Does Infrared Light Cause Skin Cancer? – Facts, Risks, and Myths Explained

Introduction: What Is Infrared Light?

In an era when individuals are increasingly embracing the advantages of non-invasive treatments such as red light therapy and infrared light, there has been growing interest in the safety and efficacy of various light-based treatments. Most people worry about which light therapy can best treat different ailments and lead to smoother, more youthful-appearing skin.

In the case of non-invasive treatment—particularly red light therapy—infrared light takes center stage. Infrared light is a type of invisible light on the electromagnetic spectrum, located just beyond the visible red light. It is broken down into three levels: near-infrared (NIR), mid-infrared (MIR), and far-infrared (FIR). Red light therapy uses only near-infrared light exclusively.

Even though infrared light is invisible, you feel it as warmth. It occurs naturally in sunlight and also from heat-emitting sources such as fire, heaters, and some light therapy devices. As the three forms of infrared light have different wavelengths, their impact on skin and body also turns out to be different.

This leads many people to ask: Does infrared light cause skin cancer? In this article, we'll explore the effects of infrared light, its potential side effects, and how to choose what's best for your skin and overall health.

Types of Infrared Light (NIR, MIR, FIR)

Infrared light has been categorized into three forms. The three forms use different wavelengths of light and have different effects on your body and skin. The light has also garnered significant interest due to its therapeutic properties and is used extensively in red light therapy. The following are the uses and effects of the three different types of infrared light:

Near-Infrared (NIR)

Near-infrared light uses different wavelengths ranging from 700 to 1400 nm. These wavelengths can penetrate quite deeply into the skin and trigger various healing processes within the body. Near-infrared light is used in red light treatment to reduce inflammation, pain, and oxidative stress. It also triggers cellular recovery and improvement of blood circulation. The most effective and safest window of infrared light is near-infrared, as it produces little to no heat, which makes it very safe to use on the skin.

Mid-Infrared (MIR)

This far-infrared light falls within a range that penetrates to the middle depths of the body and possesses subgroups. It utilizes wavelengths ranging from 1400 to 3000 nm and has also been found to increase blood flow and reduce pain. Mid-far infrared light produces more heat compared to near-infrared light.

Far-Infrared (FIR)

This type of infrared light significantly affects the skin surface and the directly underlying structures, so it cannot penetrate deep tissue. It is commonly used in saunas and heating pads to facilitate relaxation and detox. Far-infrared light produces noticeable heat and perspiration.

How Infrared Light Interacts with Skin

As we have mentioned, the various types of infrared light influence your body differently. Their influences run from the outer layer to the innermost tissues. Near-infrared light can penetrate deeply inside the body and is considered the safest type of infrared light, as it generates minimal heat and facilitates normal healing functions.

Utilized in red light therapy, near-infrared light enhances the activity of mitochondria and raises energy production (ATP). The enhanced energy enables cells to regenerate and heal more quickly, even those in deeper tissues, as a result of near-infrared light penetration of the skin. It may also dampen pain by activating the release of endorphins, decrease inflammation by minimizing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and enhance blood flow. All of these effects will improve your skin and overall well-being.

Mid-infrared light, however, does not penetrate as deeply as near-infrared. It extends to a moderate depth within the body and has the ability to generate more heat, which at times may irritate the skin. It is typically used for pain relief and to support circulation, but its penetration is not as extensive as that of near-infrared.

Lastly, far-infrared light mostly affects the outermost layer of the skin. It warms the surface and aids in relaxation, detoxification, and improved blood flow, but it does not penetrate deep tissues.

As we've discussed, infrared light produces heat but is non-ionizing, meaning it does not alter your DNA or damage your cells. Unlike ultraviolet light, infrared light does not cause skin cancer and is generally safe when used properly.

Scientific Research on Infrared Light and Skin Cancer

Scientific studies have proven that infrared light doesn't cause damage to the skin like UV rays when used correctly and in controlled amounts. Studies show that infrared light can have no effect on the structure of DNA since it is not ionizing, but instead UV rays, which are ionizing and can alter the structure of DNA, increasing the risk for skin cancer.

