Infrared and red light: How lamps and light work
Red light (600 to 700 nanometers) penetrates several millimeters into the skin and reaches the mitochondria in your cells, where it increases ATP production. Infrared light has longer wavelengths (IR-A), penetrates deeper into muscles, joints, and tissues, and emits heat. Use red light for 10 to 20 minutes per session at a distance of 30 to 50 cm; use an infrared lamp for 10 to 15 minutes at a distance of 50 to 100 cm. Below, you will read how each type works, what it is used for, and how often to use it.
How does infrared light therapy work?
Want to learn more about the differences?
Summary | This is how light therapies work!
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Please note: this information is based on scientific sources, customer experiences and our own knowledge of light therapy. It is not medical advice. If you take medication, have a medical condition or are unsure, talk to your doctor or a specialist first.
How does red light therapy work?
Red Light Therapy uses visible light within a specific wavelength range to stimulate your cells. It penetrates the outer layers of the skin and reaches the mitochondria, the energy factories of your cells. This increases the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), your body's primary energy source, which accelerates recovery and growth.
Red light feels comfortable, does not emit heat, and is safe for the skin and eyes when used correctly.
Recommended reading: “Red light lamps: Everything you need to know”
Wavelengths
Red light is within a wavelength range of 600 to 700 nanometers. These wavelengths penetrate deeply into the skin, up to several millimeters. This stimulates the mitochondria in your cells, your body's energy factories. As a result, ATP production increases, supporting cell repair and growth.
Applications & Benefits
Red Light Therapy has many applications and benefits:
- Reduction of inflammation: Helps your body recover more quickly from injuries or irritations.
- Wound healing: Promotes skin cell regeneration for faster healing.
- Improved skin: Stimulates collagen production for smooth, radiant skin.
- Pain relief: Relieves muscle and joint pain, such as from arthritis or muscle aches.
- Better sleep quality: Supports your natural sleep rhythm and reduces stress.
Using red light lamps
Want to try red light therapy at home? Follow these guidelines:
- Duration: 10 to 20 minutes per session
- Distance: 30 to 50 centimeters from the skin
- Frequency: Start with 3 to 5 times per week (you can increase this later)
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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 circulation, and accelerates 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.
Recommended reading: “Infrared therapy: Everything you need to know!”
Wavelengths
Infrared light is divided into 3 categories of radiation: A, B, and C (or IR-A, IR-B, IR-C). This classification is based on the wavelength of 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. For example:
- Deep pain relief: Reduces muscle stiffness and joint pain through deep-penetrating heat.
- Faster recovery: Speeds up muscle and tissue recovery after exercise 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 greater 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 learn more about the differences?
Red Light Therapy and Infrared therapy are often mentioned in the same breath, but as you can read above, they are different treatments. For a clear overview of the key differences, we have written an extensive blog post, which you can read here: “Infrared or red light: What is the difference?”
Summary | This is how light therapies work!
Red Light Therapy uses visible light that penetrates your skin to give your cells a boost. It helps reduce inflammation, promotes recovery, and leaves your skin glowing.
Infrared therapy goes even deeper. Thanks to its 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!
Want to try it yourself? Explore Liroma's range and choose the type of light that suits you. You have 60 days to test it at home.
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