Introduction
Red light therapy is safe, non-invasive, and has almost zero risks and side effects. So, you don't need a trained professional to receive the treatment, and you can use it independently and with ease. However, red light devices only work effectively and safely when proper usage protocols are followed. One key factor that often gets overlooked is the distance between you and the red light panel.
Finding the ideal distance helps you receive the treatment's benefits while minimizing any potential risks. In this article, I'll discuss how distance affects red light therapy and how you can achieve the best possible results from your at-home device.
Proper Distance from the Red Light Therapy Device
Maintaining the optimal distance between your skin surface and the RLT device is helpful for an effective and safe treatment. You might be thinking: "How close should we place a red light therapy device?" There's no universally valid answer here. In general, everything at a distance of 32 centimeters from a device works well.
The main problem with placing RLT devices closer to the skin is that it could increase exposure to electromagnetic fields, also known as EMF. Scientists have not yet concluded whether EMFs are hazardous to health. However, there may be a potential health risk associated with EMF. So, the best practice is to maintain an appropriate distance to avoid health hazards, between 6-12 inches.
Some internet gurus believe that you should avoid all heat when using red light therapy. Practically, red light therapy works equally effectively, even with some heat. However, it is critical to avoid unnecessary heating by standing at the proper distance. Studies indicated that very high doses of near-infrared could cause excessive heat and adversely affect health.
The Best Scientifically Supported Distance for RLT Device
The next step is to decide which tissues you want to treat-the superficial or deeper tissues. If you're treating superficial tissues, use a dose of up to 10 Joules (J) per centimeter squared. The maximum dose for deep tissues is 70 J/cm2. There is no universally valid ideal distance for red light therapy treatments. The optimal distance is still up for debate in science. And it's unlikely that to point out one perfect distance. The ideal distance for red light therapy devices depends on the type of device, light intensity, treatment duration, and goals. Generally, most red light therapy devices work best at a distance of 6 to 12 inches from the skin.
What Can Happen When You're Too Close to Red Light Panels?
Well, if you're sitting really close to a panel or other device while receiving red light therapy, here are the possible risks:
- Overdosing
When a panel is in close proximity to the skin, the power output increases significantly. The chance of overdosing is decreased when using electronics away from the body because of decreased total exposure. Additionally, overdosing can cause certain side effects, like fatigue. If not, you're good to go!
- Excess electromagnetic field exposure
I won't go into too much detail, as I covered this earlier. Simply, the closer you get, the higher your magnetic and electric field exposure will be. However, if you're not sensitive to electromagnetic fields and don't have a large red light setup, getting extremely close can still be beneficial. In that scenario, treatment times will be significantly shortened by applying a device close to the skin.
What Can Happen When You're Too Far From Red Light Panels?
As we've previously discussed, in order to maximize the remarkable benefits of red light therapy panels and ensure a safe and effective experience, it is crucial to maintain the ideal distance from them.
If you are too far away from the panels, there may not be enough light absorption, which will reduce the therapeutic effects.
It's necessary to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your device. These instructions are made to guide you toward the optimal distance that suits your skin type and condition, providing you with the best possible results.
Creating a Safe Environment
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Follow the manufacturer's instructions for optimal results
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Start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the duration as your skin tolerates it.
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Observe how your skin reacts to this therapy. If you see any adverse effects, adjust the distance or duration accordingly.
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Wear the protective eyewear provided with your device during treatment.
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The ideal distance may vary depending on the area you're treating. Larger areas like the back or legs might need to be farther away, whereas smaller areas like the face or neck might need to be closer.
Conclusion
Red light therapy is a safe and effective treatment for improving skin and various health conditions. The secret, though, is to measure the distance correctly in order to avoid potential hazards and get the best results. There's no ideal distance from the skin for red light therapy products. However, three inches and even six inches will work for the majority of products.
If you want full control over your dosing, compute a dose in Joules/cm using the power output in mW/cm2. To calculate that, multiply the power output by the number of seconds you use a product, then divide the result by 1,000.
Consult with your doctor for proper guidance. Red light therapy can be an extremely beneficial addition to your health and wellness routine if used optimally.
Read More
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