Does Infrared Light Cause Hyperpigmentation

Introduction: Does Infrared Light Cause Hyperpigmentation?

With the increasing popularity of infrared saunas and red light therapy, many individuals are concerned about whether infrared light may lead to hyperpigmentation. Red light therapy is used by people worldwide to achieve healthy, youthful-looking, and radiant skin, while infrared saunas are utilized for relaxation and detoxification purposes. Both procedures use infrared light in the form of near-infrared light. Of course, with the use of any wellness treatment, nobody wants to compromise on developing a new issue at the same time.

Put yourself in this situation—if a treatment promises fairer skin but also causes your skin to look saggy, would you continue using it? Absolutely not. Many people compare the impact of UV and infrared light, but overlook the fact that their wavelengths and effects on the body are entirely different.

Hyperpigmentation is a result of the overproduction of melanin, which causes dark spots or patchy skin. Since UV light is recognized to cause this by weakening the skin, some believe that other light sources—such as infrared—may also have a similar effect. Yet, infrared light is non-ionizing, so your body does not perceive it as harmful and hence will not cause melanin production.

In this article, we'll explore how infrared light interacts with the skin, whether it can cause hyperpigmentation, and what scientific research says about its safety.

What Is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a common skin disorder characterized by the darkening of certain areas of the body compared to the surrounding tissue. It usually results from excessive exposure to the sun. You might know that sunlight has UV rays, which are ionizing and can potentially damage DNA as well as stimulate melanocytes. Melanocytes are specialized cells that produce melanin in the right quantity. But intense sunlight can cause these cells to overproduce melanin. The excess melanin accumulates in certain patches, and the result is dark patches or discoloration of the skin.

While hyperpigmentation is not dangerous and does not hurt, it can make individuals feel embarrassed, particularly if their skin becomes lighter or dark spots develop. Most individuals even claim to have had fairer skin when they were infants, but their skin tanned with the passage of time due to exposure to the sun and pollution in the environment.

There are some forms of hyperpigmentation:

Sunspots (or age spots)

This type of hyperpigmentation results from prolonged exposure to the sun.

Melasma

Many times brought about by hormonal imbalance, such as in pregnancy. 

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)

Black spots that result from acne, cuts, or inflammation.

Most of the time, hyperpigmentation is the body's natural response to shield the skin from the damaging effects of UV light, which can result in more dangerous diseases like skin cancer and melanoma.

How Infrared Light Interacts with the Skin

If you believe infrared light works on your skin in the same manner as UV rays do, you're incorrect. UV rays are ionizing and employ shorter wavelengths, whereas infrared light is non-ionizing and employs longer wavelengths. Therefore, infrared light doesn't harm DNA and doesn't cause excess melanin production. As we are well aware, melanin protects us from the detrimental effects of UV light, but just the right amount is needed, as too much leads to dark spots and blotchiness.

Infrared light has a wide wavelength range—between 700 nm and 100,000 nm—and behaves with the skin in an entirely different manner than does UV light. It is split into three categories:

Near-Infrared Light (700–1400 nm):

This wavelength penetrates to the innermost skin layers. It's often utilized in red light therapy for healing, inflammation reduction, and rejuvenation of the skin. It generates minimal heat and is shown to be safe to use therapeutically.

Mid-Infrared Light (1400–3000 nm):

This spectrum does not penetrate as deeply as near-infrared light but still penetrates to moderate tissue depth. It is utilized to increase blood flow and decrease inflammation. It has more heat emission than near-infrared light.

Far-Infrared Light (3000–100,000 nm):

This light primarily targets the surface skin layers and is typically used for relaxation and detoxification. It produces perceptible heat and, when overused, can cause heat-related skin problems.

Does Infrared Light Cause Hyperpigmentation?

Infrared light does not lead to hyperpigmentation because it is non-ionizing, meaning it lacks sufficient energy to break DNA or alter skin cells in a manner that initiates melanin production. In contrast to ultraviolet (UV) rays, which are ionizing and penetrate the skin to activate melanocytes (the cells that produce melanin), infrared light is distinct.

Specifically, near-infrared light is extremely safe for the skin. It does not produce the dangerous effects UV causes, including sunburn, DNA mutations, or the excess production of melanin. UV radiation produces dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and blotchy skin because it penetrates deep into the skin and interferes with normal skin cell function. This danger lies in their ionizing property, which may cause oxidative stress and inflammation in the skin.

Conversely, infrared light is utilized in therapies for the purpose of aiding skin healing, diminishing inflammation, and enhancing circulation, and is not merely safe but actually helpful when applied appropriately.

Infrared Light vs. UV Light: Key Differences in Skin Impact

Infrared light affects the skin very differently from UV rays, primarily because of their varying wavelengths and thus energies. 

1) Type of Radiation

Infrared light is a non-ionizing form of light, with not enough energy to change DNA structure. It is safe for the skin and does not damage it. UV rays, on the other hand, are ionizing and have enough energy to change DNA and cause severe skin problems like sunburn, hyperpigmentation, skin cancer, and melanoma.

2) Penetration into the skin

Infrared radiation is classified into three types (IR-A, IR-B, and IR-C), and its penetration depends accordingly. Remarkably, near-infrared radiation (IR-A) can penetrate deep into tissue and thus finds effective uses in therapy. UV radiation, however, primarily affects the surface layers of the skin and may be capable of destroying or damaging cells in these layers.

3) Action on Pigmentation

Infrared light does not cause melanin stimulation, hence it does not tan or hyperpigment. UV rays, on the other hand, can stimulate melanocytes to release more melanin and, in return, lead to dark spots, irregular skin tone, and hyperpigmentation.

