BIOMAX PRO Series Intensity
BIOMAX PRO NANO
BIOMAX PRO MIDI
BIOMAX PRO GRANDE
BIOMAX PRO ULTRA
First, Know the Two Key Terms and Tests
1. mW/cm² = Power Intensity
This tells you how intense the light is at any given moment.
Think of it like the pressure of a hose, how fast water (light) is hitting your skin right now.
- Unit: mW/cm² or milliwatts per square centimeter
- High mW/cm² = Higher intensity
- Low mW/cm² = Lower intensity
How it's measured and calculated:
There are currently two different methods that are commonly used to measure intensity of a therapy light.
Center Point Test with Solar Power Meter: A single center point test is performed using a handheld solar power meter. These were the first tests that were performed and used in the industry by PlatinumLED and they became the industry standard before proper testing methods and equipment became available.
3rd Party Lab Test Sample Area Method: A professional, calibrated spectrometer is used and a small sample area of the light is used with a single point measured at each one inch interval within the sample area. The average of all of these readings is calculated and a single number in terms of mW/cm2 is given. This method is now the new standard for intensity testing.
Advantage: Provides the intensity level for more accurate usage in various applications
Disadvantage: Does not provide the total and accurate light energy output of a panel since only a small sample area is used for measurement.
2. Joules = Total Light Energy Received Over Time
This tells you how intense the light is at any given moment.
Think of it like the pressure of a hose, how fast water (light) is hitting your skin right now.
- Unit: mW/cm² or milliwatts per square centimeter
- High mW/cm² = Higher intensity
- Low mW/cm² = Lower intensity
How it's measured and calculated:
The entire light is placed inside a closed measurement chamber and all light photons being emitted are captured and measured over time. A professional, calibrated spectrometer is used.
Advantage: Provides a superior measurement of a panel’s true output for both usage and comparison purposes
Disadvantage: With larger lights, not all light may be hitting the target so not all light energy measured may be being used
How to Think About It
- mW/cm² = speed of delivery
- Joules = total energy received
If the light energy is too low, you’ll need longer sessions.
If the energy dose is too high, you may overdo it.
How to Read the Intensity Chart
This chart shows exactly what your panel delivers based on your distance from it.
1. Distance from the Panel (Bottom Row)
These are the 6", 12", 18", 24", and 36" markings.
- Closer = Higher intensity, less body coverage
- Farther = Lower intensity, but covers more of your body
2. mW/cm² (Power Density)
Shown above each distance:
- 6" = XXX mW/cm²
- 12" = XXX mW/cm²
- 18" = XXX mW/cm²
- 24" = XXX mW/cm²
- 36" = XXX mW/cm²
- XXX = The variable number for each distance, for each panel
3. Coverage Area (in inches)
Next to each number, you’ll see the maximum treatment area size:
For example:
- 6" = 31×21″ (small beam, very strong)
- 36" = 91×81″ (large beam, gentler)
There’s always a tradeoff:
Closer = higher intensity, smaller area
Farther = lower intensity, larger area
How To Use This in Real Life
1. Decide what you're treating:
- Sensitive or facial skin surface? Go farther as to be gentler on these areas.
- Deep tissue therapy? Go closer for maximum intensity.
2. Choose a distance based on your goals:
- As a general rule of thumb, we’ve found that 10-20 minutes per treatment area, per day, at a distance of around 8”-14” for deep tissue or 16"-24" for superficial facial skin therapy on bare skin with a max of 2-3 treatment areas per day to be a great average usage guideline for basically all applications. We recommend using light therapy at least 3 to 5 times a week for optimal results. We would suggest to start slower/farther at first and then work your way up to the closer distance/longer exposure once your tolerance to the light has been found.
Final Takeaway
- Use mW/cm² to check the intensity of a panel
- Use Joules/cm² to track your actual dose and verify the total light energy being emitted from a panel
- Both are essential for effective red light therapy, and now you know how to read (and use) both.
Let us know if you still have questions, or head back to the product page to choose your panel and start optimizing your wellness routine.
