“Light therapy” is actually an umbrella term for a few different things, so let’s break it down simply.
Red & near-infrared light therapy (photobiomodulation). This is the kind you’ve probably seen in those glowing panels and beds. Specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light are believed to reach into your cells and give your mitochondria — basically your cells’ power plants — a boost in energy production. People use it for skin health, muscle recovery, inflammation, and general “I feel like a new person” energy.
Infrared sauna therapy. A close cousin. Instead of heating the air around you like a traditional sauna, infrared heat warms your body directly. It’s often paired with red light therapy in the same private suite, since the two play nicely together for circulation, detox, and relaxation.
Full-spectrum / SAD light therapy. This is the original light therapy — bright light boxes designed to mimic natural sunlight, most often used to ease seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and the general winter slump. It’s most effective used first thing in the morning, for about 20–30 minutes, and is considered one of the most evidence-backed treatments for seasonal depression.
None of these are a cure-all, and none replace a conversation with your doctor or therapist if you’re dealing with real depression or a chronic health condition. But for energy, recovery, mood support, and skin health, light therapy has become a go-to addition to a lot of local wellness routines — especially during our grayer, foggier stretches of “June Gloom” and winter along the coast.
Every spot below is independently owned — run by your actual neighbors, not a national franchise. Here’s where to go, city by city.
Tucked into Pierpont Beach, this seaside boutique pairs HaloRed red light and salt therapy with CBD, massage, and even tarot readings. It’s a solo-session kind of spot — you book your own private red light and halotherapy session, then maybe browse the curated wellness shop on your way out.
An Ojai institution since 1998, voted Best Day Spa in the valley more times than we can count. Their Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna sessions are usually bundled with halo salt therapy and other wellness add-ons, so it’s an easy way to ease into light therapy alongside a proper spa day.
Founder Sandra Burkhart built this after her own years-long fight with chronic pain led her to red and near-infrared light. Now a Certified Light Therapist, she runs two Camarillo locations offering red/infrared light panels, PEMF, vagus nerve stimulation, and Calmare Scrambler Therapy for people dealing with chronic pain and nervous system overload. This is less “quick glow-up” and more individualized, clinical-feeling care.
Owned by Angela and Monica, who bring a combined 40+ years of hands-on treatment experience. Red light therapy here is often paired with PEMF, infrared sauna, cold plunge, and movement classes — it’s a full wellness ecosystem rather than a single-service stop.
Billed as Simi Valley’s own private infrared sauna and HaloRed therapy studio. Straightforward, no-frills, and built around one thing: getting you into a private room to sweat it out and soak up some red light.
Light therapy is generally considered low-risk, but a couple of things are worth knowing. If you’re on medication that increases light sensitivity, have a skin condition, or are pregnant, it’s worth checking with your doctor first. And if what you’re really after is help for seasonal depression specifically, look for devices and providers using a true 10,000 lux full-spectrum light with UV filtered out — not just any “warm glow” lamp.
Beyond that? This is about as low-key as wellness gets. Pick a spot, book a session, and see how a little extra light treats you.
