Red light therapy does not give you a tan. Unlike tanning beds or sun exposure, which use ultraviolet (UV) light to stimulate melanin production and darken the skin, red light therapy employs wavelengths in the red and near-infrared spectrum. These wavelengths do not trigger the biological process that leads to tanning[1][2].
Key Takeaways
- Red light therapy will not tan your skin because it uses non-UV light wavelengths that do not trigger your body to make more melanin.
- The therapy is focused on skin rejuvenation, improved healing, and anti-aging benefits, with an excellent safety profile.
- If you see the term “red light tanning,” know that it’s a marketing term—no actual tanning occurs.
- For actual tanning, UV light is necessary, but with well-known health risks.
How Tanning Occurs: The Role of UV Light
Traditional tanning results from UV light exposure, particularly from the sun or tanning beds. UV light, especially UVA and UVB rays, penetrates the skin and activates melanocytes, which produce melanin—the pigment that darkens your skin. This process is a defense mechanism to protect deeper skin layers from UV damage[3][4].
| Treatment | Wavelengths Used | Mechanism | Skin Darkening? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tanning Beds | UVA/UVB (320-400nm) | Stimulates melanin | Yes |
| Red Light Therapy | Red/Near-IR (630-850nm) | Stimulates cell repair/collagen | No |
Related: 7 Proven Ways Red Light Therapy Quickly Reduces Pain & Speeds Muscle Recovery
How Red Light Therapy Affects Skin
Red light therapy operates at wavelengths between 630-850 nanometers. These wavelengths:
- Do not contain UV rays—meaning they cannot initiate melanin production.
- Promote skin health by stimulating collagen production, improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and supporting healing.
- Do not darken or tan the skin under normal use, regardless of how many sessions you do[1][5][2][4].
Some sources mention that red light therapy may even help to reduce hyperpigmentation or balance uneven skin tone by regulating how melanocytes function and supporting skin cell turnover[6][7][8]. Rather than increasing pigmentation, red light can stabilize or reduce irregular pigmentation for many skin types.
Related: Is Red Light Therapy Safe During Pregnancy?
What Do Most People Get Wrong About RLT and tanning?
Common misconceptions found online include confusion between “red light tanning beds” and traditional tanning beds. Some salons and devices use the term “red light tanning,” but this is a misnomer—no actual tan is produced. People may also mistakenly believe laying under any form of light will darken skin, but only UV wavelengths can trigger tanning[1][4].
Expert opinions consistently agree: Red light therapy is designed for skin repair, not skin darkening. Its safety profile is preferred by dermatologists because it avoids the photo-damage and cancer risk associated with UV exposure[3][9].
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will I look darker after multiple sessions?
No. No matter the amount or frequency, red light therapy doesn’t darken the skin[1][4].
2. Can red light therapy fade dark spots?
Yes, it can sometimes help balance pigmentation and support healing in discolored skin, but it won’t give you a tan[7][6].
Related: Infrared vs. Red Light Therapy: A Clear Beginner’s Guide
3. Is red light therapy safe for people wanting to avoid skin darkening?
Absolutely. It’s specifically designed not to alter your natural skin color[4][9].
Summary
Red light therapy is a skin health treatment, not a tanning method. Anyone seeking a tan should not expect red light therapy to change their skin tone. Instead, they can benefit from healthier and brighter-looking skin without the risks of UV exposure.
[1] https://www.solawave.co/blogs/red-light-therapy/does-red-light-therapy-tan-you
[2] https://platinumtherapylights.com/blogs/news/does-red-light-therapy-cause-tanning
[3] https://bodybalancemedical.com/the-difference-between-red-light-therapy-and-tanning-bed-know/
[4] https://www.lumaflex.com/blogs/lumaflex-news/myth-busting-can-red-light-therapy-tan-your-skin-red-light-therapy-for-skin
[5] https://infraredi.com.au/blogs/red-light-therapy/can-you-get-tan-from-red-light-therapy
[6] https://deeplyvitalmedical.com/rlt-for-acne-wrinkles-pigmentation-skin-health/
[7] https://platinumtherapylights.com/blogs/news/does-nir-light-therapy-cause-hyperpigmentation
[8] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10707362/
[9] https://www.solawave.co/blogs/red-light-therapy/red-light-therapy-vs-tanning-bed-whats-the-difference