Red Light Therapy: Oils, Distance & Timing Mistakes — Plus the NIR Fix You Need

You’re Using Red & NIR Light Therapy Wrong — Oils, Distance & Timing Explained That’s why your results are flat. Your skin may be dry, it’s not rejuvenating, your energy hasn’t shifted — and you’re starting to wonder if light therapy even works. The truth? You’ve been following surface-level advice… and it doesn’t align with how light works at the cellular level. In this episode, I break down the real science behind RED and near-infrared (NIR) light — and the top mistakes almost everyone makes.

Red and Near-Infrared (NIR) light therapy has exploded in popularity for skin rejuvenation, energy repair, and hormone balancing — but most people are using it incorrectly. In her latest episode, regenerative wellness consultant Michelle Hamel breaks down the most common mistakes that are sabotaging results and reveals the science-backed protocol for using red and NIR light strategically — not blindly.

If your skin feels dry, your energy’s flat, or you’re not seeing that promised glow… the issue likely isn’t the panel. It’s how you’re using it.

“Light alone isn’t enough. Without the right support — oils, timing, and distance — red light therapy can actually backfire,” Michelle explains.

5 Critical Mistakes Sabotaging Your Red Light Therapy

Michelle dives deep into what nearly everyone gets wrong about light therapy — and how to reverse those mistakes starting today:

1. Avoiding Oils? You May Be Blocking Results

The old myth says oils block red and NIR light — but real science shows the opposite. Oils like squalane, MCT, and borage not only don’t block light, they can enhance light absorption and help drive therapeutic nutrients like methylene blue deeper into skin tissue. Clinical studies confirm that NIR light increases transdermal delivery of fat-soluble molecules.

“If your skin is dry and inflamed post-treatment, the real problem might be skipping the oil your skin barrier needs,” Michelle warns.

2. Wrong Timing = Oxidative Stress

Think longer sessions mean better results? Think again. Photobiomodulation (PBM) studies show that 3 minutes per area is the “sweet spot.” Longer exposure can increase ROS (reactive oxygen species), potentially causing more oxidative stress and tissue irritation.

Michelle’s new protocol:

  • 3 minutes per body region
  • Alternate front and back
  • Combine with targeted oils and topicals
  • No rest days — strategic daily use supports consistent mitochondrial repair

3. Incorrect Distance Kills Power (or Overheats You)

Many users stand too close or too far from their light panel. The optimal range? 12 inches. This is supported by NASA and other clinical studies to ensure therapeutic penetration without overheating or overstimulating cells. Michelle emphasizes using the columnar beam of the light efficiently to cover more tissue and avoid wasting time or overexposing sensitive areas.

4. Red vs. NIR: Know the Difference

Red and Near-Infrared light are not interchangeable. They target different biological layers and functions:

  • Red Light (660 nm): Surface level (up to 1 cm), enhances skin health, collagen, serotonin, and blood flow.
  • NIR Light (850 nm): Deeper penetration (up to 4–5 inches), supports mitochondrial repair, joint regeneration, brain function, and neurogenesis.

“They don’t cancel each other out. They operate on different timelines — red acts fast, while NIR continues working for hours after your session.”

5. Treating Light Therapy Like a Fad

The biggest mistake of all? Using red light therapy without a protocol. Michelle lays out her complete 12-minute daily routine, alternating body positions, stacking topicals like methylene blue, chlorophyll, and oils, and rotating red/NIR combinations for whole-body repair.

She uses the Hooga HG500 light panel — selected for its clinical-grade power, affordability, and low EMF output.

Michelle’s Daily Light Therapy Protocol:

  1. Sit 12 inches from the panel
  2. 3 min front, 3 min back (upper body), then legs
  3. Apply methylene blue/chlorophyll mist, then layer with oil
  4. Cycle days:
    • Day 1: Red + NIR
    • Day 2: Red only
    • Day 3: Red + NIR (repeat)

“It’s not about taking breaks. It’s about giving your body time to integrate the deeper repair NIR sets in motion.”

Recommended Tools

🧬 Methylene Blue (1% USP Grade)
CompassLaboratory.com — use code MICHELLEHAMEL for 10% off

🔴 Red/NIR Panel
HoogaHealth.com — use code LONGEVITY12 for 12% off

🧬 Personalized Consultations
BackToHealthToday.com

Final Thought:
The science is clear. Most people are plateauing because they’re following generic advice that doesn’t align with how light interacts with mitochondria and skin biology. With the right oils, distance, timing, and wavelength awareness, red and NIR light therapy becomes a powerful regenerative tool — not a frustrating trend.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, this episode offers the clarity and clinical backing you need to see real results. Michelle’s approach goes beyond surface skincare into root-cause mitochondrial healing.

Subscribe to hear what’s next: her upcoming episode reveals how methylene blue might be irritating your nervous system if used incorrectly — and how to pair it with red light for maximum healing, not harm.