Infrared light wavelengths weres included in light therapy devices for elevated therapeutic benefits. Yet, they have exceeded expectations and offer a wide range of health and skin benefits.
So, how does infrared light therapy work?
Infrared light wavelengths can penetrate deeper into the skin and reach the muscle and bone cells. Upon reaching there, these wavelengths energize body cells for elevated therapeutic benefits.
Let’s discuss the working principle of infrared light therapy in detail.
The Range of Infrared Light Wavelength Used in Light Therapy
Infrared light wavelengths are not visible to human eyes. However, we can feel these wavelengths in the form of heat. Electromagnetic wavelengths of 780 nm – 0.1 mm are considered infrared light wavelengths.
There are three distinct classifications of infrared light wavelengths as well. 780 – 1400 nm infrared wavelengths are considered near-infrared, 1400 – 3000 nm are considered mid-infrared, and 3000 nm – 0.1mm wavelengths are classified as far-infrared.
As infrared wavelengths are bigger than visible light wavelengths, they can travel deeper into the skin and reach various internal organs when used in light therapy.
However, mid-infrared and far-infrared wavelengths can heat up the body too quickly. In some cases, these wavelengths can cause thermal injuries, scaling, and hyperpigmentation. Thus these light wavelengths are not used in light therapy.
Near-infrared light wavelengths offer the best therapeutic benefits. In NIR light therapy, 810 – 870 nm light wavelengths are used. These light wavelengths offer users healing, anti-inflammatory, and recovery benefits. There are several near-infrared light therapy devices that allow anyone to get infrared light therapy at home.
Besides near-infrared wavelengths, infrared saunas often use mid-infrared wavelengths as a heating agent instead of superheated streams. Far-infrared wavelengths are often used to remove toxins, relax muscles, and increase circulation in the body.
How does Near-infrared Light Therapy Work?
As mentioned earlier, near-infrared light wavelengths are bigger than visible light wavelengths. While most visible light wavelengths cannot penetrate the skin layer of the human body, near-infrared wavelengths can go deeper and can reach muscle and bone cells.
When light wavelengths fall on the human body, the mitochondria of body cells start absorbing energy from light. With this additional energy, mitochondria increase metabolism throughout the body.
Increased metabolism helps repair damaged cells and replicate healthy growth for those cells. Therefore, the body gets rejuvenated and healed from damage.
Also, the heating property of infrared lights heats up the body. This helps raise the body temperature and makes the body hostile to harmful bacteria. Also, the circulation in the body increases due to raised temperature.
Improved circulation helps in supplying oxygen-rich blood in different areas of the body. Thus, near-infrared wavelengths help reduce inflammation. Also, blood can deliver necessary nutrients and antioxidants wherever necessary. Thus, bodily wellbeing can be ensured when one takes NIR light therapy.
Near-infrared light is also known for influencing collagen production in the body. Collagen makes 80% of our skin, and with age, the body produces less collagen. With this therapy, you can resolve various skin conditions, heal wounds, and eliminate scar marks on your skin.
If you are an athlete or muscle trainer, muscle injuries are no stranger to you. As near-infrared light can reach your muscles and induce healing properties, you will have to face less injury period and get back to your training earlier.
Moreover, NIR therapy helps with users’ mental health conditions. Endorphin production increases once near-infrared light falls on the skin. Thus, the user will feel good and can get rid of stress and depressive symptoms.
As for other health benefits, hair growth boosts when near-infrared light is administered. If the NIR therapy user is getting their teeth aligned, they may see a swift result. Fine lines, age spots, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles can be addressed with this therapy, and younger-looking skin can be achieved.
Side Effects of Infrared Light Wavelengths
Light therapy has almost non-existent side effects. Unlike UV rays, infrared rays don’t harm the skin or cause cancer. However, the heating property of infrared light can heat up internal organs and cause thermal damage. In some cases, one may not see any sign of thermal damage on their skin, but the internal organ will go through damage.
Hyperpigmentation and scaling are two other problems one may encounter while having uncontrolled NIR therapy. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor before getting light therapy. Also, follow the extensive procedure of using a light therapy device described in the user manual that comes with the therapy device.
Bottom Line
NIR light therapy may be fairly new, yet it dominates multiple industries for its versatile benefits. More and more benefits of near-infrared light are being discovered, and this therapy has hardly any lasting side effects.
So, infrared light therapy reaches deep down the users’ skin and provides therapeutic benefits from cellular levels. Thus, one can find helpful mental and health benefits with this exceptional therapy method.
