Circadian Bulb

The most well studied mechanism behind red and near infrared light therapy is that it boosts energy production in the cells. Here's a closer look: the light particles emitted specifically by red and near infrared light interact with a receptor inside the cell called cytochrome c oxidase. This interaction stimulates the mitochondria, the "energy factories" of our cells, helping them use oxygen more efficiently. As a result, more energy (ATP) can be produced. When our cells have more energy, our bodily functions and overall health improve.

Our devices use only the most effective wavelengths from the red spectrum, specifically the red wavelengths of 630, 660, and 670 nm (nanometers), along with the near infrared wavelengths of 810, 830, and 850 nm. Our Vivo Red Light devices deliver this light energy in a more targeted, faster, and more powerful way than the sun, without harmful UV rays, and whenever it suits you.

The Vivo Red Light lamps combine red light, with wavelengths of 630, 660, and 670 nm (nanometers), and near infrared light, with wavelengths of 810, 830, 850, and 1060 nm. The Lux devices feature as many as 7 wavelengths across the red and near infrared spectrum. Combining these wavelengths offers unique benefits.

Near infrared light is barely or not at all visible to the human eye and penetrates deeper into the skin, making it easier to reach muscles, joints, and organs.

Red light is clearly visible and works more on the surface, helping to address skin issues and support skin rejuvenation.

Red light and infrared light differ in how they work and what they're used for. Red light (600 to 700 nm) acts on the surface and stimulates the skin, while near infrared light (700 to 1060 nm) penetrates deeper, reaching muscles and joints. Mid and far infrared light, often used in saunas, primarily work through heat and are less suitable for therapeutic applications such as red light therapy. Vivo uses only red and near infrared light, which is safe and effective without causing thermal strain.

Every wavelength of light in the color spectrum has its own biological effect. The white daylight lamps you may have seen before can be helpful for people who experience mental health issues during the winter months. For this to be effective, it's important that they provide a minimum intensity of 10,000 LUX. The downside is that white daylight lamps mainly emit light from the blue spectrum.

Of all types of light therapy, the red spectrum is the most valuable, as it offers the widest range of health benefits. Vivo lamps also provide 10,000 LUX of light intensity, while delivering the unique benefits of red and near infrared light as well.

No. Red light therapy feels pleasantly warm, but not hot. During treatment you'll notice a gentle warmth, similar to morning sunlight on your skin, soothing but completely safe.

In fact, strictly speaking, red light therapy doesn't even generate heat. For years, scientists referred to it as "cold laser therapy" or "low level laser therapy," since the light doesn't cause heating the way infrared saunas or tanning beds do.

And no, it won't give you a tan. Red light has a completely different wavelength than UV light, so it doesn't cause skin discoloration, premature aging, or DNA damage.

In fact, red light can actually help the skin protect itself against UV damage by supporting the skin's natural repair processes and overall cell health.

Note: right after treatment, your skin may take on a healthy, fresh glow. This is due to improved blood circulation and is simply a temporary, positive effect.

Yes. Red light therapy is considered a safe form of treatment with no significant side effects. The original research even comes from NASA, where red light was used to help counteract bone and muscle loss in space.

A handy rule of thumb: if it's safe to sit in the sun for 20 minutes, a 20 minute session with red light is likely safe as well.

If you're taking medications or supplements that increase your light sensitivity, or if you have a medical condition, it's best to check with your doctor first.

Red light can be beneficial for eye health, though it may feel quite bright at first. That's why we include a pair of glasses with every lamp. With the BioPhoton 3.0, this isn't necessary, as its mild intensity means it's enough to simply close your eyes.

Many people notice subtle changes after just the first session, such as more energy, a sense of relaxation, or a healthy glow to the skin. For muscle soreness or joint issues, improvement can sometimes be felt within just a few hours. For deeper effects, such as increased collagen production or reduced inflammation, results are usually noticeable after 4 to 12 weeks of consistent use. The more regularly you use the therapy, the better the results.

Once you notice that your skin feels firmer, has fewer wrinkles, or other issues have improved, we recommend continuing with a maintenance routine of three sessions per week. This helps you maintain the long term benefits for your health.

Yes. If you overdo it, the positive effects can disappear, since you're essentially adding more stress to the cells. To guarantee results, stick to a maximum total therapy time of 2 x 20 minutes per day.
Going beyond that isn't harmful, but you'll see little to no additional benefit. Our advice is to gradually build up your dosage when you're just starting out. Red light therapy contains no harmful UV, so it can't burn your skin. In fact, red light therapy can even help protect against UV from the sun.

