Many people believe that spending time in natural sunlight offers the same benefits as red-light therapy. However, these two light forms differ in myriad ways. So when it comes to red-light therapy versus sunlight, which is better? Let’s delve into their differences and find out what red-light therapy and sunlight offer.
Vitamin Production and Absorption
The human body synthesizes vitamin D, an essential nutrient for bone health, through exposure to sunlight. When the skin absorbs the sun’s ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, it stimulates the production of vitamin D. This process is highly efficient, and a short period of sun exposure can lead to the synthesis of adequate amounts of this vitamin.
Red-light therapy, on the other hand, does not directly contribute to vitamin D production. However, it still enhances the skin’s ability to absorb vitamins and other nutrients. Red-light therapy stimulates cellular activity and improves circulation, enhancing nutrients’ absorption efficiency.
Skin Damage and Healing
Exposure to natural sunlight comes with the risk of sunburn. Prolonged and intense sunlight exposure can damage the skin, causing redness, pain, and peeling of the skin. Severe cases of sunburn can even result in blistering or secondary infections. Chronic exposure to the sun’s UV radiation can also lead to premature aging of the skin and an increased risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.
Red-light therapy presents minimal to no risk of skin damage, depending on the device, class grade, and administration process. Class two red-light therapy devices, such as Prism’s pods and mats, come with zero risk of skin damage, delivering low-level light energy into the body’s cells. Exposure to this red and infrared light actually stimulates healing and rejuvenation. Devices with class grade ratings of four can cause skin damage if not administered properly, as they use higher wavelengths that generate heat and require specific care during administration to avoid burns and skin damage.
Light Intensity and Control
Sunlight intensity varies depending on the time of day, geographic location, and weather conditions. You have no control over the intensity of sunlight, which can lead to overexposure and the aforementioned risks of sunburns, premature skin aging, and skin cancer.
Conversely, red-light therapy offers much more control over the intensity of light exposure. The light used in this therapy is typically delivered at a lower intensity than sunlight, but it’s more concentrated and directly targets the body’s cells. Prism’s commercial red-light therapy bed offers even light distribution, providing consistent full-body light exposure and control. You can carefully customize the duration, frequency, and intensity of red-light therapy to meet your needs.
Red-light therapy and natural sunlight each provides varying experiences and benefits. Which is better for you depends on your needs and circumstances. If you’d like to experience the benefits of red-light therapy, check out Prism Pod for effective, innovative red-light technology.
