Red Light Therapy Pros and Cons: A Comprehensive Guide to Using RLT and the Best Devices

Discover the benefits, drawbacks, and how to use Red Light Therapy

Introduction: Demystifying Red Light Therapy

If you’re looking to learn more about Red Light Therapy (RLT) and how it can help improve your health and well-being, you’re in the right place! In this blog post, I’ll discuss the pros and cons of RLT, offer guidance on how often and how long to use it, and explore some of the best devices available.

First, let’s look at the basic pros and cons.

1) Red Light Therapy Pros and Cons

Pros:

Simple handheld unit

Non-invasive and pain-free: RLT is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that’s safe for most people.

Skin health: RLT can improve skin health by stimulating collagen production and reducing wrinkles.

Healing and repair: It may promote wound healing and tissue repair by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation.

Pain and inflammation: RLT has the potential to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief for various conditions.

Athletic performance: Athletes can benefit from RLT as it can improve muscle recovery and enhance performance.

Cons:

Individual results: The effectiveness of RLT can vary between individuals, and some people may not experience the desired results.

Frequency and consistency: RLT usually requires consistent and frequent sessions for optimal effectiveness.

Cost: Professional treatments can be expensive, and even home devices can be a significant investment (however, the cost is amortized over decades of healing).

Limited research: While promising, there’s still limited research on RLT’s long-term effects.

2) How often should I do Red Light Therapy?

The frequency of your RLT sessions will depend on your specific goals and the device you’re using. As a general guideline, starting with 3-5 sessions per week for the first 1-4 weeks is recommended. After that, you can reduce the frequency to 1-2 times per week for maintenance.

3) How many minutes should I use Red Light Therapy?

The duration of an RLT session can vary depending on the device and the condition being treated. Generally, sessions last between 10-20 minutes. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the best results.

I’ve also read Ari Whitten’s book, The Ultimate Guide to Red Light Therapy, and if you’re using a combination red light and near infrared light therapy system as I do, he recommends not going over 5 minutes per session.

4) How much Red Light Therapy per day?

It’s usually recommended to limit RLT sessions to once per day. Overexposure to the light could potentially cause skin irritation or other side effects, so sticking to the recommended 10-20 minutes per session is your best bet.

Unless, of course, you’re using RLT plus near-infrared. Then keep it to 5 minutes, depending on how close to your skin you are using the light.

5) What is the proper light spectrum for red light therapy?

Red light therapy typically utilizes wavelengths within the red and near-infrared (NIR) light spectrum. The most commonly used and effective wavelengths for red light therapy are:

Red light: 620-700 nm (nanometers)

Near-infrared light: 700-1100 nm (nanometers)

Within these ranges, the specific wavelengths that are considered most effective for red light therapy are usually around 660 nm for red light and 850 nm for near-infrared light. These wavelengths have been widely studied and have demonstrated various therapeutic effects, such as improved skin health, reduced inflammation, and enhanced muscle recovery.

It’s important to note that different wavelengths may have different effects on the body, and some conditions or treatment goals might benefit more from specific wavelengths within the red or near-infrared light spectrum. When choosing a red light therapy device, consider the device’s wavelength offerings and ensure they align with your treatment objectives.

Also note that red light does not penetrate deeper than your skin so it is basically for skin revitalization and/or healing. Near infrared penetrates beneath the skin and can even pass through bone so if the issues you wish to treat are within joints, muscles, or as in my case, also your brain, you’ll need both red light and near infrared light from your system.

6) Whole Body Red Light Therapy

Whole body RLT systems expose your entire body to red and near-infrared light, providing a more comprehensive treatment. These systems may offer additional benefits, such as enhanced muscle recovery and improved skin health all over your body.

They also are very expensive but if that’s not an issue, they are your best bet.

7) Total Body Enhancement PF or Beauty Angel Total Body Enhancement (TBE)

Total Body Enhancement is an RLT service available at select Planet Fitness gyms. Beauty Angel Total Body Enhancement is just the brand of device they use.

This unique offering combines Red Light Therapy with whole-body vibration to enhance skin health and appearance, tone muscles and improve muscle recovery, support overall well-being, and potentially aid in weight loss.

