Buyer’s Guide 2026

Red and near infrared light therapy has moved from clinics and sports labs into normal homes. That is a good thing, but it also means beginners are hit with confusing claims, jargon and devices that all look similar at first glance. This guide is designed to give you a clear, practical framework for choosing a device, setting up safe sessions and understanding what is actually happening when you stand in front of a panel.

What red and near infrared light actually do in the body

Most at home devices use red light in the 630 to 670 nanometre range and near infrared light roughly between 800 and 900 nanometres. These bands are well studied in photobiomodulation research. In simple terms, specific wavelengths are absorbed by structures in cells, particularly in the mitochondria, which can alter ATP production and cellular signalling. LED therapy overview Skin mechanisms review

Red wavelengths such as 630 and 660 nanometres interact mainly with the more superficial layers of the skin and upper dermis. Clinical work with facial LED arrays has shown improvements in skin texture and fine lines when used several times per week in structured protocols. Facial LED trial

Near infrared wavelengths around 810 and 850 nanometres penetrate deeper. These bands are widely used in research on muscle performance, post-exercise recovery and joint comfort when sessions are applied before or after training. Muscle PBM review PBM and sports review

Understanding the NovaThera 9 Wave Spectrum

NovaThera panels use a nine wavelength configuration rather than just “one red and one near infrared”. The goal is to give layered depth, surface tuning and more flexibility when you build routines. The nine bands are: 480, 590, 630, 660, 670, 810, 830, 850 and 1060 nanometres.

Each of these wavelengths sits in a part of the spectrum that has been explored for skin, circulation or deeper tissue interaction. Below is a short, plain language overview for each band together with at least one source you can read.

Choosing the right device for your home

There is no single “best” device. What matters is matching the panel to how you actually live. A compact panel used consistently will outperform a bed system you never have time to use.

Small and compact panels

Compact models such as the NovaThera 200 compact panel are ideal for the face, hands, neck, smaller joints and other specific areas. They are easy to place on a desk, move between rooms and even pack for travel if required.

Medium panels and modular setups

Mid sized systems like the NovaThera 300 Max mid panel offer more coverage while still being manageable in a home environment. They work well for torso, legs or back when you sit or stand at a comfortable distance and can later be upgraded with stands or additional panels.

Full body and curved systems

For maximum coverage in the shortest time, larger systems such as the NovaThera 600 Max performance panel, the 1200 Ultra panel, the curved Titan panel or the Titan Bed System provide true full body coverage so you are not constantly repositioning the device.

Core specifications that actually matter

Product pages are full of numbers. For beginners, the most important ones are:

• ✓ Wavelengths: exact nanometre values, not vague “red” or “infrared”.
• ✓ Irradiance: power output in milliwatts per square centimetre at a clearly stated distance.
• ✓ Coverage area: the physical size of the panel, which dictates how much of the body you can cover per session.
• ✓ Safety and testing: CE, FCC, RoHS and documented quality control.
• ✓ Controls: timers, brightness control, pulsing options and presets that make it easier to repeat sessions accurately.

Every NovaThera panel lists its wavelengths, approximate irradiance and coverage details on the product page, so you can cross-check your routine against the science if you want to go deeper. You can explore the range on the NovaThera panels collection.

If you want to compare sizes, coverage and controls side by side, use the NovaThera panel comparison table.

How often should beginners use red light at home?

There is no single perfect protocol, because different studies use different patterns. A realistic starting point for most home users looks like:

• ✓ Compact panels on targeted areas: 8 to 15 minutes per area, three to five times per week.
• ✓ Mid panels on larger regions: 10 to 15 minutes per side or region, three to five times per week.
• ✓ Larger and full body setups: 10 to 20 minutes total, around two to four times per week to begin with.

Reviews of photobiomodulation and recovery consistently suggest that repeated moderate sessions are usually more effective than rare high dose exposures. Recovery review

Distance and positioning for different body areas

Face and skin focussed use

For facial work, most people use red wavelengths such as 630 and 660 nanometres at a distance where warmth is noticeable but not uncomfortable. LED studies on facial skin typically apply red light several times per week over eight to twelve weeks with controlled dose and distance. Facial LED trial

Muscles, joints and larger areas

For deeper structures you are mainly relying on near infrared bands such as 810, 830 and 850 nanometres. Evidence from sports and performance research shows that these bands can be helpful for muscle recovery when used around exercise sessions, as long as power, timing and total dose are sensible. Muscle tissue PBM PBM and sports review

Practical positioning tips

• ✓ Keep the panel directly facing the area you want to support, not off to the side at a steep angle.
• ✓ Use stands or mounts where possible so you can relax your posture and stay still.
• ✓ With curved systems such as the Titan panel or bed, aim for a broadly even distance from head to toe.

Safety basics and realistic expectations

When used correctly, LED based red and near infrared light is generally considered low risk. Reviews that cover clinical phototherapy and visible light note that adverse events are usually mild and short lived when dosing is sensible. Phototherapy in dermatology

• ✓ Avoid staring directly into intense LEDs at close range.
• ✓ Use protective eyewear where recommended, especially with high output panels at short distances.
• ✓ If you have a light sensitive condition, implants or take photosensitising medication, speak with a clinician before starting any routine.

Putting it together: simple beginner routine templates

The easiest way to begin is to pick one or two main goals and build your routine around them rather than trying to cover everything at once.

Example 1: skin focus with a compact panel

• ✓ Device: NovaThera 200 compact panel.
• ✓ Frequency: three sessions per week.
• ✓ Duration: 8 to 12 minutes for the front of the face and neck, with optional extra time on specific areas.
• ✓ Distance: follow the product guidance, typically around 15 to 30 centimetres.

Example 2: general recovery with a larger panel

• ✓ Device: a larger system such as the 600 Max performance panel or 1200 Ultra panel, or a full body setup.
• ✓ Frequency: three to four sessions per week, often on training days.
• ✓ Duration: 10 to 20 minutes total depending on coverage.
• ✓ Distance: a position where warmth is comfortable and easy to maintain for the full session.

Whatever pattern you choose, give it at least four to six weeks before you decide whether it is working. Progress photos, simple notes or sleep and recovery tracking apps can all help you measure change more objectively than memory alone.

Conclusion

Red and near infrared light can be a useful part of a home routine when the device is chosen carefully and used with consistent, sensible dosing. For beginners, the most important steps are confirming real wavelengths, checking output at a sensible distance and picking a panel that you can realistically use several times per week.

When you are ready to compare hardware, you can explore the NovaThera panels collection or read more about the NovaThera 9 Wave Spectrum Advantage to see how the wavelength choices connect back to the research linked in this guide.