Most research indicates that infrared light is not a direct cause of skin cancer. Near-infrared light, in turn, is being utilized extensively in red light therapy for healing, reducing inflammation, and improving skin texture. Even in certain animal and cell studies, it was theorized that it may protect the skin from oxidative stress.

However, prolonged exposure to infrared radiation through a poorly designed machine can damage the skin, increase skin temperature, or lead to excessive dryness. This may ultimately weaken the integrity of the skin barrier, but there is no solid scientific proof of any link between infrared light exposure and the promotion of skin cancer.

Does Infrared Light Heal Skin Cancer?

Near-infrared light, in particular, is safe to apply to the skin. It cannot cure skin cancer directly, but it helps in improving the overall health of the skin, which can prevent the occurrence of some cancers. Infrared light is also utilized in a treatment process known as photodynamic therapy, where a photosensitizing agent is used to sensitize the cells to light. When these cells are then subjected to light, such as infrared light, it is able to kill them. Along with this advantage, infrared light also plays a role in the diagnosis of one of the most dangerous and severe forms of skin cancer, melanoma.

Clinical Research on Infrared Light and Its Effects on Skin Cancer

Trial No. 1: Using Infrared Imaging to Improve Early Detection of Melanoma Through Skin Temperature Analysis.

Objective

To improve the detection of melanoma at an early stage, researchers are using infrared imaging to measure temperature changes in the skin. The aim is to detect cancerous lesions more accurately, reduce unnecessary biopsies, and improve patient treatment.

Result

The study proved that melanoma skin lesions were slightly warmer than benign ones during the initial 45–60 seconds after cooling. This was a minor differential that was detectable with modern infrared cameras.

Conclusion

Infrared thermography can identify melanoma by sensing minute temperature changes in the skin. It has the potential to enable early diagnosis, reduce unnecessary procedures, and enhance overall treatment.

Trial No. 2: Near-Infrared Photoimmunotherapy: A Promising Approach for Treating Inoperable Tumors.

Objective

To evaluate a new treatment known as near-infrared photoimmunotherapy, which attacks and destroys cancer cells with a unique light-sensitive drug and near-infrared light, particularly for patients with tumors that are inoperable.

Result

The treatment involves a drug that binds to cancer cells. When exposed to near-infrared light, the cancer cells swell up and burst, causing cell death. The approach is now under clinical trial on patients with difficult-to-treat tumors.

Conclusion

Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy has potential as a novel means of cancer cell destruction that doesn't affect surrounding normal tissue. It could prove a beneficial choice for those with inoperable tumors, but more studies are still being conducted.

Infrared vs. UV Light: Key Differences in Risk

Ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) light are both part of the electromagnetic spectrum, but they have very different effects on the body. Infrared light is non-ionizing, and it will not destroy DNA when it is properly used. UV light is ionizing and can potentially change the structure of DNA. When DNA has been changed, it may not correctly pass on genetic information, deconstructing the instructions for proper protein construction. This can result in the formation of unusual cells, which might proliferate faster than ordinary cells, which is called cancer. Although UV rays can create skin cancer in all people, those with light or white skin are at a higher risk of suffering from this.

Infrared Light in Red Light Therapy: Is It Safe?

Near-infrared light is applied in a process called red light therapy. Red light therapy applies two lights: red and near-infrared light. As you might know, near-infrared light is the safest class of infrared light. It doesn't bring about any harm or damage to your skin, and no evidence has been found that suggests it causes skin cancer. Red light therapy is also referred to as photobiomodulation or low-level laser therapy. Red light and near-infrared light are emitted using low wavelengths. The therapy is safe as it falls in the therapeutic range of light that doesn't harm your body.

