Red Light vs. Infrared Light Therapy: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to athletic recovery, there’s a lot of buzz around red light therapy and infrared therapy. You’ve probably heard both terms, maybe even used interchangeably. But while they’re closely related, they’re not exactly the same. At Skinletics, we believe athletes deserve to understand what they’re using and why it works.
The Basics: Light Therapy 101
Both red light and infrared light are forms of low-level light therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation. This means they use specific wavelengths of light to stimulate your body at the cellular level, improving recovery, reducing inflammation, and enhancing performance.
The key difference?
👉 Wavelength — and how deep the light penetrates your body.
Red Light Therapy: Surface-Level Power
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Wavelength: 620–700 nanometers (nm)
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Penetration Depth: ~5-10 millimeters (skin and soft tissue)
Red light therapy targets your skin’s surface and just beneath it. For athletes, this means it’s great for:
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Reducing inflammation and redness
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Supporting collagen production for healthier skin
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Promoting wound healing for minor cuts, scrapes, or abrasions
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Easing mild joint discomfort near the surface
It’s especially helpful for athletes dealing with:
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Skin irritation from sweat, friction, or environmental exposure
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Minor joint or tendon issues near the skin’s surface
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Recovery from cuts, turf burns, or post-treatment healing
Infrared Light Therapy: Going Deeper
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Wavelength: 800–1000 nanometers (commonly 850nm)
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Penetration Depth: ~30-50 millimeters (muscles, joints, deeper tissues)
Infrared therapy goes further. It penetrates deeper into your muscles, joints, and connective tissue right where many athletes need recovery the most. Fact: Infrared Light is invisible so it is often combined with Red Light.
Infrared light is ideal for:
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Reducing muscle soreness after tough training
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Supporting joint health (knees, shoulders, back)
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Improving circulation and blood flow to injured areas
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Aiding recovery from overuse injuries and chronic tightness
For athletes, infrared therapy can become a secret weapon for:
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Post-workout muscle recovery
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Chronic tightness or stiffness
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Joint recovery and maintenance
Which One Do Athletes Need? (Spoiler: both)
The truth is, most serious recovery devices (including Skinletics products like our Recovery Body Patch) combine both red and infrared light therapy to deliver maximum benefit.
✅ Red light supports your skin, surface-level inflammation, and initial healing.
✅ Infrared light works deeper to soothe sore muscles, loosen stiff joints, and speed up recovery.
By combining both, you get a full-spectrum recovery tool that fits easily into your daily routine whether you're a collegiate athlete, pro player, or weekend warrior.
At Skinletics, we design all our recovery tools for real athletes who demand real results. Our Recovery Body Patch uses dual wavelengths: 630nm Red Light + 850nm Infrared Light — scientifically selected to target both surface recovery and deep muscle repair.
Recovery isn't one-size-fits-all. But light therapy can fit everyone.
No matter your sport, your age, or your level of play red and infrared light therapy can become your daily edge for faster, smarter, more effective recovery.