Scientific Research on Infrared Light and Pigmentation

Extended scientific studies on the impact of infrared light on the skin indicate that it poses no possibility of causing melanocytes or excessive melanin production. Based on research, infrared light does not produce any skin problems, such as heat-related issues, when applied appropriately and within the right range.

Most dermatologists have assured that infrared light is safe on all skin types and is not proven to cause hyperpigmentation. As opposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays, which have been proven to promote melanin production and cause dark spots, infrared light is non-ionizing and does not harm DNA or stimulate melanocyte activity.

A Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine study revealed that UV radiation heightened pigmentation and oxidative stress, but controlled infrared light exposure did not induce any side effects concerning pigmentation. Likewise, a Lasers in Medical Science review pointed out the infrared light's skin-repairing and anti-inflammatory properties without a direct correlation with hyperpigmentation or melasma.

Prolonged or intense exposure to infrared heat with high intensity has been reported in some studies to cause heat-related skin discomfort. Excluded here is hyperpigmentation, and in general, it is not a problem when the therapy is properly applied.

Why People Admire Red Light Therapy to Get the Benefits of Infrared Light

Individuals love red light therapy because it utilizes the safest and most efficient range of infrared light, near-infrared light. Red light therapy is a non-invasive, medication-free approach that utilizes low-wavelength red and near-infrared light. You might already know that near-infrared light can penetrate deep within tissues and heal at the cellular level.

Red light therapy utilizes this light to aid in the healing of various ailments, including fractures, torn ligaments, tendons, and chronic inflammation, while naturally calming the body. Low wavelengths stimulate the mitochondria—referred to as the cell powerhouses—and increase the cell's ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production. ATP aids in the promotion of cellular functions and enables melanocytes to act in a homeostatic manner.

You might wonder whether infrared light can lead to hyperpigmentation, but in fact, near-infrared light fortifies skin cells, making them more resilient to environmental damage—such as damage from UV rays—by stimulating cellular repair, enhancing blood circulation, and increasing collagen and elastin production.

This not only increases skin resilience but also gives it a healthier, more youthful appearance. In the long run, regular red light therapy can improve the texture of the skin, decrease inflammation, and overall enhance the skin's condition.

Common Myths About Infrared Light and Skin Pigmentation

There are a few myths about infrared light due to its longer wavelengths and the capability of generating heat on the skin. But these perceptions are myths, and the reality is solely the opposite.

Myth 1: Infrared Light Causes Hyperpigmentation

Fact: Infrared light doesn't cause hyperpigmentation because it is not ionizing and can't stimulate melanocyte activity—the cells that produce melanin. UV rays, however, are ionizing and can alter the DNA, resulting in an overproduction of melanin and dark spots.

Myth 2: Infrared Light Damages Skin Like UV Rays

Fact: Infrared light is not the same as UV rays in how it impacts the skin. Actually, near-infrared light is therapeutic. Although it generates heat, it doesn't cause UV-related health issues, such as sunburn, DNA damage, or melanoma.

Myth 3: Infrared Heat Equals Skin Harm

Fact: Although long-term use of infrared light might irritate the skin, in the right range, like near-infrared light, it does not cause any harm. It does not cause tanning, burning, or pigmentation when used effectively.

Myth 4: Any Light-Based Therapy Can Have an Effect on Pigmentation

Fact: Only some wavelengths—specifically, UVA and UVB—are able to cause pigmentation. Red and near-infrared light actually works for the skin by accumulating skin cells, improving evenness of tone, and assisting cells in repairing themselves.

Is Red Light Therapy Safe for Pigmentation-Prone Skin?

Yes, red light therapy is safe for hyperpigmentation-susceptible skin, as it involves the application of low-wavelength near-infrared and red light with therapeutic effects, and is suitable for use on any skin type. In contrast to UV radiation, which may provoke the excessive production of melanin as a protective mechanism, red and near-infrared light are non-ionizing and will not provoke this response.

Red light therapy is even being researched for its ability to whiten skin pigments and smooth out skin color naturally. The wavelengths of the lights trigger an increase in collagen formation, improve blood flow, and help to heal cells, all contributing factors to harder, healthier, and more durable skin.

Conclusion: Is Infrared Light Safe for Skin Tone?

Does Infrared Light Cause Hyperpigmentation on the Face?

No, infrared light does not cause hyperpigmentation on the face because it is non-ionizing. Unlike UV rays, it does not pose serious risks to the skin, such as altering DNA or causing skin cancer. In fact, near-infrared light, a part of the infrared spectrum, is commonly used to make the skin appear younger, smoother, and firmer.

Is Infrared Light Safe for All Skin Types?

Yes, infrared light is safe for all skin types, provided you apply the correct wavelength and control the duration of its application carefully. It is even safe for sensitive and darker skin types, as it is non-ionizing and does not alter the structure of DNA. In fact, near-infrared light is commonly used in skin therapy due to its ability to promote healing, enhance circulation, reduce inflammation, and stimulate collagen production.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Does infrared cause hyperpigmentation?

No, infrared light in the right amount does not cause hyperpigmentation. However, if the light is too intense or used improperly, it may stimulate melanocytes to produce more melanin.

Which light is best for hyperpigmentation?

Green light helps fade hyperpigmentation by targeting melanin and calming the skin. Red light also supports hyperpigmentation treatment by boosting collagen, healing damaged skin, and reducing inflammation for a clearer, even tone.

Can infrared light damage your skin?

The right range of infrared light does not cause any damage, but if you use it at high intensity or for extended periods, it can lead to skin burns and heat urticaria.

References

1. A Controlled Trial to Determine the Efficacy of Red and Near-Infrared Light Treatment in Patient Satisfaction, Reduction of Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Skin Roughness, and Intradermal Collagen Density Increase.
2. Hyperpigmentation: What it is, Causes, & Treatment.