Red light therapy devices have become a common healing modality within many homes. They used to only be available in wellness clinics like chiropractors or physiotherapists. Now that companies have mastered creating user friendly and effective red light therapy devices for home use, anyone can receive these benefits daily. But, what red light therapy device is best? I am diving into two of the most popular portable red light therapy (RLT) device companies to see which is the better investment. We will dig into the nitty gritty of the Lumebox vs Bon charge RLT device so you can make the best choice for your own wellness journey.
* This post may include affiliate links. This means that products purchased from certain links will generate a small commission (At no extra cost to you). As always, I will only recommend brands that have passed my seal of approval and that I truly love. Thank you for supporting this little holistic space on the internet. *
* Information in this post is not professional medical advice and should not be relied on or used in place of consultation with healthcare professionals. Should you have any medical questions, please consult your primary healthcare provider. **
What is Red Light Therapy? How does it work?
Before we get into comparing Lumebox vs Bon charge, we must first understand what red light is and how it benefits us so greatly. Red light therapy (also known as ‘photobiomodulation’) is a technique used to treat certain health conditions, lower inflammation, and promote healing. It uses the exposure of low wavelength red light to help promote a variety of healing responses. works by repetitively exposing your skin to low levels of red and near-infrared light for a certain period of time. At low wavelengths, red light doesn’t generate heat and it doesn’t emit harmful UV rays, but it is able to penetrate deep into the layers of the skin to create healing.
Low wavelength red light helps support mitochondria, famously known as the “powerhouse of the cell”. Mitochondria helps support energy within your cells and is a key component of an internal process called ‘apoptosis’. Apoptosis is essentially cell death or the process by which unhealthy cells are disposed of from the body. This process occurs continuously to keep us our healthiest. Our Mitochondria are responsible for directing which cells need to be eliminated and which cells are healthy enough to stay. Mitochondria are incredibly important and associated with the state of our health. If we have low functioning mitochondria then our bodies are not able to create energy or turn over harmful cells that create health conditions and disease. By increasing the energy of the mitochondria, cells may function more efficiently, as well as rejuvenate and repair themselves.
In short, Mitochondria turns the food we eat into energy for our cells to use. Every cell in our body, with the exception of red blood cells, contains mitochondria. Many things in modern day living cause damage to out mitochondria which impairs their functions and leads to less energy for our cells. When cells don’t have energy, they don’t work as well. A good analogy for this process is a flash light running on a low battery, it produces a dimmer light and doesn’t work as it should. Think of red light therapy as a charger for your cells. Red light and infrared light penetrates deep into the skin, this means it can reach your mitochondria. Mitochondria is found in our skin, muscles, organs, joints, etc. This is how a Red light device is able to produce deep healing results within our bodies.
Red light therapy has become more popular over the years and it’s become a focus of study for many scientists. Just heading over to pubmed and typing in ‘red light therapy’ into the search bar yields well over 7000 results of experimental studies published on their platform alone. These studies range in topic and address a number of health conditions that red light therapy has been tested to support. Some of them are incredibly compelling with high rates of statistical significance. Some studies show promise with indication for further study noted. Regardless, we can certainly conclude that red light therapy is a well studied supportive therapy that can be applied a number of acute and chronic health conditions.
In addition to the studies published, there have been accounts of anecdotal evidence showing that people report significant benefits. I myself am one of them as I have seen my own benefits using red light therapy. I have experienced a smooth healing journey from a second grade ankle sprain with implementation of red light therapy. I have also seen improvements in skin texture/wrinkle reduction and some support over my thyroid with consistent use. In addition to that, I have witnessed its ability to speed healing from acute conditions like sore throats, sore stomachs and ear infections in my own children. Having a red light therapy device at home has just added a layer of healing we can reach for when we feel it will be helpful.
History of Red Light Therapy: How did we discover it?
How did red light therapy come about? The origins of this therapeutic light is actually quite interesting. We may just be hearing the buzz surrounding red light therapy in the last decade or two but the reality is that this therapy has been around for almost 60 years. In fact, there are even accounts of light therapy being used prior to this.
