FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Red Light Basics

Red light therapy, also called photobiomodulation (PBM), exposes the skin to specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light. It uses no UV light and works through light, not heat.

Red and near-infrared light is absorbed by the mitochondria in your cells, mainly by an enzyme called cytochrome c oxidase. Research suggests this can support cellular energy (ATP) production, which skin, muscle and other tissues use for repair and renewal. Results depend on using the right dose consistently.

Red light (around 630–660 nm) is visible and acts mainly in the skin. Near-infrared light (around 800–1060 nm) is almost invisible and reaches deeper tissues such as muscles and joints. Cells8 devices combine both. TalTech measured peaks at 478, 630, 659, 809, 846, 940 and 978 nm. The test was done on the Cells8 Panel, and the Tabletop, Compact, Panel and Sauna Panel all use the same LEDs and electronics, differing only in LED count. The panels also include 1060 nm per manufacturer specification.

The most researched wavelengths are 660 nm (red) and 850 nm (near-infrared). More wavelengths do not automatically mean better results; enough power at well-studied wavelengths matters more.

No. Cells8 devices emit only visible and near-infrared light, from 478 nm upwards. There is no UVA or UVB, so they do not tan or burn the skin.

No. Red light therapy is a photochemical process, not a thermal one. You may feel gentle warmth from the device, but the light itself does not rely on heat. An infrared sauna heats the body to make you sweat; red light therapy delivers specific wavelengths to your cells. Many people use both.

While there is no evidence that red light is harmful during pregnancy, we always recommend a "safety first" approach. Please consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new light protocol while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Using your device

We recommend 10–20 minutes per area, 4–5 times a week. Consistency matters more than session length.

Usually 15–45 cm. Closer gives a stronger dose on a smaller area; further away covers more of the body at lower intensity. For Cells8 panels we recommend 30 cm.

Any time that fits your routine. Many people use it in the morning for energy or in the evening to wind down. Red and near-infrared light do not suppress melatonin the way blue screen light does, so evening sessions suit most people. If your device has a blue (480 nm) mode, keep it for daytime.

No. Clothing blocks the light, so treat clean, bare skin.

Skin changes typically appear after 4–8 weeks of regular use, as skin renews in cycles. Many people notice recovery and relaxation benefits sooner. Results vary from person to person.

Yes, more is not always better. Research shows a so-called biphasic response: too high a dose can reduce the benefit. Stick to the recommended time and distance.

Safety

Yes, we recommend it. Our devices are very bright, and near-infrared light is almost invisible to the eye. Every Cells8 device comes with blackout goggles. When treating your face, keep your eyes closed.

There is no evidence that red light is harmful during pregnancy, but research is limited. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting.

Talk to your doctor before use if you take medication that increases light sensitivity, have epilepsy (especially with pulsed modes), have an active cancer or tumour, or plan to treat the neck area with a thyroid condition.

Use your device on clean skin and apply active skincare afterwards. If you use retinoids or exfoliating acids, start with shorter sessions and watch how your skin responds.

When used as directed, side effects are rare. Some people notice temporary redness or warmth. If irritation occurs, shorten sessions or increase the distance.

Research on red light for skin redness is promising, and many users report calmer-looking skin. If you have rosacea or another skin condition, consult a dermatologist before starting.

Choosing a device

It depends on the area you want to treat and how you like to use it.

Cells8 Tabletop (31 × 28 cm, €399): face and small areas, daily routine at a desk or table.

Cells8 Compact (48 × 23 cm, €699): targeted muscle and joint care, post-workout.

Cells8 Mat (180 × 60 cm, €1,190): stretching, back and joint comfort, evening relaxation.

Cells8 Panel (92 × 30 cm, €1,390): skin, muscles and joints, face and body.

Cells8 Pod (180 × 60 cm, 120 cm open, €1,690): full-body recovery, skin and sleep routines.

Cells8 Sauna Panel (93 × 30 cm, €1,590): sauna rituals, relaxation, muscle tension.

Irradiance is the amount of light energy reaching your skin, measured in mW/cm². It determines how quickly you get an effective dose. Always check at what distance it was measured, since it drops as you move away.

Because they are measured differently. Many brands use inexpensive solar meters, which typically overstate red and near-infrared output, or measure at 0 cm. A calibrated spectrometer gives a more accurate result.

A mask only treats the face and usually has lower output. A panel is more powerful and covers a larger area, for both skin and muscles. A mat or pod lets you treat large areas while lying down.

EMF is the electromagnetic field produced by a device's electronics. Quality devices keep it low at normal use distance. Cells8 devices measure near-zero EMF at 5 cm.

Flicker is light pulsing too fast for the eye to notice, caused by low-quality power supplies. It can cause fatigue or headaches in some people. Cells8 devices are flicker-free.

Independent testing

Yes. Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) measured the light spectrum of the Cells8 Panel with a Specbos 1211UV-BT spectroradiometer. The measured peaks were 478, 630, 659, 809, 846, 940 and 978 nm, confirming the stated wavelengths with a deviation of only 0.4%. The results apply to all Cells8 panels (Tabletop, Compact, Panel and Sauna Panel), as they use the same LEDs and electronics and differ only in LED count. The measurement range extended to about 1000 nm, so 1060 nm is based on manufacturer specification.

Many red light brands publish only their own specifications, often measured in ways that overstate output. Independent university testing lets you compare Cells8 devices on verified numbers.

Orders, shipping and returns

Yes. All Cells8 devices ship free of charge across Europe. Delivery takes 4–9 days with FedEx and you will receive a tracking link.

Yes. You can return your device within 30 days. See our refund policy at cells8.com/policies/refund-policy for details.

All Cells8 devices come with a 2-year warranty. Contact health@cells8.com if anything goes wrong.

Yes. Cells8 devices are CE and RoHS compliant. They are manufactured in an FDA-registered facility, where red light therapy lamps are listed with the US Food and Drug Administration. Certificates are available on request.

Cells8 is an Estonian brand based in Tallinn. Devices are manufactured in China and independently tested at TalTech.

Yes. You can pay in instalments or split the payment into three parts.