What Is Light Therapy?
With light therapy, you're aiming to improve your health or body through the use of light. This light is applied to the body and it requires particular wavelengths (colors) and sufficient power.
Many different types of light therapy exist. Spending time in the sun is one form of light therapy. Tanning beds is another example. Though lately, some types of light therapy have seen a surge in popularity.
Red light therapy and infrared sauna therapy are the two forms of light therapy that are becoming widely used due to their low cost, ease of use, scientific backing and effectiveness.
Red light therapy, also called "Low-Level Laser Therapy" (LLLT) or "photobiomodulation" in scientific circles, uses red and invisible infrared light to achieve a biological effect. Infrared saunas also use infrared light.
This red and infrared light is part of the "light spectrum". The light spectrum is made up of infrared light (which makes the sun feel hot on your skin), visible light (all colors of the rainbow that you can see with your naked eye including red), and ultraviolet light (which can lead to sunburn).
Many different methods exist to administer light therapy. Lasers, filaments in a bulb and more recently LED's. The technological advancements we have seen with LED's (and the resulting drop in prices) is the main driver pushing light therapy out of the scientific labs and into the home.
We've written a very extensive blog post about the red light therapy basics - which use LEDs and lasers - to influence your body's biology.
Light Therapy vs Red Light Therapy?
Light therapy refers to the use of various different wavelengths (or colors) from the light spectrum to achieve a biological effect. You can see that light spectrum below:
Red light therapy uses the red part of the visible light spectrum, and a tiny part of the infrared spectrum referred to as "near infrared" light (compared to infrared saunas which typically use far infared light).
Light therapy, on the other hand, might use blue light, green light, red, ultraviolet light, or even a combination of light. Think of red light therapy is a subcategory of light therapy. Or better yet: red light therapy is one type of light therapy.
Light Therapy vs Infrared Sauna?
Infrared saunas are another type of light therapy. Infrared saunas use most of the infrared light spectrum, which can be subdivided into the near, middle, and far infrared light. Sometimes, infrared saunas also emit a tiny portion of red light, creating a red glow inside the sauna.
Near, middle, and far infrared have different biological effects. Most of the near, and all of the middle and far infrared heat your body.
One way way this works is due to the fact that water inside your body absorbs infrared light. The body temperature rises as a result and you sweating, which has it's own health benefits.
Infrared saunas - as a form of light therapy - has unique health benefits. Other types of light therapy also have health benefits, which are covered below:
Who Is Light Therapy For?
If you're asking "who is light therapy for" then the answer is simple: everyone. Just like exercise at the right intensity is good for everyone, and a healthy diet is good for everyone, the same is true for light therapy.
All the different types of light therapy, such as red light therapy, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) lights, infrared saunas, and sunlight have their own unique benefits.
Red light therapy has 8,000+ studies backing it and has benefits for sports performance and recovery, sleep quality, countering inflammation, decreasing disease risk, and boosts well-being, skin health, wound healing, and brain health, just to name a few.
Hundreds of studies on saunas show benefits for lowering disease risk (heart disease, Alzheimer's, airway conditions), helping you lose weight, improving skin health, enhancing well-being, boosting sleep quality, and more.
Does Light Therapy Work?
Since the early 1900s, thousands of studies have been carried out on light therapy. At first, sunlight and ultraviolet light were deemed the most important and heavily researched.
In the 1960s, the first lasers were used for enhancing health. These lasers commonly used red and near-infrared light. Since the 2000s, LEDs have become much more affordable and have started to be used in consumer products.
As stated before, more than 8,000+ studies have been performed on mostly red and near-infrared light. Most of these studies have been included in a spreadsheet on light therapy that you can read online, from Vladimir Heiskanen. In that spreadsheet, 90%+ of studies show positive results.
Also, hundreds, if not thousands of studies have been published on sauna therapy, mostly finding very positive outcomes.
So, yes, there's overwhelming evidence that light therapy works. Anecdotal evidence supports this, with hundreds of thousands if not millions of people who had their lives changed after buying red light therapy panels or an infrared sauna.
Next up, let's explore how it all works:
How Light Therapy Works
Light therapy works through many different mechanisms. Different types of light of the light spectrum penetrate your body tissue at different distances.
Infrared light, for instance, can travel up to several inches into the body. Red light penetrates well but . And other types of light, such as blue or parts of the ultraviolet light spectrum, stay on the skin's surface.
