Red & Near Infrared Light Therapy Panels UK | Peak Health
Frequently Asked Questions
What wavelength of red light therapy do I need?
The two most clinically studied wavelengths are 660nm (red light, visible) and 850nm (near-infrared, invisible). Red at 660nm penetrates the skin's surface and is best for skin health, wound healing, and collagen production. Near-infrared at 850nm penetrates deeper into muscle, joints, and tissue, making it better for pain relief, inflammation, and recovery. Most quality panels (including the brands we stock) offer both wavelengths simultaneously, so you get the full spectrum of benefits in one session. Our guide explains more about why red light therapy panels work
How long should each red light therapy session be?
Most manufacturers and clinical studies recommend 10-20 minutes per treatment area, per session. I use my red light panel for 20 minutes daily as part of my morning protocol, treating my full torso at a distance of about 15cm. Shorter sessions (5-10 minutes) still provide benefits, especially for skin-level applications at 660nm. The key is consistency - daily use at a moderate duration outperforms occasional longer sessions every time.
What's the difference between red light and near-infrared?
Red light (620-700nm) is visible to the eye and penetrates the skin to a depth of about 8-10mm, making it effective for skin conditions, collagen production, and surface-level healing. Near-infrared (700-1100nm) is invisible and penetrates much deeper - up to 50mm into muscle, bone, and connective tissue - targeting inflammation, joint pain, and deep tissue recovery. Most therapeutic panels combine both, and the research suggests using them together produces the best overall results. For a deeper look at the science, read our guide to red light therapy
How far should I stand from the panel?
The optimal distance depends on the panel's power output (measured in irradiance, mW/cm2), but a general guideline is 15-30cm from the panel for most home-use devices. Closer (10-15cm) delivers a more concentrated dose to a smaller area, which suits targeted treatment of a specific injury or skin concern. Further away (30-60cm) spreads the light over a larger body area at a lower intensity, which is better for general wellness sessions. Check the manufacturer's recommendations on the product page, as each panel has a slightly different optimal distance based on its LED configuration and power.
Can I use red light therapy every day?
Yes, daily use is both safe and recommended for best results. Unlike UV light, red and near-infrared wavelengths do not damage the skin - there is no risk of burning or overexposure at therapeutic doses. I use red light therapy every day as part of my wellness protocol and the cumulative effect over weeks and months is where the real benefit shows up. Most clinical studies showing positive outcomes used daily or near-daily protocols over 4-12 weeks. If you are combining red light with sauna sessions, stacking them in the same routine is an efficient way to build a daily protocol.
What size panel do I need?
It depends on what you want to treat. A small or targeted panel (around 30cm tall) works well for face, neck, or a single joint - good if you have a specific area of concern. A mid-size panel (60-90cm) covers the torso or a full limb and suits most people who want general wellness benefits. A full-body panel or multi-panel setup (120cm+) treats everything in one session and is the most time-efficient option if you plan to use it daily. Consider how much time you want to spend per session - a larger panel means fewer repositions and shorter total treatment time.