KNOWLEDGE · PRODUCTS · ROUTINES

Red light therapy and recovery FAQs.

Explore clear answers about PRFRM 1, red and near-infrared light, product selection, daily routines, specifications, safety and ownership. PRFRM 1 products are wellness devices designed for structured recovery, performance, skincare and everyday wellbeing routines. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease, and individual experiences may vary.

30 clear answers · One recovery system

Section 1

About PRFRM 1 and red light technology

Start with the fundamentals: what PRFRM 1 is, how the product range fits together and how to understand red and near-infrared light responsibly.

What is PRFRM 1?

PRFRM 1—pronounced Perform One—is a premium recovery technology brand focused on red light therapy, performance recovery, wellness technology and optimisation. Its products are designed for athletes, active individuals, wellness and longevity users, and people building premium recovery routines at home.

What products does PRFRM 1 make?

The PRFRM 1 range includes five products:

  • CORE: a half-body red and near-infrared light panel for broader coverage.
  • BEAM: an adjustable, targeted red and near-infrared light device.
  • DESK: a compact desktop light panel for workspaces and everyday routines.
  • FLOW: wireless full-leg compression boots with integrated red and near-infrared light.
  • SKIN: a wearable, multi-wavelength LED face mask for cosmetic skincare routines.
What is red light therapy?

Red light therapy is the everyday term commonly used for controlled exposure to selected red and near-infrared wavelengths. The related research field is known as photobiomodulation. Researchers study how wavelength, dose, distance and consistency may influence mitochondrial and cellular signalling pathways.

What is the difference between red light and near-infrared light?

Red light is visible to the eye, while near-infrared light is largely invisible. Different wavelengths are absorbed differently and are studied for different applications and tissue depths. A device's wavelength configuration, output, distance and session protocol all matter; the presence of a particular wavelength does not guarantee a specific result.

Is red light therapy supported by scientific research?

Photobiomodulation has been studied across exercise recovery, dermatology, rehabilitation and cellular-energy pathways. Findings vary according to the wavelength, delivered dose, treatment distance, protocol and population studied. PRFRM 1 uses selected wavelengths found in this research, while avoiding guaranteed or medical outcome claims.

Are PRFRM 1 products medical devices?

PRFRM 1 products are wellness devices. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or medical condition. If you have a medical condition, use medication that may increase light sensitivity, are pregnant, or have concerns about using light or compression technology, seek advice from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional before use.

Section 2

Choosing the right PRFRM 1 product

Match the product to the area you want to cover, the space available and the kind of routine you are most likely to repeat.

Which PRFRM 1 product is right for me?

Choose according to the area you want to cover and how the device will fit into your routine. Choose CORE for broader half-body sessions, BEAM for precise positioning around smaller areas, DESK for compact tabletop use, FLOW for full-leg pneumatic compression with integrated light, or SKIN for a hands-free cosmetic facial routine.

What is PRFRM 1 CORE designed for?

CORE is the flagship half-body panel for larger-area red and near-infrared light exposure. It is designed for stretching, mobility, post-training routines, home gyms and dedicated recovery spaces where wider coverage and less repositioning are priorities. Explore CORE.

What is PRFRM 1 BEAM designed for?

BEAM is designed for focused red and near-infrared light exposure across smaller areas such as the shoulders, knees, legs, upper or lower back. Its adjustable floor stand and focused 30-degree optical lens suit users who want precise positioning without a large panel setup. Explore BEAM.

What is PRFRM 1 DESK designed for?

DESK is a compact tabletop light panel designed for workspaces, home offices, bedrooms and personal recovery areas. It brings multi-wavelength light into an accessible format that can remain visible and easy to incorporate into a consistent daily routine. Explore DESK.

What is PRFRM 1 FLOW designed for?

FLOW is a rechargeable, wireless full-leg pneumatic compression system for lower-body recovery routines. Six air chambers apply controlled compression across the feet, calves and thighs, while 80 integrated LEDs add 660nm red and 850nm near-infrared light to the same session. Explore FLOW.

What is PRFRM 1 SKIN designed for?

SKIN is a wearable LED face mask for structured cosmetic skincare routines. Its contoured, hands-free design uses 84 LEDs and four selected wavelengths, allowing it to fit into repeatable morning or evening routines without holding a separate device. Explore SKIN.

Section 3

Comparing PRFRM 1 products

Understand the practical difference between broader coverage, focused positioning, wearable light and compression-led recovery.

What is the difference between CORE and BEAM?

CORE prioritises broader half-body coverage and is suited to dedicated recovery areas. BEAM prioritises targeted positioning around smaller areas such as a shoulder, knee or the lower back. Choose CORE when coverage is the priority and BEAM when precision and flexible positioning matter more.

What is the difference between CORE and DESK?

CORE is a larger, high-output half-body panel intended for home gyms and dedicated recovery spaces. DESK is a smaller tabletop panel intended for workspaces, bedrooms and compact personal setups. CORE reduces repositioning across larger areas; DESK makes daily accessibility and a smaller footprint the priority.

What is the difference between BEAM and DESK?

BEAM is a focused lamp on an adjustable floor stand, designed to direct light towards a specific body area. DESK is a compact tabletop panel designed to sit within an existing workspace or home routine. BEAM is the stronger choice for adjustable anatomical positioning; DESK is the simpler choice for compact, everyday placement.

How is FLOW different from conventional compression boots?

Many compression boots use pneumatic pressure alone and rely on a separate external control unit. FLOW combines six-chamber full-leg compression, five pressure levels, three recovery modes, integrated 660nm and 850nm LEDs, and rechargeable wireless controls in one system.