Red and infrared light can travel into your cells. In the cell, the light affects the "mitochondria" - the energy-producing factories of your cells. One or multiple steps of that energy-creation process can be influenced by red and infrared light, thereby leading to higher energy production.
Blue light, on the other hand, has biological effects as well. For instance, blue light can inhibit bacteria formation in your skin. And, when the blue light enters your eyes, it signals to your brain that it's daytime. Your eyes are not just a camera to see the world but a portal to the clock in your brain that tracks time.
Ultraviolet light, also has various effects. Ultraviolet light can be divided into ultraviolet-A (UVA) and ultraviolet-B (UVB). UVA makes you feel more relaxed when it hits the skin, improves circulation, and helps build brain-signalling compounds such as serotonin and dopamine when it hits your eye. UVB aids the creation of vitamin D in the skin.
What Are The Side Effects of Light Therapy?
Though the side-effects are rare and rather minimal, light therapy can have side-effects when used improperly. Anything in life has side effects when used incorrectly. Water can kill you if you drink too much of it, too much exercise can lead to over training, injuries and elevated stress levels.
Too much ultraviolet light from the summer sun leads to sunburn. Almost any type of light can be abused. Blue light with it's stimulating effect can keep you up at night. Red light can make you tired and lower your energy levels when you overdo it. Infrared light can make your skin look worse if you sit inside an infrared sauna for hours per day.
If you follow the guidelines that come with your light therapy device you should not have any issues. But if you have any serious health problems always check with your doctor before starting a new form of therapy.
How Do I Use Light Therapy?
How you use light therapy depends on the device you are using. For instance, you would use a red light therapy panel ideally four to five days per week, for 10-20 minutes a day. But all of that depends on how large your device is and also the power output.
Targeted devices - such as red light therapy laser devices - often put out high amounts of energy in a small area, so treatment times are a lot shorter.
Blue light treatment for acne is typically used for around 10-30 minutes a couple times a week.
Infrared Sauna sessions often run for 15-40minutes, 1-4 times a week.
Though again, there are a lot of variables you need to consider. The state of your health, the device you are using, your goals, time of day etc.
Broadly speaking, most light therapy devices have to be used several times per week. And, for the light therapy to work, your body will have to be exposed to the light.
What Light Therapy Device Should I Buy?
This question is like asking a hardware store sales rep what tool you should purchase?
The answer is simple - it depends.
It depends on what you're trying to achieve. Fortunately for us, there are many different light therapy 'tools' on the market. And even better, we have an excellent guide below that will help you find the best light therapy product for your needs.
Red Light Therapy Buyers Guide: Avoid These 15 Mistakes!
This blog has been updated with 2024-2025 panels/information.
15 Essential Things to Consider Before Buying a Red Light Therapy Panel
This guide is a must-read for buying a red light therapy panel. After testing hundreds of panels over the past six years, I've seen the good, the bad, and the downright unnecessary.
Here, I'll cover 15 critical factors you must consider before purchasing. These go beyond the basics like size and warranty—we're diving deep. Let's get started.
1. Know Your Treatment Goals
The first and most crucial question is: What do you want to treat? Your choice of panel depends on your treatment area.
- Small Areas: A compact model like the Infraredi Flex Mini suits localized issues like sore shoulders.
- Full Body Treatments: A more extensive or multi-panel setup is necessary to optimize your entire body's mitochondria.
Remember that the actual treatment area aligns closely with the LED's dimensions. Beam angles and coverage graphics can be misleading. From my testing, light intensity diminishes significantly outside the direct LED range. If you want head-to-toe coverage, you need a physically large panel to handle that.
2. Budget Considerations
While full-body coverage might sound appealing, it may not fit your budget. The good news is that you can future-proof your investment—panels like the PlatinumLED Biomax 900 offer modular setups. You can start with one panel and expand later by wirelessly linking additional panels.
However, don't assume a higher price equals better quality. For example, Joovv panels are notoriously expensive, yet they're not always the best-performing option.
If you're on a tight budget, I've reviewed affordable tabletop panels, which you can find in the video below.
3. Wavelengths Matter
Traditionally, red light therapy panels featured 660nm red light and 850nm near-infrared light. While these are beneficial, other wavelengths, like 810nm, offer unique advantages.
Some panels, like the BioMax, include seven different wavelengths, while others, like Red Light Rising, stick to the basics. My preference leans toward panels incorporating 810nm due to its extensive research-backed benefits.
