Red light therapy has moved well beyond the walls of high-end spas and dermatology offices. More tanning salons now offer red light therapy beds alongside their UV tanning options—and for good reason. Research suggests this non-invasive treatment may support collagen production, reduce fine lines, and improve overall skin texture. According to the Cleveland Clinic, red light LED therapy may reduce inflammation and stimulate the production of collagen, the protein responsible for younger-looking skin.

If you’ve booked your first red light tanning bed session, knowing what to expect can make all the difference. This guide covers everything you need—from how to prepare your skin to how often to go—so you can walk in feeling confident and walk out glowing.

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What to Expect During Your First Session

Your first red light therapy session will feel nothing like a traditional tanning bed. There’s no UV light, no burning sensation, and no need to sweat it out. The Cleveland Clinic describes it as a non-invasive, painless treatment during which you might feel some warmth but no discomfort. Most people find the experience deeply relaxing—more like basking in gentle, soothing heat than enduring any kind of treatment.

For a standard red light bed session, you’ll lie still while the device works its way over your skin. Sessions typically last anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes depending on your provider’s setup and your specific goals. Face and neck treatments tend to run 10–15 minutes, while full-body exposure can extend up to 20–30 minutes for larger muscle groups or broader skin concerns.

How to Prepare Your Skin

Clean skin is non-negotiable. Before your session, remove all makeup, oils, and heavy lotions from the area being treated. These products can act as a barrier between your skin and the light, reducing how effectively the wavelengths penetrate the skin.

Here are a few preparation tips to follow:

Arrive with clean, bare skin. Skip the moisturizer or lotion on session day.
Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 48 hours before your appointment—sunburned or irritated skin can be more sensitive.
Stay well hydrated. Hydrated cells respond better to light therapy.
Skip exfoliation the day before. Fresh, calm skin absorbs the light most effectively.

Think of tanning bed prep as an investment in your results. A small amount of effort beforehand translates to better outcomes over time.

What to Wear for Red Light Tanning

One of the most common first-timer questions is: what should I wear in the tanning bed? The straightforward answer—as little as you’re comfortable with. Red light therapy penetrates the skin directly, so covering large areas of your body with clothing will limit the treatment’s effectiveness.

Eye protection is one area where you cannot compromise. The Cleveland Clinic explicitly recommends wearing safety goggles to protect your eyes from the bright lights during every session. Even though red light wavelengths are considered eye-safe at recommended doses, the intensity of a tanning-style bed setup can be harsh without proper goggles—your provider should supply a pair at the start of your session.

In short:

Expose as much skin as you’d like treated.
Always wear protective goggles. Never skip this step.
Avoid jewelry or accessories on the treated area that might reflect light or cause discomfort from warmth.

Recommended Frequency and Duration

Consistency is where red light therapy really pays off. A single session won’t produce dramatic results—this is a cumulative treatment that builds over time. The Cleveland Clinic notes that to see significant benefits, you typically need a series of treatments, often once a week for about a month, followed by maintenance sessions every month or every few months.

Practical frequency guidelines by treatment goal:

Skin rejuvenation (face and neck): 10–15 minutes per session, three to four times per week during an initial eight-week plan
Hair and scalp: 15–20 minutes, two to three times per week
Muscle recovery or chronic pain: 20–30 minutes per zone, frequency determined by your provider

Start slowly if you’re unsure. There’s no benefit to longer sessions right away—let your skin adjust and track how it responds before increasing duration or frequency.

Potential Benefits You’ll Notice

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Red light therapy works at a cellular level. By targeting the mitochondria—the energy-producing structures inside your cells—it stimulates the production of ATP, which powers cellular function and repair.

As we age, collagen production slows by approximately 1% per year starting in our 20s. Red light therapy targets the fibroblasts responsible for collagen synthesis, encouraging them to work harder and produce more.

Benefits that consistent red light therapy users commonly report include:

Improved skin texture and tone — smoother, more even-looking skin over several weeks
Reduction in fine lines and wrinkles — supported by collagen stimulation
Calmer, less inflamed skin — particularly helpful for acne-prone or sensitive skin types
Faster muscle recovery — near-infrared wavelengths penetrate deeper, reducing soreness and stiffness
Better wound healing — NASA originally studied red LED light for its ability to help cells and tissues grow

Results take time, but most people begin noticing subtle improvements after four to eight weeks of consistent sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does red light therapy tan your skin?

No. Red light therapy beds do not produce UV light, which means they cannot trigger melanin production or darken your skin. According to Mito Red Light, “red light therapy beds alone cannot tan your skin.” The light operates in the 620–700 nm wavelength range—far removed from the 280–400 nm UV range that causes tanning. If a sun-kissed glow is also your goal, a spray tan paired with red light therapy is a popular and skin-friendly combination.

Is red light therapy safe?

Red light therapy is considered a safe, non-invasive treatment. The Cleveland Clinic notes it is relatively risk-free, and side effects are rare. When they do occur, they may include temporary redness, mild irritation, or increased inflammation—all of which typically resolve quickly. That said, red light therapy may not be appropriate for everyone. People who take medications that increase photosensitivity (such as isotretinoin or lithium), or those with a history of skin cancer or inherited eye diseases, should consult a healthcare provider before starting.

How much does a red light therapy session cost?

Session costs vary depending on the salon, the level of bed used, and whether you purchase a single session or a package. Packages generally offer the best value, especially for those committing to consistent sessions over several weeks or months.

Can I combine red light therapy with UV tanning?

Yes. Many clients use red light therapy before a UV tanning session, and some research suggests that preconditioning skin with red or near-infrared light may offer some protective benefit against UV-induced damage. However, this should not be seen as a substitute for responsible UV exposure habits. Red light therapy works alongside UV tanning—not as a shield for excessive UV use.

How soon will I see results?

Most users begin noticing improvements in skin texture and tone after several consistent weeks of treatment. Significant anti-aging benefits typically appear after four to eight weeks, depending on your skin type, age, and session frequency.

Quick Recap: Key Tips for First-Timers

Arrive with clean, makeup-free, lotion-free skin
Always wear protective goggles — no exceptions
Expose as much skin as you’re comfortable with for maximum coverage
Expect a gentle warmth, not heat or discomfort
Sessions typically run 10 to 20 minutes
Start with consistent, frequent sessions and build from there
Red light therapy does not tan your skin — it works differently than UV light
Results are cumulative — patience and consistency matter

Start Your Red Light Therapy Journey at Broad Ripple Tans

Red light therapy is a straightforward, low-effort addition to any wellness or skincare routine. Once you understand what to expect and how to prepare, the experience speaks for itself.

Ready to try it for yourself? Visit Broad Ripple Tans in Broad Ripple, Indiana for the best red light tanning bed packages in town. Our team is here to help you find the right plan for your goals. Call us at 317-257-8262 or stop by to get started.