Standard red light therapy is not a UV tanning treatment. It uses red or near-infrared light instead of the ultraviolet radiation that causes a conventional tan. In clinical research, 630-nanometre red light did not produce hyperpigmentation. A UV tan occurs when exposure triggers the skin to produce more melanin.
Red Light Therapy Versus Tanning
| Treatment | Uses UV radiation? | Intended to increase melanin? | Can cause a conventional tan? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard red light therapy | No | No | No |
| Sunlight | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| UV tanning bed | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Self-tanner containing DHA | No | No | Creates temporary surface color |
Shorter-wavelength visible light, such as blue light, produced more noticeable pigment changes in the same research.
Why Can Your Skin Look Darker After Red Light Therapy?
Your skin may look darker because treatment can leave it temporarily pink, flushed or warmer. That change is usually redness, not a tan.
Some high-intensity LED treatments have also caused temporary hyperpigmentation, particularly in people with darker skin tones. In one randomized study, the hyperpigmentation was mild and generally improved or resolved during follow-up. This does not make red light therapy a tanning treatment. It shows that skin pigmentation can react to certain wavelengths, doses and treatment conditions.
The risk may be more relevant if you:
- Use a high-powered professional device
- Exceed the recommended treatment time
- Hold the device closer to your skin than instructed
- Have a darker skin tone or a history of hyperpigmentation
- Take medication that increases light sensitivity
- Have a photosensitive skin condition
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends following the device instructions and speaking with a dermatologist if you have a condition or take medication that makes your skin sensitive to light.
Can a Red Light Tanning Bed Give You a Tan?
A tanning bed that emits UV can give you a tan, but the UV light causes the tanning. Some commercial tanning beds combine red light with UVA or UVB lamps and market the combination as "hybrid" tanning technology. These devices are still UV tanning devices, even when they also emit red light.
Check the product specifications for terms such as:
- UVA
- UVB
- UV radiation
- Sunlamp
- Hybrid tanning
- Tanning booth
- Ultraviolet
The FDA warns that indoor UV tanning devices can cause skin cancer, burns, premature skin aging and eye damage. There is no risk-free UV tan.
Does Red Light Therapy Protect a Tan?
No. Red light therapy does not create a UV tan, increase melanin in the same way as UV exposure or replace sunscreen. If you already have a tan, red light therapy is unlikely to maintain or intensify it.
For a bronzed appearance without UV exposure, you can use a self-tanner containing dihydroxyacetone, or DHA. It temporarily darkens the surface of the skin. Self-tanner does not provide reliable protection from sunlight, so sunscreen is still necessary outdoors.
Bottom Line
Standard red light therapy does not give you a tan. It is used for photobiomodulation and skin-related goals, not to increase melanin. If a device produces a tan, check whether it emits UVA or UVB. Stop using the device and consult a dermatologist if you develop persistent dark patches, irritation or unusual pigmentation after treatment.