What’s the Difference and Which One Do You Need?

If you’ve been researching light therapy devices, you’ve probably come across two common terms: Red Light and Near-Infrared (NIR) Light. While both fall under the umbrella of photobiomodulation (PBM) and offer therapeutic benefits, they are not identical in how they work or what they treat.

In this article, we’ll explain the differences between red and near-infrared light, when to use each, and why combining them can produce the best results.

Red Light Vs Near-Infrared Light — Red Light vs Near-Infrared Light

Understanding the Light Spectrum

Light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light measured in nanometers (nm). The visible and near-visible light ranges used in therapy typically include:

Red Light: 620–680nm
Near-Infrared Light: 800–850nm

While red light is visible to the human eye, near-infrared light is invisible but penetrates deeper into the body.

Key Differences Between Red and Near-Infrared Light

Feature	Red Light (620–680nm)	Near-Infrared Light (800–850nm)
Visibility	Visible (red glow)	Invisible to human eye
Penetration depth	1–2 mm (upper skin layers)	Up to 50 mm (deep tissues, joints, muscles)
Best for	Skin health, anti-aging, surface healing	Pain relief, inflammation, muscle & joint recovery
Feel	Gentle warmth	Mild heat sensation (if any)
Devices	Often used in LED face masks, panels	Used in panels, handhelds, therapy beds

Red Light: Surface-Level Benefits

Red light is ideal for topical treatments because it targets the skin’s surface and just below it. It is best used for:

Stimulating collagen and elastin production
Reducing wrinkles and fine lines
Enhancing skin tone and texture
Promoting wound healing and reducing scars
Treating acne and rosacea

Skin Rejuvenation

Red light therapy is a favorite in beauty clinics and home-use panels because it helps restore a youthful glow naturally, without invasive procedures.

Near-Infrared Light: Deeper Healing Power

Near-infrared light penetrates deeper than red light, reaching muscle, joint, and connective tissues. It’s more effective for:

Reducing inflammation at a cellular level
Relieving pain in joints and muscles
Accelerating muscle recovery after workouts
Improving circulation and mitochondrial function in deeper tissues
Supporting brain health and potentially cognitive performance

Pain and Recovery

Athletes, physical therapists, and people managing chronic pain often choose NIR light for its deeper tissue effects.

Which One Should You Use?

✅ Use Red Light if:

Your focus is skin health, anti-aging, acne, or wound healing
You want visible improvements in texture and complexion
You’re treating areas close to the surface

✅ Use Near-Infrared Light if:

You need relief from muscle or joint pain
You’re working on inflammation, recovery, or circulation
You’re addressing deep tissue concerns (e.g. arthritis, back pain)

💡 Best Option: Use Both Together

Many full-body red light therapy panels combine red and near-infrared LEDs. This way, you treat both surface-level skin issues and deeper cellular imbalances at the same time.

Combining the two:

Enhances blood flow
Supports holistic healing
Maximizes results for both beauty and recovery

Safety and Side Effects

Both red and near-infrared light therapies are non-invasive, painless, and have minimal side effects. Always:

Follow your device’s usage guidelines
Start with short sessions (5–20 minutes)
Avoid direct eye exposure, especially with high-intensity devices

✅ FAQ: Red Light vs Near-Infrared Light

1. What is the main difference between red and near-infrared light?

Red light (620–680nm) is visible and penetrates skin deeply enough to affect surface tissues. Near-infrared light (800–850nm) is invisible and penetrates deeper, reaching muscles, joints, and connective tissues.

2. Which light is better for anti-aging and skin rejuvenation?

Red light is generally better for anti-aging, as it stimulates collagen and elastin production in the skin.

3. Is near-infrared light good for pain relief?

Yes. Near-infrared light penetrates deeper and is more effective for relieving joint and muscle pain, as well as reducing inflammation.

4. Can I use red and near-infrared light together?

Yes — many devices combine both wavelengths for full-body benefits. Using them together supports both skin and deep tissue healing.

5. Is near-infrared light safe for the eyes?

While it’s generally safe when used properly, NIR light is invisible, so you should use protective eyewear and avoid direct eye exposure during treatment.

6. How deep does red light penetrate the skin?

Red light penetrates approximately 1–2 millimeters into the skin, making it effective for surface-level treatments like acne, scarring, and wrinkles.

7. How deep does near-infrared light go?

Near-infrared light can reach 20–50 millimeters deep, depending on intensity and wavelength — ideal for treating muscles, joints, and connective tissue.

8. Do I need a specific device for red vs near-infrared therapy?

Some devices offer only red or only near-infrared light, but the best options provide a combination of both for maximum benefit.

9. Is red light better for daily use than near-infrared?

Both are safe for frequent use, but red light is often chosen for daily skincare routines, while near-infrared may be used 3–5 times weekly for recovery or pain relief.

10. Can red or near-infrared light help with brain health?

Near-infrared light may support brain function and cognitive clarity due to its ability to penetrate the skull and improve mitochondrial activity — though research is ongoing.

Final Thoughts

Red light and near-infrared light are powerful healing tools, each with unique strengths. Red light rejuvenates the skin and stimulates collagen, while near-infrared penetrates deeply to soothe pain, reduce inflammation, and support recovery.

For most users, the ideal approach is combining both in a single therapy session using a dual-spectrum device. This ensures you get comprehensive benefits, whether your goal is better skin, pain relief, or overall wellness.

📩 Have questions about which type of device is right for you? Contact us or check out our recommended panels and masks coming soon.

References

Avci P, Gupta A, Clark J, et al. Low-level laser therapy in skin. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. PMC
Hamblin MR, Demidova TN. Mechanisms of low level light therapy. Proc. SPIE. PubMed
Whelan HT, et al. Effect of LED irradiation on wound healing. J Clin Laser Med Surg. PubMed
Zein R, Selting W, Hamblin MR. Light parameters in photobiomodulation efficacy. Photomed Laser Surg. PubMed
Joovv. Red vs Near Infrared Light. Joovv Blog

Red Light vs Near-Infrared Light