For body treatments — no. When the panel is used on your legs, back, shoulders, arms or chest, it isn't directed at your face, so there is no meaningful eye exposure. No eye protection is required.

For face or neck treatments — simply close your eyes. A 2017 systematic review of 43 light therapy studies found no direct link between treatment dose and permanent eye damage in healthy users. The only reported case of retinal injury involved a patient on a photosensitising antidepressant — not a healthy user. A 2020 study found that 670nm red light actually improved retinal cone cell function by 17% in adults over 40.

Goggles are optional — not mandatory. If you prefer added reassurance, OD3+ rated goggles covering 660–900nm are the correct specification. The one thing to always avoid: prolonged direct staring into the LEDs with eyes open.

10–20 minutes per muscle group is the evidence-based range. Most quality panels at 6–10cm from the skin deliver the therapeutic energy dose (20–60 J/cm²) within this window.

Start at 10 minutes and build up — there is a biphasic response where very long sessions can reduce effectiveness compared to moderate ones. More is not always better.

Post-exercise (within 30 minutes) produces the strongest DOMS reduction and soreness recovery effects. A 2017 meta-analysis of 18 randomised controlled trials found red light therapy reduced delayed onset muscle soreness by an average of 43% versus placebo when applied post-exercise.

Pre-exercise pre-conditions the mitochondria and may reduce muscle damage during the session. A 2024 meta-analysis of 34 randomised controlled trials found pre-exercise photobiomodulation significantly improved muscle endurance and recovery markers.

Daily use is safe and appropriate during active recovery phases. 5–7 sessions per week is the standard protocol used across the peer-reviewed literature for general recovery.

For heavy strength training, some evidence suggests alternating treatment days or taking a week off every three weeks to avoid blunting adaptation responses. For general fitness and recovery in the 30–55 age group, daily use is the recommended approach.

6–10cm (2–4 inches) from the skin surface is the optimal distance. This delivers maximum irradiance while ensuring even coverage across the treatment area.

Closer is better for penetration — contact mode allows approximately 78% tissue penetration versus around 25% at 1cm distance. The Cellux Core's >84mW/cm² irradiance delivers a full therapeutic dose comfortably within this range.

Yes — always. Red light therapy works locally. The panel must be directed at the specific muscle, joint, or area being treated. It does not work systemically from a general position.

On full-body training days, prioritise the largest muscle groups worked in that session. For injury treatment, position the panel directly over the affected site.

Most users notice reduced soreness within 2–3 sessions. Studies show measurable decreases in muscle damage markers within 72 hours of use, and a single session has produced measurable soreness reduction in controlled trials.

For ongoing recovery, daily use over 1–2 weeks typically produces a clear, cumulative improvement in how quickly you recover between sessions.

Tendons have poor blood supply and repair on a longer timescale than muscle. A realistic, evidence-based timeline:

Weeks 1–2: Reduced pain during and after activity, decreased morning stiffness.
Weeks 2–4: Noticeable improvement in pain during daily movement.
Weeks 8–12: Deeper structural improvement as collagen remodelling progresses.

Consistency beats intensity — 3–5 sessions per week for 8 weeks, 15–20 minutes directly over the affected joint per session.

The 660nm and 850nm wavelengths are absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase — an enzyme inside your mitochondria — triggering a chain reaction that increases ATP (cellular energy) production. More ATP means your cells have more energy to repair tissue, reduce inflammation, and rebuild.

660nm Red Light targets surface tissue, skin and superficial muscle (2–3mm depth) — stimulating collagen synthesis and reducing surface inflammation.

850nm Near-Infrared reaches deep muscle, joints, tendons and bone (3–5cm depth) — driving ATP production and reducing deep-tissue inflammation.

Yes. No evidence of harm from daily use exists in the peer-reviewed literature. Research supports 20–60 J/cm² per muscle group per session as the safe and effective therapeutic dose range. The Cellux Core's >84mW/cm² irradiance delivers this in a standard 10–20 minute session.

Red light therapy is generally safe for healthy adults. Consult your GP before use if you: have active cancer or are undergoing chemotherapy; are pregnant; have epilepsy or are photosensitive; have a pre-existing eye condition; or are taking photosensitising medication.

The Cellux Core is a wellness device, not a medical device, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition.