Using a red light therapy bed is usually simple, but there are some rules and tips to make sure you get the best results while staying safe. Here’s how to use one:
1. Pre-Treatment Preparation
Clean Your Skin: Make sure there is no lotion, makeup or oil on your skin before you start, as these can stop the light from working or cause skin problems.
Wear protective eyewear: Red light is not harmful to the eyes, but some devices may emit bright light that could be uncomfortable or cause strain. Some beds will give you eye protection, or you can wear your own (e.g. goggles).
Set the temperature: If you are using a full-body bed, make sure it is at a comfortable temperature. Some people find the heat from the lights a bit intense after longer sessions.
2. Lie down comfortably in the bed. Most red light therapy beds are designed for you to lie down while the lights are positioned above or around you.
Expose the areas you want to treat. If you’re using the bed for general skin health or anti-aging, make sure your whole body is exposed to the light. For specific treatments (like acne or joint pain), focus on the areas that need treatment.
Positioning: Some beds let you adjust the angle of the panels. If you’re using a full-body bed, lie flat and make sure the light covers your body evenly.
3. Set the Timer
How long does it take? A normal red light therapy session lasts between 10 and 20 minutes. Some beds let you change the time based on the type of therapy you want. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the best session length.
How often you should use it: For general skin benefits, 3–5 times per week is common. If you are using it to treat a specific problem, such as reducing pain or inflammation, you might use it more frequently at first (for example, every day) and then use it less and less over time.
4. Relax and let the therapy work
Stay Still: Red light therapy requires direct exposure to the skin, so it’s important to stay as still as possible to ensure the light can penetrate deeply into the tissues.
Avoid overdoing it: Do not exceed the recommended session times. While red light therapy is generally safe, it is not necessary to use it for longer than recommended as this may not give better results.
5. Aftercare:Hydrate: Red light therapy can stimulate cell activity, so drink water after a session to help your body process any effects.
Skin care: If you want to improve your skin, think about using a moisturiser after the session to keep your skin hydrated.
6. It’s important to be consistent.Follow a routine: For best results, be consistent. Red light therapy works gradually, so sticking to a regular schedule will provide the best outcomes.
General Guidelines:
Begin slowly: If you are new to red light therapy, start with shorter sessions (around 5–10 minutes) and gradually increase the length as your body adjusts.
Spacing Between Sessions: Ideally, wait 24 hours between sessions to give your body time to repair and regenerate.
Safety tips:
Avoid Tanning Beds: While some tanning beds may offer red light therapy, don’t use a UV tanning bed if your goal is to benefit from red light therapy. UV light can damage your skin, and red light therapy does not work with UV light.
If you have any specific skin conditions, medical concerns, or are pregnant, it’s always a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional before you start red light therapy.
If you do this, you can use a red light therapy bed safely and effectively to help you achieve your skin, health and wellness goals!