Is Red Light Therapy the Same as Infrared? Discover the Differences

Red light therapy and infrared therapy are two types of light treatment that are increasing in popularity. These treatments have different wavelengths and can help manage different health concerns. It is important to understand the differences between both light therapies and how at-home and professional devices work to help you incorporate light therapy into your routine. This article looks at scientific evidence and provides tips on how to choose the right treatment.

What is red light therapy?

Ad

Relax, recharge, rejuvenate

Boost your health and wellness with Mito Red Light Full Body Mat, delivering red and infrared light for improved cellular function.

Use code 'HEALTHNEWS5' now

Get 5% OFF order!

Red light therapy (RLT) is a form of light treatment in which you expose your skin to a low level of red or near-infrared light. It is non-invasive, meaning it does not involve the insertion of an instrument into the skin.

Unlike ultraviolet light (UV), which can cause skin damage, red light penetrates deep into the skin without causing such harm.

While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanism behind red light therapy, it has been proposed that red light stimulates the mitochondria in the skin cells. The mitochondria then absorb the red light and increase adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. ATP is the energy-carrying molecule found in all living cells. ATP increase promotes cellular energy, which can help aid healing processes.

Typical applications of red light therapy

Red light therapy is used for a range of health and cosmetic applications. Let's look at the most common applications and their potential advantages.

Each application method has its own proposed benefits. For instance, skin rejuvenation may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Hair growth treatments may stimulate hair follicles to regrow hair, with studies showing potential to address specific types of hair loss. Wound healing therapies may promote cell regeneration and reduce inflammation, speeding up the healing process for wounds or cuts. Additionally, inflammation reduction treatments may alleviate tissue inflammation, benefiting those with inflammatory conditions like acne vulgaris.

Red light therapy devices

There are different types of products that use red light therapy for your skin and all their unique uses. We look at some of them below:

• Helmets. These emit red and near-infrared light to your scalp to stimulate hair growth. They are suitable for personal use at home.
• LED panels. These are panels that are placed on a table or against the wall and can be used at home or in a professional setting.
• Face masks. Equipped with red LED lights to target the facial area, these face masks are a short-term light treatment for acne and wrinkles.
• Wands. These handheld devices are equipped with red LED lights. They are used by moving them to target specific areas of your body, such as your knees or a spot on your face.

Benefits of red light

Red light therapy may be an effective treatment for pimples in people who have acne. Dermatologists may recommend using red light therapy on its own or in combination with blue light and/or other light devices.

Research suggests that low-level laser therapy (LLLT), including red light, can promote hair growth in people with androgenetic alopecia. It may be more effective when combined with medications. LLLT can help thicken the hair and increase mean hair density.

LLLT may also help reduce the pain levels in certain medical conditions, such as fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and neck pain. However, it is crucial to discuss its use with a healthcare professional if you have a medical condition.

Since red light therapy may stimulate blood vessels and increase ATP production, it may help wounds and bone fractures heal faster. In wound healing, light therapy may help boost collagen production and lower inflammation in the cells.

What is infrared light?

Infrared light is a form of electromagnetic radiation that has longer wavelengths than visible light and shorter wavelengths than microwave radiation.

Infrared waves and microwaves form part of the invisible light spectrum and are considered safe waves. X-rays and gamma rays are unsafe and are found at the other end of the spectrum. While red light is visible to the naked eye, infrared is not, as it has less energy than light in the visible spectrum.

However, we can still feel infrared as heat when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Infrared devices do not emit UV light that can increase the risk of skin cancer.

Infrared lighting penetrates deep into the skin so that it can reach muscles, nerves, and bones. The cells absorb the light energy, which may help improve blood circulation, cellular repair, and lower inflammation. Infrared heat may help the muscles relax and aid the healing process.

Typical applications of infrared light therapy

While the research is still emerging, there is some evidence to suggest that infrared light may be helpful for various health uses.

Infrared heat may alleviate chronic pain in people with certain medical conditions, like osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and muscle spasms. It may also enhance blood flow, which may help your body heal from injuries or pressure sores faster. While the evidence is mixed, far-infrared radiation therapy may help accelerate muscle recovery following exercise. Lastly, its anti-inflammatory effects may be beneficial for some skin issues.

