Collagen Sunbeds: The Key to a Healthy Tan or Is Someth…

Everyone is familiar with the classic solariums. The main purpose of using them is to achieve a quick tan without the need for exposure to the summer sun. They are quicker than sunbathing, but at the same time pose particular health risks. It is due to the increased risk of several types of skin cancer that the operation of sunbeds has been banned in some countries.

Their major downside is that they accelerate skin ageing. This is where so-called collagen sunbeds come into play, promising regeneration and rejuvenation, and often a tan themselves. So what is it all about? Is it even possible for such sunbeds to both regenerate and tan the skin? These and many other questions will be answered in this article.

What is a collagen sunbed?

Similar to a traditional sunbed, which you would use for a quick tan without the need for natural sunlight, collagen sunbeds are devices that emit light at certain wavelengths. At first glance, a collagen sunbed looks the same as a conventional one. The difference lies in the promised benefits that come with the different radiation that you will find in the classic kind.

Collagen sunbeds use red to infrared radiation

Unlike traditional sunbeds, which primarily use UVA radiation to stimulate the production of melanin (the pigment responsible for tanning), collagen sunbeds are primarily a source of red and infrared radiation. Infrared radiation is commonly known as heat.

With wavelengths ranging from 700 nm to 1000 nm, it has much lower energy than UV (100-400 nm) and is not considered ionising radiation. In other words, infrared radiation does not cause damage to macromolecules such as DNA and proteins and does not damage your cells. However, it depends on the manufacturer, as some sunbeds advertised as collagen sunbeds actually have a combination of infrared and UV radiation.

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Photobiomodulation – benefits of red light therapy

Like UV, infrared light has also found its application. Photobiomodulation uses infrared light and the results of studies look promising. The first indications that infrared light could help heal skin wounds came from NASA research in the 1960s. The use of red and infrared light is known as ‘red light therapy’. ^[1]

Currently, photobiomodulation is used for athlete recovery because red and infrared light stimulates proliferation (growth) and differentiation (development) of stem cells. These are essential in restoring damaged tissues. ^[2]

Infrared and red light also stimulates collagen synthesis and has been shown in studies to improve skin health. Adequate collagen production, which declines with age, is essential for slowing wrinkle formation and skin elasticity. However, it is important to keep in mind that these are controlled conditions with precisely defined intensities and wavelengths. ^[3]

An effect on muscle recovery has also been observed, potentially leading to increased muscle mass gain and a reduction in inflammation that follows intense training. However, irradiating the muscles with infrared light is certainly no substitute for a quality diet, a well-constructed workout and plenty of rest. However, as an adjunct to a healthy lifestyle, photobiomodulation has the potential to improve recovery and therefore physical performance itself. ^[4]

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Collagen sunbeds also potentially emit UV

However, manufacturers of sunbeds that are marketed as “collagen” think more about the customer than the science, so red and infrared light is often combined with UV light to preserve the tanning effect as well. It is very easy to advertise something that has the potential to stimulate collagen production and tan at the same time.

The truth remains that even a mix of different wavelengths of light will not prevent potential UV damage to the skin. As a result, one may assume that the positive effects of photobiomodulation will be minimised due to UV damage. It is therefore necessary to find out in advance whether the sunbed has a UV source or whether it emits only red and infrared light.

Conclusion

According to recent studies, red and infrared light alone has the potential to regenerate tissues in the body. From skin rejuvenation to regeneration in the case of high intensity exercise, photobiomodulation has some purpose. Therefore, classic infrared lamps or modern masks with red LEDs may not need to be thrown away. Collagen tanning beds are again a grey area.

On the one hand there is the potential benefit of photobiomodulation, on the other hand there is the risk of damage due to UV radiation that may be a part of the tanning bed in question. Despite promising advertisements about how red light helps with almost everything, it’s still important to consider health as a whole. Even ageing skin is affected by exercise, diet, stress and sleep. Therefore, take care of all of these factors before deciding to lock yourself into yet another lighted tube.