health, and immune system support.

Near-Infrared Therapy

Near-infrared light therapy uses a light-emitting diode (LED) to beam a concentrated wavelength onto specific areas of the body.

The wavelengths are located within the invisible spectrum (barely visible to the naked eye) and deliver energy to the cells. Once delivered, this stimulates healing, relieves pain, and activates all the benefits that near-infrared light is known for.

One of the main standouts of near-infrared light is how deep it can penetrate to provide that much-needed energy, with wavelengths ranging from 700 to nm.

Benefits: Near-infrared light therapy is impactful for tissue repair, wound healing, and pain management.

Common Uses: Pain management, muscle recovery, joint health, inflammation reduction, nerve regeneration, hair growth, stress reduction, and anti-aging and skin health.

Low-Level Laser Therapy

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) uses low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to stimulate cellular processes and promote healing and pain relief in the body.

It utilizes specific wavelengths of light, typically in the red or near-infrared spectrum, which are then absorbed by the cells and tissues to trigger a range of biological responses.

The lasers or LEDs used in LLLT are usually in the range of 1-500 milliwatts, so they’re not strong enough to heat or damage tissue, making this therapy safe.

Benefits: Offers pain relief, stimulates collagen production, reduces inflammation, accelerates wound healing, and repairs tissue.

Common Uses: Pain management, wound healing, orthopedic and sports medicine, dental applications, skin rejuvenation, hair growth, inflammation reduction, and neurological and cognitive health.

Cold Laser Therapy

Cold laser therapy is a treatment where low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes are applied to the surface of the body to achieve desired results.

To be more specific, the wavelengths used by cold laser therapy sit around 600 to nm. These wavelengths are able to penetrate deep beneath the skin to deliver nutrients to our cells.

It’s a completely non-invasive therapy that usually causes no pain in the process or after application. However, some people may report a slight tingling sensation. This is merely caused by the increased circulation triggered by the laser.

Benefits: Pain relief, tissue repair, inflammation reduction, accelerated wound healing, and improved blood circulation.

Common Uses: Dental applications, pain management, wound healing, orthopedic and sports medicine, inflammation reduction, and neurological and cognitive health.

What are the differences between light therapy?

Red light therapy, near-infrared therapy, cold laser therapy, and LLLT are all forms of photobiomodulation that use light at certain wavelengths to stimulate cellular processes and promote healing.

But, they all differ in terms of the wavelengths used, the depth of tissue penetration, and specific applications. Here are some key red light therapy comparisons.

Wavelengths

Red light primarily uses red light wavelengths, usually in the range of 620 to 700 nanometers.

Near-infrared uses wavelengths that are slightly longer than red light, typically between 700 to nm.

Then, cold laser therapy and LLLT use laser or LED light sources that can emit both red and near-infrared light wavelengths.

Depth

Red light therapy can penetrate the body 8-10 millimeters into the skin, reaching deep into tissues, muscles, and bones.

The wavelengths used in near-infrared light therapy can also penetrate deep into tissues, making it suitable for addressing muscle and joint issues. It can reach further under the skin than red light wavelengths. And these wavelengths can even treat the brain!

Cold laser therapy and LLLT use a combination of red and near-infrared wavelengths and are often adjustable for different depths of tissue penetration, allowing for a wide range of applications.

Safety and Intensity

Red light uses lower-intensity light and is considered safe for numerous applications, even for self-administration at home.

Near-infrared light is the same and is also suited for home use.
Cold laser therapy and LLLT devices can vary in intensity and application. The higher-intensity devices may require professional administration, while lower-intensity therapy may be suitable for home use.

Light Therapy at Home with Kineon

The days of struggling to find effective pain relief and management can now be behind you with Kineon’s Move+ Pro device.

Our remarkable device allows you to harness the power of targeted red light therapy to take your muscle recovery to new heights.

The device is completely wireless and portable, so you can apply light therapy to the required area in the comfort of your own home.

In just 15 minutes a day, the MOVE+ Pro allows you to target your specific problem areas precisely, optimizing the impact of this incredible therapy. Simply strap on the device and let the targeted LED and medical-grade lasers work their magic.

It's a convenient and effortless way to unlock the full potential of red light therapy and supercharge your muscle recovery journey. Say goodbye to limitations and hello to the endless possibilities offered by the MOVE+ Pro device.

Benefits of Home Treatment

Treatment at home is highly convenient. You can integrate treatment sessions into your daily routine without the need to travel to and from a clinic or spa.

Due to this, at-home light therapy can be much more cost-effective than making those regular visits out of the house. While there is an initial investment in the device, you save on ongoing appointments and transportation costs.

When you have the device at home, you can be more consistent in your treatment approach. Regularity is key to the effectiveness of light therapy and a device can help you to maintain a treatment schedule. This leads to better results for conditions that require ongoing therapy.

How to Choose Your Kineon Device

Choosing the right device for you is important, especially with so many treatment options entering the market.

As this will be used on your body, trusting the device and company is paramount.

Read through reviews and testimonials to see how people in the industry perceive the brand and device. This can be seen through third-party review sites, testimonials, or word of mouth.

Here at Kineon, we pride ourselves on being trusted by top health experts and professionals worldwide. Our site has numerous testimonials from incredible athletes, competitors, nutritionists, and doctors.

Designed with your recovery in mind, our medical-grade laser device called the MOVE+ Pro delivers the healing power of red light directly to the surface of your skin, precisely targeting the areas that need it most, whether it's your ligaments, tendons, or any other spot in need of some tender loving care.

By utilizing the power of the MOVE+ Pro, you'll tap into your body's natural superpowers. Witness your cells spring into action, repairing and rejuvenating themselves.

Don't delay – it's time to unleash the healing power of the MOVE+ Pro and elevate your well-being to new heights!

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