Guide to Choosing the Best Red Light Therapy Device for You

Cost: A red light therapy device is an investment, and in fact, they’re one of the few things in life that you don’t want to skimp on. Contrary to pricey red light therapy sessions offered in a clinic or spa, however, our devices are a one-time purchase that offer unlimited treatment. When you spread out the cost over a lifetime, it’s barely a blip. Rouge red light therapy devices range not only in size but in price as well, with smaller panels having the same power and concentrated irradiation as larger panels. The only difference is the size of the surface area you can treat at one time.

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The issue you want to treat: If you’re looking for all-over pain relief for, say, fibromyalgia or to improve your full-body fitness gains, a larger device will be more efficient. However, for facial skin rejuvenation or arthritis in your hands, for instance, a smaller device might fit the bill. Just remember that the larger device will also treat these issues while improving other areas of the body at the same time.

Time spent away from home: If you travel a lot, you might prefer to opt for a smaller device that can be packed in your luggage so that you can maintain a consistent treatment schedule.

The size of your living space: This might not necessarily affect which device you purchase, as all of our devices are designed to be as sleek and compact as possible. In fact, they can easily be hung on the back of a door or tucked away behind furniture while not in use. However, your living space may affect which accessories you choose. For those who want the spa experience in their own home, we offer a horizontal rack that easily fits over a massage therapy bed or a sofa.

Whatever your needs or limitations, Rouge has got a solution for you. In fact, we’ll even work with you to design a custom device if you have very specific requirements that can’t be met by our line of products. Just send us a message!

But first, here’s the lineup!

The name says it all. The Rouge Ultimate is currently one of the largest panels on the market at 70.86" x 23.62". It also has a whopping individual LEDs (600 red and 600 NIR). That’s almost triple the number of LEDs on Joovv’s largest full-body device!

With dimming options available for both red and NIR wavelengths, you can customize the intensity of your light therapy sessions to your desired level. The adjustable pulsing feature for NIR light further enhances your experience, providing you with even more control over your treatment.

The Rouge panel also comes equipped with a remote control, allowing you to adjust your settings without having to interrupt your session. The digital timer is an added convenience, helping you keep your therapy sessions within the optimal range. With the ability to connect to other Rouge panels wirelessly, you can easily expand your setup and enjoy an even more comprehensive light therapy experience.

We are true believers that the Ultimate is the best red light therapy device for everyone. After all, red light therapy is not simply a band-aid solution for specific issues; it works by optimizing the functioning of your own cells (this article on red light therapy for pain gives a great overview of how it works). With such extensive coverage, you’ll find yourself treating issues you didn’t even know you had.

As mentioned above, it’s ideal for treating conditions that are not specific to one part of the body, such as fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis. It’s also the best choice for serious athletes who are looking to up their game.

The Max is an exceptional upgrade to our highly sought-after full body length panel for home and clinic use. This revolutionary product boasts a multitude of features that will exceed all your expectations. The Max is perfect for those with a slimmer physique when positioned close up, or for individuals seeking broader coverage from a distance.

Whether you're standing up close for deep tissue penetration or backing up for surface benefits all over, The Max has got you covered.

Experience the ultimate flexibility with adjustable pulsing for NIR light and dimming on both Red and NIR wavelengths. Plus, take advantage of the convenience of a remote control and a digital timer to ensure that your sessions stay within the optimal range.

But that's not all - The Max also features wireless technology that allows you to connect it with other Rouge panels!

The Tabletop is many people’s intro into the wonderful world of red light therapy. To some, it’s simply a more palatable financial commitment if they’ve never tried it for themselves before. For others, it’s a way to treat issues that involve smaller parts of the body (not that the issues themselves are smaller).

It’s the perfect size for any issue related to the face, such as acne, rosacea, wrinkles, and loose skin, to name a few. It’s also great to improve your oral health as well as to treat a plethora of eye conditions. You can also use it to speed up the healing process of wounds and scars, and to treat osteoarthritis in specific joints such as the hands or knees.

