Where Do I Use Infrared Therapy?

Confused about where to point your new red light device? Using it incorrectly means you're just wasting time and electricity, missing out on the real benefits of the therapy.

You should use infrared therapy directly on clean, dry skin over the target area. This could be your face for wrinkles, sore muscles, aching joints, or any area where you want to see therapeutic benefits. Direct skin contact is always best for maximum light absorption.

Targeted application is key for effective infrared therapy.

I've spent over 15 years in the LED therapy industry, from R&D to manufacturing, and I've seen it all. The most advanced, high-irradiance device is only as good as how you use it. It's a bit like having a world-class oven; if you don't know the right temperature or time, you're not going to bake a great cake. Proper application is everything, so let's get into the specifics of where and how to use your device to get the results you're paying for.

Where do you use infrared?

Unsure about which body parts are safe and effective for infrared therapy? Guessing can be ineffective or even risky, preventing you from confidently targeting your specific wellness goals.

Infrared therapy can be used on most parts of the body. Common areas include the face for skin health, the back for pain, shoulders and knees for joint relief, and legs for muscle recovery. It is versatile for both surface and deeper tissue concerns.

Infrared therapy is versatile for many body parts and goals.

Matching the Area to the Goal

The beauty of red and near-infrared (NIR) light therapy is its versatility. But for the best results, you need to match the application area to your wellness objective. As a manufacturer, we design different devices—masks, panels, belts—specifically because a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work. A mask is perfect for the contours of the face, while a large panel is ideal for covering the entire back.

Here's a simple guide to common application areas:

The key is consistency and directness. Point the light at the area you want to treat, ensuring the device is at the manufacturer-recommended distance to get the correct dosage, or irradiance.

Where not to use red light therapy?

Worried about causing harm with your powerful new device? Using it on sensitive areas without proper guidance can lead to unexpected side effects and undermine the therapy's safety.

Do not use red light therapy directly on the eyes; always use the provided protective eyewear. Avoid using it over active cancerous lesions, directly on the thyroid gland, or over a pregnant uterus. If you have specific medical conditions, always consult a physician first.

Always prioritize safety by avoiding sensitive areas.

The "No-Go Zones" and Why They Matter

Safety is the bedrock of any effective therapy. While red light therapy is overwhelmingly safe, common sense and caution are required. At REDDOT LED, providing clear safety protocols to our OEM/ODM partners is a non-negotiable part of our process, backed by our ISO13485 medical device quality certification.

Here are the areas to avoid and the reasons why:

• Directly on the Eyes: The eyes are extremely sensitive to bright light. While there's no definitive evidence of permanent damage from red light, the intensity can be uncomfortable and potentially harmful. Always use the FDA-compliant blackout goggles that come with any quality device.

• Over Active Cancerous Lesions: The mechanism of photobiomodulation¹ involves stimulating cellular energy and proliferation. You do not want to stimulate the growth of malignant cells. This is a hard-and-fast rule: avoid active or suspected tumors.

• Directly on the Thyroid Gland: The thyroid is a sensitive gland located in the front of your neck. Some studies suggest light therapy could influence thyroid function. To be safe, avoid directly targeting this area unless specifically guided by a medical professional.

• Over a Pregnant Uterus: There is no research to suggest red light therapy is harmful during pregnancy, but there is also no research to prove it's safe. Therefore, the universal precautionary principle applies. Avoid using it over the abdomen or lower back during pregnancy.

What is infrared therapy used for?

Is infrared therapy just another wellness fad? Without understanding its proven applications, you might dismiss a powerful tool that could genuinely address your health and recovery needs.

Infrared therapy is a science-backed treatment used to reduce inflammation and pain, accelerate muscle recovery, improve circulation, and rejuvenate skin by boosting collagen. Its medical applications are validated by thousands of clinical studies and recognized by regulatory bodies like the FDA.

Infrared therapy works by delivering energy deep into your cells.

The Science-Backed Benefits

This isn't about magic; it's about biophysics. When specific wavelengths of red (typically 660nm) and near-infrared (NIR 850nm) light are absorbed by our cells, they give a boost to the mitochondria. This process, known as photobiomodulation, helps the cells produce more energy (ATP). This cellular energy translates into real-world benefits that have been rigorously studied.

Here are the primary, evidence-based uses:

• Pain & Inflammation Relief: This is one of the most well-documented benefits. By improving circulation and reducing inflammatory markers, infrared therapy can provide significant relief for joint pain, arthritis, and chronic muscle soreness, as shown in numerous studies².

• Skin Rejuvenation: Red light is famous for its cosmetic benefits. It stimulates fibroblast cells to produce more collagen and elastin, the proteins that give skin its firmness and elasticity. The result? A reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, and improved overall skin texture³.

• Muscle Recovery & Performance: This is why you'll find our devices in gyms and physical therapy clinics. It helps flush out metabolic waste post-exercise, reduces delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and speeds up muscle repair.

• Improved Circulation: Infrared light can promote the formation of new capillaries, which improves blood flow to the treated area. This is critical for healing and overall tissue health.

What's the best way to prep for red light therapy?

Getting your skin prep wrong can block the light or cause irritation. This simple mistake can completely negate the effectiveness of your session, wasting your time and investment.

For best results, use red light therapy on clean, dry, bare skin. Clothing and topical products can block or reflect the light, reducing the dose your cells receive. Always avoid applying products that increase photosensitivity right before a session.

Clean, bare skin is the golden rule for effective therapy.

To Wear or Not to Wear? The Clothing Question

Let's be direct: for optimal results, you should not wear clothes over the area you are treating. Light is a form of energy, and any fabric, no matter how thin, will act as a barrier, reflecting and absorbing some of that energy before it reaches your skin.

Some argue that near-infrared light can penetrate thin clothing. While there's some truth to this—NIR's longer wavelength gives it better penetrating power than red light—it's still not ideal. A 2021 study in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine⁴ confirmed that fabrics can significantly reduce the amount of light reaching the skin. Why would you invest in a high-irradiance device only to block 30-70% of its output with a shirt? Direct skin exposure is the only way to guarantee you're getting the full, intended dose.

The "Clean Skin" Rule: Lotions, Potions, and Serums

This brings us to the next point: what's on your skin matters.

• General Rule: Your skin should be clean and free of any lotions, makeup, or sunscreens. These products can contain ingredients that reflect light, preventing it from being absorbed. After your session is the perfect time to apply your favorite moisturizers and serums.

• What about Vitamin C serum? This is a common question. While Vitamin C is a fantastic antioxidant, it's best applied after your red light session. Red light therapy increases circulation, which may actually enhance the absorption of your post-treatment topicals. Applying it before offers no benefit and could potentially interfere with the light.

• A Critical Warning: Never apply photosensitizing agents before a session. This includes prescription topicals like Retin-A (tretinoin), acne medications containing benzoyl peroxide, or skincare with high concentrations of AHAs/BHAs. These can make your skin highly reactive to light, leading to irritation or redness. This is a key piece of information we provide to all our OEM partners for their user manuals.

Conclusion

For effective infrared therapy, apply a high-quality device directly to clean, bare skin on your target area. Avoid sensitive "no-go zones" like the eyes and always prioritize safety. This ensures you leverage the science-backed benefits for pain, skin, and recovery.

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