Wellness technologies see rapid uptake among UK young adults, new data finds

Wellness technologies are increasingly becoming part of modern health routines, with over a quarter of UK adults having tried red light therapy or blue light blocking devices.

That's according to premium wellness brand Bon Charge, which reports that technologies such as red light therapy, blue light blocking devices, infrared saunas and PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) tools are seeing a surge in popularity.

Research suggests adoption is highest among young adults aged 18-34, with more than half in this age group using these tools.

It comes as 87% of UK red light therapy users and 81% of blue light blocking users began within the past two years, while two-thirds of infrared sauna and PEMF users started in the last year, with Bon Charge reporting an 86% year-on-year rise in PEMF sales.

Celebrity and influencer endorsements play a role, with 32% of UK users trying these technologies after seeing endorsements.

A desire for authenticity and scientific backing is also evident among UK adults, with 54% expressing distrust in skincare or beauty products without research-based validation.

Key findings from the report reveal patterns across markets:

• Younger generations driving adoption: Globally, adults under 35 are the leading users of wellness technologies, including red light therapy, blue light blocking devices, infrared saunas and PEMF tools. The UAE is an exception, with high adoption among people in their late 30s and 40s.
• Men lead usage globally: Men are the primary users in most markets, particularly in Australia and the US, although in the UK slightly more women (27%) than men (24%) have tried red light therapy.
• Aesthetic motivations for red light therapy: Across the UK, Australia and UAE, skin-related goals are the primary reason for use, with red light face masks emerging as the most popular product.
• PEMF adoption influenced by endorsements: Celebrity and influencer recommendations are a major driver, with usage uptake reported at 39% in the UAE, 32% in the UK, 28% in the US and 26% in Australia.
• Blue light blocking devices most widely used: Globally, 35% of respondents reported using blue light blocking devices, slightly ahead of red light therapy (34%), often to reduce discomfort from screen exposure.

Andy Mant, co-founder and CEO of Bon Charge, said: "People are becoming much more invested in their overall wellness, and as a result they’re seeking out accessible tools that offer them multiple benefits, whether that’s for their skin, hair, sleep, stress resilience, recovery, or their gum health.

"The rapid adoption rates of technologies such as red light, blue light blocking technology, infrared sauna and PEMF, particularly amongst younger adults, in just the past year, reflects the current global movement towards proactive wellness."