Infrared devices can damage your skin. What to know about the issues
Avoid infrared to protect your skin
Infrared devices have become increasingly popular in recent years and can be found in many gyms to reduce muscle pain and inflammation. There are also many at-home infrared light devices for muscle and joint pain, as well as anti-aging skin “masks” and other treatments. However, I do not advise using these devices because they can damage your skin and accelerate aging.
What the research says
Concerns about infrared exposure and skin health are not new. More than 25 years ago, dermatologist Albert Kligman reported that infrared radiation could worsen the effects of UV light and, on its own, trigger skin damage similar to that of UV light. His research also found that IR could accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin, key proteins necessary for youthful, firm skin.
Later studies continue to reinforce these findings. In a 2005 report, for example, researchers showed that exposure to near-infrared radiation led to visible wrinkle formation in hairless mice. Even more concerning, it intensified the harmful effects of UV radiation when both were combined. Together, this evidence suggests that IR can not only accelerate skin aging but also worsen damage caused by sunlight.
Tips to protect your skin
If you do use these devices, follow these tips to help protect your skin from damage:
- Apply an antioxidant cream or serum
- Take antioxidant supplements
- Consider applying an SPF to your skin to try and minimize the damage
Antioxidants can help by neutralizing free radicals, which are unstable molecules created by stressors like infrared exposure. By reducing this oxidative stress, antioxidants can protect collagen and elastin, helping to slow down premature skin aging and minimize IR-related damage.
Bottom line
While infrared devices are becoming more popular, the evidence suggests they can harm your skin over time. With safer and more effective ways to care for your body and skin, I recommend avoiding infrared therapy altogether.
I am now seeing patients at Body and Beauty in Palm Beach and will begin in Bay Harbor in February. Questions/comments? Come ask me on reddit r/skintypesolutions