Red Light Wavelength Explained

Red light therapy benefits of health and skin come from the use of red light wavelengths in the mid-600 nanometer range. In this article, we’ll explain red light colors and wavelengths, the light spectrum, and which wavelengths of red light are best for light therapy treatments.

What is the Wavelength of Red Light?

The wavelength of red light is in the 620 and 750 nanometer range on the electromagnetic spectrum, which is the full spectrum of visible and invisible light that comes to earth from the sun. [1,2,3]

Red Light Wavelengths, Colors, and the Visible Spectrum

Light is energy from the sun in the form of different wavelengths and colors. The sun shines full-spectrum light that includes all the colors and waves on the electromagnetic spectrum. 

The visible spectrum of light includes the following colors and wavelengths:

Violet light (380-450 nm)

Blue light (450-495 nm)

Green light (495-570 nm)

Yellow light (570-590 nm)

Orange light (590-620 nm) 

Red light (620-750 nm)

[1,2,3]

Check out this post to learn more about the basics of light, wavelengths, colors, energy, and how different colors affect human biology. 

What is the Best Wavelength for Red Light Therapy?

What are the wavelengths of red light and red light therapy treatments? Effective red light therapy devices like Joovv incorporate wavelengths in the mid-600 nanometer range. These wavelengths have been tested and studied in peer-reviewed clinical research and found to be safe and beneficial for human health across a variety of areas like skin, pain, and overall physical performance. [4,5,6,7] Click here to learn more about the health benefits of red light therapy.

What is the Difference Between Red Light and Near Infrared Light (NIR)

Red light is readily absorbed by surface tissues and cells, which may lead to enhanced skin health and healing.

Near infrared light is invisible to the human eye, penetrates into deeper tissues, and may lead to enhanced recovery and inflammation support.

Red Wavelengths in Joovv Light Therapy Treatments

Due to advancements in LED technology, Joovv is able to isolate the specific wavelengths of red light and NIR light that are most effective for overall health and wellness. These are red wavelengths in the mid-600 nm range and NIR wavelengths in the mid-800 nm range, which have been the most widely studied and tested. When you turn on a Joovv device, you can choose between visible red light and/or NIR light, which is invisible to the human eye.

Red Light Wavelengths and Blue Light Wavelengths

Blue light wavelengths are in the 450 to 495 nanometer range, and have a higher frequency (or shorter wavelengths) than red light. Blue light is also much brighter than red light, which is why it can cause sleep and headache problems when you take in too much blue light at night from screens and artificial lighting. [8,9]

Red light therapy is a great way to counter that blue light, especially with features like Joovv’s Ambient Mode. Ambient Mode delivers less intense light that’s ideal for nighttime. You can read more about blue light and the negative effects of bright blue light here. 

Conclusion: Red Light Wavelengths are Proven to Work

Red light therapy is effective because wavelengths of red light have a positive effect on human cellular health, which may lead to benefits for your skin, muscles, and joints. Red light wavelengths are found in the 620 to 750 nanometer range, but for effective light therapy treatments, it’s ideal to use isolated red wavelengths in the mid-600 nanometer range. Joovv devices deliver these specific frequencies of red light that have been clinically-proven for improved health and wellness.