It’s a popular option for those seeking an all-in-one RLT experience. You’ll need to get the Planet Fitness Black Card spa membership.

This is the membership Lisa and I have at Planet Fitness. I use TBE as much for the vibration plate as I do for the red light therapy. The Black Card membership also gets you access to their massage chairs and beds and also their hydromassage beds and chairs. And all of their fitness centers.

And, yes, they have tanning beds, but I just can’t recommend subjecting yourself to intense UV rays. There’s nothing healthy about that and research says it’s potentially cancer-causing.

As far as the massage systems go, I prefer the hydromassage lounge but Lisa always goes for the massage chairs. In addition to the rolling massage chair treatment for your back, legs and neck, the chair actually wraps around your calves and arms and uses air pressure to massage those specific areas and get the blood moving.

You can’t imagine the expression on Lisa’s face when her massage is finished…

8) Best Red Light Therapy Devices 2023

Anyone can say, “This is the best red light therapy device. I guarantee it!” But the truth is, the best RLT therapy device is the one that suits your specific needs. And only you know what those needs are. Oh, and your budget. The full body panels, beds, etc., are freaking expensive.

However, certain red light therapy devices are extremely popular and, as we both know, there’s usually a darned good reason for it.

That said, be aware that there are also many cheap, low-powered devices on the market that are ineffective and therefore, a waste of money.

Joovv full body red light therapy panel on wheels

Here’s a list of the most popular devices worth looking into and why:

1) Joovv Red Light Therapy Devices

This is the brand that longevity hacker Dave Asprey uses, which if you’ve read his book, Super Human, you know he’s very research-based and diligent about what he uses to heal his family.

More in his budget than mine.

2) Mito Red Light Devices

Mito Red Light offers a range of red light therapy devices, including the MitoMIN, MitoMOD, MitoMAX, and MitoMEGA. The specifications of each device may vary, but they generally share some common features, such as:

a) Wavelengths: Devices typically use a combination of red (660 nm) and near-infrared (850 nm) LEDs.

b) LED Quantity: Varies between devices, with larger models containing more LEDs for increased coverage.

c) Power Output: Mito Red Light devices offer relatively high irradiance levels, usually around 100 mW/cm² or more, depending on the model. This is the level that Ari Whitten recommends in his book.

Mito red light therapy device

d) Treatment Area: The devices are designed to cover different treatment areas, with larger models providing more coverage for whole-body treatments.

e) Timer Function: Some Mito Red Light devices include a built-in timer for setting the duration of therapy sessions.

f) Mounting Options: Devices may come with mounting options, such as door hooks or stands, for ease of use.

Also expensive but budget is in the eye of the shopper.

Mito Red Light Devices

3) PlatinumLED Therapy Lights

PlatinumLED offers a range of red light therapy devices, including the BIOMAX and BIO series. The specifications of each device may vary, but they generally share some common features:

a) Wavelengths: Devices typically use a combination of red (660 nm) and near-infrared (850 nm) LEDs, with some models offering additional wavelengths for a wider spectrum.

Platinum red light therapy panel

b) LED Quantity: Varies between devices, with larger models containing more LEDs for increased coverage.

c) Power Output: PlatinumLED devices provide high irradiance levels, usually around 100 mW/cm² or more, depending on the model.

d) Treatment Area: The devices are designed to cover different treatment areas, with larger models providing more coverage for whole-body treatments.

e) Timer Function: Some PlatinumLED devices include a built-in timer for setting the duration of therapy sessions.

f) Modular Design: PlatinumLED BIOMAX series devices can be connected together to create a larger treatment area, providing customization and flexibility for users.

Not cheap either. But you get what you pay for.

