Best Time to Get Red Light from Sun – Morning or Evening Exposure

Introduction: Best Time to Get Red Light from the Sun

Red and near-infrared light have numerous advantages, including cellular-level healing, improved blood flow, pain relief, reduced inflammation, and decreased oxidative stress. Not many know that the strongest and most natural source of red and near-infrared light is the sun. The sun emits a wide range of light, and although everyone knows that sunlight aids in vitamin D synthesis, they often overlook its additional benefits.

Because of its broad wavelength range, sunlight also contains red and near-infrared light, which can be beneficial for overall health. Nevertheless, timing is crucial with respect to how the sun radiates different kinds and intensities of light at various times of the day. As a result, most individuals wonder: when is the most appropriate time to naturally get red and near-infrared light from the sun?

Here, we'll discuss the optimal times for obtaining this therapeutic light from sunlight and how it compares to red light therapy that can be performed at home.

What Is Red Light and Why Does It Matter

Red light therapy, or photobiomodulation or low-level laser therapy, is a non-surgical and medication-free technique that doesn't include toxic chemicals or needles. Instead, it employs low wavelengths of red and near-infrared light that enter the skin and penetrate deep into tissue to stimulate cellular healing.

Red light therapy operates by activating the action of mitochondria, cellular organelles whose role is to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) energy. ATP maintains a number of cellular processes and facilitates cell repair and regeneration at a faster rate. Red light, therefore, facilitates the repair of damaged cells, accelerates wound and cut healing, and aids quicker recovery of injured tissues.

It also raises the levels of nitric oxide, a substance that widens blood vessels and improves circulation. With improved circulation, cells get more oxygen and nutrients while removing wastes and toxins better.

Additionally, red light therapy stimulates the production of collagen and elastin—two key proteins that help revitalize the skin, making it smoother, firmer, and healthier. These proteins also maintain the strength and suppleness of connective tissues such as ligaments and tendons.

Red light therapy also helps reduce pain, inflammation, and oxidative stress. It is believed to regulate circadian rhythm and mood, as well as stimulate hormone production, including melatonin, serotonin, and dopamine.

Natural Sources of Red and Near-Infrared Light

Red and near-infrared light occur naturally in our environment but are not always appreciated as such. The most natural and potent source of red and near-infrared light is sunlight. While we know that the sun emits a broad spectrum of light—UV, visible, and infrared—early morning and late afternoon sun contain more red and near-infrared light and less UV, and are therefore safer and more beneficial.

These are the most significant natural sources of near-infrared and red light:

1) Sunlight

It is the most potent source of red and near-infrared light. Sunlight travels through a great deal of dangerous UV and blue light, but more red and near-infrared wavelengths reach the Earth's surface during sunrise and sunset.

2) Firelight

Campfire, candle, and ancient oil lamps emit a small amount of red and near-infrared light. The light spectrum from these sources typically doesn't include therapeutic light.

3) Warm Bodies

Anything that emits heat—rocks heated by the sun, warm sand, or even hot coals—also emits infrared light. These sources tend to emit far-infrared most often, but emit a little near-infrared light too.

Best Time to Get Red Light from the Sun

The best time to be exposed to red and near-infrared sunlight is in the early morning immediately after sunrise and late afternoon immediately before sunset. Not only are these the most beneficial times, but also the most visually appealing, as most do have an inherent capability for observing the sunrise and sunset, without even realizing that they are being exposed to red and near-infrared light.

At this time of day, the sun is lower in the sky and has to pass through a greater portion of the Earth's atmosphere. This filtering effect naturally reduces the intensity of nasty UV rays and allows more red and near-infrared wavelengths to pass through harmlessly to your skin.

Morning and evening sunlight is ideal because the light during these times is gentle, and hence UV radiation will be minimal, not harming or burning your skin. This will enable you to absorb natural red and near-infrared light, which can support your overall health and well-being.

Why Midday Sunlight Isn't Ideal for Red Light

Noon is not the ideal time to get red and near-infrared light from the sun since, at this time, the sun is quite hot and contains a higher ratio of ultraviolet (UV) and blue light, while the ratio of red and near-infrared light becomes relatively less dominant. At noon, the UV rays are strongest, and prolonged exposure can result in sunburn, skin damage, and even long-term health issues such as premature aging and skin cancer.

During this time of day, sunlight contains a lower concentration of red and near-infrared light. In addition, the intensity of the light can tire the eyes and accelerate skin aging, making it less safe to be outside without protection. The pure heat also makes it warm and difficult to stay under the midday sun for prolonged periods of time.

How Long Should You Be in the Sun for Red Light?