4. Ease of Use
Some panels are user-friendly, with features like remote controls or touchscreens, while others are more basic. Consider what's important to you:
- Remotes and Timers: Highly recommended for convenience.
- Dimmable Lights: Useful for adjusting intensity.
- Simple Switches: Best for straightforward setups.
5. The Company's Reputation
Red light therapy is booming, and new companies pop up weekly. Stick to brands that have been around for at least a few years. Why? It's easy to start a Red Light Therapy company, but what happens if they receive a bad batch? Can a new startup afford to honor the warranty and fix the panels? When a company goes bankrupt, you lose support for warranties and repairs.
Also, look for a good warranty. A minimum two—to three-year warranty is a good benchmark.
6. Safety: EMF and Flicker
Next, we have safety issues. Most of these panels are safe, and when I say safety, I don't mean you'll get an electric shock—though I guess that could happen if you're using something dodgy.
The main concerns here are the EMF output and flicker.
Some older panels and very cheap panels today use low-cost LEDs that flicker. We can't detect this flicker with our eyes, but it's there. I've done a video on this, and that flicker can cause stress and even headaches. Ideally, you want a panel that puts out clean, pure, therapeutic light without any stresses.
Next is the non-native EMF issue. Again, some older or low-cost panels emit many non-native EMFs. This can be stressful, and if you're spending a thousand dollars on one of these devices to improve your health, you don't want to end up with something that adds extra stress instead.
In my reviews, I test all of these panels for EMF output. If you're worried about a specific panel, check out my reviews to see if it's safe or something to be cautious of.
7. Sound Levels
Most panels have fans to cool the LEDs, but some are louder than others. If you're noise-sensitive, check my reviews for panels with quieter operations. Trust me—a loud whir can make your sessions unbearable.
8. Future-Proofing Your Setup
When investing in a red light therapy panel, it's wise to consider how your needs might evolve. A typical scenario is someone buying a single panel, only to later purchase another panel from a different company and perhaps a smaller, more portable one. While this may seem flexible, it can lead to complications.
Here's why: having multiple panels from different brands can quickly become inefficient. They might each require separate power sources, individual controls, and separate stands, creating unnecessary clutter and inconvenience.
Instead, think long-term and choose a panel system that allows for modularity—essentially, panels that can link together, share power supplies, and be controlled from a single interface.
For example, with the BioMax panels, I have two of them connected to a single power plug and controlled by one interface. They even share the same stand, creating a seamless and cohesive setup. This level of integration simplifies use and reduces setup time, making your overall experience far more enjoyable.
If you anticipate expanding your setup, do thorough research before buying your first panel. Seek modular features that link panels together to form a more extensive array. Most modern panels offer this feature, but it's essential to confirm compatibility, even within the same brand.
For instance, MitoRed has its Mito Pro range, but its newer Mito Adapt panels aren't compatible with the older models. If you'd started with the Mito Pro and then added a Mito Adapt, you'd find yourself managing two separate systems that don't integrate. This means more cables, more controls to operate individually, and separate timers to sync. While this isn't a dealbreaker, it's far from ideal, especially when a bit of foresight could have avoided the hassle.
9. Stands
Stands are also part of future-proofing. For example, consider whether the panel comes with—or can be upgraded to include—a stand. Basic floor mounts might work now, but motorized stands or overhead mounts could enhance convenience and comfort as your setup evolves.
Many companies sell stands designed explicitly for their panels, but not all stands are interchangeable between brands or different product ranges within the same brand. If you plan to mount multiple panels or upgrade later, ensure your stand is compatible with your intended setup.
By thinking ahead and future-proofing your red light therapy system, you'll save time, money, and effort in the long run while creating a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
10. Power and Irradiance
Power output is one of the most hyped-up features in red light therapy panels, but it's also one of the messiest topics. Companies often claim to have the "most powerful panel" on the market, but here's what you need to know:
- Testing Methods Vary: Power can be measured at various distances (1 inch, 6 inches, 12 inches) or calculated as a peak versus an average reading. There's no industry standard, so comparing claims between brands can be misleading.
- Independent Lab Testing: Some companies share lab results that aren't foolproof. I've reviewed many of these reports, and inconsistencies are typical.
To address this confusion, I test panels using my spectrometer and a consistent protocol. This allows me to provide comparable power figures across all panels. My reviews and comprehensive red light therapy resources include these results.
