Red Light Wavelengths: Everything You Need To Know

Red Light Wavelengths: Everything You Need To Know

This article was written by Elise Burchett, Aaron Rogers

Curious about the healing powers of red light therapy but uncertain about the science that makes it all possible? Ever pondered how red light wavelengths can benefit our skin, muscles, and even mental well-being? 

Look no further! In this all-inclusive guide, we'll take a deep dive into the captivating world of red light wavelengths, breaking down everything you need to understand

We'll explore the best wavelength ranges for various therapeutic outcomes, and even introduce you to the exceptional features of the MOVE+ Pro device that distinguishes it from its competitors. 

So, sit back, relax, and prepare to uncover the amazing secrets of red light therapy!

What Is The Wavelength Of Red Light?

Kineon Light Spectrum showig red light therapy wavelengths

Red light is a part of the visible light spectrum and can be found in the range of 620 nm to 750 nm. This area of the spectrum boasts longer wavelengths and lower energy compared to its blue or green light counterparts. 

The cool thing about these longer wavelengths is that they can go deeper into our skin, offering all sorts of helpful effects!

Red light wavelengths are known for their therapeutic effects on the human body, including skin rejuvenation, wound healing, muscle recovery, and pain reduction

Research has also shown that these wavelengths can stimulate cellular processes and promote the production of key proteins, such as collagen and elastin!

A simple diagram showing red light therapy wavelengths.

Can Light Wavelengths Fully Pass Through the Skin?

woman skin red light therapyBefore we delve into the details of how red light wavelengths penetrate the skin, let's take a quick look at the different layers of our skin and their functions. After all, having a better understanding of the structure of the skin will help us understand how red light wavelengths interact with it.

Our skin is composed of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. Each of these layers has unique properties that can impact the penetration of red light wavelengths.

Epidermis

The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, providing a barrier against environmental factors and pathogens. This layer is relatively thin, meaning red light wavelengths can easily penetrate it, reaching the deeper layers where cellular activity occurs.

Dermis

The dermis is the middle layer of the skin. It’s the layer that contains blood vessels, and nerve endings. Plus, hair follicles, and sweat glands. 

This layer also houses fibroblast cells, which are responsible for producing collagen and elastin, two essential proteins for maintaining skin elasticity and strength. 

Red light wavelengths can partially penetrate the dermis, reaching the blood vessels and fibroblast cells. This penetration may promote cell regeneration, collagen production, and improved blood circulation.

Hypodermis

The hypodermis, also known as the subcutaneous layer, is the deepest layer of the skin. It consists mainly of fat and connective tissue, providing insulation and shock absorption. Red light wavelengths have limited penetration into this layer, but they may still provide some therapeutic benefits by targeting fat cells and promoting the production of collagen and elastin in the connective tissue.

Tissues Beneath The Skin

Deeper tissues, such as muscles and joints, may also benefit from red light therapy. However, the penetration of red light wavelengths into these tissues is limited and depends on factors such as the intensity of the light source and the individual's skin thickness. 

In some cases, red light therapy (especially infrared light therapy) can help reduce inflammation and promote healing in these deeper tissues, which may lead to improved joint mobility and reduced muscle pain. Want to know more about it? Check out our blog where we looked at Red Light Therapy VS Near Infrared VS Infrared: Key Differences Explained!


How Deep Does Red Light Therapy Go Under The Skin?

Woman with red light therapy on her skinAs mentioned in the last section, the depth of penetration for red light therapy varies depending on the specific wavelength used, the intensity of the light source, and the individual's skin characteristics. 

Generally speaking, red light wavelengths can penetrate the skin up to 8-10 millimeters. This allows them to reach not only the epidermis and dermis but also the hypodermis and some underlying tissues, providing health benefits.

The depth of penetration is essential when considering the effectiveness of red light therapy. 

The optimal depth ensures that the light can reach the targeted cells and tissues, stimulating the desired therapeutic response. We went into this in more detail when we discussed Red Light Therapy At Home: Targeted Vs Full Body, so check that out if you haven’t already!

