From protein sodas to dopamine detoxes, our social media feeds are inundated with the latest wellness fads—and while most disappear as quickly as they arrived, some have real staying power for our daily routines. One of those exceptions is red light therapy, a once-niche skincare and recovery tool that has quickly become a wellness staple.
Also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), red light therapy is a noninvasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of red or near-infrared light to stimulate cellular activity in the body. This process is scientifically proven to help repair body tissue, reduce inflammation, and support healing and immune function, which can result in whole-body benefits—including collagen production in the skin, wound healing, muscle recovery, and more.
Courtesy of The Refinery
Treatment devices range from at-home LED masks to full-body red light panels and beds. As demand has grown, local wellness businesses are expanding their offerings. After incorporating red light therapy into facials for several years, Minneapolis waxing and bodywork studio The Refinery recently added full-body red light therapy to its lineup of services. “I think a lot of people are moving away from things like Botox and trying to do things that are going to naturally stimulate their body,” says owner and advanced practice esthetician Megan Drange.
Professional treatments at salons, spas, and wellness studios typically cost about $30 to $100 per session, with many offering discounted package pricing or memberships. For those looking to invest at home, options include handheld devices for under $100, LED face masks ranging from $200 to $500, and full-body panels starting around $800.
Drange says many clients come in seeking red light therapy to ease chronic tension and muscle relief, often pairing the service with a massage. The Refinery offers a variety of packages and single-session treatments tailored to goals ranging from anti-aging and skin smoothing to body contouring and overall wellness.
So, is red light therapy more than a microtrend? Signs point to yes. “I think it’s here to stay,” says Drange. “Living in Minnesota, it feels really nice. A lot of us are millennials or older, so we remember the tanning bed days. It gives you that nostalgic feeling of being in a tanning bed without being harmful.”