Key Takeaways on Power:
- If you buy from a reputable brand in 2023 or later, you'll likely get a powerful enough panel. Even budget-friendly options now provide adequate therapeutic doses.
- Overly powerful panels aren't always better. They can lead to overuse or unnecessary expense. Balance is key.
- Higher-powered panels can reduce treatment times or allow for more flexible positioning (e.g., standing further away while doing stretches or meditating).
The goal is to find a panel that delivers reliable power without excessive or underwhelming. A well-balanced panel saves time, money, and hassle.
11. Included Accessories
Don't overlook accessories—they can make or break your experience. Most panels include basics like power cables and hanging kits, but premium brands might offer extras such as:
- Remote Controls: Perfect for adjusting settings without interrupting your session.
- Protective Goggles: Essential for eye safety.
- Carrying Cases or Storage Bags: These are useful for portability and organization.
- Stands: Some panels, such as the Mito Red Table Top, include a stand.
- Instructions: Some companies include an extensive full-color manual, while others have a quick start guide.
Check if these extras are included or need to be purchased separately, as they can significantly add to your overall cost.
12. Discounts and Promotions
Red light therapy panels are a significant investment, but you can save considerable money if you shop strategically. Many companies offer seasonal sales, bundle deals, or first-time buyer discounts.
Signing up for email newsletters or following brands on social media can keep you informed about these promotions. Often my affliate links and code can be "stacked" with a sale thus saving you even more money
Additionally, consider looking for packages that include valuable accessories. For instance, a panel bundled with a stand or remote control might save you money compared to purchasing these separately. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, though, as they could indicate a low-quality product.
13. Shipping and Taxes
When purchasing a red light therapy panel, shipping and potential import taxes are often overlooked. Many companies offer free shipping within mainland America if you're lucky enough to live in the United States. However, shipping rates will vary depending on your location if the panel you're purchasing is from a company based in Canada, the UK, or Australia.
For example, buying from an American company might seem appealing due to the competitive prices if you live in Australia. However, the final price may be much higher once you factor in shipping costs.
While I provide rough guidelines for shipping costs in my reviews and product database, the most reliable way to determine the shipping fee is to add the product to your cart, apply any discount codes, and input your address to generate an accurate shipping quote.
Another issue to consider is import taxes or duties. Unfortunately, this can be unpredictable and varies widely depending on your country. While I'd love to provide specific recommendations for avoiding these charges, it's often a hit-or-miss situation.
If you want complete clarity on the final price, including product cost, shipping fees, and taxes, I recommend purchasing from a company based in your country.
My product database features the locations of various red light therapy companies. You can filter by region, such as Australia, to find nearby brands. This allows you to know your total costs upfront, minimizing the chances of unexpected fees.
14. Advanced Features
While a basic red light therapy panel that emits sufficient red and near-infrared light is often enough to meet most needs, advanced features can enhance your experience. Some of these features include:
- Built-in Timers: A convenient way to ensure you stick to recommended session durations without needing an external timer.
- Brightness Adjustment: Dimming or changing the panel's intensity can make sessions more comfortable and adaptable to your needs.
- Wavelength Control: Panels that allow you to switch off one wavelength (e.g., red light) while keeping another (e.g., near-infrared) active can provide greater versatility.
- Pulsed Light Therapy: This feature uses pre-programmed frequencies to pulse or flicker the light. While pulsed therapy isn't essential, some users believe it offers added benefits. I've covered the topic of pulsed red light therapy in more detail in a separate video.
If these features are important to you, doing your homework is essential. My reviews and content include detailed breakdowns of which panels offer these options so you can ensure the product you purchase meets your specific needs.
15. Independent Reviews
Marketing claims can make every panel seem like the "best on the market." To cut through the noise, rely on independent reviews from trusted sources.
These reviews often include details about panel performance, build quality, and additional features—information you won't find in company brochures.
Look for reviews that provide quantifiable data, such as:
- Actual power output measurements
- EMF and flicker levels
- Sound levels and cooling efficiency
- Build quality and longevity
A review that also compares multiple panels using consistent testing protocols can help you see how one product compares to its competitors.
I include this data in my reviews to ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Red Light Therapy Buyer's Guide Conclusion
Your lifestyle and available space play a significant role in choosing the right panel. Consider where and how you plan to use your red light therapy device. Do you need a setup that allows you to treat your back while lying down? Or are you looking for a door-mounted panel to save space?