The Origins of the study of light first began in 1666 when physicist Isaac Newton discovered that sunlight could be separated into different wavelengths. He also found that those different wavelengths had differing behaviors and applications. Following this discovery came the invention of electric light by Thomas Edison in 1879. Prior to this, humans relied on sunlight and flame but with electric light came the ability to control and manipulate it.
Red Light Therapy was first officially discovered accidentally by Hungarian physician Endre Mester in 1967. During his time at Semmelwies Medical University in Budapest, Hungary, he noticed that Red Light Therapy helped promote hair growth and wound healing in rats. However, prior to this, there are records that show red light therapy was first used as medical therapy in 1893 when Nobel Laureate and a Danish physician Dr. Niels Ryberg Finsen successfully treated smallpox. Two years following this, they used it to treat Lupus.
It wasn’t until 1993 that red light therapy really gained popular traction. NASA stumbled upon red light therapy and its ability to promote plant growth in their experiments. The most interesting aspect of this study, however, presented itself as a by-product of the experiment. Researchers carrying out these experiments on plants found that during their time working and being exposed to high amounts of red light therapy, their wounds and skin lesions healed unexpectedly and rapidly.
This discovery lead to further experimentation and in 2001, NASA published a study in the scientific journal Photomedicine and Laser Surgery (Tafur, J., et. Al 2001). This study showed how red light therapy worked to promote healing. Researchers discussed that red light stimulates the mitochondria in the cells. They explained how red light plays an important role in the immune system and the body’s production of inflammation. Researchers also discussed how red light penetrates more deeply into the body than shorter wavelengths of light to induce healing. This study was monumental in supporting red light therapy as a viable form of healing for human use.
As of today, thousands of studies are being published in support of red light therapy and its ability to heal countless ailments. Red light therapy is now being seen in medical clinics, spas for its skin benefits, and peoples homes.
General Timeline for the Discovery of Red Light Therapy and it’s Health Benefits
- 1666: Isaac Newton discovers field of Optics (Separation of wavelengths and differing behaviors)
- 1879: Thomas Edison discovers electric light
- 1893: Light used in medicine for the first time (successful treatment of smallpox and lupus)
- 1917: Lasers developed
- 1935: Discovers of the Benefits of Vitamin D from Sunlight
- 1956: Medical benefits of phototherapy discovered (Jaundiced infants near sunlight experienced decrease of bilirubin levels)
- 1967: Dr. Endre Mester notices wound healing and hair growth from red light therapy in rats
- 1993: NASA accidently re-discovers wound healing properties of Red Light Therapy
- 2001: NASA finds and publishes research on red light therapy’s ability to enhance healing
- 2008: Important study published confirming red lights healing effects on human body
- 2012: Red light therapy found to improve sleep
- 2013: Red light therapy found to improve cognitive function
- 2016: Red light therapy found to improve inflammation
- Current: Thousands of studies emerging proving the efficacy of red light therapy on a number of acute and chronic health conditions
16 Health Benefits of Red Light Therapy
Considering red light therapy works by supporting our mitochondria, there are a vast number of health benefits and ailments that this form of therapy could support. Research is ongoing and continues to bring about new uses and applications for red light therapy across a number of different illnesses, injuries, diseases, etc. That being said, there are a handful of health benefits that have been well studied as it pertains to the use of red light therapy. Here are a few idea of how you could use red light therapy to induce healing in your own life. Red light therapy helps support:
- collagen production
- skin conditions (eczema, acne, psoriasis)
- anti-aging and wrinkle reduction
- reduction of inflammation
- healing of the thyroid
- acute illness (throat, ear infection, etc.)
- acute injury (sprains, muscle strains, bumps and bruises, etc.)
- chronic conditions (arthritis, pain from past joint injuries, etc.)
- activation of the lymph and detox
- reversing of sun damage
- rapid wound healing
- pain management and reduction
- cancer
- improved athletic performance
- better sleep
- improved mood & energy
This list is not comprehensive and doesn’t cover the wide range of benefits seen from the use of this therapy but it does give a good idea of some of the most well studied ailments healing with RLT.
