Hi, Dr Murray from Absolute Cosmetic, and today we’re talking about red light therapy for skin, and why LED, infrared and red light all get lumped together when they’re actually doing quite different things. We’ve just added three of these infrared LED beds to the clinics and the science behind them is genuinely interesting.
What’s the actual difference between red light and infrared light?
It comes down to wavelength. Red light sits around 670 nanometres, and infrared light is over 810 nanometres. So one’s a bit shorter, one’s a bit longer, and that difference changes how deep each one penetrates into the skin. The longer the wavelength, generally, the deeper it goes.
Why does red light therapy actually help your skin?
Because of how it works on your mitochondria. When the light isn’t flashing, it goes into your skin and your dermis and improves the efficiency of your mitochondria. Mitochondria are basically the motor of your skin, the same as the motor in a car. If you’ve got a bad motor and you fix or replace it the whole thing performs differently. That’s what’s happening here. Your mitochondria make energy more efficiently, which is understood to help support healthier-looking, more resilient skin over time.
How often do you actually need to use it?
In my opinion and experience, you do need to se these panels fairly frequently. I’ve bought one for my own home, and I use it at least three times a week. It is also worth knowing that properly approved units are typically more expensive than cheaper alternatives found online, which can reflect differences in quality control over wavelength and output.
Can this be used for more than just skin ageing?
Yes, and this is where the flash frequency matters. These panels don’t all pulse the same way. For sore muscles, you want a lower frequency, around 40 hertz. For deeper stuff, like a sore back, it’s closer to 100 hertz, which means it’s flashing on and off 100 times a minute. For skin, there’s no flashing at all;it’s zero hertz, or constant light. So the same machine can be doing three quite different jobs depending on its settings.
Where do you start if you want to try it, least invasive first?
This is one of the less invasive skin treatment options available. Compared to treatments like resurfacing or other treatments, it doesn’t involve needles or surface disruption, but it does ask for regular use over time rather than a once-off or fairly infrequent appointment schedule.
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FAQ
Is red light therapy safe for all skin types?
It’s generally considered suitable and non-invasive for most skin types, though anyone with a specific skin condition should check with their practitioner first.
How long before you see results from red light therapy?
It varies person to person, but because it works on mitochondrial efficiency over time, consistent use across weeks tends to matter more than any single session.
What’s the difference between LED light and red or infrared light?
LED is the delivery method, the light-emitting diode itself, while red and infrared describe the specific wavelength that diode is producing.
Can red light therapy help with sore muscles as well as skin?
Yes, but the settings differ. Skin work uses a constant, non-flashing light, while muscle soreness responds better to a pulsed frequency.
Do cheaper red light panels work as well as clinic-grade ones?
Not necessarily. Clinic-grade units are typically priced higher than some easily accessible online alternatives, which may reflect differences in quality control over wavelength and output.
How often should I use a red light therapy panel?
For skin benefits, regular use several times a week is typical, roughly in line with what’s used clinically.
This information is general in nature and doesn’t replace individual medical advice. Results vary between individuals. For guidance specific to your skin and goals, book a consultation with the team at Absolute Cosmetic.
Want to know more about how LED, red and infrared light could fit into your skin routine? Head to absolutecosmetic.com.au to find out more or book a chat with the team.
