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Autumn Recovery Event: 30% off Helsi™ One Sauna Dome-Free shipping in Germany-30-day money-back on red light-Up to 5-year warranty-Secure checkout with PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay-Helsi™ One Sauna Dome rated 5.0 by customers-132 red and near-infrared LEDs in Helsi™ One Sauna Dome-EMF at 0.1 mG, measured inside the dome-Find your device in 60 seconds-
Autumn Recovery Event: 30% off Helsi™ One Sauna Dome-Free shipping in Germany-30-day money-back on red light-Up to 5-year warranty-Secure checkout with PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay-Helsi™ One Sauna Dome rated 5.0 by customers-132 red and near-infrared LEDs in Helsi™ One Sauna Dome-EMF at 0.1 mG, measured inside the dome-Find your device in 60 seconds-
Autumn Recovery Event: 30% off Helsi™ One Sauna Dome-Free shipping in Germany-30-day money-back on red light-Up to 5-year warranty-Secure checkout with PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay-Helsi™ One Sauna Dome rated 5.0 by customers-132 red and near-infrared LEDs in Helsi™ One Sauna Dome-EMF at 0.1 mG, measured inside the dome-Find your device in 60 seconds-
Autumn Recovery Event: 30% off Helsi™ One Sauna Dome - Free shipping in Germany - 30-day money-back on red light - Up to 5-year warranty - Secure checkout with PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay - Helsi™ One Sauna Dome rated 5.0 by customers - 132 red and near-infrared LEDs in Helsi™ One Sauna Dome - EMF at 0.1 mG, measured inside the dome - Find your device in 60 seconds
What is red light therapy? Red light and near-infrared light explained
Updated
Red light therapy – also known as photobiomodulation – uses visible red light and near-infrared light, which the eye cannot see, in specific wavelength ranges to reach the cells of the skin and the tissue beneath. The idea behind it: light in these wavelengths is absorbed by the mitochondria – the “power plants” of our cells – and may support their energy production.
In short
Red light therapy (photobiomodulation) uses red light (600–660 nm) and near-infrared light (800–850 nm). Helsi™ panels use 5 W LEDs, half red and half near-infrared. A common rule of thumb is 10–15 minutes at about 30–40 cm, daily or every other day.
Red light
600–660 nm
Near-infrared
800–850 nm
Rule of thumb
10–15 min at 30–40 cm
Panels
Go to Max
How does red light therapy work?
Helsi™ red light panels work with two wavelength ranges: red light between 600 and 660 nanometres and near-infrared light between 800 and 850 nanometres. Both ranges were chosen because they penetrate the skin particularly efficiently.
Visible light runs from about 380 to 780 nm. Infrared begins right next to it.
Red light
Near-infrared light
Visibility
Visible to the eye
Invisible
Wavelength
600–660 nm
800–850 nm
Penetration depth
Rather close to the surface
Deeper into the tissue
Visible light (380–780 nm) and near-infrared (780–1,400 nm). Helsi™ LEDs: red 600–660 nm (peak at 660 nm), near-infrared 800–850 nm (peak at 850 nm).
What happens in the cell?
In the skin, both ranges are absorbed by an enzyme called cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondria. This process may support the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the molecule cells use as their immediate source of energy.
As a result, further cellular signalling processes are triggered, such as the release of nitric oxide, which plays a role in blood flow.
1
Light
Red (600–660 nm) and near-infrared light (800–850 nm) reach the skin and the tissue beneath it.
2
Mitochondria
The “power plants” of the cells take up the light.
3
Cytochrome c oxidase
This enzyme in the mitochondria absorbs the wavelengths.
4
ATP
The cell’s energy carrier: its production can be supported.
5
Nitric oxide
Further signalling processes are triggered, for example in circulation.
Simplified: what is being studied in the cell after red and near-infrared light is absorbed.
Red light therapy is not the classic heat lamp
The classic heat lamp, often simply called a “red light lamp”, is a bulb with a filter. It mainly gives off heat, which widens blood vessels and boosts circulation. Used too close or for too long, it can burn the skin.
LED red light therapy, by contrast, works with hardly any heat. It relies on light of specific wavelengths that reaches the cells. LEDs can be arranged in panels, so large areas of the body can be exposed at once.
Unlike UV light, LED red light contains no UV radiation. That is what sets red light therapy apart from sun exposure or sunbeds.
Where does red light therapy come from?
Surprisingly, modern red light therapy has its origins in space.
1990s
LED light for plants
In the 1990s, NASA experimented with LED lights to promote plant growth on space stations.
Observation
Same wavelengths, different cells
Researchers found that the same wavelengths could also have a positive influence on the cell activity of astronauts in weightlessness.
Afterwards
A wellness and research field
Over the following decades, this observation grew into a field of its own in wellness and research.
Today
Compact devices for home use
Today it has led to compact devices for home use – from small portable panels to large full-body towers.
What is red light therapy used for?
Skin appearance and radiance: Many users build red light into their beauty and skincare routine to support the appearance of their skin.
Recovery after training: After physical exertion, red light is often used to support the recovery of larger or smaller muscle groups, depending on the size of the device.
Energy and waking up: A short session in the morning is described by many as an invigorating start to the day.
Evening routine: Equally, red light is used in the evening to wind down after a demanding day.
Combination with other modalities: In the Helsi™ One Sauna, red light therapy is combined directly with infrared heat – two applications in one routine.
Benefits of red light therapy: what the research shows
Photobiomodulation – the scientific term for red light and near-infrared therapy – is among the most frequently studied light therapy approaches. The state of the evidence differs from one area of use to another.