To derive the best gains from red and near-infrared light from sunlight, it is sufficient to sunbathe for 10–20 minutes in the early morning shortly after sunrise or in the late afternoon prior to sunset. These periods provide a high percentage of red and near-infrared light with minimal exposure to destructive UV rays.

There are, nonetheless, a couple of points worth observing:

• If you have lighter skin, you might need to spend less time outdoors.
• If you have darker skin, you might need to spend more time to get enough red and near-infrared light.
• Stay indoors when the sky is cloudy since cloud cover decreases the intensity of red and near-infrared light.
• Avoid the use of sunscreens as much as possible during this short exposure, as these block red and near-infrared light away from reaching the skin and down into deeper tissues.

By the use of these tips, one can enjoy the healing and wellness benefits safely provided by natural sunlight.

Red Light Therapy at Home – An Effective Alternative

You are aware that the sun is the best natural source of red and near-infrared light, but certain aspects keep the right amount from being delivered. Here, weather and timing are the most crucial ones. During cloudy weather or when pollution levels are high, the best levels of red and near-infrared light can fall short of reaching the ground successfully.

Timing is also a consideration. It is challenging for most people to be out during dawn or sunset due to household tasks, corporate responsibilities, public life, or school commitments.

Thankfully, inventors and manufacturers have made it possible for you to enjoy the effects of red light therapy from the comfort of your home. By purchasing an appropriate red light therapy device, you can achieve the same therapeutic benefits without waiting for suitable conditions or relying on the sun.

Choosing the Right Red Light Therapy Device

In order to have red light therapy performed in the comfort of your own home, one must purchase the right device since most devices commercially available lack the required features and cannot emit the correct spectrum of red and near-infrared light. What one should find when choosing a good red light therapy device is the following:

Specific Wavelengths

Your unit should emit red light at around 610, 630, 650, 660, and 670 nm, and near-infrared at around 810, 830, 850, 904, 980, and 1064 nm. These fall within the therapeutic range and are engineered to assist in repairing cells, boosting blood flow, and reducing pain and inflammation.

FDA-Approved

Only use an FDA-approved device. These have been rigorously tested to ensure safety and effectiveness for use at home.

Source of Light

Your device should utilize LEDs as the light source. LEDs can produce intense red and near-infrared light compared to incandescent or halogen bulbs, which are not good for therapy.

Adequate Power Output

Ensure the device provides an adequate power output to allow the light to penetrate deep tissues without loss or attenuation of intensity.

Easy-to-Use Features

The device must be easy to use, with variable intensities so that you can adjust the light emission in accordance with your comfort and need. It must also be handheld, such that you can take it anywhere with you and never miss a session.

By paying attention to these points, you can confidently choose a good red light therapy machine and safely and effectively experience its benefits at home.

Overview of the Total Spectrum Series of RLT Home

RLT Home is among the top choices for investing in a red light therapy unit. This company offers a range of high-quality Total Spectrum units that emit the optimal amount of red and near-infrared light. These units are not only FDA-approved but are also CE and RoHS certified, guaranteeing safety and efficiency, making them among the safest units currently on the market. They have enough power output and employ high-quality LEDs, enabling the therapeutic light to penetrate deep into tissues without interruption. They are convenient for use at home, alleviate pain, promote natural healing, and are portable so that you can take them with you and use them anywhere and anytime.

Conclusion: Embrace Sunlight and Safe Alternatives for Wellness

How to Get Red Light From the Sun?

You can get red light from the sun naturally, but timing and conditions are important. The best time to get red and near-infrared light from the sun is early in the morning, just after sunrise, and late in the afternoon, just before sunset, as the intensity of red and near-infrared light is higher during these times, while UV rays are lower. Additionally, you should check the environment—clear skies and low pollution levels allow you to receive the maximum amount of red and near-infrared light from the sun.

Does Fire Produce Red Light?

Indeed, fire does yield red light. When a material is on fire, it gives off a combination of wavelengths of light, including near-infrared and red light. The flame's color is determined by the heat and substance that is being combusted. Flames produced by lower temperatures, like from candles or wood fires, tend to glow with a reddish-orange color, which contains visible red light and a bit of near-infrared radiation.

FAQs: Addressing Common Questions

What time of day do you get red light from the sun?

You can get red light from the sun early in the morning, after sunset, and late in the afternoon before sunrise.

What is the best time to get infrared sunlight?

The best time to get infrared sunlight is early in the morning after sunrise and late in the afternoon before sunset. During these times, the sunlight has more infrared light and fewer harmful UV rays.

What time of day is best to do red light therapy?

Different timings offer different benefits. If you do red light therapy in the morning, it helps stimulate cellular repair, enhance blood circulation, and reduce pain and inflammation. If you use red light therapy at night, it helps regulate circadian rhythms and improve your mood.