Red/NIR light therapy dosage calculator
Estimate session time and dose (J/cm²) for red/NIR light therapy. Results are educational and not medical advice.
Common peaks: 620–640nm (red), 650–670nm (deep red), 800–850nm (NIR). Choose the closest to your device spec.
Typical ranges: skin 3–10, hair 3–6, surface pain 10–30, deep tissue/joints 20–60 J/cm².
Measured or estimated at your skin.
Used to compute delivered dose.
Dose formula: J/cm² = (mW/cm² × seconds) / 1000. Time (min) = target / (mW/cm²) × 1000 ÷ 60.
Time to reach target dose.
Preset range for Skin rejuvenation: 3–10 J/cm². You set 10 J/cm².
Dose vs Time (minutes)
Notes & guidance
- Dose formula: J/cm² = (mW/cm² × seconds) / 1000. Time (min) = target / (mW/cm²) × 1000 ÷ 60.
- Preset range for Skin rejuvenation: 3–10 J/cm². You set 10 J/cm².
- For accuracy, prefer measured irradiance at your skin; published specs vary by method.
- Avoid very high per-session doses (e.g., ≳60 J/cm²) unless guided by a professional.
- This tool is for education only and not medical advice.
How to Use
- Enter your device irradiance at skin (or enable Advanced to compute from distance).
- Set target dose (J/cm²) and optionally wavelength and other parameters.
- Read Recommended time (min) and adjust Duration if needed.
- Check Results and Weekly total to plan safe, consistent sessions.
Use Cases
- Skin rejuvenation routines (face/neck).
- Hair/scalp support with modest doses.
- Surface pain or inflammation management.
- Deep tissue/joint recovery with higher doses.
Features
- Dose and time calculator with presets.
- Advanced model for distance, duty, and exposure losses.
- Weekly energy totals for planning routines.
- Clear ranges and unit hints to reduce mistakes.
- Fast, privacy-friendly — no data is sent to servers.
Wavelength Guide
- Red (620–680nm) mainly targets skin and surface tissues; NIR (760–950nm) penetrates deeper.
- Pick the wavelength closest to your LED bin (e.g., 630, 660, 830, 850).
- Combining red + NIR is common; dose planning is intensity/time based in this tool.
- Key absorption peaks for cytochrome c oxidase occur near 620–640, 660–680, and 810–850nm.
- Use eye protection with high-power NIR—it's invisible but can be intense.
- Dark hair/scalp can require slightly higher doses due to absorption/scatter—start conservative.
- Skin type and pigmentation can affect absorption; monitor response and adjust.
- Off-angle or through clothing reduces effective dose; adjust the exposure factor accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What dose (J/cm²) should I aim for?
Typical ranges are 3–10 J/cm² for skin, 3–6 for hair/scalp, 10–30 for surface pain, and 20–60 for deep tissue/joints. Start low and adjust.
Does pulsing (duty cycle) change dose?
Yes. Dose scales with duty cycle. For 50% duty, effective irradiance is halved compared with continuous (100%).
Do I need a power meter?
It improves accuracy. Alternatively, estimate with the inverse-square model using a known reference irradiance and distance; adjust with exposure factor for off-angle/clothing.
Are there safety considerations or contraindications?
Use eye protection with high-power NIR. Avoid direct eye exposure. Consult a professional if pregnant, epileptic, or on photosensitizing medications. Start low (≈3 J/cm²) and increase gradually.
Is this medical advice?
No. This calculator is educational only. Consult a professional for medical guidance.
