Continuous vs Pulsed Red Light Therapy: Does Frequency Make a Difference?

Once you understand the basics of red light therapy, you will often see another technical word appear in device descriptions: frequency. Some panels run in a simple continuous mode where the LEDs stay on the entire session. Others offer pulsed modes where the light turns on and off very quickly at a specific number of times per second. That raises a natural question. Does continuous versus pulsed red light therapy actually matter for your results?

In this guide, you will learn what continuous and pulsed light really mean, how frequency might influence tissues, what current research suggests, and how to make a practical choice when you set up your Biolight routine.

What Continuous and Pulsed Light Actually Mean

To understand the difference, it helps to think in terms of time rather than just brightness.

Continuous red light therapy

In continuous mode, the LEDs stay on without interruption for the entire session. The light intensity may be stable or sometimes slightly ramped, but it does not intentionally switch on and off at a set frequency. If you stand in front of a continuous Biolight panel, you see a steady glow from start to finish.

Key characteristics of continuous mode:

• Constant photon flow to the skin during the session
  
  

• Dose is easy to calculate from irradiance and time
  
  

• Most early photobiomodulation research used continuous light
  
  

Because it is simple and predictable, continuous light has become the standard reference in many studies and protocols.

Pulsed red light therapy

In pulsed mode, the device rapidly switches the LEDs on and off at a chosen rate, expressed in hertz. One hertz means one on off cycle per second. In practice, devices often use frequencies like 10 hertz, 40 hertz, or higher.

Key characteristics of pulsed mode:

• Light arrives in bursts rather than a steady stream
  
  

• Average power over time can be lower than the peak power when the LEDs are on
  
  

• Some researchers believe pulses may change how tissues respond to light
  
  

To your eyes, a fast pulse often looks steady because the on off cycle is faster than your visual system can detect. At slower frequencies, you may see a gentle flicker.

How Frequency Might Influence Biological Effects

Both continuous and pulsed modes use the same wavelengths, such as red and near infrared. The difference is the pattern of delivery. There are several reasons scientists have explored pulsing in photobiomodulation.

Tissue rest and recovery time

One idea is that pulsing gives tissues brief rest periods between bursts of light. During the off phases, oxygen, blood flow, and cellular systems might reset slightly before the next pulse. Supporters of pulsed protocols suggest that this recovery time could help tissues respond more strongly to each burst.

From this point of view:

• Continuous light offers a steady input
  
  

• Pulsed light offers repeated signals with short gaps in between
  
  

Whether this is helpful may depend on tissue type, condition, and overall dose.

Frequency as a signaling pattern

Another idea is that biological systems may respond differently to different frequencies. For example, brain waves, heart rhythms, and many cellular processes show natural rhythmic activity. Some researchers have wondered whether specific pulse frequencies might resonate more strongly with certain tissues or processes.

In this view, a 10 hertz pulse might have a different biological signature than a 100 hertz pulse even if the total energy delivered is similar. The science in this area is still developing and results are not fully consistent.

Managing heat and comfort

Pulsing can also influence practical comfort. When power is delivered in bursts rather than continuously, the average energy over time can be lower. This may help manage heat in certain applications or allow higher peak power in short bursts without making the skin feel too warm. For most home Biolight users with well designed panels, comfort at normal distances is already good, so this is a secondary point.

What Current Research Suggests

Continuous light has the longest and largest research history in photobiomodulation. Pulsed light has growing but more limited data. Understanding this balance is important when you choose settings.

The evidence for continuous light

Most of the foundational work showing that red and near infrared light can support mitochondrial function, tissue repair, and discomfort modulation has used continuous output. These studies show that, with appropriate wavelengths and doses, continuous light can:

• Support ATP production and mitochondrial signaling
  
  

• Influence collagen, elastin, and skin appearance
  
  

• Aid recovery and comfort in muscles and joints
  
  

This is one reason why many red light therapy protocols still default to continuous mode. It is simple, well studied, and easy to dose.

