When you go on to compare the differences between red light and infrared, you’ll find significant differences.
However, one thing that’s common with these two light therapies is that when combined, both these ways can be highly effective for you.
Key Takeaways: The Combination Of Red And NIR Light
Both red and NIR lights come with their own benefits. However, when combined right, these can give you tens of benefits.
Whether it be mood swing issues, better blood circulation, reduced inflammation, and even accelerating wound healing. All these are possible if you correctly combine these two lights.
However, make sure that you don’t suffer from certain conditions. Also, make sure the devices you’re using are FDA-approved and authentic.
Know The Differences Between Red Light and Near Infrared Light
| Aspect | Red Light | Near Infrared Light (NIR) |
| Wavelength | Usually ranges from 630-660 nanometers | Ranges from 810 -850 nanometers |
| Penetration Depth | Penetrates superficially into the skin | Penetrates deeper into tissues and muscles |
| Effects on Cells | It primarily affects the mitochondria | Affects mitochondria, but deeper penetration allows for broader cellular influence |
| Therapeutic Benefits | Skin healthWound healingSuperficial tissue repair | Muscle recoveryDeep tissue repairPain relief |
| Usage in Therapy | Commonly used for: skincarereducing fine lines and wrinkles promoting collagen production | Used for: muscle recoveryrelieving joint painimproving circulation,reducing inflammation in deeper tissues |
| Stimulation of ATP Production | Stimulates ATP production in superficial cells | Stimulates ATP production in deeper tissues as well, leading to enhanced cellular energy |
| Visible Light | Emitted as visible red light, can be seen by the naked eye | Not visible to the naked eye, it is usually perceived as heat |
| Safety Concerns | Generally considered safe for use on the skin, but protective eyewear may be required to shield eyes from direct exposure | Also considered safe, but precautions should be taken to prevent overheating of tissues, particularly in sensitive areas |
How a Combination of Red and NIR Light is Better for You?
Here’s how a combo of NIR and red light is better for you.
- Enhanced Blood Circulation
Red light increases blood flow in the superficial tissues and reduces the concentration of erythrocytes or red blood cells.
It also produces nitric oxide, which acts as a vasodilator that relaxes blood vessels to promote circulation.
This, in turn, facilitated a quick supply of oxygen and other essentials to the cells of the process to make their own tissues.
- Reduced Inflammation
Red light and NIR both come with anti-inflammatory properties. So, when you combine these two lights, you’ll get faster and more improved inflammation cure.
Now, red and NIR’s anti-inflammation capacity is enabled by turning on the excretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and cutting out anti-inflammatory cytokines.
This response allows the body to maintain its normal inflammation levels, thereby promoting decreased pain and swelling.
- Accelerated Wound Healing
Red and NIR light therapy are combined to facilitate the rapid healing of wounds.
This is encouraged by the fact that the application of the light therapies results in the repair and rejuvenation of tissues.
Red light activates fibroblast activity, which is responsible for synthesizing Type I and III collagen to help in the wound’s recovery process and remodeling the tissues.
NIR light penetrates the tissues to stimulate the formation of new vessels to transport nutrients to the wounded part.
- Enhanced Muscle Recovery
Red and NIR light therapies are currently used by athletes and workout freaks to help quicken muscle recovery and, thereby, performance.
The combination of these two diminishes muscle tiredness, soreness, and inflammation caused by intense physical activity.
- Neuroprotective Effects
Did you know a combination of red NIR light is neuroprotective? In simple words, the combination is “perfect” for brain functioning.
Both therapies have been found to improve:
- mitochondrial function and
- elevate levels of neurotrophic factors
These are the proteins that promote neuron growth and increase survival!
This combined effect might contribute to protecting against neurodegenerative diseases and the cognitive decline related to aging.
Who Should Not Use Any Of These Therapies?
Here’s when you shouldn’t be using any of these therapies:
- Photosensitivity: If you have photosensitivity problems or are taking a medication that increases the risk of light sensitivity, then RLT or NIR therapies might worsen your conditions.
- Eye Disease: Anyone with eye conditions like retinal and cataracts, or glaucoma should not receive light from LEDs or near-infrared devices in the eyes.
- Pregnancy: Pregnancy itself is pretty delicate. So, before you try light therapy, consult with your healthcare provider about whether you should take these sessions or not.
- Cancer: Cancer patients must consult with healthcare professionals first and then proceed with these therapy sessions. This is because light therapy can impact the pathologies, such as tumors, and cause their rapid proliferation.
- Thyroid Disorders: Patients with hyperthyroidism should take care while using light therapy as it may interfere with thyroid function. Remember, too much red light exposure might not be ideal if you have thyroid disorders.
- Open Wounds: Do not put light therapy directly onto open wounds, or lesions. This is because doing so can interfere with the healing process of the intended skin and even increase your susceptibility to getting an infection.
- Allergic Conditions: People with susceptible skin or allergic reactions should be approached more carefully, requiring either lower-intensity sessions or shorter periods of light therapy.
