Red Light Therapy vs Infrared: Differences & Benefits Explained
You see it everywhere: red light therapy, infrared, near-infrared, deep near-infrared… But what do these terms actually mean? And more importantly: what do they do for your skin?
Spoiler alert: they all work differently.
And that mainly comes down to how deeply the light penetrates your skin and what happens inside your cells.
In short:
- Red light therapy works mainly in the dermis (middle skin layer) → ideal for fine lines, wrinkles, glow and overall skin improvement
- Near-infrared (NIR) penetrates deeper, reaching the hypodermis → supports firmness, elasticity and skin repair from within
- Deep near-infrared (deep NIR) goes even further, into subcutaneous tissue (such as muscles and joints) → supports circulation and deeper regenerative processes
Curious what that really means for your skin? Keep reading 👇
What is red light therapy?
Red light therapy uses visible red light (around 630–700 nm). This light reaches the dermis, where many key skin processes take place.
👉 In this layer, you’ll find your mitochondria, the energy powerhouses of your cells.
Red light is absorbed by chromophores (pigmented components inside your cells), which directly activates cellular energy production.
What does that do for your skin?
- Supports collagen and elastin production
- Improves overall skin texture
- Softens fine lines and wrinkles
- Helps even out redness and pigmentation
- Gives your skin a fresh, healthy glow
👉 In short: your go-to for skin improvement and anti-ageing.
Both the Silk’n LED Face Mask 100 and the Silk’n LED Face Mask Pro have a red light mode.
Why does red light therapy work?
Here’s where it gets slightly technical, but interesting 😉
Light therapy only works if the light is actually absorbed by the skin.
This is known as the Grotthuss-Draper law:
👉 Only absorbed light can produce a biological effect.
Your skin contains chromophores, small, pigmented structures that absorb light.
Once they absorb light, they trigger processes such as:
- cell activation;
- energy production;
- repair mechanisms.
💡 Important: Make-up, moisture or sheet masks can reflect light, reducing how much is absorbed and therefore the effectiveness.
What is infrared light?
Infrared light sits just beyond red light in the spectrum.
👉 That means it’s invisible. It has no colour, but it does have an effect.
The key difference compared to red light?
👉 It can penetrate deeper into the skin and body.
Within infrared, we distinguish:
- Near-infrared (NIR)
- Deep near-infrared (deep NIR)
NIR vs. deep NIR
| Infrared light | What is near-infrared (NIR)? | What is deep near-infrared (deep NIR)? |
|---|---|---|
|
Definition: Infrared light sits just beyond red light in the spectrum. Characteristic: Invisible and colorless, yet effective. Difference from red light: It can penetrate deeper into the skin and body. Within infrared, we distinguish: Near-infrared (NIR) and Deep near-infrared (deep NIR) |
Wavelength: Around 830 nm. Depth: Penetrates into the hypodermis. How it works: Indirect activation. It is absorbed by cell membrane chromophores, triggering increased cellular energy and a "start repairing" signal. |
Wavelength: Around 850–880 nm. Depth: Penetrates deeper into subcutaneous tissue (fat, muscles, joints). How it works: Not based on heat, but on activating deeper, internal regenerative processes. |
| — |
Supports: Improved skin elasticity, firmness, reduction of inflammation, cell survival and repair, and regeneration. Result: Skin that feels stronger and more resilient from within. |
Supports: Reduction of inflammatory responses, cell survival, faster recovery, and regeneration of deeper tissues. Result: Less about surface glow, more about deep, internal repair. |
| — | Product: Combined with red light in the Silk’n LED Face Mask Pro for a broader and deeper effect. | Product: Included in the Silk’n LED Face Mask Pro. |
Combining = better results
The best part? You don’t have to choose.
Red light → activates cellular energy directly
NIR / deep NIR → support deeper repair processes
👉 Together, they deliver a more complete result across multiple skin layers.
What’s right for you?
| Looking for... | Recommended Solution |
|---|---|
| Glow, smoother skin and anti-ageing support | Choose red light |
| Added firmness and deeper skin support | Choose red light + NIR |
| Deeper regeneration (e.g. connective tissue or muscles) | Choose a combination including deep NIR |
💡 Extra:
The Face Mask PRO also features an LED strap under the chin, designed to target the jawline area.
FAQ
What is better: red light or infrared?
It depends on your goal. Red light is ideal for skin improvement, while infrared supports deeper processes.
Is deep NIR the same as NIR?
Not exactly. Deep NIR penetrates further and works more on underlying tissues.
Does infrared always involve heat?
No. With LED light therapy, the focus is on cellular activation, not heating the skin.
Can I combine red light and NIR?
Yes and that’s often the most effective approach.
Final thoughts
All types of light therapy may look similar, but beneath the surface they work very differently.
The real difference lies in:
👉 how deep the light penetrates
👉 and how it activates your cells
Looking for smoother, firmer and healthier-looking skin?
A combination of red light and (deep) near-infrared is often the most complete approach.
Now you know exactly why.
Learn more about LED
How to use a LED Face Maks? The Ultimate Guide
LED vs. Cryotherapy: Which Skincare Technology is Right for You?
Your Ultimate Skincare Guide For Autumn
LED or EMS technology: Which One is for You?