It comes with its own stand, so you can use it virtually anywhere, from the office, to the kitchen table, to the tray table on an airplane (just kidding, but it’s a welcome addition to any hotel room!)

Speaking of traveling, this little guy can follow you everywhere you go. Not only is it the size of a smartphone, it doesn’t require an outlet. The battery is rechargeable with a micro USB cable (included), as well, with a charge that lasts over two hours, meaning you can get a week’s worth of sessions from a single charge.

You don’t have to worry about choosing between red and near-infrared light either. Each of the 12 LEDs on the Nano is designed to emit either red or infrared, or both! You can choose red to spot treat skin issues, near-infrared to penetrate even deeper to soothe joint aches and pains, or both for all-around coverage.

The Nano is the perfect booster for when life gets in the way, allowing you to keep your treatment on schedule even when your own schedule is off the rails.

You may have heard of light therapy, but with all the different types of light (red, blue, infrared, etc), selecting the best light therapy device can be confusing to most. Red light therapy - also referred to as RLT, low level laser light therapy, cold laser therapy, or phototherapy - sends visible red and near-infrared light energy to your body’s cells. This infusion of energy stimulates cell repair and tissue growth. There is no doubt that RLT is quickly becoming one of the most popular treatments available.

You may already know that RLT is touted as a treatment that repairs multiple skin conditions, including: wounds, sun damage, scars, psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema. However, other potential medical uses currently being researched include reducing the side effects of chemotherapy, relief of pain and inflammation from tendonitis, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and preventing the recurrence of cold sores, to name just a few.

There are many skin care clinics, healthcare providers, and therapists that provide RLT services. However, if taking advantage of the cell repair and rejuvenation of this therapy is appealing, a red light therapy device designed for home use is a good option for convenience. With several models available, there are considerable variables to discuss and consider when choosing a home RLT unit. 

Table of Contents

• Science-Backed Features To Consider
• Questions To Answer Before Purchasing
• Our Favorite Red Light Therapy Device
• 4 Myths About Red Light Therapy
• Why At-Home Treatment Is More Convenient Than A Clinic
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Final Thoughts
• Want More?

Science-Backed Features To Consider

Red, Near-Infrared, Or Combo

When looking for a RLT unit, there are three different types. A red light, a near-infrared light, and a combination of both. Red light therapy and near-infrared light therapy are sometimes incorrectly referred to as the same thing. There are similarities, but they are not the same. You can’t physically see infrared light. Rather, your body feels it as heat on the skin. The longer wavelengths of near-infrared light infiltrate deep into your cells. Comparatively, you can visualize the shorter wavelengths of red light. It does not penetrate as deeply into the skin, and therefore is used to mainly treat the surface of the skin.

When considering red and near-infrared light, one is not necessarily better than the other. Both types of therapy are beneficial to the skin; they just offer different benefits. Red light is ideal for treating skin issues such as sunburns, acne, hair loss, wound healing, and even yeast infections. Near-infrared light penetrates about three times deeper into tissues than red light. While providing similar benefits for the skin as red light therapy, near-infrared extends to joints, muscles, and bones that require remedial benefits. 

If you would benefit from treatment of the skin surface as well as deeper tissues, but only want to purchase one device, a combo unit is a great choice to meet a broader range of needs. 

Hooga Red Light Therapy Belt with Near Infrared Light and Rechargeable Battery

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Optimal Wavelength

You may recall learning in science class that light is measured in nanometers (nm) by its wavelength. Red light ranges from 600 to 700 nm and is visible and bright. Infrared or near-infrared light is in the 700 to 900 nm range, which isn’t visible to the naked eye. 

