Red light therapy, widely used in the treatment of our body, such as pain relief, acne, muscle removerand sleep improvement. According to the direct radiation of infrared induction on the body, it can reduce inflammation of the joints and promote the healing of soft tissues of the body. It is often used to treat rheumatic pain.

But many people don’t know how to use red light therapy at home correctly. So, we write a using Red light therapy  guide and instructions, now we will teach you how to use it.

Using red light therapy at home guide

How to Choose a Red Light Therapy Device

First of all, we have to choose a suitable red light therapy device for our body. There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a red light therapy device which I have further outlined here. Of course, you want a device that is long-lasting, well-manufactured, and warrantied. But you should also choose one that offers the correct wavelengths at the right power density over a large area.

Red Light Therapy Wavelength

Studies have shown that the effective range between 600-700nm and 780-1070nm is effective, but for better results, please look for red light therapy devices with wavelengths in the range of 630-680nm and 800-880nm.

The best treatment spectrum of red light: 430-680nm
The best treatment spectrum of near-infrared light: 800-880nm

Power density

You need to know how the power density of the device is in mW/cm²; to calculate this value, you need to know the total power and the treatment range of the light.

Ideally, you should look for a power intensity between 20-200mW/cm². However, you need a headlight with a power density of at least 30mW/cm² and a close range (about 6 inches away) about 100mW/cm2. Especially for deep tissue penetration, this range is essential to obtain sufficient therapeutic benefit.

Why is the power density of light important? Your cells need to receive a certain intensity of red light to get the full therapeutic benefits. Please note that most lights on the market will not emit enough power/irradiance to reach the therapeutic range.

Red Light Therapy Device Size and Treatment Area

These are also key issues to consider when choosing the best red light therapy equipment. Generally, smaller lights of less than 12 inches can only be used for local treatment. Since it can only treat a small part of your body at a time, you may need to spend 30-60 minutes at a time, placing the device in different positions to achieve sufficient coverage to get the maximum therapeutic benefit. On the contrary, a larger light will cover more area in a shorter time, which is more convenient.

If you get a device that has a high irradiance and can treat a larger area at the same time, thereby reaping greater benefits. The irradiance should be close to or higher than 100mW/cm², because the device will still provide an effective dose even if the distance is between 6 inches and 24 inches.

High irradiance means you can spend less time to achieve better treatment effect, so try to choose high irradiance large lights. Red Dot produce the highest irradiance device on the market. So you can choose at will according to your needs.

Regarding the selection of equipment, the above points are important. After choosing a suitable device, you can start using the device for treatment.

Using Red Light Therapy Instructions and Tips:

  1. Distance: Apply the light from 6-12inches to the body
  2. Session Time: Exposure each area for 5 – 20 minutes, depending on distance
  3. For small target treatment device, repeat on other areas if desired
  4. Frequency: Do this 2 times to 14 times a week until results are felt, usually 4-6 weeks most of customers could feel the benefical.
  5. Maintenance: Continue using several times a week.

Common Questions During Useing Red Light Therapy at Home 

  1. Are Goggles Needed During Treatments?
    Goggles are not generally required when receiving red and infrared light therapy. However, with strong red lights, your color vision can be distorted for several minutes afterwards—everything may appear more blue/green, as your eyes re-sensitize to red light. But vision should normalize quickly following treatment.

  2. Are there safe enough?
    As a noninvasive, highly effective option for addressing a wide variety of issues, proper red light therapy is as safe a treatment as you’ll find on the market today.

  3. What will I feel during treatment?
    During and after the treatment, you will feel soothing, gentle warmth. Some people experience temporary skin tightness, which should disappear shortly after you receive treatment. If you feel any discomfort or excessive exposure, you can reduce the treatment time or increase the distance from the light.

Most importantly, if you are going to spend time and money, it only makes sense to buy sophisticated, high-quality red light therapy device from a reputable manufacturer and Using red light therapy at home to obtain best results. Best value for money.

About the Author
Kevin Zhang
Chief Technology Officer

Kevin Zhang is the Chief Technology Officer at REDDOT LED, where he leads the innovation of medical-grade red light therapy and photobiomodulation technologies. With over 15 years of experience in LED medical devices, optical engineering, and non-invasive therapeutics, he specializes in developing clinically oriented light therapy solutions for wellness, rehabilitation, skincare, pain management, and recovery.Throughout his career, Kevin has contributed to the development of numerous patented light therapy products that comply with international medical device standards, including ISO 13485 quality management requirements and IEC 60601 safety standards. Working closely with engineering teams, clinical partners, and global OEM/ODM customers, he focuses on transforming scientific research into reliable, user-friendly products for healthcare professionals and consumers worldwide.At Red Dot LED Lighting Limited, Kevin supports the company's commitment to continuous innovation, helping expand a product portfolio that includes red light therapy panels, facial masks, therapy belts, sauna lights, and other advanced phototherapy solutions exported to more than 80 countries.

Industry Qualifications Certifications:MDSAP,IS013485,MDL,TGA, FDA, ETL, UKCA, IEC 60601-1,SAA,CE, ROHS,FCC,And Numerous Other Authoritative Certifications