Learn
What the light actually does.
A plain-language explanation of red and near-infrared light therapy: the wavelengths, the dose, and an honest reading of where the research stands.
The basics
Light, absorbed at the cellular level
Red and near-infrared light sit at the edge of the visible spectrum. When skin is exposed, part of that light is absorbed by structures inside your cells rather than bouncing off. That absorption is what the research is built on: used in studies for mitochondrial activity, circulation and the way tissue responds to stress.
The visible result people describe is warmth and a flushed, rested look after a session. The things studied over months are skin appearance and recovery. Neither is instant, and neither is a treatment for a condition.
Wavelengths
Six bands, two families
Wavelength decides depth. Shorter red wavelengths are absorbed close to the surface; near-infrared reaches deeper tissue. Our panels combine both, which is why they carry six bands rather than one.
The SoulMask adds blue 415nm, green 532nm and yellow 590nm for facial use; the EyeMasks use 660nm red and 850nm near-infrared.
Dosing
Three variables: distance, time, frequency
Distance controls dose. Irradiance drops sharply with distance, so standing closer is not automatically better — it is simply a different dose. For panels, 20–35cm suits deeper tissue work and 40–60cm suits surface and facial work.
Time sets the session total: 10–20 minutes is the common range. More is not better — light therapy follows a biphasic dose response, where very long sessions can be less effective, not more.
Frequency is where most people succeed or give up: three to five sessions a week, held for weeks. This is exactly the part The Red Light Advisor exists to handle, with a protocol and a timer built around your goal.
Where the research is stronger
- Skin appearance, tone and texture over weeks of consistent use
- Wound healing and recovery in clinical settings
- Muscle soreness and recovery after exercise
- Joint comfort and mobility in smaller trials
Where it is weaker
- Sleep quality — promising, but small and mixed studies
- Mood and energy — emerging, not established
- Hair density — early and inconsistent
- Anything involving a medical condition: that's a conversation with a doctor
Reading a spec sheet
Output beats wattage
A panel's power draw says nothing about dose at your skin. The number that matters is irradiance — mW/cm² — and ideally measured at a stated distance. A 500W panel reported at 3 inches and a 100W panel reported at 12 will not behave the same way in your room.
Look for non-flicker LEDs, a stated beam angle, a realistic LED lifespan, and a timer. Then ignore peak claims: continuous, repeatable output is what a protocol is built on.
Safety
Who should not use it
- Not for use during pregnancy.
- Not for use with photosensitivity or while taking photosensitising medication.
- Not for children.
- Always wear the supplied eye protection when using a panel, and never look directly into the LEDs.
- Start with a short test session to see how your skin responds.
- Mild warmth or redness is normal and fades. Stop if you feel discomfort.
- Consult a doctor if you are unsure whether red light therapy is right for you.
Personalised
Your protocol, built for you.
The Red Light Advisor turns everything above into a plan: which device, where to stand, how long, and how often — with a session timer and progress tracking. Included with every SoulSkin device.
Questions
Common ones.
This page is general information about light therapy, not medical advice. Red light therapy is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Speak to a qualified clinician about your own situation.