Red and Infrared Light Therapy 101: Photobiomodulation, Photomodulation, and What They Really Mean

Depth and Color Matter

Red light therapy is a type of photomodulation, though the broader and more scientific term is photobiomodulation (PBM). Photobiomodulation refers to the therapeutic use of red and/or near-infrared light to stimulate cellular processes and tissue repair.

Red light therapy (typically wavelengths 630–670 nm) is a specific modality within photobiomodulation, focusing on superficial tissue benefits such as skin rejuvenation, anti-aging, and wound healing.

Photobiomodulation encompasses all therapies using visible and near-infrared light (including lasers and LEDs) for medical or cosmetic purpose—red light therapy is one form of PBM, usually delivered via low-power LEDs, while clinical/high-power laser PBM can target deeper tissues.

The term "photomodulation" is sometimes used interchangeably with photobiomodulation, especially in skincare and wellness

Light Color	Wavelength (nm)	Depth	Main Benefits	Best For
Red	620-750	Superficial	Collagen, anti-aging, healing	Surface skin, wrinkles
Infrared	750-1000+	Deep Tissue	Pain relief, muscle/joint recovery	Muscles, joints
Blue	400-495	Surface	Acne and bacteria, sun damage	Acne-prone skin
Amber	570-620	Shallow	Redness, collagen, skin tone	Sensitive/red skin

Each light therapy color serves a specific purpose, helping target skin concerns from acne and aging to inflammation and pain. Leveraging the right wavelength can optimize skin health and overall results for a wide range of needs.

Are you ready to experience the benefits of photobiomodulation? Platinum LED has what you need!