Most LED devices — La Lei's included — combine more than one wavelength, and red and near-infrared are almost always the two that anchor the device. They're often talked about together, which can make it hard to tell whether they're the same thing or genuinely different. Here's the distinction, in plain terms.
Red light therapy: the basics
Red light sits at the longer end of the visible spectrum — it's the wavelength most people picture when they think of "red light therapy," and the one most commonly used across at-home LED skincare devices generally. Because it's visible, you can see the device glowing red while it's in use.
Near-infrared light therapy: the basics
Near-infrared (NIR) light sits just beyond red on the spectrum — invisible to the human eye. It's almost always paired with red light rather than used alone in skincare devices, and it's generally considered to reach further beneath the skin's surface than visible red light. Because you can't see it, a device combining red and NIR will still glow red — the NIR is there, just not visible.
Why devices combine the two rather than using one alone
Red and near-infrared are categorised differently and are traditionally associated with different depths of focus, which is the general reasoning behind pairing them in a single session rather than relying on one wavelength alone. Both of La Lei's LED devices — the LED Face Mask and the Professional Portable LED Device — offer red and near-infrared light therapy for this reason.
Full face or targeted — a separate question
Whether you choose a full-face mask or a handheld, targeted device is really a question of format and routine, not of red versus near-infrared — both formats can offer the same two wavelengths. We've covered that comparison in more detail in How to Choose an LED Face Mask in Australia.
A note on evidence
You'll often see the term photobiomodulation used alongside red and near-infrared light therapy — it describes how these wavelengths interact with the skin's cells. It's a term used broadly across the category, from cosmetic devices to clinical research, though the depth and quality of evidence varies significantly depending on the wavelength, the dose and the specific application being studied. We haven't independently tested specific outcomes for La Lei's devices, so we're careful to describe the category generally rather than make claims about results.
FAQs
Is red light therapy the same as near-infrared light therapy?
No — they're different wavelengths on the light spectrum. Red is visible; near-infrared is invisible and sits just beyond it. They're generally associated with different depths of focus, which is why many devices, La Lei's included, combine both rather than offering just one.
Which is better for skin, red or near-infrared?
Neither is categorically "better" — they're generally considered to work differently rather than one outperforming the other, which is why combination devices exist. We'd be cautious of any device or brand claiming one wavelength alone is superior without clear, device-specific evidence.
Can I get both in one device?
Yes — both the LED Face Mask and the Professional Portable LED Device offer red and near-infrared light therapy. You can browse the full LED Light Therapy range here.
Is this a medical treatment?
No. La Lei's LED devices are at-home skincare tools, not medical devices, and this article is general information rather than a claim about therapeutic outcomes.
This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have a specific skin or health condition, or are pregnant, epileptic or sensitive to light, speak with your doctor before starting LED light therapy.