Red light and infrared light are visibly quite different from one another. The human eyes can visibly see red light; meanwhile, the same can’t be said about infrared lights.
Infrared lights are invisible to the human eyes and are known to generate heat from the body that comes from the body inside out. This is where the light therapy’s purpose is served, as the muscles can let loose and relax at this point. Red lights do not emit heat and are incapable of penetrating as deep into the layer of the skin as infrared are.
Still, there are several other differences that both these lights share among themselves. This is why the difference between infrared and red light therapy is crucial.
Differences in Red Light Therapy and Infrared
Light therapy is one of the most popular treatments being performed worldwide. Several different lights are used for various purposes, among which red and infrared lights are quite similar yet different in their own ways.
Although both these lights are exceptionally versatile, they tend to differ in depth and visibility, among others.
Some distinct differences shared by these lights are as mentioned below –
Visibility
Visibly, there is not much difference between red light therapy and infrared therapy. This is because both these lights are emitted at varying wavelengths that can be felt and not seen.
The users can visibly see and identify the LED lights used for red light therapy. However, infrared lights are much different and are invisible to the human eye. However, both these lights generate energy that is very well received and used by the body.
Red lights are emitted at a much shorter wavelength compared to the infrared. These lights are emitted at 630 to 700 nanometers, allowing them to be visible to the human eyes. Infrared lights have relatively longer wavelengths ranging from 700 nanometers to 1 mm.
One way to identify such infrared lights is if the lights are exposed at a concentrated pop to the eyes; they may appear as a flash of green light. However, unlike humans, some animals, such as cats or dogs, can detect infrared light.
Varying Ability To Penetrate
Both infrared and red lights share similar characteristics of penetrating impressively deep underneath the skin for enhanced and improved cellular activities.
However, even though they are both quite good at reaching specific depths of the skin, infrared lights are known to be able to get a little deeper compared to the typical red lights used for light therapy treatments.
Although red light can reach deep underneath the skin, roughly up to 10mm deep, infrared lights can reach an outstanding 40mm deep. Therefore, infrared lights are superior in-depth penetration compared to basic red lights, allowing them to reach far deeper than red lights.
While red lights can just reach as deep as the dermis layer on the skin, infrared lights can reach the subcutaneous layer.
If you suffer from oily skin prone to black or whiteheads, you will most likely benefit from infrared light therapies. These lights can reach the subcutaneous glands, typically deeply embedded under the skin.
Wavelength Variation
This is one of the most obvious differences that traditional red light shares with infrared light. The difference in the wavelength shared among these lights is rather minimal yet notable.
This is because both these lights are highly similar to one another and do affect just the same. However, infrared light can go a little deeper down into the layers underneath the skin due to the varying wavelengths between both these lights.
Unlike infrared lights, red lights are safe to use and do not pose any threat to the body. This is because infrared lights have a higher wavelength that allows them to cause certain damage to the eyes; meanwhile, the same cannot be said for red lights. However, moderation for both these lights is impeccably crucial.
Red light is emitted anywhere within the range of 620 to 750 nanometers. Whereas infrared lights are emitted anywhere between 780 nanometers to 1mm.
This means infrared lights are able to offer the same result essential red lights would show; however, due to the varying wavelength, they can penetrate deeper and work from within.
Heat Production And Output
Heat production and output from both these lights are quite different. Red light does not generate any heat. Meanwhile, infrared does, even though it is invisible to the eyes. Red lights use deficient levels of heat that do not affect the human body.
This heat can barely be felt or recognized, let alone cause burning or discomfort. Infrared lights, on the other hand, can push the human body to generate heat from the inside out.
Even though it might seem scary to produce heat as much as infrared light does, it is entirely safe and obvious. This heat is generated from the muscle tissues inside the body and can be felt throughout. The purpose of this heat is to allow the muscle to relax and relieve stress with ease and without having to compromise comfort.
Simply put, the summary of infrared saunas or infrared lights generally means they will cause the body to heat up and allow you to feel the heat coming off your body.
However, Traditional red light does not produce any form of heat. It does not make you or your surroundings feel warm but delivers a similar result to infrared lights.
Bottom Line
Infrared light and red light therapies are rapidly becoming a household form of treatment that helps retain healthy, glowing, and youthful skin all over your body. These lights are mistaken and confused for being the same despite being different. Even though they are similar, they share certain distinctions that are hard to miss.
With the proper knowledge of the difference between infrared and red light therapy, you should be able to make better choices to help achieve particular results. Regardless of your reasons for opting for light therapy, you must be aware of the wavelengths, frequency, and duration it is being used to avoid any damage.