How is SKIN different from a PRFRM 1 light panel?

SKIN is contoured specifically for a hands-free facial skincare routine and includes blue, yellow, red and near-infrared wavelengths. CORE, BEAM and DESK are positioned for recovery and wellbeing routines across other areas of the body. Choose SKIN for wearable cosmetic facial use and a panel or targeted lamp for broader or more flexible positioning.

Section 4

Wavelengths, sessions and everyday use

Learn how wavelength configuration, session duration, positioning and consistency affect the way each product fits into a routine.

What wavelengths do PRFRM 1 products use?

Each PRFRM 1 product uses a different wavelength configuration:

  • CORE: 590nm, 630nm, 660nm, 670nm, 810nm, 830nm, 850nm and 1060nm.
  • BEAM: 660nm, 810nm, 850nm and 1060nm.
  • DESK: 480nm, 630nm, 660nm, 810nm, 830nm, 850nm and 1060nm.
  • FLOW: 660nm and 850nm.
  • SKIN: 450nm, 590nm, 660nm and 850nm.

Always refer to the individual product page and user guide for the configuration and operating instructions of your device.

Do more wavelengths automatically make a red light device better?

No. More wavelengths do not automatically mean a better device or a better outcome. The most appropriate configuration depends on the intended use, delivered output, coverage, distance and session protocol. PRFRM 1 uses different configurations for broad coverage, targeted recovery, desktop use, compression and cosmetic skincare rather than applying one specification to every product.

How long should a PRFRM 1 session last?

There is no single session time for every device. CORE has an adjustable 1–30 minute timer, while FLOW offers preset 10, 20 and 30 minute sessions. For BEAM, DESK and SKIN, follow the model-specific user guide. Start conservatively, use the device as instructed and prioritise a comfortable, repeatable routine rather than assuming that longer exposure is better.

How far should a PRFRM 1 light be positioned from the body?

The correct distance depends on the product, coverage area and routine. For general CORE use, the current guidance is around 30cm from the body, with distance adjusted for comfort and desired coverage. BEAM and DESK have different output and footprint measurements at different distances, so follow the product page and user guide rather than applying one distance to every device.

Can PRFRM 1 products be used every day?

PRFRM 1 products are designed to support consistent, repeatable routines. Suitability and frequency still depend on the device, the user and the supplied guidance. Start gradually, follow the user guide and reduce or stop use if a session causes discomfort or an unexpected reaction.

Section 5

Safety, output and ownership

Use every device as instructed, understand what its measurements mean and know when to seek product-specific or professional guidance.

Who should seek advice before using red light or compression technology?

Seek appropriate professional advice if you have a relevant medical condition, are pregnant, take photosensitising medication, have unusual light sensitivity or are unsure whether a device is suitable for you. Pneumatic compression is not appropriate for everyone: people with cardiovascular, circulatory or vascular conditions, a history of blood clots, an acute injury, pregnancy or another relevant condition should obtain medical advice before using FLOW. The supplied contraindication and safety guidance should always take priority.

What does irradiance mean, and why does distance matter?

Irradiance describes the light power reaching a surface and is commonly shown in milliwatts per square centimetre (mW/cm²). A device normally produces a higher irradiance across a smaller area at close range and a lower irradiance across a wider area as distance increases. Compare figures only when the measurement distance and method are also stated; the highest headline number is not automatically the most appropriate setting or the best device.

Why are near-infrared LEDs not always visible?

Near-infrared light sits beyond the visible red part of the spectrum, so it may appear faint or invisible even when the device is operating normally. Do not judge near-infrared output by brightness or look directly into the LEDs to test them. Use the device controls and indicators described in the product-specific user guide.

Do I need eye protection when using a PRFRM 1 device?

Red and near-infrared light can be very bright. Do not stare directly into the LEDs, and follow the eye-safety instructions supplied with the specific product, including using eye protection whenever the user guide requires or recommends it. Anyone with an eye condition, unusual light sensitivity or photosensitising medication should obtain appropriate professional advice before use.

Does red and near-infrared light work through clothing?

Fabric can block, absorb or scatter some of the light before it reaches the intended area. For CORE, BEAM and DESK routines, use the device on uncovered skin when the product-specific instructions direct you to do so. SKIN and FLOW are wearable systems and should be fitted exactly as described in their own user guides. Do not modify a product or ignore its supplied positioning and safety guidance.

Should I use red light before or after exercise?

PRFRM 1 devices can be incorporated into structured routines around stretching, mobility, warm-up or post-training recovery. There is no single timing protocol that is right for every person or product. Choose a time that fits the intended use in the product guide and that you can repeat consistently, rather than assuming that a longer or more intense session will produce a better outcome.

Can different PRFRM 1 products be used together?

Yes. The range is designed to support complementary routines: for example, CORE for broader coverage, BEAM for targeted positioning, FLOW for full-leg compression and SKIN for cosmetic facial use. Follow each product's instructions separately, and do not stack or extend light exposure over the same area beyond the supplied guidance. If you are unsure how to combine devices, contact PRFRM 1 for product-specific support.

Do PRFRM 1 products include a warranty, UK delivery and support?

PRFRM 1 offers free UK delivery and expert support across the range. CORE, BEAM, DESK and FLOW include a 3-year warranty, while SKIN includes a 1-year warranty. Warranty coverage is subject to the applicable terms and normal-use conditions. Review the current product page and store policies before purchase, or contact PRFRM 1 if you need help choosing, setting up or using a product.

BUILD YOUR RECOVERY SETUP

Still deciding which device fits your routine?

Explore the complete PRFRM 1 range or speak to our team for product guidance.