How does infrared light therapy work?
Want to know more about the differences?
Summary | This is how light therapies work!
How does Red Light Therapy work?
Red Light Therapy uses visible light in a specific wavelength range to stimulate your cells. It penetrates the outer skin layers and reaches the mitochondria, the powerhouses of your cells. This increases the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main energy source of your body, accelerating repair and growth.
Red light feels comfortable, emits no heat, and is safe for skin and eyes when used correctly.
Reading tip: “Red Light Lamps: Everything You Need to Know”
Wavelengths
Red light is in a wavelength range of 600 to 700 nanometers. These wavelengths penetrate deep into the skin, up to several millimeters. This stimulates the mitochondria in your cells, the powerhouses of your body. As a result, ATP production is increased, supporting cell repair and growth.
Applications & Benefits
Red Light Therapy has many applications and benefits:
- Reduction of Inflammation: Helps your body recover faster from injuries or irritations.
- Wound Healing: Promotes the regeneration of skin cells for faster healing.
- Skin Improvement: Stimulates collagen production for a smooth, radiant skin.
- Pain relief: Relieves muscle and joint pain, such as with arthritis or muscle soreness.
- Better sleep quality: Supports your natural sleep rhythm and reduces stress.
Using Red Light Therapy lamps
Want to try Red Light Therapy at home? Follow these guidelines:
- Duration: 10 to 20 minutes per session
- Distance: 15 to 30 centimeters from the skin
- Frequency: Start with 3 to 5 times per week (you can increase this later)
View all Red Light Therapy lamps
How does infrared light therapy work?
Infrared Therapy uses light with longer wavelengths that penetrate deeper into your body. This light reaches muscles, joints, and tissues, where it generates heat and activates recovery processes.
The deep heat relaxes muscles, stimulates blood circulation, and speeds up healing. Infrared light relieves pain, reduces stiffness and swelling, and helps your body relax. It is therefore used both in therapeutic treatments and for general relaxation.
Reading tip: “Infrared Therapy: Everything You Need to Know!”
Wavelengths
Infrared light is divided into 3 categories of radiation types: A, B, and C (or IR-A, IR-B, IR-C). This classification is based on the wavelength of the infrared light:
- Short-wave infrared (IR-A): wavelength from 0.78 µm to 1.4 µm (1 µm = 1000 nanometers)
- Mid-wave infrared (IR-B): wavelength from 1.4 µm to 3 µm (1 µm = 1000 nanometers)
- Long-wave infrared (IR-C): wavelength from 3 µm to 1,000 µm (1 µm = 1000 nanometers)
Applications & Benefits
Infrared therapy offers profound benefits for your health. Think of:
- Deep pain relief: Reduces muscle stiffness and joint complaints through deep heat.
- Faster recovery: Speeds up muscle and tissue recovery after exertion or injuries.
- Improved circulation: Supports better oxygen supply and cell repair.
- Chronic conditions: Helps with complaints such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.
- Stress reduction: Relaxes your muscles and calms your mind for more balance.
Instructions for use
Want to try infrared light therapy at home? Follow these guidelines:
- Duration: 10 -15 minutes per body part
- Distance: 50 - 100 cm from the body
- Frequency: 3-4 times per week
Want to know more about the differences?
Red Light Therapy and infrared therapy are often mentioned together, but as you can read above, they are different treatments. For a clear overview of the main differences, we have written an extensive blog that you can read here: “Infrared or red light: What is the difference?”
Summary | This is how light therapies work!
Red Light Therapy works with visible light that penetrates your skin to give your cells a boost. It helps reduce inflammation, promotes recovery, and ensures radiant skin.
Infrared therapy goes even one layer deeper. Thanks to the longer wavelengths, it relaxes your muscles, improves your circulation, and relieves pain. Ideal after a long day!
Both therapies offer great benefits, each in their own way. Choose what suits you best and experience the power of light for yourself!