Lumebox vs. Bon Charge: Comparing Portable Red Light Therapy Devices
Two of the most popular devices on the internet are currently the two we are looking into today, Lumebox vs Bon charge. These companies both offer a portable design making red light therapy convenient and easy to use at home. These devices are affordable given their size and their portability provides the ability to use them on the go if need be. Each of these devices offer therapeutic benefit but they have some differences between them. I have my own preference which I will get into later in this article, but I wanted to compare the two devices so you could see which option may benefit you and your family. I will be comparing the Lumebox vs bon charge below among the following 6 categories: power/irradiance/wavelengths, battery life/longevity, EMF exposure, FDA classification (safety & effectiveness), Price & Warranty, and Additional Features.
#1 Power/Irradiance/Wavelengths: Lumebox vs Bon charge
What is irradiance? How is it measured?
The most important aspect of a Red Light device is it’s irradiance level. The irradiance level determines the dosage of light you receive and how far it can penetrate to areas of the body.
There are many ways to achieve a false higher irradiance result, and a lot of companies out there use hand-held light meters, which are not usually very accurate. The readings may be affected by a variety of things, like the type of meter, the placement and angle between the device and testing equipment, or not using a final product for testing.
Before I get into comparing the irradiance levels between these two devices, we should first understand the measurements. What is the recommended irradiance level for effective red light therapy? For deeper cellular penetration, an irradiance level greater than 120 mW/cm² at the point of therapy is recommended, and for surface treatments, an irradiance level between 25 mW/cm² and 120 mW/cm² is appropriate.
Lumebox Irradiance Levels
To ensure they could confidently support their irradiance numbers, Lumebox tested these levels at two different independent laboratories. The first lab reported that irradiance for both red light and NIR were well above 150 mW/cm2. The second lab used more advanced testing equipment, in a standardized, controlled lab environment, at 1cm away from the device (not 0cm, which would again falsely give a high reading because the closer you are to the light source, the higher the irradiance). The irradiance was 140 mW/cm2 for NIR and 125 mW/cm2 for red light. Overall, the Lumebox was third party tested for it’s irradiance level and the Lumebox was found to have 58% greater red light irradiance and 80% greater near infrared irradiance than other devices on the market.
Note: Lumebox also tested two other leading brands at the second lab, and their irradiance came out significantly lower than what they claim on their website. So, it is important to ensure that you know the irradiance levels from a brand AS WELL as the process used by the labs to provide the level readings. Many companies use faulty testing and declare irradiance readings that are falsified during the testing process. You want to be sure that you are getting what they claim.
Bon charge Irradiance Levels
Bon charge does not get into the details of their testing but they do claim to have tested their devices in an independent laboratory. Their Red Light Therapy Devices start at >100mw/cm2 and upwards, depending on the unit size. Their portable mini device is measured at >100mw/cm2.
Wavelengths: Understanding Red Light and Near Infrared Light
Red light therapy uses both red light and near infrared light. The most commonly used wavelengths in red light therapy are:
- 660nm (Red Light): Penetrates the skin up to 2-3 millimeters, ideal for surface treatments such as improving skin health and reducing inflammation.
- 850nm (Near-Infrared Light): Penetrates deeper into the body, reaching muscles, joints, and even bones
Both the Lumebox and the Bon Charge portable devices provide the above levels of Red light AND Near-Infrared Light. This ensures you can use these devices for a variety of reasons. Both can be used for deeper penetration in healing muscles, joints and bones. They can also both be used closer to the surface of skin for improving skin health and overall inflammation.
#2 Battery life/Longevity: Lumebox vs Bon charge
Comparing battery life and longevity of Lumebox vs Bon charge is important as both devices are portable. Portability offers some versatility in used as compared to larger models that are much heavier and difficult to move. In fact, Lumebox doesn’t offer a larger model because they have found that the quality of their model offers the same therapeutic benefits as a larger panel would for ailments. The portability means you can move freely within your home, use it in whichever room you choose and can even bring along with you when you leave the home. Both Lumebox and Bon charge models offer a travel case to keep the devices safe so you can bring them with you anywhere.
One thing to consider with portable devices is their battery life or longevity. If they aren’t plugged into a wall during use, you’ll want to be sure they can maintain their life at a lengthier period. Nothing worse than having the ease of portability only to find out your device doesn’t hold a charge that well so you have to finish your session sitting on the floor next to a power outlet.
