With new red light therapy equipment options emerging in the tanning market, there has been a surge of claims from equipment distributors boasting superiority for various reasons that, upon closer inspection, often fail to hold water.

One claim is that offering a broader spectrum of light translates to enhanced effectiveness. However, this assertion falls flat when scrutinized. In reality, utilizing a wider variety of light spectrums doesn’t necessarily equate to better results. By incorporating a broader range, these units may dilute the crucial spectrums that truly matter for therapeutic purposes.

For reference, consider the examples of some of the most advanced red light therapy units on the market. The NovoTHOR Whole Body Light Pod, priced at around $120,000, utilizes highly specific spectrums of 660nm red light and 850nm near-infrared. A DaVinci TheraLight 360 HD Pro, also priced around $120,000, utilizes spectrums of 635nm, 810nm, 850nm, and 940nm. If the premise that offering a greater variety of light spectrums leads to superior performance held true, one would expect these companies to incorporate more spectrums into their significantly pricier units. Yet, this is not the case.

The more modestly priced SmartSun Therapy SST28 utilizes highly specific spectrums of 635nm red light and 850nm near-infrared, similar to the therapeutic spectrums utilized by the far more expensive units. Other equipment that features as many as seven different specific wavelengths is, in effect, sacrificing valuable space and power that could otherwise be used to emit the wavelengths that provide the most significant and valuable results.

Another common misconception revolves around wattage per diode. Some assert that higher wattage per diode equates to greater effectiveness. However, this oversimplification overlooks the importance of diode efficiency. Units employing more efficient diodes may have a lower wattage output per diode while still delivering a stronger irradiance, thus debunking the notion that diode wattage alone determines effectiveness. When assessing the efficacy of a red light therapy unit the most important metric to pay close attention to the total irradiance it provides, measured in milliwatts per square centimeter (mw/cm²).  If you see advertised measurements provided in any other metric, ask that they be converted to mw/cm2. This measurement also needs to be taken on top of the acrylic, not directly on the surface of the diode.

The distance between the LEDs and the user’s skin is another critical consideration when evaluating red light therapy systems. Red and near-infrared light diminish rapidly over distance, and as much as 60-80% of the functional output can be lost in just a few inches. Therefore, it is important to choose a device where the LEDs are positioned optimally to ensure consistent and effective light exposure during the therapy session. The SmartSun Therapy SST28 is the only device on the market that’s designed to form to the body’s natural structure to deliver the powerful effects of red Light, and near-infrared light therapy within inches of the user. The SST28 is also the only unit that has been utilized in the indoor tanning market for nearly five years and has produced significant consumer results and, more importantly, strong salon profits.

By dispelling misconceptions and honing in on what truly matters, you can make an informed decision when selecting red light therapy equipment that will provide the best client results and maximize profits. If you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to seek advice from your tanning industry peers who can offer valuable, unbiased insights based on their own experiences.

Click here to learn more about SmartSun Therapy.