Factors such as skin thickness, pigmentation, and hydration can influence the penetration depth, so it's crucial to choose a red light therapy device or treatment that's tailored to your specific needs.

What Are The Optimal Wavelengths For Red Light Therapy?

Optimal wavelengths for red light therapyThe optimal wavelengths for red light therapy usually fall within the range of 630 nm to 680 nm, and 800 nm to 880 nm

These ranges are believed to have the most significant therapeutic effects on the human body, as they can effectively stimulate cellular processes and promote healing.

The shorter wavelengths (630-680 nm) are particularly effective for skin-related concerns, such as acne, rosacea, and skin rejuvenation

These wavelengths can target the epidermis and dermis, stimulating collagen production, reducing inflammation, and promoting cellular regeneration.

The longer wavelengths (800-1000 nm) can penetrate deeper into the body, providing relief for conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, and muscle soreness. Transcranial photobiomodulation with longer wavelengths has shown in literature to often outperform shorter wavelengths for cognitive function and mental health. [1]

When choosing a red light therapy device or treatment, it's crucial to consider the specific wavelengths offered and how they align with your health goals. Some devices may offer a combination of wavelengths, allowing you to target multiple concerns simultaneously.

When It Comes to Wavelength, What Sets the Move+ Pro Apart?

Kineon Move+ Pro deviceOne of the main factors that separates Kineon from the competition is our use of optimal wavelengths for pain relief and healing. Some devices on the market use wavelengths that are either too long or too short, which can lead to inefficient results.

At Kineon, we understand that when you’re suffering from chronic pain, the last thing you want is to spend time (and money!) on treatments that don’t work… 

That’s why we’ve invested so much time and research into making sure our device uses the perfect wavelengths for maximum efficacy when it comes to pain relief!

You see, as we touched on before, dosing is key when it comes to red light therapy being effective... 

If the dose is too low, the device won’t be able to deliver the treatment at all, while too high of a dose can actually cause an antagonistic effect, and negate any benefits that you should see!

Our technology ensures that your device delivers the right dosage at the right time because it sits against the skin, ensuring that you’re getting the best possible results from your treatments.

Compare that to other commercially available devices on the market, such as LED panels where optimal dosing is almost impossible… It’s kind of like shaking a bag of aspirin over your face and hoping the right dose falls into your mouth!

With Kineon, you get the guaranteed relief that you need and deserve, because of our highly targeted enhanced LED and medical-grade Lasers in our Move+ Pro.

To be more specific, the LED lights in our device have a wavelength of 660nm (working in the range of deep red light), and the targeted lasers have a slightly more powerful wavelength of 808nm (working in the range of near-infrared light).

This means you get the best of both worlds… 

The LEDs target the uppermost layers of the skin, and the lasers provide a deeper penetration to your joints and muscle tissue to ensure pinpoint accuracy and fast relief!

Plus, our unique design allows for pinpoint accuracy on problem areas for fast and effective relief!

In conclusion, red light wavelengths play a crucial role in red light therapy and its potential health benefits. Understanding the characteristics of these wavelengths and their interaction with our skin can help us make informed decisions when choosing a red light therapy device or treatment!

And if you want to find out more about our LED and Laser red light therapy device, the MOVE+ Pro all you have to do is click the link below!

⇒ Find Out More About The MOVE+ Pro! ⇐

 

For more tips and guides on red light therapy:

Want to read about the science? Read:

 

Sources:
1 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26989758/

Elise Burchett

Elise Burchett

Job Title: Writer
 
Bio: Elise Burchett is a writer at Kineon.
Aaron Rogers

Aaron Rogers

Job Title: Research Lead
LinkedIn: @Aaron_Rogers
Location: United States
Bio: Aaron Rogers is the Research Lead at Kineon. Aaron has a Bachelor’s in Science and Engineering from Tampere University, and notably, a Master’s in Photonics Technologies from Tampere University. Aaron completed his thesis with the Optoelecteonics Research Center and is curious about the science of photobiomodulation and how it can be leveraged to help people.

About Kineon

Bringing the latest advancements in enhanced red light therapy for home use. Our mission is to get you back on your feet and moving pain-free.