Red Light Therapy for Skin: What It Is, How It Works, and Why Midnite Sun Offers 3 Types

Red light therapy is one of the fastest-growing wellness treatments in the country — and for good reason. Clinically proven, non-invasive, and UV-free, it’s a treatment that works on a cellular level to help your skin look younger, heal faster, and feel healthier. At Midnite Sun, we don’t just offer one type of red light therapy — we offer three, each designed for a specific purpose.

Whether you’re looking to fight the signs of aging, recover from a tough workout, or simply give your skin a weekly boost, this guide covers everything you need to know.

What Is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy (RLT) uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light — naturally found in sunlight — to penetrate the skin and stimulate positive biological processes. Unlike UV light, which can damage the skin, red light works with your body’s natural healing systems.

Here’s the science in plain terms:

• 660nm Red Light is absorbed by your skin tissue at a high rate. It’s especially effective at promoting skin health, increasing collagen production, and improving overall cellular function.
• 850nm Near-Infrared Light is invisible to the eye and penetrates deeper — reaching your bones, tissues, organs, and joints. It’s powerful for reducing inflammation, muscle pain, and joint discomfort.

There is NO UV in Red Light Therapy — it is completely safe and non-invasive with no downtime.

Proven Benefits of Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy has been extensively studied and clinically validated. Benefits include:

• Decreases pain and inflammation
• Increases endurance, strength, energy, and recovery
• Improves blood flow and circulation
• Enhances cellular function and collagen synthesis
• Promotes firmer, more radiant, and smoother skin
• Speeds up wound healing and reduces the appearance of scars
• Improves joint health and combats arthritis symptoms
• Supports weight and inch loss
• Enhances mental clarity, relaxation, and sleep quality

The Cleveland Clinic recognizes red light therapy as a treatment backed by clinical research — read their article here.

How Often Should You Use Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy is non-invasive and has no downtime. Sessions are typically 10–20 minutes, and you can use it every 24 hours. For best results, a consistent series of sessions is recommended. Like diet and exercise, the benefits of red light therapy are cumulative — they build and improve with every treatment.

The 3 Types of Red Light at Midnite Sun

1. Medical Grade Red Light — SmartSun Therapy® SST28

This is our full-body Medical Grade Red Light bed. The SmartSun Therapy® SST28 utilizes more than 28,000 Red Light and Near-Infrared LEDs to deliver a whole-body treatment. Its sleek, close-proximity design places the lights within 2–3 inches of your skin, which is the optimal distance for maximum effectiveness — something most devices on the market can’t achieve.

Best for: full-body pain relief, muscle recovery, athletic performance, deep cellular healing, and overall wellness.

2. Cosmetic Red Light — Bed or Booth

Our Cosmetic Red Light Beds and Booths use 633nm wavelengths specifically designed for skin rejuvenation. This targeted wavelength activates collagen and elastin production, tightens the skin, improves skin tone and moisture, and reduces the appearance of redness and flushing.

Best for: anti-aging, skin tightening, improved texture, and a more youthful, even complexion.

3. LightStim Targeted Facial Red Light Pro Panel

The LightStim ProPanel is FDA Cleared for anti-aging treatment of the entire face. It uses LightStim’s patented MultiWave® Technology to simultaneously emit four wavelengths — Amber (605nm), Light Red (630nm), Dark Red (660nm), and Infrared (855nm) — targeting wrinkles, fine lines, and skin tone from multiple angles at once.

With 1,400 medical-grade LEDs, this 20-minute targeted facial session has been clinically proven: 100% of participants showed significant improvement in fine lines and wrinkles, with 92% showing even further reduction after 3 months of consistent use.

Best for: facial anti-aging, fine lines, wrinkles, improving skin tone and radiance, collagen stimulation.

Boost Your Results with Red Light Skincare Products

Results from all types of red light therapy are greatly increased when using professional skincare products designed to work alongside your sessions. We carry the Restored® collection by California Tan — a 4-step system featuring patent-pending Pu[red]® Technology, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamin C specifically formulated to complement your red light treatments.

Try Red Light at Midnite Sun

All 9 of our Western Michigan locations offer red light therapy services. Walk-ins are welcome, or ask one of our knowledgeable associates to help you choose the right type of session for your goals. Red light memberships are available to make regular sessions affordable and easy.

Find your nearest studio at thebettertan.com.