Tanning salons aren’t just about the “bronzed babe” glow anymore. Walk into a modern-day salon, and you’re just as likely to see red light therapy beds, infrared saunas, and “recovery lounges” as you are traditional tanning booths. It’s not just about the tan—it’s about how you feel walking out the door. And honestly? It’s about time.
We’re living in a wellness-obsessed world. People are tired, stressed, bloated, over-scheduled—and they’re looking for more than just superficial self-care. They want results and relaxation. And salons have taken notice.
So now? Tanning at Jacksonville Florida tanning salons isn’t just about that summer-in-a-bottle vibe. It’s becoming part of a bigger wellness picture—a glow that starts inside and works its way out.
The Shift: From “Tan and Go” to “Tan and Heal”
If you’ve been to a forward-thinking salon lately, you’ve probably noticed something different on the menu. It’s not just UV tanning or spray tans anymore. Now you’ve got things like:
- Red light therapy sessions
- Infrared cocoon pods
- LED facial rejuvenation panels
- Post-tan recovery lounges
- And yes—even lymphatic massage tech
And no, it’s not random. There’s a reason these services are showing up alongside traditional tanning. Clients don’t want a five-minute session that leaves them dry, tired, or fried. They want to walk out feeling energized, detoxed, and refreshed—with glowing skin to match.
Tanning used to be the destination. Now, it’s part of the experience.
Why Red Light Therapy Fits So Naturally into Tanning Culture
Let’s get into it. Red light therapy might sound super “wellness influencer” on the surface, but it’s actually a pretty natural fit in the tanning space.
Both services involve using light to affect the skin. But instead of UV rays, red and near-infrared light work on a cellular level. They don’t tan you—they charge your cells, reduce inflammation, and boost collagen. (Yes, please.)
What this means is, while your tan gives you that golden glow, red light therapy helps your skin recover, firm up, and look more even-toned. No blotchy patches, no angry dry spots, just smooth, radiant skin that holds onto that color longer.
Dennis, owner of Sundays Sun Spa Shop, puts it this way:
“A red light session before or after a tan is like adding primer and sealant to your paint job. You’re prepping the skin, making it healthier, more receptive, and helping that tan last longer and fade more evenly.”
That’s a win in our book.
Infrared Therapy: The Underrated Sidekick
Now, let’s talk infrared.
If red light is the glow-up, infrared is the chill-down. These longer wavelengths go even deeper into the body—past skin and tissue—to raise core temperature, improve circulation, and trigger deep sweat.
Unlike the sweaty mess of a traditional sauna, infrared heat is gentle. You don’t feel roasted—you feel like you’re warming from the inside out. And the benefits? Wild. We’re talking:
- Detox
- Muscle recovery
- Lymphatic drainage
- Calmer nervous system
- Improved sleep
Pair that with a tan, and you’re not just walking out bronzed—you’re walking out blissed.
The New Ritual: Combine, Customize, Reset
Here’s what’s exciting: this new model allows clients to build their own rituals.
Some might come in for 20 minutes of red light before a UV tan to prep the skin. Others do an infrared sweat session post-tan to relax and detox. And some just want the light therapy without the tan—because they love the way it makes them feel.
It’s customizable. It’s intuitive. And it totally flips the old “get in, get out” tanning model on its head.
Tanning Salons: The Next Wellness Lounges?
It’s not a stretch to say tanning salon near my location are quietly becoming the neighborhood wellness hubs.
Think about it. They’re already set up for private sessions. They already understand light-based treatments. And now, with red light and infrared in the mix, they’re offering solutions that reach far beyond just skin-deep beauty.
Clients leave looking good, yes—but more importantly, they feel good.
“People come in expecting a tan and leave feeling like they had a spa day,” Dennis says. “It’s the best kind of surprise.”
Final Glow Thoughts
There’s something really cool happening here. The lines between beauty and wellness are blurring—in the best way. Tanning salons aren’t just catching up to the trend; in many ways, they’re leading it.
It’s about recognizing that confidence isn’t just about the color of your skin—it’s about how you carry yourself, how you feel, how well you take care of yourself.
So if you haven’t tried blending a tan with red light or infrared therapy yet, maybe it’s time. Your skin—and your soul—might just thank you.
