Distance from your red light panel dramatically affects the dose you receive. Irradiance follows the inverse-square law: double the distance, and you get one-quarter the irradiance. Here's the complete distance chart for optimal treatment.

The Inverse-Square Law

Light intensity drops off with the inverse square of distance:

  • 6 inches (baseline): 100% irradiance
  • 12 inches (2x distance): 25% irradiance (1/4)
  • 18 inches (3x distance): 11% irradiance (1/9)
  • 24 inches (4x distance): 6% irradiance (1/16)

Result: at 24 inches, you need 16x longer sessions for the same dose as at 6 inches.

Distance vs. Irradiance Chart

For a typical 100 mW/cm² panel (like the MitoMAX):

DistanceIrradianceTime for 10 J/cm²Time for 15 J/cm²
3 inches~140 mW/cm²~70 seconds~105 seconds
6 inches~100 mW/cm²~100 seconds (1.7 min)~150 seconds (2.5 min)
12 inches~60 mW/cm²~170 seconds (2.8 min)~250 seconds (4.2 min)
18 inches~40 mW/cm²~250 seconds (4.2 min)~375 seconds (6.3 min)
24 inches~25 mW/cm²~400 seconds (6.7 min)~600 seconds (10 min)

Distance by Goal

For Skin (Wrinkles, Acne)

6–8 inches from the panel. Close enough for therapeutic irradiance, far enough for full-face coverage.

For Pain Relief

4–6 inches from the affected joint or muscle. Closer = higher irradiance = deeper penetration.

For Full-Body Treatment

6–12 inches from the panel. Compromise between irradiance and coverage area.

For Sensitive Skin

12–18 inches from the panel. Lower irradiance is gentler on reactive skin.

For Hair Growth (LLLT helmet)

N/A — helmet sits directly on the head. Follow manufacturer instructions.

Positioning Tips

  • Measure distance — don't guess. Use a tape measure.
  • Sit or stand comfortably — you need to hold still for the full session
  • Treat both sides — for joints, treat front and back
  • Use a timer — track session time accurately
  • Wear eye protection — at any distance, panels are bright
  • Use a stand or wall mount — hands-free positioning

Frequently Asked Questions

For most uses, 6–12 inches. Closer (4–6 inches) for targeted pain treatment. Farther (12–18 inches) for sensitive skin or larger coverage area.
Yes — dramatically. Double the distance and you get 1/4 the irradiance. At 24 inches, you need 16x longer sessions for the same dose as 6 inches.
You get higher irradiance but smaller coverage area. At 3 inches, you may need to reduce session time to avoid over-treatment.
You get lower irradiance — possibly below the therapeutic threshold. At 24+ inches, you may not be getting enough light for benefits.
Use a tape measure from the panel surface to your skin. Don't guess — distances are easy to misjudge.
No — clothes block most light. Find a private space where you can treat bare skin at the right distance.

Best Panel for Distance Control

The MitoMAX 2.0 publishes real irradiance specs at multiple distances.

Check on Amazon →