Electric Hues Part II: Where is the Science?

August 18, 2024

When it comes to red light therapy, the choice of wavelength is crucial. This story goes into the science behind why we chose 600 and 850 as the optimal wavelengths for Rubie.

The Science Behind Rubie: Why 660nm and 850nm?

A wavelength is a measure of the distance between the peaks of two crests of energy along the sine curve. When dropping a pebble into a pond, circular waves are created. The waves near the center, where the pebble was dropped, are tighter and stronger. The waves toward the outer edges are wider and contain less energy. This phenomenon exists all across reality, in light, sound, water and electricity. We measure it in the scientific unit, nanometers (nm).

For Rubie, we’ve carefully selected two wavelengths — 660nm and 850nm —because they offer the most effective therapeutic benefits. In this guide, we’ll explore the science behind these wavelengths and explain why they’re central to Rubie’s designed effectiveness.

Wavelengths and Light Penetration

Light is measured in a numerical nanometer, each wavelength corresponds to a specific color and energy level. Red light wavelengths range from 600 to 1000nm, defined as red and far-red (or near-infrared).

Visible Red Light (600nm-700nm): This light is within the visible spectrum, meaning it can be seen by the human eye. It is known for its ability to penetrate the skin’s surface and influence processes like collagen production and cellular repair.
Near-Infrared (700nm-1000nm): This "light" is invisible to the naked eye and penetrates deeper into the body, reaching muscles, joints, and even bones. NIR light is particularly effective (and safe) for reducing inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration.

Rubie harnesses the power of both visible red light and near-infrared with her Red 660 and Far-Red 850 wavelengths.

The Benefits of Red 660

The Red 660 wavelength is focused at surface-level concerns:

Penetrate about 2-3 millimeters - that's an 1/8 of an inch. Deep enough to influence the epidermis and dermis, the outer layer and next layer beneath the skin.
Stimulate fibroblast cells to produce collagen. Collagen is the protein that gives skin its structure and elasticity. Boosting collagen production can help reduce wrinkles, improve skin texture, and promote a youthful appearance.
Accelerate wound healing. Red light can promote cell regeneration and reduce inflammation. 660 has also been found effective at treating scars and other skin imperfections.
Reduce inflammation effects. Useful for conditions like acne, psoriasis, and rosacea, by reducing inflammation. The 660 wavelength helps calm the skin to promote a clear, healthy complexion.

The Benefits of Far-Red 850

The Far-Red 850 wavelength is known for its ability to penetrate deeper into the body.

Deep Tissue Penetration: 850 can penetrate up to 5 centimeters (that is 2 inches) into the body. Deeper tissues include muscles, tendons, and bones.
Pain Relief: 850 is effective in reducing pain by promoting the release of endorphins, nature’s happiness molecules. This can be beneficial for chronic pain conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, and lower back pain.
Improve Circulation: Deliver more oxygen and nutrients to muscles. Accelerate the healing process and reduce muscle soreness after exercise.
Reduce Inflammation: Promote tissue repair, and improve mobility. 850 is effective for conditions like osteoarthritis.

The Synergy of Rubie

Rubie is designed to combine the best known benefits of red light into one hand-held device.

Take a Layered Approach: Address surface-level skin concerns and deeper tissue issues in a single session.
Compound Effectiveness: 660 and 850 complement one another. Effects are enhanced when they are used in conjunction.
Tailored Therapy: Rubie’s has three modes: Red, Far-Red and Coupled for focused and wholistic treatments.

What Science Says

The selection of 660nm and 850nm wavelengths isn’t arbitrary; it’s based on real science with demonstrable evidence. Here are some of our favorite data-backed sources on light and red light therapy:

Visible Light Spectrum - from NASA

Red Light Therapy – from The Cleveland Clinic

RLT and Treatments – from WebMD

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