Everything You Actually Want to Know About Red Light.
How it works. How to use it. What wavelengths mean. When to expect results. And how to choose a device without needing a science degree.
The Basics
Red light therapy — also commonly called photobiomodulation or PBM — uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light.
Researchers have studied photobiomodulation across areas including skin health, exercise recovery, pain, wound healing and other applications. The strength of evidence varies depending on the goal, wavelength, dose, device and treatment protocol.
No. Tanning beds primarily expose skin to ultraviolet radiation. Red light therapy uses red and near-infrared wavelengths.
Red light therapy does not rely on UV radiation to produce its intended effects and should not cause a suntan.
Photobiomodulation is the scientific term commonly used for exposing tissue to specific wavelengths of red or near-infrared light in an effort to influence biological processes.
You'll also see terms like PBM, red light therapy, low-level light therapy and LED light therapy.
The Science, Made Simple
The complete biological mechanism is still being studied.
One leading explanation involves how red and near-infrared light interact with light-sensitive molecules inside cells, including components of the mitochondria.
That interaction may influence cellular signaling, circulation, oxidative stress and energy-related processes.
Red light is visible to the human eye and is commonly used when the target is closer to the surface of the skin.
Near-infrared light, often abbreviated NIR, uses longer wavelengths that are largely invisible to the eye and interact with tissue differently.
Many devices combine red and near-infrared wavelengths in the same session.
Near-infrared wavelengths sit largely outside the portion of the light spectrum the human eye can see.
An NIR LED may therefore look dim or completely off even when it is functioning normally.
Not necessarily.
More wavelengths can make a device more versatile, but wavelength count alone doesn't determine whether a device is right for you.
Coverage, irradiance, treatment distance, exposure time, total dose and consistency also matter.
Irradiance describes how much light power reaches a given area and is commonly expressed as mW/cm².
Irradiance typically changes as your distance from a light source changes, which is one reason treatment distance matters.
J/cm² — joules per square centimeter — is a measure of light dose.
Think of irradiance as how quickly light is being delivered and joules as how much light you receive over the session.
More isn't automatically better.
Your Routine
There is no universal session length that applies to every red light device.
Session length depends on factors including device output, treatment distance, body area and intended use.
Follow the instructions for your specific device rather than assuming a longer session will automatically produce a better result.
Consistency matters, but the ideal frequency varies by device and intended use.
Follow the recommended protocol for your specific Valo device rather than increasing treatment time or frequency simply to chase faster results.
That depends on the panel.
Moving closer generally increases the amount of light reaching the body, while moving farther away spreads light across a larger treatment area while reducing irradiance.
Use the recommended distance listed for your specific Valo device.
For most uses, direct exposure of the intended area is preferable because clothing can block or reduce the amount of light reaching the skin.
For facial skincare sessions, clean and dry skin is generally the simplest starting point.
If you're using skincare products, check their instructions — especially if they contain ingredients that may increase light sensitivity.
Photobiomodulation has been studied both before and after exercise.
Researchers continue to evaluate how timing may affect exercise performance, soreness and recovery.
For most people, using the device consistently and following the correct protocol is more important than obsessing over the exact minute you use it.
Some red light devices are designed for frequent use, but that doesn't mean every device or protocol should automatically be used every day.
Follow the instructions for your particular device. More treatment isn't necessarily better treatment.
What to Expect
There isn't one universal timeline.
Some people use red light for short-term goals such as recovery, while others use it consistently over weeks or months as part of a skincare or wellness routine.
Results depend on your goal, device, dose, frequency of use and individual response.
Many photobiomodulation protocols are studied using repeated treatments rather than a single exposure.
That is one reason consistent use is often emphasized, although expected timelines vary depending on the goal being studied.
No. People respond differently to wellness and skincare interventions, and red light therapy is no exception.
Age, health, skin characteristics, treatment protocol, device, consistency and intended use can all influence individual outcomes.
Photobiomodulation has a substantial body of scientific research, but saying that all red light therapy is simply "clinically proven" is too broad.
Evidence is stronger for some applications than others, and studies use different wavelengths, doses, devices and protocols.
We prefer looking at the evidence goal by goal instead of pretending every claim has the same level of support.
Using It Responsibly
Red and near-infrared LED therapy is generally considered non-invasive, and many devices are designed for at-home use.
Follow your device instructions and talk with a qualified healthcare professional if you have a medical condition, eye condition, light-sensitive disorder, or take medications that may increase photosensitivity.
Red and near-infrared light are different from ultraviolet light.
A red/NIR therapy device does not need UV radiation to deliver red light therapy.
Red light therapy is not intended to burn the skin.
However, devices vary in output and design, and excessive exposure or improper use can cause discomfort or irritation.
Follow recommended treatment distances and session times.
Some medications and topical products can increase sensitivity to light.
If you're taking a medication associated with photosensitivity — or simply aren't sure — speak with your prescribing healthcare professional before beginning light therapy.
Pregnancy-specific safety data for many consumer red light products is limited.
Speak with your obstetric healthcare provider before beginning red light therapy during pregnancy.
Eye-protection recommendations vary by device, wavelength, output, distance and intended use.
Do not stare directly into high-intensity LEDs. Follow the eye-safety instructions included with your specific Valo device.
Finding Your Valo
Mostly coverage and convenience.
- Handhelds: targeted areas and travel.
- Face devices: skincare and facial coverage.
- Panels: larger areas and hands-free use.
- Beds: maximum full-body coverage and an immersive experience.
The best device isn't automatically the biggest one. It's the one that fits your actual routine.
Not necessarily.
If you're mainly treating one small area, a large full-body system may add cost and complexity you don't need.
If you regularly want to expose large portions of the body, a larger panel or bed can make sessions dramatically more convenient.
Start with three questions:
- What part of my body do I want to use it on?
- How often will I realistically use it?
- Where will the device live?
Those answers are often more useful than simply choosing the device with the highest wattage or the most LEDs.
We've built a dedicated comparison page that breaks down each Valo by coverage, portability, routine and intended use.
If you're starting from scratch, that's the easiest place to begin.
Still Have a Question?
Whether you're choosing your first device or building a full recovery setup, we'll help point you in the right direction.