Light Therapy (Sales (And Skin) Rejuvenation)

Light therapy is the process of exposing skin to certain wavelengths of light for a prescribed amount of time in order to treat a variety of health conditions, including psoriasis, acne, eczema, vitiligo and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In addition, light therapy has been shown to have powerful skin-rejuvenation properties—making it a perfect alternative for those who are interested in cosmetic enhancements, but who do not want to deal with the downtime, discomfort or pain of a surgical procedure.

Add to that the fact that light therapy treatments are non-laser, non-thermal and non-ablative—and therefore do not require operator licensing or certification—and it is easy to understand the growing trend of light therapy in the tanning salon. Are you on board?

In a salon, the most common types of light therapy units utilize light-emitting diodes (LEDs). This was first researched by NASA for use in the U.S. Space Program—scientists wanted to see if LEDs could stimulate plant growth in space, but they also discovered that LED light therapy has a significant effect on controlling the visible signs of aging. The secret to the many ways that LED light can be used to treat skin conditions lies in the varying colors of light—each has a different wavelength, which in turn has a specific effect on human tissue. Here’s a breakdown:

Blue Light. Besides its use as an antibacterial agent—which makes it a popular choice for treating acne—blue light has a special ability to fight SAD, and studies suggest that it may help increase alertness or fight insomnia if given at the right time.

Red Light. This wavelength is associated with stimulating cell growth, seems to help wounds heal more quickly and has an anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, because of its ability to kill bacteria, it can be used with blue light to treat particularly severe cases of acne.

Near Infrared Light. The long wavelengths of near infrared light—invisible to the human eye—can penetrate deeply into human tissue and stimulate fibroblast cell activity in the skin, which increases the production of collagen and elastin (the proteins responsible for the skin’s tone and elasticity). When used in conjunction with red light, it has the ability to reverse the signs of aging by smoothing wrinkles, stimulating repair mechanisms and increasing circulation to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the skin.

Ultraviolet Light. UV light refers to all wavelengths in the 10 nm to 400 nm range, with UVA at 320 nm to 400 nm and UVB at 280 nm to 320 nm. The UVA and UVB wavelength can be used for the treatment of skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis and eczema. UVA, combined with a drug taken orally, is known as PUVA treatment.

Now that you know the basics about light therapy, the question is: How do you sell it? Click here for marketing tips from a salon owner who has incorporated light therapy into three of his salons—and has made it a successful revenue stream in each.