We’ve all heard the buzz about red light therapy, right? It sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, but once you get into it, it’s actually a lot more down-to-earth than people think. The secret sauce isn’t just “red light” in general—it’s the different wavelengths that make all the magic happen.
Now, I’ll be honest. Before I started learning about it, I thought it was just one big glowing light that made your skin happy. Nope. Turns out, not all red light is created equal. Some go shallow, some go deep, and that’s why spas and wellness places offering sunless tanning near me swear by it.
Why Wavelengths Are a Big Deal?
Think about coffee. Sometimes you’re good with a nice, light roast to perk you up. Other days? You need that bold dark roast to get moving. That’s kind of how red light works—the “lighter” wavelengths work at the surface of your skin, while the “darker” ones dig in deeper to help with muscles and inflammation.
Here’s the quick playbook:
- 630–660 nm (the glow zone): This one’s for your skin—collagen, redness, fine lines. It’s like giving your face a real-life filter.
- 810–850 nm (the recovery zone): Goes deeper to help sore muscles and joints. No wonder athletes sneak this in between workouts.
- 900+ nm (the powerhouse): This one’s advanced, reaching deeper tissues and calming inflammation. Think of it as the heavy-duty option.
When a spa uses a mix of these, you get the whole package—outside glow + inside recovery.
Why Spas Love Pairing It with Other Services
Here’s the thing—most spas don’t stop at red light therapy. They’ll mix it with tanning, spray tanning, skincare, even massage. And it makes sense. If you’re already there, why not get that little extra?
Most spas offering a red light sauna near me give a “wellness buffet” vibe. One minute you’re in the red light booth getting your glow started, the next you’re stepping into a spray tan or chilling with skincare. It feels less like an appointment and more like a treat-yourself day.
Where Spray Tans Come In
Now here’s a fun little insider tip—red light skin therapy and spray tanning are like peanut butter and jelly. Do the red light before your tan, and your skin soaks it up better. It’s like priming a wall before painting—smooth base, flawless finish.
A couple quick tips if you’re eyeing a spray tan:
- Exfoliate the night before. Dead skin = patchy tan. Not cute.
- Skip lotions, oils, or deodorant right before. They block the solution.
- Red light first, spray tan second. You’ll thank me later.
- Loose clothes after. Trust me, yoga pants and a fresh tan don’t mix.
FAQs
Q: Is red light therapy safe?
Totally. There’s no UV, no burns—it’s super gentle. Even if your skin leans sensitive, most folks have zero issues.
Q: How often do I need to go?
Depends on what you’re after. For skin, think two or three times a week. For muscles, some people go more often. It’s like the gym—consistency wins.
Q: Red light before or after spray tan?
Always before. Doing it after makes your tan fade faster.
Q: Should I shower right before tanning?
Yep, but do it a couple of hours before. Skip heavy soaps and lotions, just a simple rinse is fine.
Q: Can I combine red light, tanning, and skincare in one day?
Of course. That’s the fun part. Just remember the order: red light → spray tan → skincare/massage.
Final Take
Red light therapy might sound fancy, but once you break it down, it’s just wavelengths doing their job—short ones for your skin, long ones for your muscles, and a combo for the full-body refresh.
And if you’re nearby, we’ve got the perfect local spot to try it. Sundays Sun Spa Wellness makes it easy to mix red light with tanning or even a little pampering session. Honestly, you’ll walk out glowing, inside and out—and that’s what we’re all chasing anyway, right?