Wattage is often used in marketing to make a device seem more powerful, but it doesn't tell the whole story. With red light therapy, what matters isn't how much power a device consumes, but rather the light intensity (mW/cm²) that actually reaches your skin and how well the light is suited to therapeutic needs.
Why wattage can be misleading:

Not everything goes to the LEDs: part of the wattage is used by fans, electronics, and other components inside the device. This means a device with a high wattage doesn't necessarily produce more usable light.
Higher wattage often means more heat: many high wattage devices generate unnecessary heat, which can reduce effectiveness.
The real therapeutic value lies elsewhere: the effectiveness of red light therapy depends on the optimal dosage of light intensity, not on total power consumption.

What actually matters:

Light intensity: measured in mW/cm², this indicates how much light energy actually reaches your skin. A well designed device balances light intensity so it can penetrate deep into the skin without producing excess heat.

Keep in mind: specifications claiming a panel's light intensity is 100 mW/cm² or higher are typically measured using a solar power meter. This type of meter isn't designed for LED sources and often produces falsely high readings as a result.
Always choose devices whose intensity has been professionally measured using an LED appropriate spectrometer or another reliable instrument.

Wavelengths: effective devices use specific wavelengths that have been scientifically proven to offer benefits, such as 630 nm, 670 nm, and near infrared (810 nm, 830 nm, 850 nm, and 1060 nm).

Blue light can be effective, but only for very targeted applications, such as with the Vivo Torch, where it's used for surface level bacterial infections like acne.

In these cases, blue light can be applied to small, specific areas, but always in combination with red light to soften blue light's anti-metabolic effect and support recovery.

Red light has a positive effect on the mitochondria and supports regeneration and recovery throughout the body. Blue light, on the other hand, causes oxidative stress, which can be useful for targeting bacteria, but may interfere with the recovery process when applied over larger areas.

Red light therapy panels are designed for systemic, whole body use, with a focus on supporting recovery, energy, circadian rhythm regulation, and relaxation.

Blue light doesn't fit well within this broader application, as it doesn't offer the same recovery supporting effects as red and near infrared light, especially when used over the entire body.

No, the idea that "more light power is better" largely stems from misleading marketing, especially from the United States. In Europe too, many manufacturers claim to offer the highest light power. However, these claims are often based on measurements taken with a "solar power meter," an instrument that isn't suitable for LED sources. As a result, the figures are often unrealistically high.

Keep in mind: specifications claiming a panel's light intensity is 100 mW/cm² or higher are typically measured using a solar power meter. This type of meter isn't designed for LED sources and often produces falsely high readings as a result. That's why it's best to choose devices whose intensity has been professionally measured using an LED appropriate spectrometer or another reliable instrument.

Why professional measurements matter:

• Reliability: professional measurements using an LED appropriate spectrometer give an accurate picture of light power in mW/cm². This is essential for determining a safe and effective dose.
• Fair comparison: we measure our light power both with professional equipment and with a solar power meter. This allows you to fairly compare our products with other providers who use this method. That said, we want to emphasize that solar power meter results are mainly useful for general comparison, not for therapeutic accuracy.

Why more light power isn't always better:

• Excessive intensity: light intensities of 100 mW/cm² or higher can actually have the opposite effect. At such high levels, the light is absorbed mainly by the upper layers of the skin, leaving less energy to reach the deeper tissues where it's needed.
• Optimal dosage: the best results are often achieved with moderate intensities, allowing the light to penetrate deeper without generating excess heat. You can read more about this in this blog.

Some of the LEDs in our devices emit near infrared light (NIR), at wavelengths such as 810, 830, 850, or 1060 nanometers.

This type of light is invisible to the human eye, even though it's technically still being emitted.

As a result, these LEDs can appear to be off or not working, when in reality they're producing powerful therapeutic light that penetrates deep into the body.

In short: if an LED isn't showing visible red light, that doesn't mean it's faulty, it simply means it's emitting NIR wavelengths.

Some people use a smartphone camera (without an IR filter) to make part of this light visible, but this doesn't work for all wavelengths, and when it does, it usually appears as a purple glow.

At Vivo, every device is thoroughly tested during production using a professional spectrometer to confirm that all wavelengths are emitted accurately and safely.

Before shipping, we also carry out an additional test to verify the effectiveness and performance once more, so you can be confident you're receiving an effective and reliable device.

Anything that blocks the light will affect how effective the therapy is. For the best results, the light should shine directly onto clean, bare skin, as this allows it to be absorbed most easily.

