Red light therapy beds may look similar in design to tanning beds, but the two couldn’t be more different. Beyond their appearance, red light therapy and tanning beds vary drastically, differing in functionality, safety, and results—they serve distinct roles and have contrasting effects on one’s skin and overall health. Discover the key differences between LED red light therapy and tanning beds.
Light Wavelengths
The light waves in tanning and red light therapy beds are fundamentally different. Tanning beds use ultraviolet (UV) light rays, typically in the range of 280-400 nanometers, which can be harmful to skin health with prolonged exposure. This high-energy light radiation is akin to the rays the sun emits.
On the other hand, red light therapy uses red and near-infrared light waves, typically between 600-850 nanometers. These wavelengths are beneficial to skin health, as they penetrate deeper into the skin to stimulate cellular activity without causing any harm. Red light therapy does not use UV rays. Tanning and red light therapy beds use completely different light waves, providing varying results and effects.
Functional Purpose
LED red light therapy beds serve the purpose of administering multiple photobiomodulation therapeutic treatments, ranging from aesthetic and injury healing to sports recovery and pain management. People typically use red light therapy beds for skin rejuvenation, treating acne, pain and inflammation reduction, wound healing, and promoting overall skin health. As previously mentioned, these beds use specific wavelengths of red or near-infrared light to penetrate deep into the skin and reach the cell’s mitochondria, stimulating cellular activity and promoting ATP production.
Conversely, people primarily use tanning beds to tan the skin—as the name suggests—imitating a sun-kissed glow. Tanning beds work by emitting UV rays that trigger the skin to produce melanin, causing it to darken.
Health and Safety
UV rays produce high-energy radiation, which can lead to an array of health and safety risks, from premature aging and skin cancer to severe burns. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can destroy and fry skin cells, leaving people with wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and damaged skin.
Unlike the harmful UV rays emitted by tanning beds, the near-infrared and red light used in red light therapy beds doesn’t damage or harm skin cells. On the contrary, LED red light therapy beds improve skin texture, reduce signs of aging, and promote wound healing and cellular wellness. Using red light therapy beds offers many health benefits to explore.
Results Time Frame
The effects of tanning beds are usually visible immediately after a session, but they’re often short-lived and require frequent sessions to maintain. LED red light therapy results are gradual and may take several weeks of regular sessions, but the effects are long-lasting and contribute to one’s health and wellness in many ways. The results of using a red light therapy bed leave a positive and long-term impact on people’s lives.
Although LED red light therapy and tanning beds may look similar at first glance, the two have many differences. Between the two, red light therapy beds offer more benefits and uses, making them a great addition to many facilities, including medspas and wellness centers.
Prism Light Pod’s infrared light therapy beds are innovative therapeutic devices featuring advanced technology fit for professionals looking to prioritize wellness, heal, and enhance their clients’ lives. Check out our redlight therapy beds and enjoy all that they offer.
