X39 vs Red Light Therapy: What’s the Difference and Which Fits Your Routine?

Light-based wellness has gone mainstream. Red light panels are in gyms, spas and spare bedrooms, and LED face masks are all over social media. Because LifeWave describes X39 as phototherapy, people often ask: “Is X39 the same as red light therapy? Which one should I use?”

They’re quite different products, with different formats, costs and levels of evidence. As a LifeWave Brand Partner I have a financial interest in one of them, so I’ll be upfront about where each one stands.

Here’s a clear, honest comparison to help you decide what, if anything, fits your routine.

What is red light therapy?

Red light therapy, also called photobiomodulation or low-level light therapy, uses LEDs or lasers to shine specific wavelengths of red (around 630–670nm) and near-infrared (around 800–880nm) light onto the skin. Research has explored it for skin, muscle recovery, joint comfort and more, with stronger evidence in some areas than others.

A common proposed mechanism involves light being absorbed by the mitochondria, the energy-producing parts of cells. See mitochondria explained. For a full guide to devices, doses and safety, see my red light therapy home guide and photobiomodulation explained.

What is LifeWave X39?

X39 is a small adhesive patch with no batteries, LEDs or electrical parts. LifeWave describes it as passive phototherapy that uses body heat and reflects light. I describe it only as a non-transdermal, general-wellness phototherapy patch that gently stimulates the skin with light to support the body’s natural energy flow for strength and stamina. Nothing passes into the body. You wear it on the skin, typically for most of the day. See what is phototherapy?

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How do they compare side by side?

	Red light therapy	LifeWave X39
Format	Powered panel, mask or wand	Small passive patch
Time	Sessions of roughly 10–20 minutes	Worn through the day
Upfront cost	Higher (device purchase)	Lower, with an ongoing monthly cost
Portability	Limited for panels	Goes anywhere
Research base	Larger, varied, mixed quality	Smaller, mostly company-sponsored
Main precaution	Eye protection, follow dosing	Adhesive skin sensitivity

Which is better?

It depends on what you want. If you want a device with a broader independent research base, and you’ll actually sit in front of it consistently, red light therapy is worth considering. If you want something that fits into a busy life with zero extra time, a patch you put on in the morning is hard to beat for convenience.

To be clear: I have a financial interest in X39, and the independent research on red light is more extensive. Make the choice that suits your budget, your routine and your expectations.

How do you choose?

1. Be honest about consistency. A panel you use twice and then forget is wasted money.
2. Check your budget. Compare a one-off device cost with an ongoing monthly cost over a year.
3. Check your health. If you have a skin condition, take light-sensitising medication or have had skin cancer, talk to your doctor first.
4. Set realistic expectations. Both are extras on top of the basics, not replacements.

What are the common mistakes?

• Expecting a miracle. Neither is a cure or treatment for anything.
• Skipping eye protection with bright panels.
• Buying cheap, unverified devices with unclear wavelengths or output.
• Neglecting the basics. Training, sleep, protein and steps do the heavy lifting.

What comes first in my routine?

The foundation is the same for everyone: I lift every second day, walk 10,000+ steps daily, use the cold plunge, sauna and steam most days, and take 10 PerfectAmino tablets a day for protein support. I track body composition monthly on the Hume Body Pod, and I use the Operator Standard app to stay consistent.

Try PerfectAmino → See the Hume Pod → Join Operator Standard →

Where does X39 fit?

I wear an X39 patch every day as a general-wellness habit, on top of that foundation. It’s a non-transdermal, general-wellness phototherapy patch that gently stimulates the skin with light to support the body’s natural energy flow for strength and stamina.

Shop X39 at my LifeWave store →

Frequently asked questions

Is X39 the same as red light therapy?

No. Red light therapy uses a powered device that emits light. X39 is a passive, non-transdermal patch.

Which has more research?

Red light therapy has a larger and more varied body of published research.

Can I use X39 and red light therapy together?

Many people use more than one wellness habit. Follow each product’s instructions, and check with your doctor if you have a health condition.

Is red light therapy safe?

Generally, when used as directed. Protect your eyes and check with your doctor if you have skin conditions or take light-sensitising medication.

Which is cheaper?

Red light devices cost more upfront; patches cost less upfront but have an ongoing monthly cost.

Does X39 treat any condition?

No. X39 is a non-transdermal, general-wellness phototherapy patch that gently stimulates the skin with light to support the body’s natural energy flow for strength and stamina. It is not a treatment for any condition.

Related reading

Red Light Therapy Home Guide · Photobiomodulation · What Is Phototherapy? · X39 Side Effects · Patches vs Supplements