Question 1

Is infrared light therapy the same as red light therapy?

Accepted Answer

Near-infrared (NIR) light therapy and red light therapy are closely related and are usually combined in one device. Red LEDs sit at about 630–660nm, while near-infrared LEDs sit at about 810–1,060nm and are invisible to the eye. Infrared heat lamps and far-infrared saunas are a different category, built mainly to produce radiant heat rather than specific LED wavelengths. If a product lists only "infrared" with no wavelength in nanometres, ask the seller for the exact figures.

Question 2

Is LED light therapy the same as red light therapy?

Accepted Answer

Red light therapy is one type of LED light therapy. "LED light therapy" is the broader term for any device that uses light-emitting diodes, while red light therapy refers to LEDs in the red and, usually, near-infrared range. Some multi-wavelength devices, including our Phototherapy 3D Mask, also include 480nm blue LEDs. Wavelengths across our range run from 480nm to 1060nm, so check the exact figures on each product page.

Question 3

Is red light therapy the same as a sunbed or tanning bed?

Accepted Answer

No. Red light therapy devices use visible red and near-infrared LEDs, not ultraviolet (UV) lamps, so they are not designed for tanning. UV sits at roughly 280–400nm, while the wavelengths in our range run from 480nm to 1060nm. We supply complete red light therapy devices, not replacement red bulbs for tanning beds.

Question 4

Is red light therapy the same as laser therapy?

Accepted Answer

No. Our devices use LEDs, not lasers. Both can deliver red and near-infrared light, and early research used low-level lasers, which is why older papers say "low-level laser therapy". The difference is the beam. Lasers produce a narrow, focused beam, while LEDs spread light over a wider area, which is why panels and beds can cover large parts of the body at once.

Question 5

Does red light therapy actually work?

Accepted Answer

Red light therapy is an active area of scientific research, and results depend on the device, the dose and how it is used. Photobiomodulation has been studied for decades, and an international expert panel has published consensus guidance on its use in clinical and aesthetic settings. HBOT UK devices are sold as cosmetic wellness devices, so we don't claim they treat or prevent any condition. People use them as part of general wellness routines, and experiences vary. For any medical concern, speak to your GP or a qualified clinician.

Question 6

How do I set up red light therapy at home?

Accepted Answer

Choose a clear space near a standard UK socket, position the device as shown in the manual, put on your goggles, set the timer and keep the area dry. Panels and lamps need the distance specified in the instructions, while beds and the sleep bag need enough floor space to lie down. The sleep bag and lamp need only a standard UK socket and no installation. High-powered beds may need a dedicated electrical supply, so check the product page before ordering.

Question 7

What do experts say about the safety of red light therapy?

Accepted Answer

Expert guidance describes photobiomodulation as generally safe for adults when used as directed. A 2025 international consensus in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology concluded that PBM is a safe modality for adult patients and that red light PBM does not induce DNA damage. That guidance covers professional clinical and aesthetic use, so always follow your own device's instructions, use eye protection and keep to recommended session times.

Question 8

Why do I need goggles with a red light therapy device, and can I use sunglasses?

Accepted Answer

Eye protection is the most important safety consideration with LED light therapy. LEDs emit intense, concentrated light, and prolonged direct exposure, especially to near-infrared, can strain the eye. Wear the eyewear supplied with your device, even with your eyes closed, and don't substitute ordinary sunglasses, whose filters aren't designed for these wavelengths. Our Flexible Red Light Therapy Lamp includes protective goggles. People with eye conditions such as macular degeneration or glaucoma should consult a specialist first.

Question 9

Who should speak to a doctor before using red light therapy?

Accepted Answer

Speak to your GP or a qualified clinician first if you take photosensitising medication (certain antibiotics or retinoids, for example), have a history of photosensitive epilepsy, have active skin lesions or open wounds in the exposed area, or have an eye condition. Do the same if you are being treated for a serious medical condition. This list isn't exhaustive, so take advice before your first session if you're unsure.

Question 10

Are HBOT UK's red light therapy devices medical devices?

Accepted Answer

No. HBOT UK sells its red light therapy devices as cosmetic wellness devices for general wellness, fitness and aesthetic use. They are not medical devices, they are not registered with the MHRA as medical devices, and we don't claim they diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition. Under UK advertising rules, medical claims can only be made for licensed medicines or for devices with the applicable conformity marking. That is why this site doesn't list conditions that red light therapy can treat.

Question 11

What is photobiomodulation (PBM), and how does it relate to red light therapy?

Accepted Answer

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is the scientific term for using low-level red and near-infrared light on the body, and red light therapy is its everyday name. Researchers typically define red light as roughly 620–700nm and near-infrared as roughly 700–1,440nm. The proposed mechanism is that mitochondria, the energy-producing parts of cells, absorb this light through an enzyme called cytochrome c oxidase. Older papers often call it low-level laser therapy. For a full explainer, read our complete red light therapy guide.

Red Light Therapy FAQ: Your Guide to Choosing and Using RLT Devices

What is photobiomodulation (PBM), and how does it relate to red light therapy?

Is LED light therapy the same as red light therapy?

Is infrared light therapy the same as red light therapy?

Is red light therapy the same as laser therapy?

Is red light therapy the same as a sunbed or tanning bed?

Does red light therapy actually work?

What is the difference between red light therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

What does a red light therapy session feel like?

Still Have Questions? Contact our red light therapy team directly

E-mail

Phone Number

Clinic & Showroom

WhatsApp Us

Ready to Take the Next Step?

What Customers Say

References & Citations

Red Light Therapy FAQ: Your Guide to Choosing and Using RLT Devices

What is photobiomodulation (PBM), and how does it relate to red light therapy?

Is LED light therapy the same as red light therapy?

Is infrared light therapy the same as red light therapy?

Is red light therapy the same as laser therapy?

Is red light therapy the same as a sunbed or tanning bed?

Does red light therapy actually work?

What is the difference between red light therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

What does a red light therapy session feel like?

​Still Have Questions? Contact our red light therapy team directly

E-mail

Phone Number

Clinic & Showroom

WhatsApp Us

Ready to Take the Next Step?

What Customers Say

References & Citations

Still Have Questions? Contact our red light therapy team directly