Red light therapy is a non–UV LED session. It uses specific red and near-infrared light to deliver wavelengths (typically 630-850nm) to support skin appearance, with no tanning or UV exposure involved. Sessions can run 10-20 minutes, and at The Tan Station, red light therapy can be booked as a standalone session on the megaSun K11 Air Plus.
How does it work?
Simply, red light works by delivering specific non-UV wavelengths into the skin, where they’re absorbed and used by your cells as an energy source. The scientific explanation is that both red and near-infrared wavelengths stimulate your mitochondria, causing them to produce more energy as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The cells in your body use ATP as fuel, enabling regeneration and healing. So, simply put, your skin has more energy to do what it naturally does – function better, look better, and feel smoother over time.
Where did red light come from?
Red light therapy has been used in skincare and wellness settings for years. While it didn’t start in tanning salons, modern LED systems, like those used in the megaSun K11 Air Plus, have evolved to deliver these controlled, consistent sessions in ways that suit your routine. Early research began decades ago, looking into how light affects living cells in plants. Scientists found that red and blue wavelengths influenced plant growth.
Then, years later in the 80s, the setting moved to space, with NASA using red LED technology in controlled environments, and red light research later entered dermatology through skincare. Today, modern systems and improved technology deliver targeted light in a simple, controlled way that is easy to build into a regular routine. That’s how it is used today in professional skincare and salon settings up and down the country.
Red light vs UV sunbed
The red and near-infrared lights on the K11 Air Plus do not emit UV light. People often assume red light therapy is just a sunbed with different coloured lights, but this isn’t the case. Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM) or low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a non-invasive treatment without UV exposure.
Not sure how red light compares to a sunbed? Here are the key differences at a quick glance.
| Red Light Therapy | UV Sunbed | |
|---|---|---|
| UV exposure | None | Yes |
| Tans skin | No | Yes |
| Purpose | Cosmetic skin focus | Colour development |
| Session length | 15–20 minutes | Skin-type dependent |
| Who it suits | Anyone wanting skin-focused sessions | Those building or maintaining a tan |
The K11 Air Plus – Beauty Light & Energizing Light
If you’re going to try red light therapy, then the bed you use matters. The K11 Air Plus is our flagship megaSun LED bed that can run various red light therapy sessions. It is the most advanced all-LED sunbed on the UK market with two dedicated non-UV-free programmes where you can take care of your skin (Beauty Light) or add energy (Energizing Light).
Beauty Light: Cosmetic, skin-focused sessions use a finely tuned red-light spectrum designed to support skin appearance, tone, and texture. There is no UV exposure or tanning involved in this setting.
Energizing Light: Renewed energy and relaxation can be achieved through a targeted combination of gentle red light and intense near-infrared, often used after physical activity, to support the body’s regeneration and relieve tension, without UV.
If you want to use the red light therapy, you can book it as a completely standalone session
What does a session feel like?
If you’re looking for warm, quiet, and relaxing red light therapy sessions, the K11 Air Plus delivers with its separate non-UV mode, letting you switch off for 15 or so minutes, which, for many people, feels like the most relaxing part of their week and is reason enough to return!
Cosmetic benefits for skin appearance
Once red light therapy entered the professional skincare environment, the cosmetic use of red light began to focus on skin appearance, texture, and overall look and feel. With the lay-down bed covering the whole body, not just the face, the results are not limited to one area.
Red light therapy sessions have been shown to stimulate collagen production, the protein responsible for skin firmness and structure. With consistent use, people typically notice a general improvement in how their skin looks and feels. Learn more about the research on red light therapy.
While the bed is not intended to treat or cure any medical conditions, megaSun includes other benefits from their K11 Air Plus:
- Stimulation of the skin’s own collagen production
- Softer, more vibrant skin
- Promotes blood circulation
- Can relieve tension and give you new energy
How often should you use red light therapy?
There are no hard and fast rules as to how long or how often you should use red light therapy, but most people tend to use 10-20 minute sessions on average 2-5 times per week. Over 20 minutes is not beneficial, as cells no longer absorb more light after that point. Using it longer could have the opposite effect and actually worsen your skin.
At The Tan Station, we recommend 48 hours between sessions, and our team will advise you on red light therapy based on your wellness and skin goals.
How long does it take to see results?
As with any skincare routine, results are not immediate but build over time. A bit like going to the gym, regular, consistent sessions will help you tone and build muscle; the same is true for red light therapy.
Often, people notice changes in energy or sleep first, but it takes 2-4 weeks for most physical changes, such as skin and joint recovery, to appear. Visible improvements in skin appearance vary from person to person, but typically build over 4-6 weeks of consistent red light therapy sessions, 2-3 times per week.
Who chooses red light therapy?
Some people choose red light therapy alongside their tanning routine, booking it as a separate skin-focused session. Others use it instead of tanning entirely, preferring a non-UV option for their skin. Then there are the event-driven bookings, the one-off times perhaps before a holiday or a wedding, or just wanting a reset when their skin looks dull or tired.
Red light therapy at The Tan Station
Red light therapy at The Tan Station in Brimington is available on the all-LED megaSun K11 Air Plus – one of only a few beds in the UK that offer dedicated Beauty Light and Energizing Light programmes built into a lay-down bed.
We are open 7 days a week, and our clean, private bays become your sanctuary for a 15-minute getaway from it all, a relaxing session. Walk-ins are welcome, and there is no pressure to purchase a package; you can pay as you go or book a red light therapy session. Whether you’re a regular tanner looking to add red light therapy to your routine or someone who has never been on a sunbed and wants purely a non-UV skin session, come and book a red light session.
Red light therapy FAQs
Red light therapy uses non-UV red and near-infrared wavelengths. In salon and skincare settings, it’s used to support the look and feel of skin. It does not tan the skin.
Does red light therapy tan your skin?
No. Red light therapy does not use UV light, so it will not develop a tan. It is a separate type of session focused on cosmetic skin appearance.
What happens during a red light therapy session?
You lie in a private bed while red and near-infrared light surrounds the body. The session feels warm, calm, and relaxing, with no UV tanning.
How long is a red light therapy session?
At The Tan Station, red-light sessions last around 10-15 minutes on the megaSun K11 Air Plus.
Can I use red light therapy without using a sunbed?
Yes. Red light therapy can be booked as a standalone non-UV session. You do not need to tan before or after.
Can I use red light alongside tanning?
Yes, some customers use red light as a separate session alongside their tanning routine. The two sessions have different purposes – red light is non-UV and does not develop colour.
Is red light the same as infrared?
Not exactly. Red light usually sits around 630–660nm. Near-infrared sits higher, often around 810–850nm. The megaSun K11 Air Plus uses both within its red light programmes.
Disclaimer
Eye protection must be worn during all sessions. If you are unsure if red light is for you, or if you are taking any photosensitising medication, please consult your GP before booking and advise the team.
