Is infrared heat good for you?

Author: Dr. Earl Bernhard  |  Last update: Sunday, July 20, 2025

Infrared heat dilates capillaries in the body, which greatly improves blood circulation. This means blood supply to muscles is increased when exposed to infrared heat. The improved circulation helps to improve wounds and muscle pain.

What are the risks of infrared heat?

IR-A radiation with its excessive heat can cause irreversible damage (such as burns) to the retina and cloud the lens, which can lead to a cataract (also known as glassblower's cataract or infrared cataract).

Are infrared heaters good for your health?

Since infrared heaters heat objects directly without lowering humidity, they are frequently regarded as a healthy option. Any heater should be used safely, though, by making sure there is enough ventilation and avoiding prolonged exposure.

Does infrared heat have health benefits?

Many studies have looked at using infrared saunas in the treatment of long-lasting health problems and found some proof that saunas may help. Conditions studied include high blood pressure, heart failure, dementia and Alzheimer's disease, headache, type 2 diabetes, and arthritis.

Is it safe to use infrared light everyday?

One of the great things about infrared saunas is that they are gentle enough to use daily if you choose. However, if you want to use your infrared sauna for more specific purposes, like pain relief or detoxification, you'll need to space out your sessions accordingly.

Do the risks of infrared sauna overheat the benefits?

What are the disadvantages of infrared light?

Results: Detrimental effects such as thermal burns, photocarcinogenesis, and photoaging have been reported, though evidence suggests that these may be due to the thermal effects produced secondary to IR exposure rather than the isolated effect of IR.

Does infrared light detox your body?

You can relax in an infrared sauna and it will not cause harm to your skin. Infrared therapy can increase the body's core temperature, resulting in a much deeper, more detoxifying sweat from the cellular level of the skin where many toxins are housed.

Does infrared heat reduce inflammation?

Nitric oxide is essential in improving blood circulation, which provides more oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues. Thus, infrared light hastens wound healing and stimulates the regeneration of injured tissues, reducing inflammation and pain.

Should I shower after an infrared sauna?

However, we do recommend that you should shower after an infrared sauna too. Because you sweat during your session and toxins are released, having a shower after your sauna will help to cleanse the skin and close pores.

Why is infrared heating not popular in the USA?

The upfront cost of installing infrared heating can also be a deterrent for some homeowners. While infrared heating panels are competitively priced when compared to installing boilers or central heating systems, people may still see them as more expensive than traditional convection heaters or electric radiators.

Can you leave an infrared heater on all night?

Infrared panels are made for continuous operation over many hours. Once turned on, they'll heat up in a few minutes and can be left running for extended periods of time without issue.

Do infrared heaters use a lot of electricity?

But don't worry, infrared heaters are incredibly efficient. They're designed to keep a space warm while using as little electricity as possible.

What are common problems with infrared heaters?

Infrared Outdoor Heater Not Blowing Hot Air? Let's Dive In!
  • Common reasons why an infrared heater may not blow hot air. ...
  • Insufficient power supply. ...
  • Malfunctioning thermostat. ...
  • Blocked or dirty heating elements. ...
  • Issues with the fan or air flow. ...
  • Problems with the heating element itself.

Is infrared bad for eyes?

Infrared (IR) light can harm eyes and skin, leading to cataracts and skin damage. Prolonged IR exposure may induce cataracts due to its thermal effects. IR radiation can cause skin burns, aging, and DNA damage through tissue heating.

Why does my body hurt after infrared sauna?

This is most often due to the dehydration associated with an infrared sauna session. Make sure to plan your session accordingly by eating and drinking extra beforehand. Afterwards remember to rehydrate and replenish with plenty of electrolytes.

Should you drink water in an infrared sauna?

How to get the most out of every session. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Most people do not drink enough water to begin with and now that you are using an infrared sauna and sweating, it is even more important to stay properly hydrated. Always drink plenty of water before, during and after your sauna session.

Do you wear a bathing suit in an infrared sauna?

For the best-infrared sauna experience, wear something loose-fitting and light. This may vary from shorts and a light cotton shirt to your bathing suit, a towel, or nothing. You'll want maximum ventilation because the infrared sauna raises your core body temperature and produces a lot of sweat.

How long does it take to see the benefits of an infrared sauna?

Some individuals may start to notice improvements in their health and well-being after just a few sessions, while others may take longer to experience the full effects. Consistency is key when it comes to using an infrared sauna, so regular use over an extended period of time is likely to yield the best results.

What color infrared light is best for inflammation?

Red light therapy (with red and near infrared light) may be used to reduce inflammation in a wide range of diseases, both acute and chronic.

Why do I pee a lot after an infrared sauna?

How It Works - Heat causes blood vessels to dilate, increasing blood flow to the skin and extremities. This increased circulation can stimulate the kidneys to filter more blood, leading to higher urine output.

What does infrared do to your brain?

The red and near-infrared light photons penetrate through the skull and into brain cells and spur the mitochondria to produce more ATP. That can mean clearer, sharper thinking, says Naeser.

Does infrared light burn belly fat?

Bottom Line. Light therapy may possibly reduce fat in the short term, but studies are small and only follow patients for a few weeks or months. We don't know if any likely benefit is large enough to be meaningful or how long it might last.

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