Near-Infrared vs. Red Light: What's the Actual Difference?

They're often grouped together, but red and near-infrared light have different wavelengths. Here's what that means and what it doesn't.

What's the difference between near-infrared and red light? Wavelength. Red light is visible, commonly around 630 to 670 nanometers. Near-infrared is longer, commonly around 810 to 850 nanometers, and mostly invisible. Research doesn't clearly show that one works better for a given goal, which is why many panels, including ours, combine both.

When people say "red light therapy," they're often lumping the two together. They're close cousins on the light spectrum, but they aren't identical.

What Is Red Light?

Red light is the part you can see. Panels commonly use wavelengths around 630 to 670 nanometers. When the panel is on, you see a bright red glow.

What Is Near-Infrared Light?

Near-infrared (NIR) has a longer wavelength, commonly around 810 to 850 nanometers. It's mostly invisible, so an NIR-only panel can look dim or even off while it's running.

Does Near-Infrared Reach Deeper?

Longer wavelengths generally travel further into tissue than shorter ones, which is why NIR comes up when people talk about joints and muscles. Be wary of any site that puts an exact depth on it, though. How far light travels depends on the device, the dose and your own body, and we won't quote a number we can't stand behind.

Can You Feel the Difference?

Not really. Both feel warm, not hot. The main thing you'll notice is the bright red glow from the visible part of the panel. That's why we give you eye protection and ask about eye sensitivity before you start.

Does the Wavelength Change the Results?

Honestly, we can't tell you which one works better for a given goal. The research on red and near-infrared light, often called photobiomodulation, is low-certainty overall. Two meta-analyses (Stausholm et al., 2019; Oliveira et al., 2024) found low-certainty evidence of less knee osteoarthritis pain at the laser doses studied. Reviews of exercise (Vanin et al., 2018; Canez et al., 2025) found low-certainty evidence that light applied before exercise reduces later soreness.

Those studies used lasers or clinical LED arrays at specific settings, so their results may not carry over to every panel.

Is Near-Infrared the Same as an Infrared Sauna?

No. An infrared sauna uses far-infrared heat to warm your whole body for 30 to 45 minutes, and you will sweat. A red and near-infrared panel aims light at bare skin for a few minutes per area, and you don't really sweat. Our red light vs. infrared sauna guide goes deeper.

Which One Do We Use?

Our panel at DWT Wellness combines red and near-infrared, so you don't have to choose. New clients start at about 2 minutes per area, roughly 12 inches from the panel, at a low intensity, and build up gradually over about two weeks. Depending on how many areas you work on, a session runs roughly 3 to 30 minutes. More in how often to do red light therapy.

What Should You Look For in a Panel?

• Stated wavelengths for both the red and near-infrared parts.
• Clear guidance on distance and session length.
• Eye protection, since the visible red is bright.
• A little skepticism: not every device delivers the wavelengths it claims.

What Should You Ask Your Doctor First?

• Does any medication I take make my skin more sensitive to light?
• Is bright light a problem for my eyes or any eye condition I have?
• If I'm pregnant or being seen for an ongoing condition, is it okay to add a red light session?

Bring the answers to your first visit. If your doctor says to hold off, hold off.

Who Should Skip Red and Near-Infrared Light?

• Anyone taking a photosensitizing medication. Some antibiotics, acne medications and other drugs make skin more sensitive to light, so ask your pharmacist if you're not sure.
• Anyone whose eyes are sensitive to bright light, or who has an eye condition.
• Anyone who is pregnant.
• If you've had surgery recently, get clearance from your surgeon first and bring it to your first session.

Have questions? Call us at (973) 908-1524 or contact us online. Your first session is free. Ask us for current session and package pricing: (973) 908-1524.

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