Key Takeaways: Red Light Therapy vs. Infrared Light Saunas
- Red Light Therapy: Operates within the visible spectrum (630-700 nanometers), ideal for skin treatments by targeting superficial cells.
- Near-Infrared Light: Penetrates deeper than red light, reaching muscles and joints with wavelengths between 700 and 1200 nanometers, enhancing tissue repair and recovery.
- Far Infrared Light: Produces heat and lies further down the electromagnetic spectrum, used for its therapeutic heat effects, such as improving blood pressure and detoxification.
- Combined Therapy at Avanti Body: Utilizes both red and near-infrared light to maximize health benefits, including boosting metabolism, reducing body fat, promoting cell regeneration, and enhancing skin rejuvenation.
- Avanti Body Services: Offers expert red light therapy sessions, focusing on high-quality care in a relaxing environment.
Red Light Therapy vs. Infrared Light Saunas
You may have heard us mention that we use red light and near-infrared light here at Avanti Body. But what exactly are the differences when it comes to red light therapy vs. infrared light saunas? And have you ever wondered what far infrared light is? In today’s post, we’ll talk about what makes these light waves different and the specific benefits each one has to offer. If you’re looking for red light therapy near you, then read on, know about red light therapy vs. infrared light saunas and come visit us for a session!
Red Light vs. Infrared Light Comparison Table
See the table below for a full overview of the features of red light therapy vs. infrared light saunas.
| Feature | Red Light Therapy | Infrared Light Therapy |
|---|---|---|
| Wavelength Range | Typically ranges from about 630-700 nm. | Ranges from about 700 nm to 1 mm, going into the far-infrared spectrum. |
| Penetration | Penetrates skin tissue up to a few millimeters, affecting all layers of the skin including the dermis. | Penetrates deeper into the body, reaching muscles, nerves, and even bones. |
| Primary Benefits |
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| Common Uses |
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| Treatment Method | Direct exposure of skin to light, typically using LED devices. Can be targeted to specific areas needing treatment. | Often used in sauna settings or with specific devices that cover larger body areas, promoting overall body warmth and relaxation. |
| Session Duration | Generally, sessions last between 10 to 20 minutes and can be done daily. | Sessions can vary, especially in sauna form, typically lasting between 20 to 40 minutes, a few times a week. |
| Safety and Side Effects | Considered very safe with minimal side effects. Some people may experience temporary redness or irritation. | Also very safe; however, due to the heat produced, there may be risks for those with certain cardiovascular conditions. Precautions should be taken to avoid overheating. |
| Ideal for | Individuals looking for skin health improvements, pain relief at a superficial level, and muscle recovery. | Those seeking deeper tissue therapy, relief from chronic muscular pain, improved circulation, and detoxification. |
Red Light
All light is made up of different wavelengths on the electromagnetic spectrum. Visible light ranges from red, which has longer wavelengths, to violet, which has shorter wavelengths. Each wavelength corresponds with a different color of the rainbow. Red light falls into this visible part of the spectrum between 630-700 nanometers. It penetrates superficial (surface) cells of the body, so it is primarily beneficial for treating the skin.
Infrared Light
Infrared waves fall in the invisible portion of the spectrum. Far infrared and near-infrared waves are both a part of this spectrum, although they are very different from each other, and can serve different purposes.
Near-Infrared Light
Red and near-infrared light are often confused as the same thing but they are really quite different. Near-infrared light is farther down on the electromagnetic spectrum, falling into the invisible portion, between 700 and 1200 nanometers. Near-infrared light penetrates much farther into your body than red light, so it is able to reach deeper tissue, such as muscles and joints. Know more about Red vs. Infrared Light below.
A Combination of Red and Near Infrared Light
At Avanti Body, we use a combination of the two in order to achieve maximum benefits for your health. Here are just some of the things this combination therapy can do for you:
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- Boost metabolism
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- Recharge mitochondria
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- Stimulate white blood cell production
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- Reduce body fat
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- Promote cell regeneration
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- Increase overall energy
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- Reduce inflammation
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- Improve circulation
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- Promote wound healing
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- Stimulate muscle recovery after workouts
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- Provide pain relief
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- Rejuvenate the skin from the effects of aging
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- Reduce joint
Far Infrared Light
Avanti Body, we only use red and near-infrared light. But far infrared light is worth discussing since many of our clients ask about the differences. Far infrared light has an even shorter wavelength, as it is down farther on the electromagnetic spectrum, lying closest to the microwave region of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is invisible to the naked eye. Unlike red and near-infrared light, far infrared light actually produces heat. These waves are responsible for the heat we feel from the sun and from fire. You can find mineral and heat lamps, wraps for the knees, ankles, or elbows, and certain massagers that emit far infrared waves for healing.
Far infrared saunas have also become popular recently. The heat from the infrared waves can help with health conditions like high blood pressure and inflammation while also detoxifying the body. Be sure to check out our post on red light therapy vs. infrared saunas to learn more about this! Far infrared therapy can be used in conjunction with red light therapy, but it can’t provide all the same benefits as red light therapy so is not a replacement for it.
Avanti Body
If you’re looking for red light therapy near you, give us a call to schedule an appointment with one of our expert technicians. At Avanti Body, we pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality of care in a calm, relaxing environment. Come in and find out what makes the Avanti Body Method different!
FAQ's
Light therapy works best in the morning or evening, around the time the sun rises or sets. This looks like the time of day when the sun gives us the most red and near-infrared light.
