Red Light Therapy is everywhere right now—from face masks and home panels to professional full-body systems. But behind the trend is something much more interesting: a growing body of research into how specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light interact with the body.
The scientific term is photobiomodulation, and researchers have been studying it for decades.
So what does the research actually tell us?
1. Red Light Therapy Can Reduce Fine Lines & Wrinkles
This is one of the most exciting—and most researched—reasons people use Red Light Therapy.
In one randomized, controlled study, researchers treated 76 people with facial wrinkles using red and near-infrared light. Participants received treatments twice a week for four weeks. Researchers found measurable improvements in wrinkles and skin elasticity, along with changes in collagen and elastic fibers.
Why?
Red light interacts with cells involved in the skin’s natural renewal processes. Research into photobiomodulation has found effects on collagen production and the appearance of aging skin.
At Sunsations in Topeka, we don’t have to rely on research about other devices alone. Our Poly Rejuv is FDA 510(k) cleared for reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
My Personal Experience with Poly Rejuv
I’ve experienced the benefits of consistent use personally. These photos document my own experience with the Poly Rejuv from 2017 through 2020.
I originally began using the Poly for my skin, but what really caught my attention was a dark spot on the side of my face. I had previously used a skincare product for several months without seeing the change I hoped for. As I consistently incorporated Poly treatments into my routine, I watched that spot become progressively less visible. By 2020, I could no longer see it.
That’s my personal experience—not a promise of what someone else’s skin will do—but it’s one of the reasons I’m so passionate about having this technology available to our clients.
2. Red & Near-Infrared Light for Recovery, Muscles & Joints
Research into light therapy goes well beyond skincare.
One randomized study followed 36 men during a 12-week strength-training program. The group combining strength training with light therapy showed significantly greater improvement in leg-press strength than the training-only group.
Other research has examined photobiomodulation for exercise recovery, muscle function and discomfort.
This is where our SmartSun Therapy SST-28 really stands apart.
The SST-28 surrounds the body with 28,433 LEDs—22,755 red LEDs at 635 nm and 5,688 near-infrared LEDs at 850 nm. It delivers approximately 65 mW/cm² of irradiance and is designed for full-body sessions lasting approximately 10–20 minutes.
The SST-28 is FDA registered and is intended for uses including the temporary relief of minor muscle and joint discomfort and stiffness, temporary enhancement of local blood circulation and temporary muscle relaxation.
That’s why we especially love the SST-28 for athletes, active adults and clients who want to make recovery part of their regular wellness routine.
3. It Starts at the Cellular Level
Perhaps the most fascinating part of Red Light Therapy is what researchers believe is happening inside our cells.
Certain wavelengths of red and near-infrared light can interact with the mitochondria—the structures inside our cells involved in producing energy.
One of the primary mechanisms researchers have studied involves the effect of light on cellular processes associated with ATP—the energy cells use to perform their normal functions.
Think of it less as “red light fixes X” and more as giving your cells a light-based stimulus that can influence processes they already perform naturally.
That helps explain why photobiomodulation continues to be researched across so many different areas.
Not All Red Light Therapy Is the Same
Seeing a red light doesn’t automatically make something effective Red Light Therapy. Wavelength, intensity, distance, treatment time, treatment area and consistency all matter.
Home devices can certainly be convenient, and there are quality home devices available. In fact, a recent video about the science behind light therapy that inspired this article ultimately recommends a portable home Red Light Therapy device costing more than $600.
But there’s an important question to ask before investing in one:
How much of you can it treat at once?
A handheld device or small panel can be convenient for targeting a small area, but treating your face, back, legs or entire body means repositioning that device repeatedly. Full-body treatment can quickly become a much bigger time commitment.
Professional equipment changes that equation.
At Sunsations, we’ve already made the investment in the technology for you.
Our Poly Rejuv provides a dedicated skin-focused treatment and is FDA 510(k) cleared for reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
For full-body treatment, our SST-28 surrounds you with 28,433 LEDs at targeted 635 nm red and 850 nm near-infrared wavelengths, delivering approximately 65 mW/cm² of irradiance. Its design positions the light close to the body while treating a much larger area simultaneously.
Instead of spending $600 or more on a small home device—or considerably more to create a full-body setup—a Sunsations spa membership gives you regular access to professional equipment for a low monthly cost.
You don’t have to own the technology to enjoy the technology.
Come in, relax for a short session, let thousands of LEDs surround you with red and near-infrared light, and get on with your day.
And because research into photobiomodulation frequently involves repeated treatments over time, perhaps the best Red Light Therapy system isn’t simply the one sitting in your house.
It’s the one you’ll use consistently.
The Bottom Line
Red Light Therapy isn’t magic—and we don’t need to present it that way. The actual science and technology are impressive enough.
The Poly gives us an FDA-cleared option specifically for reducing fine lines and wrinkles. The SST-28 gives us professional full-body red and near-infrared light designed for applications including temporary muscle and joint comfort, circulation and muscle relaxation.
Whether your goal is reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, supporting your active lifestyle or simply adding light therapy to your wellness routine, we’ll help you choose the Sunsations system that best fits your goals.
And you can experience professional Red Light Therapy consistently—without buying the equipment yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Light Therapy
How often should I use red light therapy?
Consistency matters. Many photobiomodulation studies use repeated sessions over several weeks. At Sunsations, we can help you choose a routine based on the professional system you’re using and your goals.
What’s the difference between red light and near-infrared light?
Red and near-infrared light use different wavelengths and penetrate tissue at different depths. Our SST-28 combines 635 nm red light with 850 nm near-infrared light in one full-body session.
Is professional red light therapy different from a home device?
Home devices can be convenient, particularly for treating a small area. Professional full-body systems can expose a much larger treatment area simultaneously, making consistent full-body sessions much more practical.
Ready to Experience Red Light Therapy in Topeka?
Learn more about Red Light Therapy at Sunsations and discover which of our professional systems best fits your goals.
Red Light Therapy is not a substitute for medical care. Individual experiences and results vary.