Which Light Therapy is Right for You?

There is are many therapy devices and treatments on the market and understanding their key differences, uses and indicated benefits can feel overwhelming. Let’s start with learning what “the light spectrum” is, then dive into available light therapy treatments: infrared light therapy, red light therapy, blue light therapy, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) light therapy and ultraviolet B (UVB) light therapy. Keep reading to gain a better understanding of the light spectrum and determine which light therapy treatment may be right for you.

The Light Spectrum

The light spectrum consists of the many wavelengths of energy produced by a light source, such as the sun, as measured in nanometers (nm). Each nanometer represents a wavelength of light or band of light energy, and each wavelength of light prompts distinct processes within the body. Some of these processes are beneficial to our health, while others may be harmful.

Visible light falls within the 400nm to 700nm wavelength spectrum. Wavelengths that fall outside this range are invisible to the human eye. Red light, blue light and SAD light therapy solutions fall within the visible range.

Infrared light falls just outside the visible light spectrum. Its longer wavelengths (<700nm) make it nearly invisible to humans. Despite the inability to see this light spectrum, you can feel infrared light because it emits heat.

On the other side of the visible light spectrum is ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths. UV wavelengths can be further broken down and are classified as UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA light (320nm to 400nm) has the longest ultraviolet wavelength and accounts for the majority of UV radiation that reaches Earth’s surface. Approximately 95% of the sun’s UV rays are UVA. It is this wavelength that is correlated to premature skin aging, wrinkles and skin cancer, as it penetrates deep into the second layer of the skin. Tanning beds are designed to emit UVA wavelengths to trigger melanin production, which darkens the skin, and may cause similar negative health consequences.

UVB light (280nm to 320nm), the “medium” UV wavelength, is mostly absorbed by the ozone layer. Roughly 5% of the sun’s UV rays are UVB, and the intensity at which exposure occurs is dependent on season, geography and time of day, among other factors. UVB light therapy has long been used to treat a variety of medical conditions, such as chronic skin conditions and vitamin D deficiency. Some therapies utilize a broad spectrum of UVB light while others emit a narrow range within the UVB spectrum to achieve specific health outcomes.

UVC light (200nm to 280nm) has the shortest wavelength in the UV spectrum and is the most harmful type of UV light. Exposure to UVC light is mostly avoidable, as this spectrum is almost completely absorbed by Earth’s atmosphere. If exposed to UVC light, you might expect severe burns at every point of contact.

The Sun Effect

So how are we supposed to safely get the health benefits of UVB without the harmful effects of too much UVA exposure? Given that UVA and UVB light are both emitted through the sun’s rays, it’s important to note that many variables impact just how strongly you feel (and experience the effects of) the sun.

First, the potential for exposure to UVA and UVB light is dependent on the season. Typically, UV rays are at peak intensity in the spring and summer months when the sun is at a higher angle because of Earth’s closer proximity to the sun.   

Latitude and altitude also impact UV exposure. Those who live near the equator or at a higher elevation experience increased sun exposure in day-to-day activities, so long as cloud cover is light. On days when a thick layer of clouds is present, the intensity of these rays are subdued. The ozone layer also blocks UV rays from reaching the surface of the earth. However, the strength of the ozone is diminishing, as human pollution has been linked to its slow depletion.  

We all benefit from moderate exposure to the sun, but getting the right amount is easier said than done. Our daily lives have us working and playing more indoors than outside, making sun exposure harder to attain. And when we do escape outdoors, modern doctrines have trained us to believe that all sun exposure is bad. So, we generously apply SPF before exploring outside, while also generously covering our skin with clothing and our faces with brimmed hats. Yes, these precautions protect against skin damage, but perhaps there is a safe and responsible way to get the UV exposure our bodies crave and need.  

Innovative Light Therapy Solutions

The race to provide light therapy solutions is ongoing, with many available solutions on the market and other innovations in development. Even in a clouded yet competitive light therapy landscape, the end goal is clear: harness the health benefits of the sun without the harmful side effects.

 As this technology continues to evolve, billions of people across the globe will benefit. Light therapy treatments have traditionally been reserved for administration by medical professionals in a clinical setting but with the emergence of at-home light therapy technology anyone can gain access to the benefits of the right light.