Infrared therapy devices

You can find different types of products or devices that use infrared light or heat, including:

• Saunas. An infrared sauna has infrared heaters that treat the whole body area. Infrared heat can help your body relax and is being used for detoxification.
• Heating pads. Infrared heating pads can be applied to certain body areas for muscle pain relief.
• Lamps. Target a broad body area, and you can find them at physical therapy clinics.
• Handheld devices. These include wands or massagers that you can use on any body area.

Benefits of infrared light

Far-infrared saunas emit infrared light that penetrates deep into the skin and can be used in people who cannot engage in moderate exercise. This applies to those who have an inactive lifestyle and have received a diagnosis of osteoarthritis and cardiovascular and respiratory issues. However, seek medical advice before using an infrared sauna if you have a medical condition.

Researchers suggest the use of infrared as a complementary treatment for musculoskeletal conditions, such as fibromyalgia. Infrared heat may help reduce pain severity, and it appears to be more effective than LLLT in addressing chronic low back pain.

According to a systemic review published in 2022, previous studies have advised against using infrared therapy if someone has eczema, fever, or skin damage from radiation, among other health issues. This is because it might disrupt arterial blood flow, irritate the skin, or cause dehydration, among other side effects.

However, these adverse effects did not appear in this recent systemic review, and so the authors confirm the safety of infrared therapy in the treatment of the above conditions. They do state that further research is needed to evaluate the effects of infrared treatment on a larger sample size.

Red light vs. infrared therapy: key differences

Below, we look at the differences between the two light therapies to give you a better understanding of both light treatments.

Note: *The exact wavelengths vary depending on the source. One review notes that infrared radiation wavelength is between 760 and 100,000 nm.

How to choose between red light and infrared therapies

If you're interested in light therapy, keep in mind that red and infrared light therapies are not yet widely established as treatment options across the medical community. While some devices have FDA clearance for specific indications, researchers are still studying their uses and potential clinical applications, so it's always best to seek medical advice. These are also some of the factors that you may discuss with your doctor:

• Health goals. Red light is mainly used to improve skin conditions, while infrared goes deeper into the skin and can potentially be used to target muscles.
• Penetration depth. Red light may help address issues at the surface of your skin, such as spots. Infrared penetrates deeper into the skin where it can target muscles and joints.
• Treatment area. Handheld devices that emit red light or infrared are good options if you want to treat a small area. However, infrared saunas are large panels that are your go-to option if you need a full-body treatment.
• Lifestyle. Choose a product compatible with your lifestyle. If you are always on the go, you may opt for a handheld device that is portable and easy to carry.

Can you combine infrared and red light therapy together?

Yes, you can combine both light therapies to maximize the benefits of both treatments.

You can buy dual therapy devices. These emit both lights, and you can use them to address skincare issues and muscle and joint problems in the same session. Alternatively, you can use separate devices.

First, apply red light treatment to your skin, and then, use the infrared therapy device to target deeper tissues.

Safety and side effects

Red LED light therapy isn't associated with serious adverse effects. However, it can cause blisters, hyperpigmentation, and prolonged skin redness, depending on the dose you use.

Some studies suggest that red and near-infrared light therapy can be used for the eyes. While the emerging evidence suggests it may be used for the treatment of certain visual conditions, it is still considered an investigational tool. There is not enough evidence to confirm whether commercially available red light therapy devices are safe for the eyes.

In addition, research also shows that your eye's temperature can rise if you're in an infrared sauna. Temperature increase can affect your eyesight and increase your risk for cataracts. The researchers recommend following the time guidelines if you're attending a sauna session and using protective eyewear to prevent injuries. If you're using LLLT devices, it may also be a good idea to protect your eyes, as some power ranges can cause damage to your eyes.

Moreover, there is limited research on the use of light therapy in people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ask your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and interested in this type of treatment, as they can help determine their safety.

You should also seek medical advice if you have cancer. Studies that talk about the effects of light therapy on cancer are inconclusive.

You might not be the right candidate for light therapy if you take certain medications, like antibiotics, antidepressants, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This is because these can make your skin more sensitive to light.

Have you ever used light therapy? How was your experience? Let us know in the comments below.