The evidence for pulsed light

Pulsed light studies are more mixed. Some experiments suggest that pulsing at certain frequencies may provide equal or sometimes stronger effects than continuous light with the same average dose. Others find little difference or show that continuous light performs just as well.

Patterns that appear in the literature include:

• Pulsed light can sometimes match continuous light at lower average doses
  
  

• Certain frequencies may show promising effects in brain and nerve related applications
  
  

• Not all tissues or conditions respond better to pulsed light
  
  

Because the data is not uniform, it is hard to claim that pulsed light is always superior. At this stage, pulsing should be seen as a potentially useful refinement rather than a required feature for good results.

What this means for Biolight users

For everyday wellness goals such as skin support, general recovery, and energy, continuous light already has a strong track record. Pulsed modes, where available, may be interesting to experiment with after you have built a consistent baseline routine and want to explore small adjustments.

Choosing Between Continuous and Pulsed Modes in Practice

When you stand in front of a panel, you need simple guidance, not a stack of research papers. Here are practical ways to think about the choice.

When continuous mode makes the most sense

Continuous mode is often the best starting point if you:

• Are new to red light therapy
  
  

• Want skin, recovery, and general energy support
  
  

• Prefer straightforward protocols that are easy to repeat
  
  

A basic continuous routine might look like:

• Three to five sessions per week
  
  

• Eight to fifteen minutes per position, following device guidelines
  
  

• A comfortable distance from the panel so that light feels warm but not hot
  
  

With Biolight devices, this kind of continuous routine is designed to deliver a useful, research inspired dose without complex adjustments.

When pulsed mode might be worth exploring

Pulsed mode may be worth considering if:

• You are already consistent with continuous sessions and want to experiment
  
  

• You are working with a practitioner who suggests specific frequencies
  
  

• You are curious about how your body responds to different delivery patterns
  
  

If your device offers pulsed settings, a simple way to experiment is:

• Keep total session time similar to your continuous routine
  
  

• Start with moderate frequencies rather than extreme low or high values
  
  

• Make only one change at a time so you can notice any differences
  
  

Track how your skin, recovery, and energy feel over several weeks. If you do not notice any benefit or if pulsing feels uncomfortable, it is reasonable to return to continuous mode.

What matters more than mode

For most users, big picture factors matter more than the mode you choose:

• Wavelengths that reach the tissues you care about
  
  

• A realistic dose built from irradiance and time
  
  

• Consistency across weeks and months
  
  

A well designed Biolight panel can deliver all of these in continuous mode. Pulsed options, where offered, are an extra tool rather than the foundation of your results.

Key Takeaway

Continuous and pulsed red light therapy use the same therapeutic wavelengths. The difference lies in delivery pattern. Continuous mode provides a steady flow of light and has the largest research base. Pulsed mode delivers bursts of light at specific frequencies and may influence tissues differently in certain situations, although evidence is still developing. For most people using Biolight devices for skin, recovery, and general energy, a simple continuous routine is an effective starting point. Pulsed settings can be explored later as a fine tuning option rather than a requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Continuous and Pulsed Red Light

Is pulsed red light therapy always better than continuous light?

No. While some studies suggest potential advantages of pulsing in specific scenarios, continuous light has a longer and broader evidence base. For many everyday goals, continuous red light therapy performs very well. Pulsed light is better viewed as an optional refinement rather than a guaranteed upgrade.

Can I switch between continuous and pulsed modes in the same week?

Yes, many people experiment with both modes over time. If you switch modes, it is helpful to keep other variables such as session length, distance, and weekly frequency similar. That way you have a better chance of noticing whether the change in mode makes any difference for you.

How do I know which frequency to use in pulsed mode?

There is no single best frequency that fits everyone or every goal. If you are working with a practitioner who has experience in photobiomodulation, follow their guidance. If you explore on your own, start with the device’s default pulsed setting and track how you feel over several weeks. If you do not notice benefits or if the pulsing feels uncomfortable, you can return to continuous mode.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting or changing any wellness or light therapy routine, especially if you manage health conditions, are pregnant, or take prescription medications.