No, LEDs aren't dangerous or unhealthy, as long as they're high quality and used correctly. However, there are differences between standard LED lighting and the LEDs used in red light therapy.
Common concerns about LEDs:

1. Blue light and sleep disruption: standard LED lighting can contain too much blue light, which suppresses melatonin. Red light therapy doesn't use blue light and instead helps support a healthy circadian rhythm.
2. High EMF radiation: some LED devices emit too much EMF. Vivo Red Light Therapy devices have very low EMF levels, even during direct skin contact.
3. Flickering (flicker effect): poor quality LEDs can flicker rapidly, which may cause headaches and fatigue. Our devices are flicker free.
4. Excessive heat: some LEDs become too hot for safe use on the skin. The BioPhoton devices are designed with low heat output and are safe for direct skin contact.
5. Eye health: bright white or blue LED light can be harmful to the eyes. Red and near infrared light, on the other hand, have positive effects on eye health.

In conclusion: not all LEDs are the same. Cheap or poorly designed LED devices can be unhealthy, but high quality red light therapy devices are safe, flicker free, low in EMF, and offer real therapeutic benefits.

The beam angle of our Vivo LEDs is 60 degrees, which creates a focused and powerful beam of light. With wider angles, such as 90 degrees, the light spreads out more, causing the intensity to drop off quickly. A narrower beam angle therefore means more effective light, even at greater distances.

This depends on the type of device and your goal:

• With skin contact (such as the BioPhoton+): this allows for maximum absorption and is ideal for deeper tissues and targeted pain relief.
• At a distance (such as with larger panels): use a distance of 20 to 40 cm, depending on the light intensity. The closer you are, the higher the dose per minute.

Our devices are designed to work effectively and safely at both short and medium distances. The beam angle and lens technology ensure a stable intensity, even at a distance of 40 cm.

Most users see the best results with regular use, such as 3 to 7 times per week. For chronic issues or more intensive goals, like recovery or skin improvement, daily use can be beneficial, as long as it's properly dosed.

A session doesn't need to be long: depending on the device and your goal, treatment time can range from 1 to 30 minutes per session. Consistency and using the right intensity matter more than frequency alone.

Our VIVO red light therapy devices vary in size, light intensity, number of wavelengths, and the way they're used, whether at a distance or directly on the skin.

This means there's always a model that fits your goal, whether that's skin improvement, pain relief, sports recovery, or overall health.

Our BioPhoton series is the only line of LED light panels in the EU that can be safely used directly on the skin.
This is possible because they:

• Have extremely low EMF levels: electric and magnetic fields stay well within safe guidelines, making prolonged skin contact risk free.
• Use flicker free light: this prevents strain on the eyes and nervous system during direct use.
• Generate minimal heat: the housing stays only hand warm, so the skin doesn't burn or become irritated.
• Are specifically designed for direct light transmission: the light reaches the skin without loss from reflection, meaning less light power is needed to achieve the same effect.

Did you know that skin contact with red light can increase light absorption by up to 30%? This makes these devices especially effective for deeper treatments, such as for muscles, joints, and organs.
Please note: other red light panels are not suitable for skin contact. They often produce higher electric and magnetic fields and more heat, which can lead to skin damage or overexposure.

We deliberately choose high quality panels because our technology offers unique benefits for optimal red light therapy, including:

• Deeper tissue penetration: our panels, such as the BioPhoton+, are fitted with special lenses on the LEDs. These lenses focus the light into a directed beam that penetrates deeper into the tissue than the diffuse LEDs found in flexible mats or wraps.
• Low EMF and a more pleasant experience: our devices are designed with minimal EMF levels and avoid the unpleasant plastic smell often associated with flexible mats, making them safe for direct use on the skin.
• Durability and longevity: the sturdy construction of our panels ensures long lasting, reliable performance, making them a worthwhile investment for both professional and home use.
• Optimal therapeutic dosage: thanks to their unique design, our panels deliver a consistent and controlled dose, which is essential for the therapy to be effective.

Flexible mats and wraps can work well in certain situations, but for those looking to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect and deeper penetration, skin contact panels offer the best solution.

At Vivo, we often get the question: "Why don't you offer LED masks or other red light LED tools for the skin?"
It's an understandable question, since red light therapy works very well for facial skin, both for anti-aging and for issues like acne.
Even so, we've made a deliberate choice not to sell LED masks.

1. LED masks make direct skin contact, and that isn't always better

We're big fans of the skin contact method for red light therapy, especially for muscles or deeper tissues. But when it comes to the surface layers of facial skin, direct contact with LEDs, as with masks, isn't always the best option.
LED masks sit tightly against the skin, which might seem efficient, but in practice this often leads to uneven exposure and limited spread of the light. A red light therapy panel placed 20 to 40 cm away, on the other hand, provides an even, safe, and effective distribution of light across the entire face.
We're also seeing more reports from users about unwanted facial fat loss after prolonged use of certain LED masks. While this hasn't been thoroughly studied yet, we take this concern seriously. At Vivo, safety always comes first.

