In the world of wellness technology, technical jargon can often feel overwhelming. One term that frequently comes up with red light therapy is "irradiance," and while it sounds complex, it’s one of the most crucial factors in an effective session. Understanding this single concept can make all the difference when choosing a device for your business.
So, what exactly is it?
The Sunlight Through the Window Analogy
Think of irradiance like sunlight streaming through a window. When you stand directly in the beam of light, it feels warm and intense on your skin. If you take a few steps back, the light is still filling the room, but you no longer feel that same focused intensity.
That "intensity" is precisely what irradiance measures. It is the amount of light energy, or power, that is actually delivered to a specific area of a surface at a specific distance. In technical terms, it’s measured in milliwatts per square centimeter, written as .
Why Irradiance is a Key to Client Results
For a business owner, irradiance is more than just a number—it’s a direct indicator of a device's efficiency. A higher irradiance value means more concentrated light energy is reaching the user's body. This translates to more effective sessions for your clients and potentially shorter session times, allowing for higher client throughput.
When evaluating red light therapy devices, a low irradiance value can be a red flag. It might mean the user would need significantly longer sessions to achieve the desired effects, or that the light is simply not powerful enough to be effective from its designed distance, much like standing too far from that sunny window.
Putting It Into Practice
We take irradiance seriously because we know it's essential for the results your clients expect. As a benchmark, our OvationULT Red Light Therapy bed is engineered to deliver an effective irradiance of 65 mW/cm², measured from the polycarbonate surface +/- 10mW/cm². This ensures that every session provides the optimal energy level for a superior wellness experience.
As an example, check out our irradiance against our competitions.
Ultimately, understanding irradiance allows you to look past the marketing hype and evaluate a device based on its true potential for performance. It's a key piece of knowledge that empowers you to make a smarter investment for your business and for your clients.