Light Therapy

Light Therapy

Light therapy has been used to treat sleep disorders and depression, but researchers are beginning to see other specific applications for well-being. There are two main methods of light therapy that can be incorporated into the tanning salon: photorejuvenation and photomodulation.

Photorejuvenation uses intense pulsed light (IPL) of red and infrared lengths to induce skin healing. This type of treatment penetrates to the dermis to help repair collagen there while erasing a number of skin conditions and signs of aging on the surface.

Photomodulation activates skin cells with pulses of low-level, non-thermal light energy from light-emitting diodes (LEDs). This procedure has been shown to reduce wrinkles, redness and pore size around the eyes.

Basically, LED treatments give skin a “light bath” that targets specific cells that absorb a specific wavelength of light. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved LED therapy in cosmetic applications because it carries no risk of overexposure or eye injuries, says one industry vendor.

“With LED light therapy, you’re working within the body’s own natural processes,” says one industry supplier. “Your body converts light energy-the photon-into cellular energy. With red light, at 633 nanometers, you’re energizing those cells that are responsible for collagen and elastin manufacture.”

Specially designed topical skincare products are used in conjunction with LED therapy, giving skin the nutrients it needs to maximize the heightened state of cells. These products can lead to additional profit potential for salons.

LED systems are alluring because they fit into a salon’s current operating model. There is limited employee interaction, and some machines even integrate into the salon’s time system. Because there is little service involved, the cost stays low for the end consumer. This means the tanning salon can differentiate itself from other salons in the area-or even other skincare providers such as dermatologists and day spas.