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Research suggests that light wavelengths ranging from 660-670 nm and 830-850 nm are in the range that has the most impact on the cellular respiration process while providing the highest level of light absorption. Finding a unit that can provide these ranges of optimal wavelengths will provide the greatest value to your skin health. 

Light Intensity & Irradiance

Light irradiance is the power density - the amount of light energy that reaches your skin. It’s measured in milliwatts per square centimeter (mW/cm2), referring to the number of photons flowing through an area and available for cells to absorb. 

Light intensity refers to the amount of light energy at the source. This is an important factor to consider, as a low-powered device won’t be the source of enough red light energy to create the irradiance necessary for maximum benefit. When the light is more intense, it can be absorbed in less time, providing a more efficient therapy.

Total Number Of LEDs

Larger light emitting diodes (LED) light therapy devices with more LED lights increase effectiveness and reduce treatment time. Having more LED bulbs delivers an increase in red and/or near-infrared light than a device with a smaller number of LED bulbs. In short, the more LED light bulbs, the better the unit will be. 

Questions To Answer Before Purchasing

Targeted Or Large Area?

Available products for home RLT units range from handheld to full-body pods. Smaller red light therapy devices, like the Medlight 630 Pro Red Light Therapy Device, are an ideal option if you have a single issue to address in one section of your skin. Smaller devices, like handheld wands or face masks, are highly portable and lightweight. 

Larger, full-body red light therapy devices, like the Hooga HG Red Light Therapy Panel, are more effective for vast problem areas, such as the torso or extremities. They are typically heavy and stationary. 

Will Family Members Be Using It Also?

There are many benefits to red light therapy, and it’s understandable if you want to share what works for you! Because RLT can address a multitude of issues, people in the same family with different needs can benefit from having this kind of treatment available at home. 

If one family member has age spots they want to lighten, and another family member has back pain, it’s more efficient to have a larger device that can treat both conditions.

Our Favorite Red Light Therapy Device

We love the Medical-Grade Red Light Therapy Device because of its versatility. This unit is unique in that it is considered a combo device, emitting red and near-infrared light. The Medical-Grade Red Light Therapy Device has four different wavelengths to choose from to target surface skin issues and deeper tissues.

It also offers photobiomodulation, which is a low-level laser therapy. You are able to customize the device to your specific needs based on specific wavelengths that can be pulsing or continuous. 

There are two panels of the Medical-Grade Red Light Therapy Device to choose from. The main difference between these models are their size and number of LED light bulbs. The “R1” is considered medium-sized at 12.5 inches tall and has 60 LEDs. The “R3” is larger at 38 inches tall and has 180 LEDs. Both models offer the same therapy and control panels. Smaller treatment areas including hands, knees, feet, and neck are well served by the R1, while more vast areas such as the back, legs, and arms are easily treated with the R3.

These RLT panels can be used up to twice a day for 20 to 30 minutes per session, and the health benefits can be achieved after only 2 to 3 weeks of regular use. 

Medical-Grade Red and Infrared Light Therapy Panel by Red Reactive

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4 Myths About Red Light Therapy

1. Myth: Wattage Is The Most Important Specification

Bulb wattage measures the power the red light device consumes, not the device’s output. Simply put, wattage lets you know how much electricity your device requires to operate. If you are told wattage relates to the intensity of the light - then that is a red flag (pun intended)!The specification to look for is irradiance. Irradiance is the measurement of intensity of power being emitted by the device.

2. Myth: Red Light Therapy Is Risk-Free & Is For Everyone

As with any treatment, RLT can interact with certain medications and may have side effects. If you are prescribed medicine that makes you sensitive to light, have migraines or seizures triggered by bright light, pregnant/breastfeeding, or diagnosed with bipolar disorder or other conditions that are potentially influenced by light exposure, a red light therapy device might not be a good option for you right now. If you have concerns regarding if this treatment is right for you, please consult with your healthcare provider.

