Red light therapy has become a staple in today’s wellness world. Everyone seems to be talking about its long list of potential benefits. But chances are, you’re only familiar with a handful of them. In this post, we’ll uncover what red light therapy really has to offer and, most importantly, where you can try Red Light Therapy in the Portland metro area.

How Does Red Light Therapy Work​?

Red light therapy is a non-invasive, painless treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to energize your cells. 

When the red and near-infrared light penetrates the skin, it reaches the mitochondria. Think of it as little production plants inside your body, constantly making the energy you need to function. 

Now those lights emitted by Red Light Therapy may stimulate these mitochondria to produce more energy (ATP), which in turn helps the body repair, restore, and function more efficiently.

What You Should Look for When Doing Red Light Therapy?

With so many options popping up, it’s easy to stumble into a setup that technically counts as red light therapy but leaves you underwhelmed. Not all devices are the same, and the quality of your experience comes down to a few key factors. Here’s what to look for:

  • Medical-Grade Equipment: Choose red light beds or booths that are built to professional standards. These deliver consistent, safe wavelengths that actually make a difference.
  • Full-Body Coverage: The best treatments allow you to lie down and expose your entire body, not just a small patch of skin.
  • Dual-Sided Light Exposure: Look for setups where you receive light from both the front and back. This ensures more complete and effective coverage in less time.
  • Proper Light Distance: The distance between your body and the light truly matters. Too far, and you lose intensity. Too close, and it can reduce even exposure. Choose a system designed with optimal spacing for balanced and effective results.

What Is Red Light Therapy Good For?

Red light therapy is often explored for its wide range of potential benefits. While individual results may vary, many people turn to it as a supportive, non-invasive option for overall wellness. Some of the most recognized ways it may help include:

  • Increases testosterone in men.
  • Improves hair and nail regrowth.
  • Increases blood flow.
  • Minimizes the appearance of stretch marks.
  • Stimulates and regenerates collagen production and elastin skin proteins.
  • Firms, tones, and increases skin elasticity.
  • Activates and stimulates skin cell metabolic functions.
  • Improves acne-prone skin.
  • Reduces skin degradation.
  • Helps irregular pigmentation.
  • Reduces dark age spots and dark circles under the eyes.
  • Increases creatine production.
  • Reduces pore size and skin coarseness.

Red Light Therapy Before and After​

One of the most eye-opening ways to look at red light therapy is through real-world experiences where it may have supported the body’s natural recovery process.

In this case, a 50-year-old male client underwent spinal surgery on July 20, 2020, for a single-level anterior fusion, which included the removal of a disk and a spinal bone spur. The procedure required an incision through the front of the neck along with the placement of a metal plate and four screws in the spine.

After surgery, the client received eight sessions of red light therapy. Over time, the treatments appeared to support reduced redness and swelling, provide relief from discomfort, encourage faster visible healing, and help with the appearance of scar tissue.

How Often Should You Do Red Light Therapy​?

If your goal is skin health, it often works best when treatments are done regularly in the beginning. Many people find that scheduling sessions 4-5 times per week during the first month helps support collagen renewal and encourages the skin to respond more effectively. Some people even choose to do red light therapy daily, especially when starting out, to maximize their results. Over time, you may be able to adjust the frequency to maintain your progress..

For goals like energy or relief from discomfort, some people notice supportive effects even after just a single session. So the number of sessions will solely depend on your needs and schedule.

If you want to enhance your experience, we recommend that you use the right lotion, like Red Light+ TriLuxe. Lotions like these are designed to complement the therapy and may help with speeding up visible results. 

Where to Try Red Light Therapy in the Portland Metro Area?

If you’re curious about experiencing red light therapy for yourself, you don’t have to look far. SunsUp Tan & Wellness Spa offers medical-grade, full-body red light therapy beds at our locations throughout the Portland metro area. 

Unlike smaller at-home devices, these beds allow you to enjoy complete coverage in a professional, spa-like environment.

FAQ

How can I maintain results from red light therapy?

After completing the initial 4-week treatment phase, consistency is still important. Many people choose to continue with 2-3 sessions per week to help maintain and prolong the benefits they’ve experienced.

Can I wear makeup during red light therapy?

It’s best to remove makeup before your session so the light can reach your skin directly without barriers.

What can I do at home to support red light therapy?

Using high-quality, clinical-grade skincare can enhance your results. Collagen and retinol serums applied morning and evening are great options for supporting skin health between sessions.

How long should you do red light therapy?

Most sessions last about 10–15 minutes, depending on the area being treated.

Does red light therapy work through clothes?

For best results, the light should have direct contact with your skin.

Can you overdo red light therapy?

More isn’t always better. You should always follow the recommended guidelines so you can get the benefits without overexposure.

Does red light therapy help with scars?

Red light therapy is often used to support and improve the appearance of scar tissue. While individual results vary, many people explore it as a non-invasive option to help minimize scar visibility over time.

Key Takeaways

Red light therapy is a supportive treatment that offers a wide range of potential benefits.

  • Red and near-infrared light may support cellular energy production, helping the body repair and restore itself more efficiently.
  • Look for medical-grade beds or booths, full-body coverage, and dual-sided light exposure.
  • The potential benefits of Red Light Therapy include boosting testosterone and improving circulation to support skin health, collagen production, hair regrowth, and even reducing scar appearance.
  • For skin health support, you should do Red Light Therapy several sessions per week at first, then maintenance treatments to keep the results going.