Infrared light therapy at home means sitting in front of an LED device that gives out near-infrared light (usually around 810–850nm), most often combined with visible red light (around 630–660nm). Red light is mostly absorbed in the outer layers of skin, while near-infrared light travels further into tissue, which is why most home panels now combine both. The deciding factors are not the colour of the LEDs but the wavelengths, how much light actually reaches you (irradiance) and how consistently you use it.
This guide explains the difference between red and near-infrared light, what "infrared light therapy" does and doesn't mean, and how to choose a home device without paying for marketing. If you want the wider picture first, our guide to red light therapy at home in the UK covers the basics.
What is infrared light therapy?
"Infrared light therapy" is used loosely online, and it covers three quite different things:
- Near-infrared (NIR) LED therapy – LEDs emitting roughly 760–1,000nm. This is what most researchers mean by infrared photobiomodulation, and it's what the NIR LEDs in our panels produce.
- Infrared saunas – heaters that warm you mainly with far-infrared heat. You feel them as warmth, and the aim is sweating and relaxation rather than a measured light dose.
- Heat lamps – incandescent bulbs that give out a broad mix of visible light and heat. They are not the same as a modern LED therapy device.
So when you search for infrared light therapy, check which of the three a product actually is. A sauna and an LED panel can both say "infrared" on the box and do entirely different jobs. (If you want both, our guide to adding red light to your sauna explains how to combine them safely.)
Red vs near-infrared light: what's the difference?
The main practical difference is depth. Visible red light is absorbed relatively close to the surface. Near-infrared light, which you can't see, passes further into tissue before it's absorbed. That is why skin-focused devices such as face masks often lean on red wavelengths, while devices aimed at whole-body routines usually add a large share of NIR.
Common wavelengths you'll see on spec sheets
- 630nm and 660nm – visible red, the classic "red light therapy" glow.
- 810nm, 830nm and 850nm – near-infrared. 850nm is the most common because the LEDs are widely available and efficient.
- Multi-wave panels – some panels, such as our Mega 7-wave and 9-wave models, mix five to nine wavelengths. More wavelengths isn't automatically better, but it does mean a broader spread across red and NIR.
Because NIR is invisible, a combined panel will look less bright than a red-only one. That's normal and doesn't mean the NIR LEDs aren't working; a phone camera will often show them as a faint purple-white glow.
Infrared light therapy at home: what to look for
The same four questions apply whether you're spending £195 or £3,000.
1. Does it state its wavelengths clearly?
You want specific numbers (for example "660nm + 850nm"), not "deep infrared" or "medical-grade light". If the seller can't tell you the wavelengths, move on.
2. Is irradiance measured, and at what distance?
Irradiance (mW/cm²) tells you how much light reaches your skin. Figures should be quoted at a stated distance, ideally measured with a proper spectroradiometer rather than a cheap solar meter, which tends to overstate NIR output. Our full-body buyer's guide explains how to compare irradiance figures fairly.
3. How much of your body does it cover?
A desk panel suits the face, neck or one area at a time. Larger panels and walls let you cover the whole front of the body in a single session.
4. Is it built for daily use?
Look for proper cooling fans, a timer, a UK plug and a clear warranty. Infrared light therapy only fits into a routine if the device is easy to switch on and leave running for 10–20 minutes.
Full-body infrared light therapy vs targeted use
People searching for full-body infrared light therapy usually want to cover as much skin as possible in one sitting. There are two routes at home:
- A large panel or wall, such as the bodybud™ Mega NIR Red Light Wall, which you stand in front of, turning to do the front and back.
- A blanket, such as the bodybud™ GlowBlanket, which wraps around you while you lie down. Blankets put the LEDs close to the skin but at lower power per LED.
For targeted use, a compact unit like the bodybud™ Desk NIR Red Light Therapy Panel sits on a desk or bedside table. Many people start here and add a larger panel later. You can compare every option in our red light therapy devices range.
LED light therapy, red light treatment and "infrared": are they the same?
Mostly, yes. "LED light therapy", "red light treatment" and "photobiomodulation" are different names for the same idea: using specific wavelengths of light from LEDs. The difference is usually the wavelengths used. Beauty-salon LED masks often add blue or amber light; home body panels concentrate on red and near-infrared. When comparing products, ignore the label and compare the wavelengths and measured output.
What does the research say right now?
This is a fast-moving field, and the honest answer is that the evidence is uneven. In a Nature feature republished by Scientific American (March 2026), researchers describe stronger evidence for a small number of clinical uses delivered with clinical equipment, more limited evidence for areas such as muscle recovery, and weak evidence for many of the broader claims made online. The same piece notes that dose matters, and that many consumer devices fail to deliver the dose used in studies.
Closer to home, UCL's Professor Glen Jeffery, who researches red and near-infrared light, warned in May 2026 that "blasting yourself with an expensive red light device off the internet will not necessarily give you the results you want". We think that's fair. It's exactly why we publish wavelengths and measured output, and why we'd rather you bought a smaller device you'll use regularly than a bigger one you won't.
How to use infrared light therapy at home
- Distance: follow the manufacturer's guide, typically 15–45cm from a panel. Closer gives more light but covers a smaller area.
- Time: sessions of 10–20 minutes per area are typical for home panels. More is not necessarily better.
- Frequency: most people use their device three to five times a week. Consistency matters more than session length.
- Skin: use on clean, bare skin; clothing blocks most of the light.
- Eyes: don't stare into the LEDs. Use the goggles supplied, especially with high-output panels.
Who should check with a GP first?
Talk to your GP or pharmacist before starting if you're pregnant, have a light-sensitive condition, take medication that increases light sensitivity, have a history of skin cancer, or have any condition you're being treated for. Stop if you notice any skin reaction.
Frequently asked questions
Is infrared light therapy the same as an infrared sauna?
No. An infrared sauna mainly heats you. An infrared LED device gives out specific near-infrared wavelengths at a measured output, without making you sweat.
Can you see near-infrared light?
Not really. At 850nm you may see a faint dull red glow from the LEDs, but most of the output is invisible. A combined red and NIR panel will look dimmer than a red-only panel for that reason.
Is red or near-infrared better for home use?
Most home users choose a panel that combines both, so they don't have to choose. Red-only devices are mostly marketed for skin; NIR-heavy devices for whole-body routines.
How much does an infrared light therapy device cost in the UK?
Compact desk panels start at around £195 in our range, larger panels and stands run from several hundred pounds, and full walls cost from around £1,600 upwards.
How long before I notice anything?
Experiences vary and we can't promise results. Most people judge a device after several weeks of consistent use rather than a few sessions.
Choose your infrared light therapy device
If you're starting out, a desk panel is the simplest way to build a routine. If you already know you want whole-body sessions, look at our red light therapy panels and walls. Not sure which one fits your space? Ask us – we're happy to talk through wavelengths, sizes and set-up before you buy.
This guide is for information only and is not medical advice. Red light therapy devices are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new routine.