Lumebox Battery life & Longevity
LUMEBOX is equipped with a 37.96 Wh (10400mAh) lithium-ion battery. The battery life is 140-150 minutes at a full charge. This allows for multiple uses over one full charge of the battery. The Lumebox comes with an AC Adapter charger that plugs into a wall outlet for a simple and effective charge everytime. This battery takes approximately 2 hours to full charge.
Bon Charge Battery life & Longevity
Bon Charge is . The battery life is 80-90 minutes at a full charge, which is roughly a 40% lower charge life that Lumebox offers. It definitely requires more charging time between sessions. The Bon charge mini comes with a USB charger which can plug into any device with this type of output. I personally prefer the Lumebox’s AC adapter over a USB charger for the quality and easier access to a power source.
#3 EMF Readings & Exposure: Lumebox vs Bon Charge
With anything that gives off certain energy, we have become much more mindful of technology and EMF exposure. Electromagnetic Frequency (EMF) exposure has been linked to many health issues. There isn’t a world today in which zero EMF exposure is possible unless you live in the middle of a secluded forest with no technology whatsoever. That being said, it is important to ensure that the products we use have the lowest possible exposure as possible. Because a red light therapy device is something that requires physical proximity to work, it is important to look into a company’s third party safety tests on EMF’s.
** Important: It’s worth noting that many companies report their EMF readings at a distance of 6″ from the device. This approach can be misleading because EMF naturally decreases with distance. By reporting readings at 6″, they can sometimes present a 0uT reading. **
Lumebox EMF testing
Lumebox is tested for low EMF. They provide true safety testing for electromagnetic frequency exposure that is much more reliable and trustworthy than other companies. Their approach to EMF testing sets them apart. While testing for EMF can sometimes yield inaccurate results due to various external factors, they’ve chosen to go the extra mile. Instead of relying on hand-held EMF meters, Lumebox opts for independent lab testing, ensuring the utmost precision and credibility in results. It’s worth noting that many companies report their EMF readings at a distance of 6″ from the device. This approach can be misleading because EMF naturally decreases with distance. By reporting readings at 6″, they can sometimes present a 0uT reading, which is applicable to LUMEBOX as well.
However, Lumebox believes in transparency and precision, so they take the bold step of testing EMF at 0 cm from the device in an independent lab. The results show a minimal reading of 0.2uT, signifying extremely low EMF emissions. To put this into perspective, common household appliances like hair dryers often produce EMF levels 50-100 times higher.
Bon charge EMF testing
Bon charge has also performed third party testing for it’s EMF levels and has found their device to give off zero EMF.
The only drawback from Bon Charge’s testing is that they do not disclose the distance at which their devices are tested. This could mean that they test from the standard distance as most red light companies. At this distance, LUMEbox provides a zero EMF reading as well. I do love that Lumebox offers additional testing with zero distance between the device and the subject. This is important because most individuals will be using the device closer than the standard testing distance.
#4 FDA Registration and Classification (Safety/effectiveness)
The FDA is responsible for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medical products that come onto the market. It’s a seal of approval that means the product has met certain requirements to ensure safety to the consumers. There are different classifications that can be given. It is important to understand the distinction between “registering a product” with the FDA and having a product classified with certain ratings. Registering a product simply ensures basic safety standards are being met. All medical device companies, regardless of the consumer risk posed by their devices, must register with the FDA in order to commercialize in the United States. Marketing a medical device without FDA registration is not only dangerous for consumers, but illegal.
Some companies choose to go beyond this and have their products undergo more rigorous testing and evaluation. If successful, this could result in their product being classified as a medical device. This ensures more in depth safety levels are met as well as effectiveness of the product.
Lumebox FDA Classification
Lumebox is successfully registered with the FDA under registration #3021574099. Lumebox is also 510k cleared. A 510k clearance means the company has paid for and requested the FDA provide their product with extensive review. It is legally required to market a product as a medical device within the US. To receive a 510k clearance the manufacturer of a medical device must provide the following:
- description and intended use
- product specifications
- a comprehensive list of functions performed by the device
- assurance of safety AND efficacy
- labelling requirements
- any potential hazards from misuse of the device
- third party test results that provide proof of the devices safety and efficacy
To obtain clearance, the device must meet more rigorous requirements. There must be data and substantial research based evidence to support the devices ability to work therapeutically within a clinical setting while also maintaining safety requirements. Essentially, this serves as proof that you as the consumer are getting a safe medical device that actually provides therapeutic benefit. The submission process for a 510k clearance can be time consuming and complex. But it is the gold standard seal of approval that provides consumers with the assurance that they will be receiving a device that really works and is safe for them to use. The Lumebox is successfully 510k cleared as a Class II Medical Device.
