Does Red Light Therapy Tan Your Skin?

Does Red Light Therapy Tan Your Skin?

To figure out whether red light therapy tan our skin or not, we have to figure out, what could tan our skin.

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is what causes our skin to tan. When our skin is exposed to the sun, it triggers a natural defense mechanism to protect itself from the harmful effects of UV rays. The skin produces a pigment called melanin, which darkens the skin's color and creates a tan. Melanin absorbs UV radiation and helps to prevent damage to the deeper layers of the skin, such as the DNA in skin cells.

There are two types of UV radiation from the sun that affect the skin: UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and play a significant role in the tanning process. UVB rays are responsible for causing sunburn and also contribute to tanning. The production of melanin is the body's way of trying to protect the skin from the damage caused by UV radiation.

P.S.: UVA refers to the wavelength of 320-400nm, UVB refers to the wavelength of 290-320nm.

After learning the reason why our skin get tan, let’s see how deep does red light (red & near-infrared) go in our skin.

The depth to which 830nm (nanometers) light penetrates the skin depends on various factors, including the skin type, the intensity of the light source, and the absorption and scattering properties of the skin tissues.

In general, near-infrared light in the range of 830nm is considered to have relatively good penetration into the skin. It can reach depths of several centimeters, making it useful for certain medical and therapeutic applications. Some studies suggest that 830nm light can penetrate up to 2-3 centimeters into the skin.

One common application of 830nm light is in low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation, where it is used to promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. The light is absorbed by mitochondria in the cells, which then stimulates cellular activity and enhances the healing process.

So, about does red light therapy tan your skin? The answer is: it up to which wavelength you are accepting. With the development of Red light therapy, the category is far beyond red (630nm) & near-infrared(830nm) today. So, if you hope to get tan, it's essential to be mindful of sun exposure and take precautions to protect your skin from excessive UV radiation. Prolonged exposure to the sun without proper protection can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. If you want to maintain a tan without excessive sun exposure, consider using self-tanning products that do not rely on UV radiation to darken the skin.

And if you don’t wanna get tan, pls make sure your red light therapy treatment does not contain UV radiation.

Wish you enjoy the red light therapy treatment and get the most desired skin condition!

Your personal beauty consultant.