Published: 25.03.2026 Updated: 21.07.2026

Is red light therapy the same as infrared?

By Aimee Jansen6 min read

No, red light therapy and infrared therapy are not the same, even though the terms are often used interchangeably. This is understandable: both are forms of light therapy and work via the electromagnetic spectrum. However, there is a clear and important difference between the two, namely in wavelength and penetration depth.

Red light is visible to the eye and primarily affects the upper layers of the skin. Infrared light is non-visible and penetrates deeper into the body. For those who want to know which therapy best suits their goals, it's good to understand how both forms of light therapy work and what they can do for your skin or recovery.

[banner-cta-1]

What is red light therapy?

Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment method in which the skin is exposed to light with a wavelength of roughly 620 to 700 nanometers. This light falls within the visible spectrum and has a characteristic red color. Because it is visible, you can clearly see which area is being treated during a session.

At a cellular level, red light therapy works through a process called photobiomodulation. The light can stimulate the mitochondria in skin cells, which research has linked to cellular energy production.

This cellular activity can contribute to improved skin condition and a visibly more even appearance. Scientific research describes that photobiomodulation with red light can influence cellular processes related to skin balance (Hamblin, 2017).

Red light therapy works primarily superficially, making it ideally suited for skin-focused goals. This includes supporting a more even complexion, softening the appearance of fine lines, improving skin texture, and promoting a fresher skin appearance. Because the treatment is targeted and safe for home use, it is a popular choice for people who want to deepen their skincare routine in a natural way.

What does infrared therapy do?

Infrared therapy uses light with a wavelength above 700 nanometers. This light falls outside the visible spectrum: you feel the warmth, but you do not see the light itself. That is also one of the most striking characteristics of infrared. It is non-visible, yet noticeably present.

Within infrared therapy, a distinction is made between near-infrared (also called NIR, around 700 to 1400 nm) and far-infrared (above 1400 nm, such as in an infrared sauna). Near-infrared light penetrates deeper into the tissue than red light and reaches muscles, joints, and deeper cell layers. In therapeutic contexts such as physiotherapy, infrared is being investigated for applications aimed at muscles and joints (Wunsch & Matuschka, 2014).

Infrared therapy is widely used in therapeutic contexts, such as physiotherapy and sports medicine, but also in wellness applications like infrared saunas. The warming effect and the relaxing effect on muscles are characteristics that many users appreciate. Infrared light affects cellular processes at a deeper level than red light, making it suitable for goals that go beyond just the outer skin layers.

[product-cta-1]

What is the difference between red light therapy and infrared?

The core difference between red light therapy and infrared lies in the wavelength and the associated penetration depth. These two factors largely determine which tissues are reached and which therapeutic applications are suitable. The table below summarizes the key differences.

Both forms of light therapy have their own therapeutic value and work on the same principle: light affects cellular processes via photobiomodulation. Nevertheless, they differ clearly in application. Red light therapy focuses on the skin and is therefore the better choice for skin-oriented goals. Infrared therapy targets deeper tissue layers and is used in professional contexts for muscle and joint-related applications. The choice therefore depends entirely on what you want to achieve.

[banner-cta-2]

What should you consider when choosing between red light and infrared?

If you want to consciously choose between red light therapy and infrared therapy, it helps to consider a number of specific points. Both treatment methods have their own effects and areas of application, and the best choice depends on your personal goal and situation.

• Your goal: do you want to improve your skin, achieve a more even complexion, or reduce fine lines? Then red light therapy is the most targeted choice. Is your goal muscle recovery, pain relief, or a deeper warming effect? Then infrared therapy better suits your needs.
• The wavelength of the device: always check what wavelength a device uses. Red light works around 630 nm, near-infrared around 850 nm. Some devices, such as certain LED masks, combine both wavelengths for a broader biostimulatory effect.
• Penetration depth: do you need a treatment that supports the skin superficially, or do you want to work deeper into the tissue? Red light reaches the upper skin layers, while infrared penetrates into muscles and joints.
• Safety and suitability: red light therapy via a certified LED mask is generally safe for home use. Infrared devices, especially in higher power classes, sometimes require more caution. Look for CE and RoHS certifications as an indication of quality and safety (Salamon, 2025).
• Consistency and ease of use: results from light therapy are strongly related to consistent use. Choose a device and treatment method that you can easily integrate into your daily routine, so you can maintain the treatment long-term.
• Combination possibilities: some LED masks combine red light with near-infrared light. This gives you the advantage of both worlds: superficial skin support and a deep-acting biostimulatory effect at the cellular level.

The choice between red light therapy and infrared does not have to be a complicated one. If your primary goal is skin improvement, then you already know enough: red light therapy is the most targeted choice for you. If you also want to support deeper recovery processes, then a device that combines both wavelengths is a smart investment.

[product-cta-2]

LED masks with red light and infrared

Now that you know how red light therapy and infrared therapy differ, you also understand why a good LED mask is more than just a beautiful device. It's about the right wavelengths, the right intensity, and a consistent routine that supports your skin over time. At Maxi Meilleur, you'll find LED masks specifically developed for effective home use, with red light for visible skin improvement and near-infrared for a deep-acting biostimulatory effect at the cellular level.

Maxi Meilleur stands for transparency, quality, and personal guidance. Our masks are CE and RoHS certified and designed to support long-term results, not as a quick fix, but as part of a well-thought-out skincare routine. Discover our range and take the first step towards healthier, radiant skin today.

Sources:

Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophysics, 4(3), 337–361. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5523874/

Salamon, M. (2025, October 21). Red light therapy for skin care. Harvard Health Publishing.https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/red-light-therapy-for-skin-care

Couturaud, V., Le Fur, M., Pelletier, M., & Granotier, F. (2023). Reverse skin aging signs by red light photobiomodulation. Skin Research and Technology, 29, e13391. https://doi.org/10.1111/srt.13391

Wunsch, A., & Matuschka, K. (2014). A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in patient satisfaction, reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and intradermal collagen density increase. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 32(2), 93–100. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3926176/

Aimee Jansen

Content expert at Maxi Meilleur

As Content & Social Media Marketing specialist at Maxi Meilleur, I'm responsible for everything to do with our online articles, such as the skincare and infrared blogs. I develop content strategies and write articles for both the shop and our social media channels. With over 15 years of experience as a skincare user expert and already 7 years of experience in digital marketing, I know better than anyone how to create valuable, reliable content that actually helps you!

Read more about Aimee