From the Guidelines
The best wavelength for red light therapy is 630 nm, as it has been shown to increase the depth of tumor necrosis by 72% compared to 405 nm, according to Monte Carlo simulations 1.
Key Considerations
- Red light therapy with a wavelength of 630 nm is effective for skin conditions, wound healing, and surface-level concerns, as it penetrates skin tissue to a depth of about 8-10 mm.
- Near-infrared light (810-850 nm) is better for pain relief and deeper tissue healing, as it penetrates deeper into the body, reaching muscles, bones, and joints.
- The use of red light therapy with a wavelength of 630 nm has been supported by studies, including one that used low-level laser therapy with a wavelength of 650 nm to prevent oral mucositis in patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy and total body irradiation, followed by autologous stem cell transplantation 1.
Treatment Parameters
- Sessions typically last 10-20 minutes daily or every other day, with the light positioned 6-12 inches from the treatment area.
- Higher-quality devices with proper wavelength specifications will provide more consistent results than generic "red light" products without specified wavelengths.
Clinical Evidence
- A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology found that a wavelength of 630 nm was more effective than 405 nm in increasing the depth of tumor necrosis, according to Monte Carlo simulations 1.
- Another study published in the International Journal of Oral Science discussed the use of photodynamic therapy with a wavelength of 630 nm ± 5 nm for the treatment of oral leucoplakia 1.
From the Research
Red Light Therapy Wavelengths
The best wavelength for red light therapy is a topic of ongoing research, with various studies investigating different wavelengths and their effects on the body.
- A study published in 2017 2 discusses the use of red and near-infrared light for photobiomodulation, but does not specify a particular wavelength.
- Another study from 2023 3 uses a wavelength of 630 ± 10 nm for red light photobiomodulation to reverse skin aging signs.
- A 2017 study 4 compares the efficacy of 660 nm and 411 to 777 nm light-emitting devices for treating wrinkles, finding that both are effective but with slightly better results for the 660 nm group.
- A 2019 study 5 investigates the effects of 630 nm red light on oxidative stress and memory restoration in SAMP8 mice, finding that it reduces oxidative stress and improves memory.
- A 2016 study 6 examines the effects of red and infrared low-level laser therapy (660 nm and 780 nm) on oxidative stress during the muscle repair process, finding that both wavelengths can modulate oxidative stress and reduce muscle damage.
Wavelength Options
Based on these studies, some potential wavelengths for red light therapy include:
- 630 nm, used in studies on skin aging and oxidative stress 3, 5
- 660 nm, used in studies on wrinkle treatment and muscle repair 4, 6
- 780 nm, used in a study on muscle repair 6 It is essential to note that the optimal wavelength may depend on the specific application and desired effects of the red light therapy.