Hundreds of RLT devices are available. However, if your device doesnโt come with the right bulbs, then itโs not worth it!ย
Only the right bulb type ensures the light gets properly emitted and reaches deep into your skin.ย
So, which type of bulbs are the best? Letโs find out!
Summary
Incandescent, halogen, or fluorescent bulbs might appear as a good choice for RLT. but only LED bulbs work best. LED bulbs are designed in a way that ensures the light reaches deep into your cells and gets absorbed for optimum results. This is why, you must always check on the bulb types before just taking any red light therapy device.ย
Incandescent And Halogen Vs. Fluorescent Vs. LED Bulbs: The Differences Explainedย ย
Incandescent and Halogen
Incandescent and halogen bulbs are inefficient and dangerous for red light therapy. Incandescent bulbs lose 90% of heat, and halogen bulbs have a radiant loss of 80%.ย
Their light comes diffused in all directions, reducing effective absorption. Plus, these bulbs are very fragile and last up to 1,200 hours and 2,000 hours. They also radiate harmful ultraviolet radiation.ย
These lights also have no means of delivering specific red or NIR wavelengths since they operate at a full spectrum from 300 nm to 1400 nm.ย
Fluorescent
Fluorescent red light devices come cheap but are ineffective at delivering RLT. These bulbs contain neurotoxic mercury and have up to a 15,000-hour life while their light production gradually dims.ย
Their light is diffusedโin all directionsโwasting most energy. So, it cannot be fine-tuned to specific red/NIR wavelengths and only comes in warm white, cool white, or full spectrum.
LED Bulbs
LEDs give off specific therapy wavelengths and are small and long-lastingโup to 100,000 hours. Plus, they produce low amounts of heat. They are energy-efficient, directional, safe, and non-toxic.ย
No replacements or maintenance are required for the LED lights, other than surface cleaning.
The Best Bulb For Red Light Therapy: LED
LED lighting bulbs are the best for light therapy since specific wavelengths can be produced by altering the built-in semiconductors.ย
However, fluorescent and halogen bulbs cannot change their wavelengths and can turn color only using films or paints, which does not work under light therapy.ย
So, that means only one light works for red light therapyโthe Red LED bulb!
How To Choose the Best Red Light Therapy?
Hereโs how you can choose the best RLT device.ย
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Irradiance
That is what tells how much energy your body receives over time from a red light therapy device. Irradiance is one of the most important factors that determine the effectiveness of home RLT; the higher, the better the results will be in less time.ย
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Frequency
This range of wavelengths, from 633 nm to 850 nm, falls within the human body’s absorption spectrum. Deep red will penetrate the skin to work on mitochondria, increasing collagen production and wound healing. Near-infrared will go through deeper tissue to address joint and muscle pain.ย
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Treatment Coverage Area
Knowing the treatment coverage area of your RLT is also pretty crucial. The small devices are perfect for treating wrinkles and stretch marks, while large ones work better for:ย
- Muscle recovery
- Hair loss
- Hormone balancing
- Alleviating joint pains
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Quality of the Device
If you want to see faster and more effective results, a quality check is a must! Always look for standards or certifications that will allow you to check a device’s authenticity and safety levels. Make sure the parts are safe, and the light itself is properly calibrated.ย
What Are Redditors Saying About Red Light Therapy Bulbs?
New to red light therapy. What to look out for and what reliable brand to choose from?
What are the important factors when choosing a panel for red light therapy: r/redlighttherapy
New to red light therapy, what is the budget friendly approach to getting started?
How Do You Maximize Red Light Therapy?ย
Get Your Skin Ready
Cleanse your skin well before each session, removing makeup or any other lotions or oils. This allows the red light to reach deeper into the skin for best results.
Build A Habit
Make conducting the RLT sessions a habit to get maximum benefit. Decide on the frequency at which you are going to have the sessions and strictly stick to the schedule for the best outcomes.
Combine With Other Treatments
Combine the RLT sessions with a good diet and exercise regularly. This is because it goes well for all-round improvement of health.
Protective Eyewear
You should protect your eyes from the bright red light using protective eyewear during such processes. Thus, you will not experience possible injuries in the eyes or other body parts.
Gradual Start
Start with the shortest sessions for beginners and work up in both duration and frequency. Observe changes in your skin and cut down the session durations if you face any discomfort or any other difficulties.
Check Out This Video To Know More On How You Can Get Better Results With RLT:ย
5 Tips For Better Results With Red Light Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Red Light Therapy Bulbs 660nm Range Ideal For You?ย
The optimal wavelength range of red light therapy would be between 630-700 nanometers. Of these, 660nm is considered the most used and effective RLT range.
Can I Use A Red Light Bulb For Red Light Therapy?
Ordinary red bulbs, infrared lamps, heat lamps, and strips of regular LEDs cannot serve your purpose. So, itโs best if you always use only those red light bulbs that are designed for RLT sessions.ย
What Are Red Light Bulbs Used For?
Some recent studies have shown that specific kinds of red light can help one sleep better. Red light is commonly used for therapy for quality and easy sleep cycles.ย
What Wattage Is Best For Red Light Therapy?ย
Here are the recommended power ranges for various applications:
- Applied General Health and Skin Rejuvenation: 50-100 watts
- Pain relief and muscle recovery: 100-150 watts
- Deeper tissue and more intensive treatment: above 150 watts
Is 10 Minutes Of Red Light Therapy Enough?
Optimal treatments last 10 minutes per area, positioned 6 inches from your device. Extending sessions to 15-20 minutes for symptomatic areas may provide additional benefit.ย
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