3. Myth: Bloggers = Experts

As you know, you can’t believe everything you read on the internet. A blogger posting a piece in support of a product doesn’t mean it’s the best product. Many bloggers may not have expertise in the area of RLT. Typically, there are incentives for their endorsement, so be weary that it may not be an unbiased expert opinion. In this age of influencer marketing, be careful who you trust online.

4. Myth: Red Light Therapy Can Burn Your Skin

No, RLT is not the same as a tanning bed. Traditional tanning beds use fluorescent light bulbs that emit UV rays which damage the skin. In contrast, red light therapy doesn't harm or burn your skin. Red light therapy devices use very low levels of heat and your skin is not exposed to any damaging UV rays.

Why At-Home Treatment Is More Convenient Than A Clinic

Red light therapy is most effective when it is used consistently. Purchasing a red light therapy device for home use allows you to have a treatment when and where it works best for you. If you have other family members who can benefit from red light therapy, it makes the unit even more cost-effective. Alternatively, taking multiple trips to a clinic for RLT can add up financially. Compliance for a treatment plan decreases when convenience is lacking. Save time and money by investing in a home RLT to see results faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use a red light therapy device?

First, start with clean skin and use eye protection. Place the device about 6 to 8 inches from the intended area of treatment. Initially, start by using it 10 to 20 minutes at a time, 3 to 5 times per week. When you obtain the results you desire, ongoing treatments 2 to 3 times per week will help you maintain them. These are general guidelines; please read the instruction manual of your product for detailed information.

What is the difference between red light and near-infrared? 

Red light is visible light falling on the light spectrum between 630-700 nm. This light therapy is used to treat conditions on the skin’s surface. Near-infrared wavelengths are not visible, landing between 700 and nm on the light spectrum. Near-infrared light penetrates deeper than red light into the body’s tissues.

How long and often should I use red light therapy?

Starting with 10 to 20 minute treatments 3 to 5 times per week, you can increase up to 20 to 30 minutes 1 to 2 times per day. Once you achieve the results you’re seeking, you can maintain them with ongoing treatments 2 to 3 times per week.

How do I get the best results?

Choosing a device that is designed to give you the results you are seeking is the most important factor. Ensuring the device’s specifications match your needs for wavelengths, light intensity, irradiance, LEDs, following the user instructions, and being consistent with your treatment will ensure you get the best results.

Do I need to wear goggles during treatment?

It is not a requirement, but since the lights are very bright and may be uncomfortable for some individuals with sensitivities to light, eye protection is suggested. This recommendation is especially important if the treatment location is near the eyes. 

Will a red light therapy device increase my power bill?

Since red light therapy uses the most energy-efficient lighting technology, it is the least expensive kind of light to power. There will not be a significant impact on your power bill when you use a red light device for home use.

Final Thoughts

There are many ways red light therapy can be a benefit for your health. From skin cell rejuvenation to deep penetrating tissue healing, having a device for home use can serve a range of needs. As mentioned above, compliance with any light therapy treatment is essential. Having a device right in the comfort of the home provides the user with the utmost convenience. Apart from skin and tissue healing, many users also report an increase in mood as a result of using RLT.

The versatility and quality of the Medical-Grade Red Light Therapy Device is our favorite option for an at-home RLT unit. It allows you to choose red or near-infrared light in specific wavelengths, quantities, and continuous or pulsing waves. Available in two sizes, this unit can be customized to fit the specific needs of you and your family. You can review similar Light Therapy products for sale and compare options among different models.

Interested in learning more about light therapy? Check out all of our Light Therapy articles for everything you need to know! While you are reading, check out our full blog, Caregiver University for articles about seniors aging in place, wheelchairs, hyperbarics, pain management, special needs, and more!

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Didn't find what you were looking for? Browse all Light Therapy products or our entire catalog of Therapeutic Modalities products.

Interested in learning more? Check out our free, educational resource Caregiver University. You will find incredible articles about light therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, cryotherapy, and much more! 

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