Bon Charge FDA Classification
Lumebox is successfully registered with the FDA under registration #3017619003. Registration ensures that the product has been deemed safe to enter the US market. It is important to note that registration is important but does not hold the same standard as being FDA cleared. So while it is very important to know that a product is registered with the FDA to be legally sold within the United States, this does not speak to the efficacy of the device.
My #1 Pick: Lumebox vs Bon Charge
There is one portable red light device that stands out in my opinion and that is the LUMEBOX.
After comparing many options on the market, I was between the Lumebox vs Bon charge red light devices. Lumebox is the device that I choose to utilize within my home for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, when choosing a red light therapy device I want to ensure the highest assurance of safety and efficacy. Is it safe to use? Does it actually work? Only Lumebox has taken significant steps to ensure that their device meets these standards.
Safety is a standard legal requirement for a device to be sold withing the United States, so any RLT device registered with the FDA will provide that requirement. But does the device work and provide the therapeutic benefit it claims to? If I choose to spend my money on a RLT device for my health and wellness, I want to know that it works. The only device I have seen that has received this type of 510k clearance and is classified as a true medical device is the Lumebox. Research evidence and testing has assured that it will provide clinical benefit to the consumer. It also has an origin story that speaks to why the company went above and beyond to ensure it’s effectiveness. Lumebox was created by an MD who looked for a device for her father who was bed bound from piriformis syndrome. She couldn’t find one that was strong enough to deliver healing results, so she created her own and named it the Lumebox. I’ve been in the wellness world for many years and I can say without a doubt that the best wellness products I have come across came from someone who invented them to help heal their own loved ones or themselves. There is no greater goal than ensuring the wellness of your Family.
It’s portable design is convenient but the hand held red light devices are actually bigger and at a better price point (especially with the generous discount code they offer my readers). Red light therapy used to be expensive; administered by salons or clinics only. Each visit could cost $200+. Now Red Light therapy devices are being offered to consumers for at home use but not all devices are the same quality. Lumebox has some of the highest standards and have even registered their device as a class II medical device thanks to its registry with the FDA and the third party testing proving its efficacy and safety. Here are some of the standards that set Lumebox apart from other red light therapy devices on the market:
- Lumebox is designed by an MD
- Lumebox is registered a Class II medical device
- Lumebox is registered with the FDA
- Accessible and Affordable price
- Lab tested by a third party for high irradiance and safety
- Delivers both red and near infrared light simultaneously for maximum benefit
- No damaging UV rays present
- 58% greater red light irradiance
- 80% greater near infrared irradiance
- Low EMF
- Powerful, and 25% percent bigger than most portable devices for larger treatment areas
- Portable design so you can enjoy the benefits of LED RLT anywhere you want
Shop Lumebox + Lumebox Discount Code
Lumebox was incredibly gracious in offering my readers a steep discount. Shop the Lumebox HERE and the discount should apply to cart automatically. Incase it doesn’t convert itself, you can also manually add my discount code to your cart at checkout (Discount code: THEHOLISTICVANITY).
The Lumebox Device Includes:
– Handheld Red Light Device
– Travel Case
– Battery
– Removable Comfort-Grip Accessory
– A/C Adapter
– User Manual
– Protective Eyewear
HSA/FSA Eligibility
As an additional benefit, the Lumebox is approved for HSA (Health Savings Account) and FSA (Flexible Savings Account) coverages. For those who want to pay with their HSA/FSA, after adding my discount code, you can then use the prompts at checkout to finalize payment by choosing the HSA/FSA option. Simply check out as a guest and follow the prompts.
I hope this post was informative and helped provide some insight on how to choose the best red light device. There are many factors to consider when investing in a product that will help support your wellness journey. I have personally used the Lumebox for well over a year exclusively and can attest to it’s effectiveness. At this point, no other RLT device has surpassed it in my opinion.
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