Is Red Light Therapy the Same as Infrared? Here’s What You Need to Know

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Is Red Light Therapy the Same as Infrared? Here’s What You Need to Know - RICIAL

If you've been exploring non-invasive wellness or beauty treatments, you've probably come across red light therapy and infrared therapy. They sound similar—and both involve light—but are they actually the same thing?

Short answer: Not exactly.
While red light and infrared light come from the same part of the light spectrum and are often used together in devices, they penetrate the body differently and offer slightly different benefits.

Let’s break it down.


🔴 What Is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy (RLT) uses visible red wavelengths of light (typically around 630–660 nanometers) to target the surface layers of the skin.

✅ Key Benefits of Red Light Therapy:

◉ Stimulates collagen production (hello, anti-aging!)

◉ Improves skin texture and tone

◉ Reduces inflammation

◉ Helps fade scars and stretch marks

◉ Boosts cellular energy (ATP)

It’s widely used in beauty treatments, wound healing, and skin rejuvenation — and is popular with people looking to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, or tighten loose skin.

RICIAL Cosmetic Red Light Products:

Home Flexible Red Light Therapy Device

RICIAL Cold Laser Therapy Device for Skin Rejuvenation & Anti-Aging

RICIAL Home Red Light Device – Pain Relief & Skin Care


🌈 What Is Infrared Light Therapy?

Infrared light therapy uses light in the near-infrared spectrum (typically 800–1000+ nm). This light is invisible to the naked eye but penetrates much deeper into the body — even through muscles and joints.

Key Benefits of Infrared Therapy:

◉ Promotes deep tissue healing

◉ Improves blood flow and circulation

◉ Relieves muscle and joint soreness

◉ Reduces chronic pain and stiffness

◉ Supports post-workout recovery

It’s often used in physical therapy, chronic pain relief, and sports recovery — think back pain, arthritis, or muscle fatigue.

RICIAL Infrared Light Therapy Products:

RICIAL Red Light Therapy Device – Muscle Relief & Recovery Support

Near-Infrared Red Light Therapy Pad for Neck & Shoulder Pain Relief

Red and Near-Infrared Light Therapy Bag

Red And Infrared Light Therapy Mat (32" × 12")


🔬 Key Differences Between Red Light and Infrared Light

Feature Red Light Therapy Infrared Therapy
Wavelength 630–660 nm 800–1000+ nm
Visible? Yes (red) No
Penetration Depth Shallow (skin level) Deep (muscles, joints)
Primary Uses Skin health, anti-aging Pain relief, tissue recovery
Sensation Gentle warmth Slight deeper heat (sometimes not felt)

💡 Why Are They Often Combined in Devices?

Great question! Devices like the RICIAL Red Light Therapy Belt combine red + infrared light to provide both skin-level and deep-tissue benefits.

That means you can:

◉ Tighten loose abdominal skin

◉ Reduce belly fat

◉ Soothe muscle soreness

◉ Support lymphatic drainage

◉ And even help fade stretch marks — all in one session.

Combining both types of light allows for a more comprehensive and effective treatment.

Buy Now: RICIAL Red Light Therapy Belt


🔍 So... Is Red Light Therapy the Same as Infrared?

No — but they are closely related.
Think of them as teammates working together on different layers of your body.

◉ Red light = surface benefits (skin, cells, beauty)

◉ Infrared = deeper benefits (muscle, joints, pain)

Depending on your goals — whether it’s fat loss, skin tightening, or pain relief — using both can offer maximum results.


Takeaway: What’s Best for You?

◉ Want to improve skin tone, fade stretch marks, and tighten your stomach? → Red light therapy is your go-to.

◉ Dealing with soreness, back pain, or muscle fatigue? → Infrared light penetrates deeper to help.

◉ Want both benefits in one? → Choose a dual-wavelength device like RICIAL’s 8-in-1 Red Light Belt.


🔗 Related Searches:

◉ Does red light therapy help with belly fat?

◉ Is infrared light good for weight loss?

◉ How long does red light therapy take to work?

◉ Red light vs. blue light for skin


📌 Pro Tip: Consistency is key. Use your device daily for at least 2–4 weeks to see noticeable improvements. No sweat, no surgery — just results.

Kathy H, Beauty & Health Writer

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