Complete Guide to Red and Infrared Light Therapy
Levels, Benefits and Considerations
Red and infrared light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to interact with the body's cells, promoting a variety of health and wellness benefits. Below, we discuss the different levels of red and infrared light, their effects, recommendations, and key warnings.
Red and Infrared Light Levels
1. Visible Red Light (620-750 nm)
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Action: Penetrates the skin up to 8-10 mm. -
Benefits:- Stimulates the production of collagen and elastin.
- Improves skin texture and elasticity.
- Promotes wound healing and treats acne.
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Recommendations:- Daily exposure of 10-20 minutes .
- Ideal distance: 15-45 cm from the device.
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Recommended areas:- Face and neck: Ideal for improving skin texture, reducing wrinkles and treating acne.
- Hands and neckline: To rejuvenate areas exposed to the sun and stimulate collagen production.
- Superficial scars: To speed up healing and improve overall appearance.
2. Near Infrared Light (750-1000 nm)
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Action: Penetrates deeply, reaching muscles, joints and internal tissues. -
Benefits:- Reduces inflammation.
- Relieves muscle and joint pain.
- Improves sports recovery and blood circulation.
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Recommendations:- Use 3-5 times a week , in sessions of 10-20 minutes .
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Recommended areas:
- Joints: Knees, elbows, wrists and ankles, to relieve joint pain and reduce inflammation.
- Large muscles: Back, legs and arms, to improve muscle recovery after exercise or injuries.
- Internal fabrics: Applicable to areas with circulation problems or chronic pain, such as the lumbar area.
3. Medium Infrared Light (1000-3000 nm)
- Performance: Moderate penetration, mainly absorbed by water in the tissues.
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Benefits:- Stimulates blood circulation.
- Provides relief from muscle and joint pain.
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Recommendations:
- Use under professional supervision, as it has greater thermal power.
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Recommended areas:
- Deep muscles: Quadriceps, glutes and abdomen, to improve circulation and relieve tension.
- Areas with chronic muscle pain: Lower back, shoulders and neck, especially for people with accumulated stress.
- Tissues affected by injuries: Ideal for moderate inflammation or recovery of injured areas.
4. Far Infrared Light (3000 nm - 1 mm)
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Performance: Penetrates superficially with a notable thermal effect. -
Benefits:- Promotes detoxification through sweating.
- Improves circulation and relaxes muscles.
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Recommendations:
- Use in infrared saunas .
- 15-30 minute sessions, adapted to individual tolerance.
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Recommended areas:
- Whole Body: Common use in infrared saunas, ideal for general detoxification.
- Back and torso: For muscle relaxation and improved circulation.
- Legs and feet: Especially useful for stimulating circulation and relaxing muscles after long days on your feet.
Additional notes:
- Face: Preferably use visible red light, as deep infrared wavelengths can generate excessive heat.
- Inflamed areas: Near infrared light is ideal as it penetrates deeply enough without overheating.
- Scarred areas: Visible red light helps stimulate superficial skin regeneration.
General Benefits
- Pain and inflammation reduction: Improves conditions such as arthritis and sports injuries.
- Skin health: Increases collagen production, improves scars and combats aging.
- Physical recovery: Accelerates cell regeneration and muscle recovery.
- Performance Optimization: Improves cellular energy (ATP) and endurance.
- Stress reduction: It has positive effects on mood.
- Eye health: In controlled exposures, it can benefit the retina.
Warnings and Side Effects
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Overexposure: May reduce effectiveness due to biphasic response curve. - Eye protection: Wear protective glasses to avoid prolonged exposure.
- Medical conditions: Consult a physician if you have hypertension or photosensitivity.
- Heat sensitivity: Caution in people sensitive to temperature.
Conclusion
Red and infrared light therapy offer significant benefits, but must be used responsibly. Discover certified devices at Luz Roja Shop .