With the ever-growing interest in red light therapy-photobiomodulation-new companies are launching new devices into the market. That's great news for consumers, but buyers should beware. The sad fact is that too many products are marketed based on seductive claims that don't always match up with the science. Below, we have outlined some of the common marketing tactics surrounding red light therapy devices, and we hope to better prepare you for a more informed purchasing decision.

1. The Myth of Multiple Wavelengths

There is a common sales pitch offering devices with more than one wavelength: 5, 6, and even 7 wavelengths on one panel. Although this may sound like more being better, in truth, it can sometimes be counterproductive.

For example, the device in this video has over 300 light bulbs, and each of those has three diode chips inside of it: two in the 810 nm (near infrared) range for its well-documented deep tissue penetration and efficacy for brain health, and one in either the 620 or 670 nm range within the red spectrum. Studies have shown that 810 nm provides superior depth of penetration, and it, therefore, stands to reason that more use is found with this wavelength.

Some devices, however, may have bulbs with a mix of wavelengths that aren’t as effective as 810 nm. This is where the marketing can be misleading. Just because a device has multiple wavelengths doesn’t mean it’s better. The key is not just the number of wavelengths, but their effectiveness, proper balance, and irradiance (the power output of the device).

2. The Dimming Feature – Is It Really Necessary?

Another feature you may find is the ability to dim the lights, like one would do with a lightbulb in their house. Although this sounds like it could be a nice feature, there is no scientific basis for doing so with red light therapy.

The only time dimming may be useful is if the light is too bright for you, but in terms of therapeutic benefit, the dimming feature doesn’t offer much. The effectiveness of red light therapy relies on the intensity and the right wavelengths, not on adjusting the brightness.

3. The “Magic Button” for Targeting Specific Issues

Most new devices feature pre-programmed settings or "recipes" specifically engineered to address fat loss, wrinkles, or even muscle recovery. These shortcut buttons sound great for people not familiar with light therapy and how it works, they can be really misleading.

Light therapy does not "target" fat, wrinkles, or any specific tissues directly but rather works by providing energy to cells, enabling the body to use that energy in the promotion of healing, reduction of inflammation, and overall improvement in cellular function. The idea of light being able to "spot treat" areas for fat loss or wrinkles by just the press of a button is entirely pseudoscientific.

Light is very much like watering a plant: to achieve the best results, the cells should be completely saturated. It is by saturation of cells that the length of time and focusing on one area or short length of time may yield only minimal benefits. If you want deeper penetration into the muscles, organs, or bones, you'll need to apply it for longer to saturate the cells effectively.

4. Depth of Penetration: Time Is Key

The depth to which light can penetrate the body is directly related to the wavelength and exposure time. In cases where superficial skin problems are to be treated, a session could be as short as 5 to 10 minutes. When deeper tissues, such as muscles, bones, or organs, are involved in treatment, longer sessions are indicated to allow enough depth of penetration of the light to be of some effect.

This is why having the right combination of wavelengths along with the right exposure time is so paramount. For example, deeper tissues work best with a combination of red and near infrared light, whereas skin conditions such as acne or psoriasis may see better results with blue light.

5. Choosing the Right Device: Ask the Right Questions

So, when buying a red light therapy device, it really isn't about flashy marketing or that headline claim on the website. Some questions you want to ask are: 

• Do they offer solid customer support and warranties?
• Can they guide you on how to use the device effectively based on your specific needs?
• Are they transparent about the device’s specifications, including wavelength, irradiance, and clinical evidence?

A good company will be able to explain to you the science of the devices and provide useful guidelines on usage and maybe even support you throughout your therapy.

Conclusion

Red light therapy does have its proven benefits, but it's always important to sort out the science from the marketing hype. The greater number of wavelengths doesn't necessarily translate into better results, and dimming or preset buttons don't serve any magic solution. When investing in your device, what you want to know about is the quality of the wavelengths, appropriateness of irradiance, and the correct timing that will yield a positive effect. Always question and educate yourself; that way, you will invest in your health.

Knowing these key points can prevent you from getting caught in marketing gimmicks and help you choose a device that delivers.