What You Should Know
In this blog we are going to cover the main differences between red and near infrared light (also known as NIR light).
- Introduction
- Red vs. NIR Light
- Conclusion
Introduction
The truth is that red light therapy works with different wavelengths of light. The therapeutic range goes from around the 600’s – 880’s nanometers. (There is not many benefits associated with the 700’s nm)
Light at the beginning of the therapeutic range is considered red light, and if we go up on the scale we will move to near infrared light. Which should not be confused with far infrared light, this type of light has a different effect on the body and is not utilised in red light therapy. Far infrared is used in infrared saunas.
Red vs. NIR Light
The main differences are their visibility, temperature and penetration.
1. VISIBILITY
- Red light is clearly visible to the human eye.
- Near infrared (NIR) light is invisible to the human eye.
If your device has red light on, you will be able to see it. If your device has NIR light on, you won’t be able to see it. If your device has both red and NIR lights on, you will only see the red light.
In other words, make sure you know which type of light your device has, to know what to expect.
2. TEMPERATURE
- Red light is warm and if you have it on for quite some time, it can get hot.
- NIR light is not warm and it doesn’t get hot.
3. PENETRATION
- Both, red and near infrared light are able to penetrate the deepest layers of our skin .
While red light reaches just below the skin’s surface, near infrared is able to go deeper into muscles, bones and organs.
If your main purpose with red light therapy is superficial, you are ok with just a red light device. Our Target Light 670 only has only red light and is ideal for skin, hair and eyes.
On the other hand, if your purpose goes beyond the surface of the body and into muscles, organs and bones, make sure your device also has near infrared light complementing the red light. All our devices (except the Target Light 670) have both lights. You can switch both lights on and off individually according to your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when it comes to buying a device, unless you only want to target the surface of your body, having both lights is the best option.
In other words, near infrared light has so many tremendous benefits, it makes sense to use them both, most of the time!
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How does Red Light Therapy work?