The points below summarise the areas in which red light is most often researched.
Skin health and skin appearance
The light energy absorbed by the mitochondria is associated with stimulated fibroblast activity – the cells that play a major part in producing collagen and elastin. In skin research, this mechanism is often linked to a more even complexion and a visibly better-cared-for skin texture.
The supported ATP production in cells is discussed in sports science as a possible factor in faster recovery after physical exertion. Some studies point to a lower subjective feeling of muscle soreness with regular use, although study design and wavelength clearly influence the results.
Some users build red light into their routine as a complementary element around mobility and movement. As with everything here: red light is a complement and does not replace medical advice.
Sleep quality and evening routine
Unlike the blue light of screens, red light hardly suppresses the body’s own melatonin production. That makes an evening session – in contrast to ordinary screen light – a more sleep-friendly light source, which many users deliberately build into their evening routine.
Helsi™ products are not designed to diagnose, cure or prevent diseases. The studies summarised here describe research, not medical promises for a particular device.
Which Helsi™ red light panel is right for you?
The Helsi™ red light range covers five tiers that differ mainly in application area and power. All models work with the same wavelengths – the difference lies in area, power and field of use.
Helsi™ Go: The compact, portable entry-level solution for travelling and beginners.
Helsi™ Mini: Suited as a first device of your own for home and targeted use.
Helsi™ Plus: Covers larger muscle groups and half-body use.
Helsi™ Pro: Designed for full-body use and aimed at ambitious users.
Helsi™ Max: Offers the largest surface and the highest power for maximum coverage.
To scale from the spec sheets (height × width in cm), next to a 175 cm person.
Pulsing red light: how does it work and does it do anything for me?
Some Helsi™ red light panels offer a pulse mode in addition to continuous light output. The light is not emitted continuously but in very fast, regular intervals – to the eye it looks like an even glow, but technically it is a rapid switching on and off at an adjustable frequency.
Some studies suggest that this interval-type output can stimulate the absorption of light in deeper tissue layers in a different way than continuous exposure.
If you would like deeper penetration of the light, the pulse function can be an option.
With the exception of the Helsi™ Go, every Helsi™ red light device comes with a pulse function of 1–20 Hz.
Continuousthe light stays on
Pulse moderapid on and off at an adjustable frequency, 1–20 Hz
Time →
Schematic: continuous light and pulse mode. On Helsi™ panels (except the Go) the pulse is adjustable from 1 to 20 Hz; the wavelengths stay the same.
How to build red light therapy into your daily routine
The skin should be free of clothing and make-up. Afterwards it may be slightly red and warm; if so, shorten the session or increase the distance.
Session length
10–15 min
A common rule of thumb, depending on the distance
Distance to the device
30–40 cm
Approximate distance for an ideal session length of 10–15 minutes
Frequency
Daily
Or every other day, usual for most users
Safety goggles
Included
Wear them when looking towards the LEDs
Time of day
Flexible
Morning or evening, depending on personal preference
Safety and what to keep in mind
Red light therapy is considered well tolerated by most people. If you take photosensitising medication or have existing skin conditions, we recommend speaking to a doctor before use.
The safety goggles supplied should be worn when looking directly towards the LEDs. As with anything new: start with shorter sessions and increase the duration gradually.
Eyes: Wear safety goggles when looking directly towards the LEDs or if the brightness is uncomfortable. Helsi™ panels come with safety goggles.
Skin: Only expose healthy or slightly irritated skin. With a rash or skin changes, have it checked by a doctor first.
Medication: Some drugs make the skin more sensitive to light (for example some antibiotics and acne treatments). If in doubt, ask a doctor first.
Discover the Helsi™ red light range
From the Helsi™ Go to the Helsi™ Max – find the right size for your routine.
“As a professional footballer, my body is very often under intense strain. Red light after training is a fixed part of my routine. I am glad that Helsi™ will support me from now on during my career.”
Robin KochProfessional footballer & German national team playerOn Helsi™ red light →
Google review
“Great build quality and an extremely friendly team that answers every question with real expertise. Helsi Pro is the way to go! Great panel, extremely good output, pleasantly quiet fan.”
Most users build red light into their routine daily or every other day, with sessions of 10 to 15 minutes.
Between 10 and 15 minutes is a common rule of thumb, depending on the device and the area you use it on.
When looking directly towards the LEDs, we recommend using the safety goggles supplied.
Red light (600–660 nm) is visible to the eye and acts rather close to the surface, while near-infrared light (800–850 nm) is invisible and penetrates deeper into the tissue. Helsi™ panels combine both wavelength ranges.
That depends on the area you want to use it on: the Helsi™ Go suits travel and spot use, the Helsi™ Max large-area full-body use. The Mini, Plus and Pro models sit in between. There are also various stand options for versatile use.
In pulse mode, the light is not emitted continuously but in fast, regular intervals instead of shining steadily. The wavelengths stay identical to continuous mode – only the timing pattern of the light output changes.
The simplest approach is to try both modes and notice which one feels more right for your routine. Session length, distance to the device and use of the safety goggles stay the same in both modes. Some users use the pulse mode deliberately for deeper-reaching sessions such as recovery after training, and the continuous mode for their daily skincare routine.
That varies greatly from person to person. Many users report that a regular routine over several weeks feels most right.
Red light therapy is considered well tolerated by most people. The skin may be slightly red and warm afterwards; if so, shorten the session or increase the distance. If your skin reacts strongly or unpleasantly, stop the session and seek medical advice.
Helsi™ products are not designed to diagnose, cure or prevent diseases. All content on this page is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. If you have existing health conditions, please speak to a doctor before use.
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