Red light therapy has become increasingly popular due to its ability to aid in the healing of various disorders, diseases, and their associated symptoms, as well as promote healthier and younger-looking skin. Red light therapy accomplishes this by stimulating cellular healing, improving circulation, reducing inflammation, pain, and oxidative stress, and improving the immune system. If you want to utilize infrared light for your health and skin, then red light therapy is a great option.

Red Light Therapy: A Safe Use of Infrared Light for Skin and Health

Yes, red light therapy is one of the safest means to avail the effects of infrared light since it employs low wavelengths of near-infrared light. Near-infrared light is not harmful to the body in any way, and these low wavelengths are able to penetrate the skin and penetrate deep into the tissues to stimulate the recovery of cells. This light ignites the activity of mitochondria in the innermost layers of the body. Mitochondria are tasked with generating energy in the form of ATP, which is used to power many of the processes needed by cells to repair and regenerate themselves. Consequently, should you find yourself suffering from health issues due to damaged cells, this therapy can induce healing.

This infrared light range also enhances blood flow, allowing cells to absorb a higher amount of oxygen and nutrients and clearing out toxins and waste. Combined with red light, near-infrared light also decreases inflammation, pain, and oxidative stress. These properties are among the reasons why red light therapy is extremely beneficial, with near-infrared light being an important factor.

Due to its well-documented benefits in improving overall well-being and maintaining healthy, young-looking skin, red light therapy has received much attention and popularity.

Common Myths About Infrared Light and Cancer

There are some myths regarding infrared light, but as you would know, the majority of these are due to a lack of information. One of the most common myths is that infrared light causes cancer, most often skin cancer. It doesn't, believe it or not. Infrared light is non-ionizing, meaning it does not alter the DNA structure or damage cells in a way that can lead to cancer.

Other people believe that all types of light therapy are dangerous, mainly due to the risks of ultraviolet (UV) rays. However, it's essential to understand that different types of light have different wavelengths and also different intensities. To put this better into perspective, take your home lights, for example—though they lack therapeutic benefits, do they harm your skin?

Another concern for people is the warming effect of infrared light. No need to worry, however—therapeutic use usually implies near-infrared light or intensities under management from other types of infrared light, and these are safe and won't burn the skin when used in the right way.

Conclusion: Is Infrared Light Safe for Skin?

What are the Harmful Effects of Infrared Light on Human Skin?

Infrared radiation is typically associated with safety and efficiency; however, in cases where prolonged exposure or the use of high-intensity sources occurs, it can be detrimental to human skin. Harmful effects can include overheating, burns, and heat aging, as heat degrades collagen and elastin, which can cause the skin to wrinkle early or sag. In certain situations, dryness, redness, or hyperpigmentation could be caused by prolonged exposure. Though not for the skin directly, infrared is also dangerous to the eyes if safety measures are not employed.

Does Infrared Light Cause Premature Aging?

Infrared light, when applied within a therapeutic range, does not induce premature aging, particularly if you are working with near-infrared light, as with red light therapy. In fact, near-infrared light is sometimes used to combat the signs of aging by stimulating collagen production, enhancing skin elasticity, and facilitating cellular repair. But too much exposure to high-intensity infrared light can lead to thermal aging. This occurs when heat penetrates deeply into the skin, eventually damaging collagen and elastin, resulting in wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of premature aging.

FAQs: Addressing Common Questions

Does IR light cause skin cancer?

No, infrared light in the right and low range cannot cause skin cancer. Additionally, using high-intensity infrared light can cause skin burning, but it still does not lead to skin cancer. 

Is infrared light damaging to skin?

Infrared light is not damaging to the skin when used correctly and in low, safe ranges. It's often used in therapy to heal skin, reduce pain, and improve circulation. However, very high or prolonged exposure can cause overheating or burns.

Can red light skin therapy cause cancer?

No, red light does not cause cancer because this procedure uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light that do not cause any harm to your body or skin.

What type of light cannot cause skin cancer?

Non-ionizing light, such as red and near-infrared light, cannot cause skin cancer. These types of light do not damage DNA and are safe when used properly.