For example:
- Portable Panels: Great for traveling or targeting smaller areas.
- Adjustable Stands: Ideal for treating specific body parts or performing therapy while seated or standing.
- Wall or Door Mounts: Perfect for smaller spaces or when a stand isn't practical.
If you enjoy multitasking, like doing yoga or meditating during sessions, you'll want a panel that accommodates those activities. Ensure the panel is adjustable to the correct angle and height for your routine.
Navigating the overwhelming number of options on the market can feel daunting. That's why using resources is essential to simplify the decision-making process.
I've created a comprehensive database where you can filter panels based on key criteria like size, price, power output, etc. This allows you to compare options side-by-side and find panels tailored to your specific needs.
Whether you're new to red light therapy or upgrading your setup, having access to unbiased information and detailed comparisons is invaluable. It ensures your investment aligns with your goals and avoids common pitfalls like overpaying for unnecessary features.
Additional Resources
If you're still unsure which panel is right, here are some additional resources.
- YouTube: Light Therapy Insiders by Alex Fergus – Dive into expert-led video tutorials and discussions.
- Website: Light Therapy Insiders – Access comprehensive articles, guides, and product insights.
- Instagram: @LightTherapyInsiders – Follow us for quick tips, updates, and engaging red-light therapy content.
- TikTok: @light_therapy_insiders – Watch short, informative videos with the latest red light therapy insights.
- Podcast Platforms: Listen to our in-depth interviews on all major platforms. Find me with the title: title: "Alex Fergus - Light Therapy Insiders" or with this link: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2383779.rss
- Facebook Group: Red Light Therapy Discussion. This is an active group with over 15,000 members. We have more in-depth discussions there. I hope you'll join us in the interesting conversations. Members share their ideas, observations, experiences, questions, and review requests.
- Deals & Discounts : If you have decided on the product you want, be sure to check out our Deals Page to see if you can pick up a discount before buying. Light Therapy Insiders has managed to source discounts ranging from 5% to 10% or more on most red light therapy products.
- Recommendations Page: Looking for a 'done for you' recommendation? Don't want to study the data and try and determine what is the best option for you? Then head to our Recommendations page where we outline the best product for various goals (and budgets!)
- Reviews & Comparisons: We review an extensive amount of Red Light Therapy products. And each week we're publishing new reviews (so be sure to subscribe to our email list). You can see all of our reviews on our Review page. You can also check out all our video reviews on our YouTube Channel.
- Red Light Therapy Shopping Tool: This database is the ultimate tool to help you find your perfect red light device. If you know exactly what you want - what size, what wavelengths, maybe even where it's shipped from - head over to our product database, adjust the filters to suit and see what remains.
Items Mentioned In This Article
✅ Buy a PlatinumLED BioMax panel or accessories, and use the following link for a discount: https://aferg.co/redled
✅ For a Mito Red Mito Red panel, such as the MitoPRO or MitoADAPT use this link and code ALEX5: https://aferg.co/7d221
✅ To get a Lightpath LED product use code ALEX and get 5% off with the following link: https://aferg.co/lightpathled
✅ You can get an Infraredi Flex Mini or Max 2022 - use code ALEX for a 5% discount and the following link: https://aferg.co/infraredi - other Infraredi panels can also be bought through that link
✅ Interested in getting a Joovv? Click here: https://aferg.co/joovvbca0 - no discount available
✅ For a Red Light Rising Advantage in the UK, use discount code ALEX and the following link: https://aferg.co/redlightrising
Consider These YouTube Videos As Well:
⭐ Targeted Red Light Treatment = Full-Body Benefits?
⭐ Best Red Light Therapy Panel 2024? EPIC Comparison
⭐ Best Red Light Therapy Body Panels 2024: HUGE Comparison!
⭐ How To Use Red Light Therapy 101: Know THIS For Starters
Found This Interesting? Then You Might Like:
⭐ The Power Of Red Light Therapy On Mitochondria
⭐ Red Light Therapy: What’s The Ideal Distance from Skin?
⭐ Red Light Therapy Dosing Chart: The Raw Data From Hundreds Of Studies
⭐ Is Red Light Therapy Science-Based? An Introduction
Keen To Learn More?
Not quite ready to buy, but keen to dive deeper into this amazing world of light therapy? Then here are a few articles and videos that we thought you may enjoy:
