After Advanced Red Light Phototherapy: 48-Hour Do’s and Don’ts

By Ohana Sun Tanning | August 4, 2026

North Phoenix / Deer Valley near Union Hills Drive and 32nd Street

After Advanced Red Light Therapy: 48-Hour Do's and Don'ts red light phototherapy aftercare

We hear it all the time, people walk in and say they feel “so welcomed when stepping through the doors.” Now, the most important rule after Advanced Red Light Therapy is simple: keep your skin calm for the first 48 hours. That means gentle cleanse, moisturize, skip retinol and exfoliating acids, avoid heavy sweating for 24 hours, and protect your skin from direct Phoenix sun with SPF and shade.

Your first 24 hours after red light therapy: keep it cool, gentle, and hydrated

Our Advanced Red Light Therapy is a 12-minute full-body session (photo bio-modulation using red and near-infrared light). A lot of people love how relaxing it feels, and some notice body comfort changes pretty quickly. One regular told us their lower back pain “has gone away” after using the red light bed a few times.

Right after your session: We generally recommend a lukewarm shower, a mild cleanser, and a fragrance-free moisturizer. Skip anything “active” for now, including retinoids and chemical exfoliants.

Do this on day one

  • Drink extra water. Phoenix is dry, and hydration helps your skin stay comfortable.
  • Use a gentle moisturizer morning and night.
  • Wear SPF and keep treated skin out of direct sun, especially if you’re heading outdoors.

Avoid this on day one

  • Heavy sweating, hot yoga, and intense workouts for 24 hours.
  • Saunas and very hot showers the same day if you tend to flush easily.
  • Retinol, strong exfoliating acids, or peel pads for 48 hours.

24–48 hours in Phoenix heat: sun and sweat are the two big spoilers

The first two days are where you protect the “calm skin” goal. In Phoenix summer, the mid-day heat can turn a quick errand into a sweat session, and that can irritate skin that’s trying to settle. If you know you’ll be outside, plan earlier in the morning or later in the evening, and keep your SPF routine tight.

And yes, you can pair Red Light Therapy with other services. We see a lot of members combine it with sunbeds or spray tan services as part of their regular routine. If that’s you, tell our front desk what you’ve got scheduled so we can help you space things in a way that keeps your skin happy.

Phoenix tip: If you’re coming from Scottsdale, Glendale, Peoria, Paradise Valley, or Cave Creek, try to schedule your session so you’re not stepping back into peak heat right after. Less sweat usually means less irritation.

The first week after Advanced Red Light Therapy: the “steady wins” schedule

A lot of the results people talk about happen with consistency. We’ve had clients tell us they noticed skin tightening in arms and legs after a few weeks, and that joint and back discomfort “seems to be subsiding with each treatment.” That’s why your first week matters. You’re setting the tone for how your skin behaves between visits.

Keep going with gentle cleanser and moisturizer. Keep sun exposure reasonable. If you’re doing outdoor workouts, go early or late, and rinse off sweat sooner rather than later. And please don’t pick at your skin if you notice a dry patch or a breakout trying to surface. Let it calm down.

We’re in the North Phoenix / Deer Valley area near Union Hills and 32nd Street, so a lot of people pop in for a quick 12-minute session and go right back to their day. That low-downtime vibe only stays low-downtime if you avoid the “let me do everything today” approach on your skin.

The simple product plan (no fancy shelf required)

You don’t need a complicated routine after red light phototherapy. You need a steady one.

  • Cleanser: mild, non-scrubby, and not heavily fragranced. Think “my skin feels normal after, ” not squeaky.
  • Moisturizer: fragrance-free is a safe bet, especially if you tend to run sensitive. Apply while skin is still slightly damp.
  • SPF: daily on exposed areas. In Phoenix, the sun is not gentle, even on quick drives.

If you’re on a membership plan and coming in regularly, track what your skin does between visits. If you notice you’re consistently dry or reactive after sessions, tell us. We’ll talk through your routine and spacing so it feels good, not frustrating.

Helpful reads: what to expect for your first Advanced Red Light Therapy session and membership routines for Advanced Red Light Therapy skin recovery.

When to reach out to our team (and when it’s just normal skin doing skin things)

Most people do great after Advanced Red Light Therapy. If you get a little temporary warmth or mild redness, it usually settles quickly, especially when you keep showers lukewarm and products gentle.

“This place, these people, the tan I have the luxury of wearing now, all beyond exceptional. I was pleasantly surprised by their honesty.”

one of our regulars

Reach out to us if: redness sticks around longer than you expect, you feel itchy or uncomfortable, or something just feels “off” for your skin. We’re happy to talk it through and help you adjust your plan.

Ready to keep the momentum going? Our Advanced Red Light Therapy session is $64.95 for 12 minutes, and we also have monthly options, plus Premium All Salon Access if you like pairing red light with tanning services. If you’re swinging by our Deer Valley spot near Union Hills and 32nd Street, we’ll get you set up with a schedule that fits your life and your skin.

Questions? Call +16025694624 or email tan@ohanasuntanning.com. We’re at 3230 East Union Hills Drive, Suite 105, Phoenix, AZ 85050.

Frequently Asked Questions

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We generally recommend waiting 24 hours before intense exercise, hot yoga, or anything that causes heavy sweating. Light movement is usually fine, but if you flush easily in Phoenix heat, give your skin that first day to stay cool and calm.

Yes. Keep it lukewarm and gentle. Skip super-hot water and harsh scrubs the same day, and follow with a simple, fragrance-free moisturizer.

We recommend avoiding direct sun right after your session and protecting your skin with SPF and shade for at least the first 24 hours. Phoenix sun can be intense, so plan outdoor time early or late when you can.

Hold retinol and chemical exfoliants for 48 hours. After that, you can usually ease back in over the next 48 to 72 hours, especially if your skin is sensitive.

Most people don’t peel from red light therapy. You might notice temporary warmth or mild redness that settles quickly. If irritation hangs on longer than expected, let us know so we can help you adjust your routine and timing.

It’s the red and near-infrared light used in photo bio-modulation. That light is what supports goals like collagen production, improved skin tone and texture, and reducing inflammation.

Our Advanced Red Light Therapy uses red and near-infrared light to support cosmetic concerns like wrinkles, skin tightening, acne, psoriasis, and eczema, and many people also come in for comfort and recovery support like inflammation and joint or back discomfort. It’s a quick 12-minute session, and you can pair it with sunbeds or spray tan services if that’s part of your routine.

People commonly come in for skin support, including collagen and elastin support, tone and texture improvements, and the look of tighter skin. We also hear regular feedback about body comfort and recovery, like less inflammation and improved back or joint comfort with consistent sessions.