Use and dosing

How much light your skin receives depends on three choices: the light mode, the distance to the panel and the time. Calculate the matching time below, then read how it works.

Light mode

590nm

630nm

660nm

810nm

830nm

850nm

940nm

Schematic representation of the wavelengths per mode. Bar height does not show a separately measured light intensity per wavelength.

Distance to the panel

30cm

15304560

The calculation is valid for the distances we have measured ourselves. Measurements at 15 and 45 centimetres are coming.

What do you want to achieve?

For the skin3 to 10J/cm²For muscles and deeper tissue10 to 30J/cm²

The doses on the right are calculation examples based on published research, not medical advice.

Calculated session time

1.0 to 3.3

At 30 centimetres in Gecombineerd mode, this takes about 1.0 to 3.3 minutes.

Calculation example: at this distance the panel delivers about 3.0 J/cm² per minute. For 3 to 10 J/cm² that is 1.0 to 3.3 minutes.

This is a calculation example, not personal usage advice. For distance and session time, follow the manual for your panel.

How much light your skin receives depends on three choices: the light mode, the distance to the panel and the time. On this page we show how to calculate that time yourself and how to read the result.

Start with the manual

The manual for your panel governs setup, eye protection and session time. The calculator on this page only explains how light output and time relate. It does not say which dose is right for your situation.

The three light modes

RedLab combines amber and red light with near-infrared light. With the remote control you choose both groups together or one of the two. The individual wavelengths cannot be set separately.

What is a light dose?

Light dose is about the amount of light energy on one square centimetre of skin. We express it in J/cm². The longer you stand in front of the panel, the higher the dose.

dose (J/cm²) = light intensity (mW/cm²) × time (seconds) ÷ 1000

Calculation example: at 50 mW/cm² one minute delivers 3 J/cm². This is a calculation with an assumed light intensity, not proof of a health effect.

Why distance matters

The further the panel is away, the weaker the light on your skin. Always calculate with the value for the distance you choose. Note: the figure applies to the skin surface. It does not say how much light reaches deeper into the body. (30 cm, ongeveer 50.0 mW/cm², dus 3.0 J/cm² per minute)

Calculation example, skin: 3 to 10 J/cm². Calculation example, muscles and deeper tissue: 10 to 30 J/cm².

What research does and does not say

Research into red and near-infrared light uses a wide range of devices and settings. A result from one study therefore does not automatically apply to every panel. Always look at the studied application, wavelengths, light intensity, dose and participants.

More light is not automatically better: at too high a dose the effect can reverse. There is therefore no general maximum session time that applies to every device and every use.

For orientation from research: above about 60 J/cm² per zone the effect can reverse. In this calculation model a zone therefore stays around 8 to 10 minutes.

Sources and product data

The sources below give background on light dose. They are not a clinical validation of RedLab panels. See the measurements page for the status of the product data.

Wavelengths in the panel

Wavelength	Light type	Visible?
590 nm	amber	visible
630 nm	red	visible
660 nm	red	visible
810 nm	near-infrared	not visible
830 nm	near-infrared	not visible
850 nm	near-infrared	not visible
940 nm	near-infrared	not visible

These wavelengths are as stated by the manufacturer and have not yet been independently confirmed.

Sources

Mota LR, Duarte IDS, Galache TR, et al. Photobiomodulation Reduces Periocular Wrinkle Volume by 30%: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg. 2023;41(2):48-56.
Huang YY, Chen AC-H, Carroll JD, Hamblin MR. Biphasic Dose Response in Low Level Light Therapy. Dose-Response. 2009;7(4):358-383.
Huang YY, Sharma SK, Carroll JD, Hamblin MR. Biphasic Dose Response in Low Level Light Therapy, An Update. Dose-Response. 2011;9(4):602-618.
de Freitas LF, Hamblin MR. Proposed Mechanisms of Photobiomodulation or Low-Level Light Therapy. IEEE J Sel Top Quantum Electron. 2016;22(3):7000417.
Salehpour F, et al. Penetration Profiles of Visible and Near-Infrared Light Through Head Tissues. Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg. 2019;37(10):581-595.
World Association for Laser Therapy (WALT). Dose recommendations for low-level laser therapy, 780-860 nm. 2010, revised 2017-2022.

Frequently asked questions about dosing

How long should I stand in front of the panel?

That depends on your goal. Calculation example: at 50.0 mW/cm² that is about 1.0 to 3.3 minutes for the skin, and 3.3 to 10.0 minutes for muscles and deeper tissue. This is a calculation example, not usage advice.

At what distance should I place the panel?

Use the distance for which we have a measured value: 30 centimetres. For 15 and 45 centimetres we have not yet taken a measurement, so we do not publish a figure for those yet.

Is there a maximum session time that applies to everyone?

No. More light is not automatically better, but there is also no session time that applies to every device and every use. Follow the manual for your panel.

How often per week?

Research uses a wide range of schedules; there is no fixed schedule that applies to everyone. Follow the manual for your panel.

RedLab panels are wellness products. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or medical condition. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, take medication that causes photosensitivity, or have an existing condition.