Not all “full-body” light therapy beds are created equal.
With the popularity of red light therapy soaring, many salons and clinics are turning to retrofitted tanning beds, old UV sunbeds converted to use red or near-infrared bulbs. But are these the same as a purpose-built LED bed? The short answer: absolutely not. Here’s why it matters for your safety, results, and long-term health.
Many so-called “red light beds” are simply retired tanning beds, repurposed with red fluorescent tubes or “hybrid” bulbs combining red and UV wavelengths.
Fluorescent bulbs operate by ionising mercury vapour, an outdated and potentially hazardous method.
Mercury Hazard: Fluorescent tubes contain mercury, a dangerous substance that can leak if the glass breaks.
Inefficiency: These bulbs waste a significant amount of energy as heat and are less efficient at delivering targeted light to skin and tissue.
Short Lifespan: Frequent switching on and off causes fluorescent tubes to age rapidly, leading to uneven or failing output.
Unfocused Light: Fluorescent lamps emit light in all directions, so much of the energy is lost, not focused on your body.
Unwanted UV Exposure: Even “red” fluorescent tubes often emit low levels of UV radiation, increasing the risk to skin and eyes.
Flicker: Many fluorescent bulbs flicker at frequencies that may cause irritation or health issues for some people.
Authorities like the US FDA have explicitly warned that retrofitting tanning beds with new bulbs (without proper medical device approval) may be illegal and unsafe.
In Australia, only medical-grade devices listed with the ARTG are legally recognised for therapeutic use.
LEDs are a solid-state technology – no glass tubes, no mercury, and far less wasted energy.
Focused Output: LEDs direct light where you need it, your skin and tissue—maximising the beneficial dose.
Consistent Power: LEDs maintain a stable output over time, so every session is effective.
Zero Harmful UV: Medical-grade LED beds emit only safe, therapeutic wavelengths, with no UV by-products.
Long Lifespan: Quality LEDs last tens of thousands of hours with little degradation.
True LED beds are purpose-built with advanced cooling and circuit design, ensuring consistent output and user safety.
Retrofitted beds often lack these features, leading to overheating, inconsistent results, and increased risk of device failure.
As the only ISO 13485:2016 certified manufacturer of medical aesthetic LED devices in Australia, Aesthetic Bureau is committed to quality, compliance, and optimal results.
Our devices, including the Total Xen Full Body LED Bed, use the latest photodiode technology, engineered for Australian clinics and health professionals.
Every device undergoes rigorous testing and is registered on the ARTG for full regulatory compliance.
When it comes to your health and the effectiveness of your therapy, don’t settle for a retrofitted sunbed or unapproved device. Choose a purpose-built, medical-grade LED bed for true full-body benefits, without the risks.
Want to learn more? Contact us or visit the Xen website for details on our certified LED light therapy beds and the full Aesthetic Bureau device range.
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