What’s the Difference Between Red Light Therapy and Infrared Light Therapy?

When it comes to our health, all human beings require consistent exposure to light. For example, we derive Vitamin D from the sun. Although the sun’s rays include the well-known ultraviolet light (UV), more than half of the sun’s output is infrared light. 

As it pertains to visible light, violet-colored light generates the most energy, and red-colored light provides the least amount of energy. 

Science of Light Therapy 

Our eyes can see wavelengths of light that range from 380 to 700 nanometers, however, the human body can feel parts of the electromagnetic spectrum that cannot be seen.  An example of this is infrared heat.   

Light moves in waves and does not require a medium to travel through. As a result, light is comprised of both electric and magnetic fields.  We are able to measure light with its frequency and wavelength. 

In comparing red light to infrared light, it is worth noting their order on the electromagnetic spectrum. 

• Infrared light is invisible and it is effective for use on the surface of the skin, as well as penetration of approximately 1 ½ inches into the body. Infrared light is positioned right beside red light on the electromagnetic spectrum at 800 nm to 1000 nm.

• Red light is visible and is most effective for use on the surface of the skin. Red light occupies the “long-end” of the visible spectrum with wavelengths of 630 nm to 700 nm.

The wavelength that infrared light generates is longer than the wavelength of red light, which is why infrared light penetrates more deeply into your body. The way it works is the longer the wavelength, the deeper the penetration. 

Because of the difference in wavelength, there are differences between what infrared light and red light offer in terms of benefits to the skin.  Both of these lights provide distinct benefits when it comes to light therapies. 

Both infrared heat therapy and red light therapy are quickly becoming popular in the health and beauty industries, including at wellness centers. 

Benefits of Infrared Heat 

Infrared is categorized as a light energy even though we do not see it. However, we do feel its warmth. Each of us generates infrared heat and it is easily absorbed by our tissues. During and after absorption, people will notice its benefits in the form of increased circulation and blood flow, detoxification, skin rejuvenation, relaxation, improved sleep, and pain relief. 

For millennia, people throughout the world have used infrared light to improve their health and receive help with increasing their metabolism, reducing inflammation, and lowering side effects of diabetes. It also decreases allergy symptoms, improves heart function, and betters your quality of life. 

Infrared therapy enhances and improves circulation in the skin and other parts of the body. It can also bring oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues, promoting healing. Infrared heat promotes the rebuilding of injured tissue by positively impacting the fibroblasts – the connective tissue cells necessary for repair – and increasing the growth of cells, and DNA and protein synthesis that is necessary during tissue repair and regeneration. 

The appropriate intensity of infrared light, which is determined by its wavelength and duration, might actually have a healing effect by increasing the cell renewal process and stimulating anti-inflammatory cytokines.  Optimal wavelengths of infrared light may also have an anti-aging effect on the skin by stimulating the production of collagen. 

Benefits of Red Light 

The majority of red-light therapy systems use small amounts of infrared in addition to red LED lights. As noted earlier, infrared penetrates deeply while red light works on the surface of the skin. While penetrating skin, the red light energy works to rejuvenate facial skin while smoothing skin tone, building collagen, reducing wrinkles, and repairing sun damage. 

Skin care experts have touted red light therapy for helping to activate the lymphatic system, decrease inflammation, and fade scars and stretch marks. Red light therapy can also stimulate cellular processes in the skin and positively affect them by regenerating fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and skin tissue. 

When you undergo a session of red light therapy, you expose your skin to a lamp, device, or laser with a red light. A portion of your cells called mitochondria, also known as “power generators,” of your cells, absorb the red light and make more energy. Some skin-care experts claim that this assists cells in repairing themselves and becoming healthier. This stimulates healing in the skin and muscle tissue. 

It is worth noting that red light therapy applies extremely low levels of heat and does not harm or burn the skin. It is a different light than what is used in tanning booths.  It also doesn’t expose your skin to damaging UV rays. 

Red light therapy is especially beneficial for activating collagen production. Red light facials or body treatments are offered in salons, spas, and wellness centers to beautify the skin, increase immunity, relieve pain, and bring about feelings of positivity. 

Other ways that red light therapy improves skin health and appearance include: 

• Improving facial texture

• Reducing fine lines

• Decreasing wrinkle severity

Based on a clinical trial published in the journal Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, which explored red light treatment for basic skin maladies in a group of 136 people, researchers discovered red light therapy could deliver the following skin benefits: 

• Improve the complexion

• Rejuvenate the skin

• Improve the feeling of the skin

How Infrared Light Therapy & Red Light Therapy Combined Benefit the Skin 

Both infrared and red light are natural, drug and chemical free, non-invasive, and safe.  People who have used these light therapies have not reported harmful short or long-term side effects. 

Although both light therapies improve skin quality, the type you select should be based on the outcome you are wanting. For example, if you are seeking to treat skin conditions on the skin’s surface, you might opt for red light therapy, as it will be most effective.  However, if the skin issue is high toxicity in the body or you prefer stronger metabolic effects, you will benefit most from infrared light therapy for toxin removal. 

Skin care experts consider infrared light therapy as a more holistic solution to wellness, as it provides skin rejuvenating benefits, in addition to assisting in the burning of calories, releasing toxins, increasing blood flow, easing pain, and promoting relaxation. 

Look to Agora for Products Made with Light Therapy 

From our Kimera Scientific line of skin treatment products, you have the advantages of receiving the byproducts of infrared light therapy and red light therapy. 

Kimera Scientific is committed to providing the most innovative skin-care products and the latest technologies for skin rejuvenation. 

Derived from light therapy and a powerful combination of beauty and science, their medical devices promote outstanding anti-aging results by ensuring maximum confidence at all ages.

Kimera Scientific offers medical devices for all skin types and all skin concerns. 

You can purchase these revolutionary, skin rejuvenating medical devices by Kimera Scientific on the Agora website. 

Agora — The Future of Skincare 

Agora has a vision to provide its customers with a quality alternative to skin-care products available on the market today. We set out to deliver high quality skin-care products that provide excellent results while utilizing outstanding customer service. 

Our products utilize unique and potent ingredients that make a revolutionary difference in the quality of skin that our customers enjoy. Our expert Cosmetic Formulation Chemist provides Agora with superior ingredients from around the world to produce the best skin-care products in the industry!  At Agora, we deliver the most effective and results-oriented skin-care treatments to our customers.