Red Light Therapy at Home: 660nm vs 850nm Explained (UK Buyer's Guide)

October 7, 2026

Red light therapy panel glowing red on a black plinth

Red light panels have gone from specialist gyms and spas to living rooms across the UK. If you're thinking about getting one for home, the spec sheets can be confusing: wavelengths, LED counts, watts, distances. This guide explains what those numbers mean in plain English, so you can compare panels properly and use one safely.

Quick note: red light devices sold for home use are wellness and relaxation products, not medical devices. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, have a pacemaker or take photosensitising medication, speak to your doctor first.

What is a red light panel?

A red light panel is a flat array of LEDs that give out light at specific wavelengths in the red and near-infrared range. Unlike a normal lamp, which gives out a broad mix of colours, a panel is built around one or two narrow wavelengths, usually listed in nanometres (nm). People typically use them for a few minutes at a time as part of a morning or evening routine.

660nm vs 850nm: what's the difference?

Most home panels combine two types of LED:

660nm (deep red): visible red light. This is the glow you see when the panel is on.
850nm (near-infrared, NIR): just beyond what the human eye can see. These LEDs look dim or almost off, which is normal and doesn't mean they're broken.

Dual-wavelength panels mix both, often in roughly equal numbers. When you compare panels, check that the listing states the exact wavelengths and how many LEDs of each type it has. Vague listings that just say "red light" or "infrared" without numbers are a warning sign.

What to look for when buying a panel in the UK

Stated wavelengths and LED split. For example, 113 × 660nm + 112 × 850nm.
LED count and size. More LEDs over a bigger area cover more of your body at once. A compact 225-LED panel (about 31 × 31cm) suits face, chest or back sessions. Full-body panels are much bigger and pricier.
Power draw (watts). This is how much electricity it uses, not a measure of results, but it helps compare similar-sized panels.
Recommended distance. Good listings tell you how far to sit from the panel (often around 30cm).
UK plug and safety marking. Look for a UK plug or UK adapter and CE or UKCA marking.
Mounting options. A hanging sling or stand makes it much easier to build into a routine.
UK stock and returns. Buying from UK stock means faster delivery and easier returns if anything goes wrong.

How to use a red light panel safely

Start short. Begin with sessions of around 10 minutes and follow the manual that comes with your panel.
Keep your distance. Sit at the distance the manufacturer recommends, usually around 30cm.
Protect your eyes. Don't stare into the LEDs. Close your eyes or wear the protective glasses if they're supplied.
Watch the heat. Panels get warm. Stop if your skin feels uncomfortably hot.
Be consistent, not extreme. Longer sessions aren't automatically better. A steady routine you'll actually keep is the goal.

Panel, belt or both?

A panel is best for larger areas like your face, chest or back, while you sit still. A wearable red light wrap belt straps around your waist and lower back, so you can move around or stretch while you use it. Many people use a panel in the morning and a belt in the evening.

Our pick

Our Red Light Therapy Panel has 225 LEDs (113 × 660nm and 112 × 850nm), 45W, a hanging sling and hook, and ships free from UK stock. If you want the full routine, the Recovery Protocol Kit adds the wrap belt and a heated eye massager for less than buying them separately.