red light therapy

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red light does not have the same effect as UV light, as you can see from the diagram, they are different wavelengths.

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red Light Therapy is the use of infrared (red low-level light wavelengths) to treat the skin. Tanners will use a red light sunbed in the same way as a UV sunbed, but with different results. 

There has also been an increase in people incorporating infrared into UV sunbeds, for a hybrid tanning experience, providing users with the best of both worlds. 

How does Infrared Light Therapy work?

The skin is exposed to infrared wavelengths which penetrate deeply into the skin and are absorbed by the skin’s cells, strengthening the mitochondria. The mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell where its energy is created. 

By increasing the function of the mitochondria, the skin has more energy. This means it can function more efficiently, rejuvenate, and repair damage.

Unlike laser of intense pulsed light (IPL), Red Light Therapy doesn’t damage the skin’s surface. Red Light Therapy directly stimulates the skin’s regeneration process. 

Why do people use Red Light Therapy?

There are many reasons why people use RLT as part of their wellbeing routine. We have listed some of the most common reasons below. 

1. Promotes skin rejuvenation 

Red light works to promote your skin’s blood circulation. Not only does this work to improve tan results if using red light in conjunction with UV tanning, but it also helps stimulate skin regeneration. 

Infrared is able to penetrate deeply into the skin. This helps promote skin cell growth for a glowing appearance and may also help combat sun damage.

2. Combats acne

Infrared works with your skin’s haemoglobin and activates your skin’s cells to eliminate acne. What’s more, this limits your blood supply to the sebaceous glands, ultimately working to prevent your skin from making too much oil that may result in spots.

This also works to diminish the appearance of scars, which may help for a smooth, even complexion.

3. Improves mood 

RLT tanning may also help with mood improvement. Sunlight is essential to our well-being, and it’s proven to improve moods by reducing depression triggers.

What’s more, research was done on patients with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which revealed that the regimen could improve depression symptoms.

4. Shortens healing time

It has been demonstrated that infrared may help speed up wounds recovery time. Not only does this help to reduce inflammation in injuries, but it also encourages regeneration of cells, positively impacting healing times and tissue repair. 

5. Promotes hair growth

Studies have shown that red light can improve hair growth in people with androgenetic alopecia, helping to regulate it and improve hair growth and density over time. 

6. Helps with anti-ageing

Red light can stimulate the skin’s natural production of collagen and elastin. These both work to plump the skin for a more youthful appearance. This also works to diminish the appearance of age spots and smooth out wrinkles.

7. Controls blood pressure

RLT tanning beds may also aid in lowering blood pressure. A study has proven its effectiveness in supporting the treatment of increased blood pressure or hypertension. This study also shows red light therapy is feasible and effective at inhibiting heme aggregation, resulting in more controlled blood pressure.

8. Relieves certain skin conditions

Some find an improvement in skin conditions such as psoriasis, thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects. 

Plus it may also help prevent recurring cold sores from herpes simplex virus infections. 

9. Relieves pain

A review in the European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine indicated infrared could reduce pain in adults with musculoskeletal disorders. 

There are also studies demonstrating red light’s ability to increase muscle mass and decrease inflammation after training, helping to relieve pain. 

This may also improve the effects of osteoporosis and tendonitis, encourage cartilage regeneration, and act as a short-term relief for rheumatoid arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome.

How can salons accommodate this for clients?

As this becomes more and more popular for both tanners and non-tanners, how can salons benefit from this and increase their services for clients?

Red light tanning

Although tubing a sunbed with just infrared tubes won’t provide tanners with any UV tanning development, this will offer a service of Red Light Therapy for clients. This is something that is currently a popular option in US salons, with tanners starting off on a red light sunbed, before then going for a tanning session after. Not only can this boost natural tan results, but also stimulate collagen and elastin production. 

Hybrid tanning

By combining both infrared with UV spectrums, you provide the best of both worlds; a golden tan, and the experience of red light tanning. 

This is now something that is featured as a staple in some premium sunbeds, such as Luxura Vegaz and megaSun P9S, promising for the best, most luxurious tanning experience for your clients. 

Rainbow tanning

This light spectrum combines UV light and red light with other coloured spectrums; green and yellow. Not only is this beautiful, but again, it offers a heightened tanning experience for your clients.You can find out more about rainbow tanning HERE.

Unsure what to provide alongside a hybrid, red light or rainbow tanning session?

Hot! Hybrid is an Intensifier, designed for hybrid tanning. A red light collagen boost uses superior skincare and colour boosters to promote collagen and elastin production which help to improve overall smoothness of skin when used with red light therapy or during a hybrid tanning session.

This has been a bestseller since its release thanks to this, alongside its premium skincare, and bestselling fragrance.

To find out more about red light, hybrid tanning or rainbow tanning, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team who will be happy to share more about this with you.