Red light therapy and infrared saunas have become standard medical practices. However, like most treatments, it’s never a one-size-fits-all.
Red light therapy boosts collagen production and wound healing and reduces inflammation. Infrared saunas win at deep detoxification, promoting circulation and giving the skin a glow.
Both have benefits, but one might be better for you, depending on your needs. We will learn more about the two routines through-
By the end, you’ll know exactly what fits your skin and wellness routine. Let’s get started with the definition of infrared light.
Infrared light or infrared radiation (IR) is a type of electromagnetic radiation. The infrared spectrum falls within the wavelength of 700 to 1000 nanometers (nm) or 1 mm. That is just beyond the visible spectrum—about 400 to 700 nm.
The three main types of IRs are
Near-infrared radiation (NIR) is non-thermal, and far is thermal. So, When far-infrared radiation (FIR) hits the skin, you’ll feel heat. This is because it heats the body from within.
FIR can penetrate about 4 cm/1.5 inches deep. It can reach the muscles, joints, and bones. Its benefits include:
Improved blood circulation.
An infrared sauna has infrared heaters that release IR waves. They are also called far-infrared saunas with 3,000 nm to 1,000 mm wavelengths.
These saunas are used everywhere but are common in Japan. Here, they are called Waon therapy. In this region, they use them for cardiovascular conditions. They have successfully reduced oxidative stress and boosted vascular and cardiac function in chronic heart failure patients.
The three main types available are standalone units, blankets, and portable options.
Standalone units are the biggest and most expensive. Most times, they require installation and a dedicated space. Blankets are compact options you may use while sitting or resting. Portable options are smaller, more affordable, and more accessibility. You can use these kinds from anywhere.
Unlike traditional saunas, infrared saunas use special heaters to emit IR to heat the body. They don’t affect the surrounding air like most heaters. The process of an IR sauna is as follows:
The heaters, once powered up, heat up and release infrared light. This light moves through the air, reaching the skin and warming the body. It does so from the inside out.
The IR waves transverse the skin and move deeper, reaching the tissues. They go as deep as the bone.
Since IR raises your core temperature, you will soon start sweating. Typically, you’ll sweat profusely at lower temperatures, between 110°F and 140°F or 43°C and 60°C. This helps detoxify the body, allowing it to get rid of harmful toxins through sweat.
Red light falls on the same electromagnetic radiation spectrum as IR. However, it has an approximate wavelength of between 630 to 700 nm. Now, if you look closely at the numbers, you’ll notice that the red light spectrum is a section of infrared radiation beyond visible light.
It also penetrates the skin only about 5 millimeters (approximately 0.2 inches).
Its benefits include:
Red light therapy is the medical practice of exposing your skin to red light.
Red light therapy treatments are offered at hospitals, but home-use machines also exist. These home versions are typically between 630 nm to 660 nm. One notable brand is RedLiteX, known for its great value.
This treatment is also called photobiomodulation. It uses low-level red and near-infrared wavelengths to stimulate cell activity. Here is how it works:
Red light moves past skin layers and reaches skin tissues. It does not generate any heat, so you won’t feel anything. It just beams red.
Even though you might not feel anything, the mitochondria absorb the light in the cell. Mitochondria are the cell’s powerhouses, converting food into energy or ATP. Here, they boost their energy production through photomodulation.
With the cellular function replenished with energy, they repair faster and more efficiently. The light facilitates the cells to produce collagen, reduce inflammation, and rejuvenate the skin faster. This means that any issue the skin had gets a resolution faster than it would have without the treatment.
Infrared saunas present the following unique benefits and downsides.
On the other side of the scale, here are the pros and cons of red light therapy.
Even though both infrared wavelengths are beneficial, they serve different purposes. That said, here is a table summarizing how they differ.
| Feature | Red Light Therapy | Infrared Sauna |
|---|---|---|
| Main Wavelengths | 630 nm to 660 nm (near-infrared) | 1,000 to 3000 nm (far-infrared) |
| Heat Production | Minimal | High |
| Penetration Depth | About 0.2 inches/5 mm | About 1.5 inches/4 cm |
| Sweat Detox | No | Yes |
| Primary Benefits | Cell and tissue repair, skin health, pain relief | Detox, relaxation, calorie burn |
| Session Duration | 10–20 minutes | 30–60 minutes |
| Best For | Skincare, tissue healing, anti-aging, inflammation | Detox, weight loss, relaxation |
You narrow down why you need the treatment to select the best.
In that case, go for red light therapy for muscle recovery and pain relief. This therapy is also beneficial for skin health, anti-aging, and skin rejuvenation.
Go for an infrared sauna if you are in dire need of detoxification and weight loss. It is also helpful for relaxation and deep tissue healing.
Another factor might be the time you have to spare. For instance, red light therapy is the go-to if you have limited time. Infrared saunas if you have more. Also note that infrared saunas offer full-body benefits, and red light therapy can be directed to one body part.
Yes! You can combine the two.
Combining both therapies maximizes results. Here is a breakdown of how the two complement each other:
Infrared treatments can be beneficial, but certain groups of people shouldn’t use them. They should avoid this mainly to prevent any potential health risks. This lists the people who should NOT use infrared treatment and why.
| Group | Infrared Sauna Therapy | Red Light Therapy | Reason Not To Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expectant mothers | No | No | The heat can harm the fetus and the mother |
| People with cardiovascular conditions | No | Yes | It can elevate the heart rate, aggravate the condition, or trigger a heart attack |
| People with fever | No | N/A | It will worsen the fever |
| People with bleeding disorders | No | No | It may worsen bleeding |
| People with neurological disorders | No | Yes | It may worsen the condition. (Scoliosis) |
| Individuals with inflammatory or photosensitive conditions | No | No | It may cause wounds to open. Acute inflammation. |
| People with Respiratory Conditions (asthma, COPD) | No | Yes | Conditions might worsen due to heat |
| People who underwent surgery recently | No | Yes | It might open up wounds |
| People with pacemakers | No | Yes | IR might interfere with the device’s functioning |
| People with eye diseases | Yes (with eye protection) | No | Red light might irritate the eyes, worsening the condition |
| People with cancer | No | No | IR may cause cancer cells to grow faster |
Always consult with a trained doctor before starting any new treatment. Do this, especially if you fall into any of these categories or have any concerns.
You can speed up your recovery using red light therapy devices from RedLiteX. Our devices, such as RedLiteX RL1200, offer a range of health benefits. It can speed up your recovery using seven wavelengths of red and near-infrared light. That’s 480 nm to 1060 nm.
The devices can be used for all the overall health benefits of red light therapy, including hair growth. To enjoy these benefits, ensure you follow the correct user directions.
Infrared saunas offer deeper skin penetration and generate heat. This heat causes sweating, which facilitates detoxification and weight loss. You also get great skin, deep tissue, and even muscle ache healing.
Red light therapy penetrates a bit shallowly and doesn’t generate heat. It helps with skin rejuvenation, pain relief, wound healing, and collagen production.
Individually, they are good. Together? Exceptional. But there are rules for using the two, and we have already covered them.
Ensure you follow the best tips, such as consulting a professional, following the manufacturer's instructions, and being consistent for the best results.
Doing so will give you the best results. Wherever you go for, ensure you always have a professional to contact in case of anything.
