What does red light therapy actually do?
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Twelve to twenty minutes of red and near-infrared light — the honest version of what it does, not the marketing one.
Red light therapy is the newest addition to Soma Vita's circuit, and the one most likely to sound like a fad. Some of what it's used for has real, if still-developing, evidence behind it; some of the claims attached to it elsewhere don't. Here's the version we'd actually stand behind.
In this guide
What it actually is
Red and near-infrared light at specific wavelengths, delivered by panel for a fixed period. No heat to speak of, no UV exposure, and nothing applied to the skin beforehand — you sit or lie in front of the panel, and that's the entire mechanism.
What it's used for
Most commonly: skin appearance, joint discomfort, and post-sun recovery after a day on the water. It's taken for 12 to 20 minutes at a time, and the protocol is deliberately undramatic — there's no ritual or technique, just consistent, still exposure.
What a session looks like
You sit still in front of the panel for the session length and that's it. No preparation needed beyond clean, dry skin, and no aftercare beyond normal sun protection if you're heading back out afterward.
What the evidence actually supports
This is where we'd rather undersell than oversell. Red and near-infrared light therapy has genuinely promising research behind some applications — skin appearance and certain kinds of joint discomfort in particular — and considerably thinner evidence behind some of the broader claims made about it elsewhere, including several that circulate well beyond what current research actually supports. Treat it as a well-supported wellness habit worth doing consistently, not a medical treatment or a guaranteed fix for a specific condition.
How often
It's fine to use daily, which is one of the practical advantages over cold immersion — there's no need for rest days between sessions the way there is with the ice bath. Consistency over time matters more than any single session.
Who should check first
Red light therapy doesn't use UV light and is non-invasive, so it's low-risk for most people, but check with a doctor first if you're on photosensitising medication, are pregnant, or have a personal or family history of skin cancer. It pairs naturally with the rest of Soma Vita's circuit — sauna and the magnesium jacuzzi included — on the days you want a fuller session.
Written by the team at The KOHO Air Hotel, a boutique wellness retreat five minutes’ walk from Gili Air harbour. We answer these questions by message most days — just ask.
Common questions
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