
At The Spa
The Spa Edit – What Is Red Light Therapy?
WHAT IS RED LIGHT THERAPY AND WHY DO I NEED THIS?
If you’ve been curious about full body red light therapy (RLT for short) or wondering what it actually does, let’s get into it. I’m breaking down what it is, how it works, and why it might be the glow-up your routine’s missing.
WHAT EXACTLY IS RED LIGHT THERAPY?
It is a non-invasive treatment that exposes your body to low-wavelength red and near-infrared light. Unlike UV rays from the sun, these wavelengths are safe and penetrate deep into the skin and tissues without causing damage. It basically tells your mitochondria (aka the tiny powerhouses inside your cells) to make more energy. More energy = better healing, less inflammation, and skin that looks like you actually drink enough water.
HOW DOES IT WORK? WHAT IS THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT?
The key to red light therapy lies in how specific wavelengths of light interact with your cells.
* Wavelengths: Typically, between 600–1000 nanometers, with red light targeting skin-level concerns and near-infrared light (700–1000 nm) reaching muscles, joints, and deeper tissues.
* Cellular Energy Production: The light stimulates the mitochondria — the powerhouse of your cells — to produce more adenosine triphosphate (ATP), essentially fueling your body’s natural healing and regeneration processes.
* Reduced Inflammation & Oxidative Stress: RLT can also lower inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to faster recovery and improved overall cellular function.
WHAT HAPPENS IN A RED-LIGHT THERAPY SESSION?
A typical full body RLT session is simple and relaxing. To prep, you will remove clothing to expose your skin to the light (optional for areas you don’t want treated). Next, you will lie down in front of the red-light panel for 20 minutes. You’ll feel gentle warmth but no pain, no burning, and no UV exposure. There is no downtime afterwards — you can resume normal activities immediately.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF REGULAR SESSIONS?
For your skin health and anti-aging: helps to stimulate collagen production, which improves skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. It can also enhance overall skin texture and tone.
* Wound Healing: This therapy has been shown to accelerate the healing process for wounds and scars, making it beneficial for post-surgical recovery and injury repair.
* Reduction of Skin Conditions: Red light therapy can help alleviate various skin conditions, including psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema. It may also improve the appearance of stretch marks and sun-damaged skin.
* Pain Relief and Muscle Recovery: Athletes and individuals with chronic pain may benefit from red light therapy, as it can reduce inflammation and promote faster muscle recovery after exercise.
* Hair Growth Stimulation: Research suggests that red light therapy can stimulate hair growth in individuals experiencing androgenic alopecia (pattern baldness) and other forms of hair loss.
Full body red light therapy is a promising, non-invasive treatment that offers a wide range of wellness benefits — from skin rejuvenation to improved muscle recovery and mood support. While it’s not a cure-all, integrating it into your routine could give your body’s natural processes a healthy, energizing boost. If you’re curious, come book a session with us. It just takes 20 minutes! Just remember: consistency is key to seeing the best results.
Contact us to book a session in our new red light therapy room!
Angela Astan
Spa Manager