PlatinumLED Therapy Lights

4) RedRush 360 Body Light

The RedRush 360 Body Light is a red light therapy device that combines both red (660 nm) and near-infrared (850 nm) wavelengths. Some general specifications and features of the RedRush 360 Body Light include:

RedRush 360 red light therapy panel with accessories

a) Wavelengths: The device uses a combination of 120 LEDs with red (660 nm) and near-infrared (850 nm) light.

b) Power Output: The RedRush 360 Body Light delivers an irradiance of approximately 100 mW/cm² at a distance of 6 inches from the device.

c) Treatment Area: The device covers a treatment area of roughly 36 inches by 24 inches.

d) Timer Function: The RedRush 360 Body Light has a built-in digital timer for setting the duration of therapy sessions.

e) Mounting Options: The device includes a door hanging kit and a tabletop stand for flexible positioning during treatments.

f) Cooling System: It features a whisper-quiet cooling system to maintain optimal LED performance and longevity.

RedRush 360 Body Light

5) Red Light Rising Devices

Red Light Rising bulb for red light therapy

Red Light Rising offers a range of red light therapy devices, including The Half Stack, The Full Stack, and The Target Light. The specifications of each device may vary, but they generally share some common features:

a) Wavelengths: Devices typically use a combination of red (660 nm) and near-infrared (850 nm) LEDs.

b) LED Quantity: Varies between devices, with larger models containing more LEDs for increased coverage.

c) Power Output: Red Light Rising devices offer relatively high irradiance levels, depending on the model.

d) Treatment Area: The devices are designed to cover different treatment areas, with larger models providing more coverage for whole-body treatments.

e) Timer Function: Some Red Light Rising devices may include a built-in timer for setting the duration of therapy sessions.

f) Mounting Options: Devices may come with mounting options, such as door hooks or stands, for ease of use.

I probably shouldn’t have even included these guys because they are really expensive but they do have a good reputation.

Red Light Rising Devices

6) Wolezek Red Light Therapy Lamp

Wolezek bulb with clamp or available with stand.

Wolezek Red Light Therapy Lamp is the unit I bought. It combines 9 red light 660 nm LEDS with 9 near-infrared 850 nm LEDs .

I use it three times a week on just about every part of my body. However, I focus on my left knee where I tore the ligaments when I was 19 years old, my brain, which has been worrying me of late, and my scalp to stimulate hair regrowth.

My results have been pretty amazing.

My knee is more trustworthy and the pain is gone, I’ve felt a definite improvement in my brain function, especially in reference to brain fog, and my hair is slowly coming back. (It also my be due to the three percent peppermint oil cream I’ve been using on my scalp.)

I prefer the Wolezek light therapy unit because I can clamp it or hold it where I want and it’s important to me to be able to direct the light on specific parts of my body. Light panels just don’t do that.

a) Wavelengths: The device uses a combination of red (660 nm) and near-infrared (850 nm) LEDs.

b) LED Quantity: (9) 660 nm LEDs and (9) 850 nm LEDs

c) Power Output: 141 mW/cm² @ 0 inch; 123 mW/cm² @ 3 inch; 98 mW/cm² @ 6 inch distance from skin.

d) Treatment Area: Depends entirely on where you place the device. Any area can be treated.

e) Timer Function: No timer.

f) Mounting Options: Device comes with an E27 Light Clamp Socket and a very long cord with integral on-off switch. The following link is a sponsored link. If you buy through this link, Lisa and I will get a small fee but your price will not be affected.

Depending on whether you get the lamp and stand or just the lamp, you’re looking at a cost between $45 and $70.

Wolezek Red Light Therapy Lamp

To choose the best device for your needs, speak with your Functional health professional, make sure to read customer reviews, compare specifications, and consider your budget and specific requirements before making a purchase.

Lastly, if you just want to see all the red light therapy options Amazon offers, click: Red Light Therapy. Just remember, you want a device offering at least a minimum of 100 mW/cm². Otherwise, the device you buy will be too under-powered to do any good.

Conclusion: Making the Most of Red Light Therapy

Red Light Therapy offers a range of potential benefits, from improving skin health to reducing inflammation and pain. By understanding the pros and cons, as well as the optimal frequency and duration for sessions, you can make an informed decision about whether RLT is right for you.

And with the range of devices and options available, you’re sure to find a solution that suits your needs. So, give RLT a try and see if it can help you achieve your health and wellness goals!

And I really recommend you read Ari Whitten’s book, The Ultimate Guide to Red Light Therapy.