 The right light is subjective, so let’s take a closer look at the key differences between infrared light therapy, red light therapy, blue light therapy, SAD light therapy and UVB light therapy.

Light Therapy Treatment Options: Differentiators

Infrared Light Therapy

• Operates at a wavelength of 700nm to 1,200nm

• Invisible light spectrum, emitted through heat

• Penetrates deep into the skin; capable of reaching muscles and nerves

• Said to help cell regeneration and repair

• Said to improve circulation, promote healing and relieve chronic pain

• Shown to reduce inflammation

• Boosts endorphin levels and athletic performance

Red Light Therapy

• Operates at a wavelength of 630nm to 700nm

• Visible light spectrum

• Said to promote wound healing

• Said to improve hair growth in those with alopecia

• Said to relieve symptoms of arthritis

• Demonstrated to provide temporary relief for some chronic conditions

• Shown to help diminish the appearance of scars and wrinkles

Blue Light Therapy

• Operates at a wavelength of 446nm to 477nm

• Visible light spectrum

• Used to tackle problem areas on or just beneath the skin

• Helps to manage symptoms of psoriasis

• Removes premalignant and malignant skin cancer cells

• Said to treat acne and problematic skin

• Shown to correct and repair sun damage

• Shown to improve symptoms of seasonal depression

SAD Light Therapy

• Operates using a bright white light or narrow-band blue light

• Visible light spectrum

• The only light spectrum that stimulates brain receptors through exposing the eyes to indirect light

• Treats symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

• Helps to regulate circadian rhythms

• Improves sleep patterns and overall sleep quality

The SOLIUS Life Spectrum

One of the most recent advancements in light therapy treatments comes from SOLIUS, creator of innovative UVB therapeutic products. SOLIUS Light Therapy is intended to stimulate the production of endogenous vitamin D for the treatment and prevention of vitamin D deficiency.

Capturing a very narrow spectrum of UVB light, coined “the life spectrum” (293nm to 303nm), SOLIUS harnesses the best attributes of the sun to activate the natural production of vitamin D. This advanced treatment virtually eliminates concerns associated with prolonged sun exposure, delivering the benefits of the sun without the most harmful UVA rays.

SOLIUS Light Therapy

• Operates at a wavelength of 293nm to 303nm

• Invisible light spectrum

• Emits a narrow UVB spectrum that is optimized to produce vitamin D

• Shown to activate the same physiological processes as UVB sunlight

• Eliminates the most harmful UVA rays found in sunlight and tanning beds

• Provides safe and controlled dosing

• Licensed by Health Canada

• Delivers treatment in just minutes per week

The Sunshine Vitamin

Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin because it is activated through sun-to-skin contact. SOLIUS technology harnesses this natural process through the power of UVB light therapy – activating not only the self-regulated production of vitamin D but also numerous physiological processes and benefits. SOLIUS is licensed by Health Canada for the treatment and prevention of vitamin D deficiency. Just minutes of SOLIUS treatment per week is all that’s needed for measurable improvement of vitamin D levels.

Vitamin D Benefits

• A hormone that interacts with nearly every cell in the body

• Strengthens bones and muscles

• Improves athletic performance

• Boosts immunity

• Improves symptoms of seasonal depression

• Reduces Inflammation

• Improves heart function

Other solutions for consumption of vitamin D do exist; however, few offer the natural approach of SOLIUS. This light therapy treatment closely mimics the sun’s UVB rays, which allows users to self-regulate intake of vitamin D. Your body processes only what is necessary and nothing more. To complement this natural process, SOLIUS technology features a smart dosing program that personalizes treatment to skin type. Each treatment can be modified using customized duration, intensity and frequency.  

The Key to Health

In summary, there are many light therapy solutions and each achieves a specific set of health outcomes. SOLIUS Light Therapy activates natural vitamin D production, which delivers an incredible variety of health benefits. What could one day be viewed as the key to health, vitamin D produced in the skin helps regulate the immune system while also boosting mental and physical health.

Conclusion

There are key differences, uses, indications and benefits of light therapy treatments available today. Empowered with this knowledge, step into the right light for you.