Red light therapy has rapidly become one of the most exciting and profitable service categories in the tanning and wellness industry. Thanks to significant advancements in technology, today’s systems are light-years ahead of the older, outdated models that once filled the market. Leading the charge is the SmartSun Therapy SST28—a high-performance, Made-in-USA device engineered for maximum results, ease of use, long-term durability, and an exceptional return on investment.

So how did we get here — and why is the SST28 considered the best-performing and most popular full-body red light therapy device in the tanning industry today?

Red light therapy traces its roots to NASA research in the 1990s, when scientists investigated the use of specific wavelengths of red light to support plant growth in space. During those experiments, they discovered that red and near-infrared light could also stimulate cellular regeneration and accelerate healing in human tissue. This breakthrough sparked decades of research and development, ultimately transforming red light therapy from a space-age innovation into a mainstream wellness solution.

Despite its potential, widespread adoption of red light therapy for consumer wellness was initially limited by the high cost of LED technology. Most commercial systems carry six-figure price tags, making sessions prohibitively expensive for the average consumer. While medical-grade red light therapy built a loyal niche following, it remained out of reach for many salons and wellness centers. Meanwhile, low-pressure red light systems became popular in the tanning industry, but without high-output LED technology, the results, profitability, and room for growth were highly limited.

That’s where SmartSun Therapy changed the game.

Designed and manufactured in Las Vegas by a family-run company, the SST28 is purpose-built to deliver elite-level results at a far more accessible price point. Its advanced LED technology rivals that of red light systems found outside the industry costing over $100,000—yet the SST28 comes in at a fraction of the cost. Within the tanning industry, it has no peer: The SST28 delivers more than twice the energy of the leading competitor in a standard 15-minute session.

That unmatched performance is driven by over 28,000 high-output red and infrared LEDs and a sleek, contoured design that positions the body just two to three inches from the light source—the optimal distance for therapeutic effect. Proximity is key: the closer the light is to the skin, the more energy is absorbed, and the better the results. The SST28’s unique layout maximizes this efficiency, allowing salons to offer shorter session times without sacrificing effectiveness. And that means more appointments per day—and more revenue.

Engineered specifically for the tanning industry, the SST28 is built not just for performance but also for longevity and durability. Its 50,000-hour-rated LEDs provide years of worry-free performance, and the modular LED board design ensures that any necessary repairs are simple and affordable. Operating costs are minimal, requiring little more than electricity and a quick wipe-down between sessions.

For tanning businesses seeking to grow through service expansion and diversification, SmartSun Therapy offers a proven, profitable opportunity. The SST28’s combination of advanced technology, regulatory credibility, stunning design, and accessible pricing makes it the perfect solution to attract new wellness-focused customers, re-engage past clients, and elevate your brand.