One question people often ask about red light therapy is: Is it the same as a tanning bed?
The truth is no. A red light therapy bed uses only wavelengths of visible red and near-infrared light, while a tanning bed uses potentially harmful UV light wavelengths. Using red light offers numerous benefits for skin health, and this is why many in the tanning industry have used “red light tanning” as a synonym for red light therapy.
However, ultimately, there’s some big differences between tanning beds and red light therapy beds, which are covered in this resource.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy, or photobiomodulation, is a therapeutic technique that uses low levels of red light to refine the appearance of your skin. The goal is to recover your body from a physical complication you may have.
Some call the process of lying under a red light as “red light tanning.” And this has furthered the confusion between these skincare protocols. However, red light therapy, or red light tanning, benefits your skin in some very important ways.
Red light therapy works by penetrating the surface of the skin and invigorating the production of ATP, the primary energy source that drives all cellular procedures in the body. When the number of ATP increases, the benefits also escalate. Enhanced cellular repair, increased collagen production, and improved circulation are some of the many benefits.
What Is a Tanning Bed?
Tanning beds have been on the market for decades, and the name itself is a giver of what it does. The primary goal is to give you a tan. The intent is to make your skin darker. Tanning is commonly associated with UV beds. UV here stands for ultraviolet radiation. UVA and UVB are the ultraviolet radiation emitted by tanning beds. In most cases, tanning beds emit UVA rays and smaller doses of UVB.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
Red light therapy is a therapeutic technique that utilizes red wavelengths of the light spectrum. Red light wavelengths range from 620 nanometers (nm) to 700nm. Meanwhile, near-infrared (NIL) wavelengths range from 800 to 900 nm. Numerous studies have provided multiple benefits, not just skin conditions.
The cells in our body are the prime target of these wavelengths. Cells are the cornerstone of every organ, tissue, and the entire system that keeps us running. Human body cells have tiny structures called mitochondria. They produce a molecule called Adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This molecule is necessary for cells because it provides energy for cells to perform their everyday functions. So, the more ATP, the merrier. More ATP keeps the core functionality of cells alive and booming.
How Does a Tanning Bed Work?
A tanning bed generates UV rays much akin to the sun. An artificial tan generates these UV rays. Tanning bed wavelengths range from 300nm to 400 nm. Tanning beds are also called sunbeds because they replicate the effects of the sun. The tanning bed generally has bulbs or lamps that help generate UV rays. The bulbs or lights are mostly placed underneath the bed, and it is connected to a power source. There’s an inductor inside the lamp that controls the amount of electricity flowing through it. When the lamp turns on, it generates UV rays.
Key Differences Between Red Light Therapy Beds and Tanning Beds
Here’s a quick look at how these technologies differ:
1. Purpose
LED red light therapy beds conduct various therapeutic treatments. These treatments include injury healing, aesthetic pain management, and sports recovery. Generally, people use red light therapy to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, treat acne, reduce inflammation, and rejuvenate overall skin.
Inversely, tanning beds—as the name doesn’t shy away from telling its meaning—are used to tan the skin. Tanning beds mimic the sun. They emit UV rays that help the skin generate melanin, resulting in its darkening.
2. Type of Light
As we’ve discussed earlier about both techniques’ wavelengths, the light waves in red light therapy and tanning beds are different. Red light therapy uses red and near-infrared waves ranging between 620-900nm. These wavelengths favor the skin as the light goes deeper, enhancing cellular activity without any distress.
However, tanning beds use UV light rays in the 300-400nm range. The worrisome thing about tanning beds is that consistent exposure can harm your skin.
3. Effects on the Skin
The red light that emits from the red light therapy beds doesn’t damage the skin or cause bruises. Conversely, red light therapy beds improve facial structure, reduce signs of aging, reduce fine lines, and reduce bruises. Having a red light therapy bed at home can welcome these benefits and other benefits.
Unlike the light emitted from red light therapy beds, tanning beds produce UV rays that can lead to severe burns, skin cancer, aging, etc. If your skin is exposed to UV rays longer than it should, it can quickly destroy your skin cells.
4. Safety
At a glance, red light therapy and tanning beds look similar, but they are different in many ways. While both have their virtues and vices, it is advisable to comprehend how both work when it comes to safety measures.
While red light therapy beds don’t damage skin, it is often recommended that you wear an eye patch to prevent the light from directly touching your eyes. Also, if you have certain skin diseases, it is best to seek the help of a professional before using it.
When it comes to tanning beds, you need to ensure that your skin is not in contact with the UV light longer than it should because this can damage your skin. So, understanding it firsthand before using this treatment can help you thoroughly.
Safety Considerations for Red Light Therapy and Tanning Beds
Red light therapy, often used for various health benefits, is generally considered a safe treatment. However, being aware of potential side effects or contraindications is essential.
- Minimal Side Effects: Most individuals experience no adverse effects from red light therapy. Some might report mild skin redness or warmth, which typically subsides quickly.
- Contraindications: While rare, there are a few instances where red light therapy might not be suitable. People with certain skin conditions, such as porphyria, should avoid it. Additionally, individuals taking medications that can increase sensitivity to light should consult with their doctor before undergoing red light therapy.
Tanning beds pose significant health risks due to the exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These risks include:
- Skin Cancer: UV radiation from tanning beds can increase the risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
- Premature Aging: Repeated exposure to UV radiation can accelerate skin aging, leading to wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.
- Eye Damage: UV radiation can also damage the eyes, increasing the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
Cost Comparison and Accessibility
Red Light Therapy: A Growing Market
- At-Home Devices: Red light therapy devices are increasingly available for home use. The cost can vary depending on the device’s features and power output.
- Professional Treatments: Professional red light therapy sessions can be more expensive, as they often involve specialized equipment and the expertise of a healthcare provider.
Tanning Beds: Widespread Availability
- Tanning Salons: Tanning beds are widely available in tanning salons, making them easily accessible for many people.
- Cost: The cost of tanning bed sessions can vary depending on the location, the type of tanning bed, and any additional services offered.
Conclusion
We hope to have sufficiently informed you about how red light therapy and tanning beds work. Both have their purposes and audiences. Before making a move, it is always recommended to get some knowledge beforehand about the products you’ll want to use. One thing’s for sure: With the way things are progressing, the need for these techniques will always be there, and the future of these holds water.
This article was written for WHN by Matthew Davis Matthew Davis is a content marketing specialist for Hue Light USA. He is a wellness technology enthusiast interested in exploring the latest innovations. Matthew profoundly understands how technology can empower individuals to take control of their health. With his writing, he hopes to inspire people to adopt health and wellness technologies to improve their lives.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.
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References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://huelightusa.com/best-red-light-therapy-beds/
https://huelightusa.com/how-to-combine-retinol-and-red-light-therapy/
https://www.forbes.com/health/wellness/red-light-therapy
https://worldhealth.net/news/infrared-light-therapy-might-aid-dementia-patients/
https://worldhealth.net/news/skin-care-using-red-light-therapy/