2. A red light panel provides even light distribution across the face

Our panels are specifically designed to deliver multiple, scientifically proven wavelengths of red and near infrared light evenly across the skin.
A red light therapy panel placed 20 to 40 cm away allows for an optimal blend of the different light wavelengths, contributing to better and more uniform absorption and effectiveness on the skin.
With an LED mask, the light sources are spread out unevenly, which leads to uneven exposure and reduced effectiveness.

3. A red light panel is more durable, more powerful, and multifunctional

Unlike facial masks, a red light therapy panel is built to last. They're more powerful, last for years, and can be used not just for the face but for the entire body, including the neck, back, muscles, joints, and more.

An LED mask is certainly better than nothing. Studies show that red light directed at the face can contribute to smoother skin, less acne, and fewer fine lines, provided the right wavelengths are used and the treatment is applied consistently.
However, in practice, LED masks also come with some clear drawbacks:

1. Uneven exposure. The LEDs are spaced relatively far apart, so some areas of the face receive very little light.
2. Limited coverage. A mask only treats the face, while a red light panel can be used for the entire body.
3. Uncertain dosage. It's often unclear which wavelengths and how much energy your skin is actually receiving, as specifications are frequently missing or inaccurate.
4. Possible facial fat loss. Some users report volume loss with prolonged use. This hasn't been proven yet, but we take it seriously.
5. Lower price to quality ratio. Masks are relatively expensive for the small treatment area they cover and aren't multifunctional.

Conclusion:

LED masks can certainly have an effect, but they rarely offer the same safety, coverage, and versatility as a well designed red light therapy panel. That's why we've deliberately chosen a different approach.

At Vivo, therapeutic value comes first. We were the first to combine as many as 7 of the most effective wavelengths into our Lux devices. The BioPhoton devices have such low EMF (electromagnetic radiation) that they can be used directly on the skin. This makes the BioPhoton(+) the first hybrid panel available, meaning it can be used both at a distance and directly on the skin.

The skin contact method allows light particles to penetrate up to 5 times deeper into body tissue.

All of our devices are safety certified and have undergone additional testing with professional equipment, covering aspects such as EMF, LED flicker, wavelength spectrum, and light intensity, measured across various distances. More light power is certainly not always better, as it ultimately comes down to finding the optimal dosage for your specific goal.

EMF stands for electromagnetic fields (electromagnetic frequencies), a form of radiation released by electrical devices. Red light therapy panels also produce a certain amount of EMF.

With all Vivo devices, this is kept to an absolute minimum. At a safe treatment distance of 10 cm, no measurable level of harmful EMF is present. For people who are sensitive to EMF, we developed the BioPhoton 2.0, BioPhoton+, and BioPhoton Max.

Thanks to their extremely low EMF output, these devices can even be used safely directly against the skin.

The skin contact method is also a unique feature of the Vivo BioPhoton series, an application you won't find with any other red light therapy panel. This allows for even more efficient light absorption, with minimal loss from reflection.

LED lamps typically have a lifespan of up to around 50,000 hours, and aren't designed to last much longer than that. So this is a one time investment.

Yes. All Vivo Red Light Therapy devices are CE certified and comply with RoHS regulations under our own brand name. This means they're independently tested for safety, material quality, and electrical reliability, not anonymous bulk imports.
But for us, safety isn't just a marketing term. We go beyond the basic mandatory requirements.
Transparent down to the details

We share measurement data that you rarely see from other providers:

• Light intensity in mW/cm²: professionally measured with an LED spectrometer
• EMF levels: ultra low or unmeasurable during normal use
• Flicker: all our devices are measurably flicker free
• Wavelength spectrum: exact insight into which light frequencies reach your skin

Please note: manufacturers claiming intensities of 100 to 200 mW/cm² for panels typically measure these using a solar power meter, an instrument not suited for LED light that tends to produce exaggerated readings.
At Vivo, we measure honestly, so you know exactly what your skin is receiving and can match the actual dosage to your specific goal.

LEDs make it easy to cover a larger area of the body with light. A laser, on the other hand, produces a concentrated beam of light. For your body's cells, it doesn't really matter where the light comes from, as long as there's enough light power and the right wavelength, you'll experience the benefits of red light therapy either way. On top of that, LEDs are very durable and more cost effective to produce.