Man holding lower back in pain

Understanding LED Light Therapy & Your Skin: Is Infrared Harmful to Skin?

Understanding the impacts of LED light therapy on skin is important to know when you want to manage pain. Whether you’re using an infrared back wrap or shoulder wrap, you’ve probably asked, “is infrared light safe for skin?” Whether you’re using this technique to even out your complexion or are incorporating devices into your pain management routine, the nuances of LED light therapy and skin to help you make the best decision for you. 

What is Infrared? 

Infrared light waves are part of the electromagnetic spectrum. They’re invisible to the human eye, but are felt as heat. Knowing whether infrared light is safe for skin or not comes to down to the intensity. The more intense the infrared waves, the more exposure to radiation you have, and that’s not a good thing. Luckily, scientists are able to control the intensity and strength of the infrared waves, so when it comes to LED light therapy and skin, all of the products sold for pain management are at a level so low, they do no damage. 

How it Works. 

To know how LED light therapy impacts skin, we need to know how it works. If you’re getting an infrared light therapy device, the technology behind it goes something like this: 

  • Light energy (photons) is emitted in the red (visible) and near-infrared (invisible) spectrum.
  • Photobiomodulation Therapy works at the cellular level within the mitochondria (the engine of the body).
  • Cells absorb light energy and release adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which creates energy for cells to use.
  • These energized cells get to work, helping circulate blood, mobilize recovery, decrease muscle spasms and promote muscle relaxation

Using these devices for up to twenty minutes a session up to three times daily daily can relax and restore your muscles. 

How it can be harmful. 

We understand that many people may be skeptical, wondering is infrared light safe for skin. Of course, if done improperly, using LED light therapy on skin can be harmful. Intense infrared radiation can be detrimental to the skin. It can cause inflammation, skin discoloration, and aging. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can be damaging in the long run, so it’s important to be sure that you’re getting a very low intensity of infrared waves on your skin. 

But fear not. Scientists have mastered infrared technology, providing you with pain management that doesn’t damage skin or expose you to harmful radiation.

The benefits it can bring. 

Much like compression wear, infrared devices provide many benefits to people who use them to mitigate pain. Once you’ve decided that infrared light is safe for skin, you’ll help your muscles recover quicker and improve circulation. You’ll also experience the benefits of warmth to help relax muscles and get pain relief from minor aches and pains and stiff joints.  

So, is infrared light safe for skin? 

The short answer: yes! Because the frequency at which the infrared light is emitted, you’re not at risk for a high amount of radiation. Infrared waves are used for LED light therapy and skin treatments, pain management, and so much more these days. You can buy LED masks, infrared and red light back braces, and other healthcare products that utilize all the benefits of infrared. 

Is it the right choice for you? 

If you want to ease aching joints and sore muscles, infrared light therapy is a great choice. If you have sensitive skin, you may not be able to leave the LED light therapy device on your skin too long, but you can still reap the benefits. This type of pain management is great for everyone. Ranging from athletes to those dealing with arthritis, infrared is intended to relax sore muscles and spasms, minor aches and pains, and stiffness.