Near infrared penetrates the skin's outer layer and is often used for skin revitalisation and wound healing. Far infrared, on the other hand, penetrates deeper into your body, reaching muscles and even bones, making it ideal for thorough relaxation and muscle recovery.
Infrared technology, due to its shorter wavelengths, often requires more energy to produce the desired therapeutic effects. This can lead to higher power consumption and potentially shorter device lifespans. Far infrared technology, on the other hand, is inherently more energy-efficient.
Because infrared is an electromagnetic wave (similar to light), it can be directed or “focused” over specific distances. Infrared heating can be broadly categorized into two types: near-infrared and far-infrared. Far-infrared is gentler, as it heats objects and surfaces rather than the air directly.
Far-red light is a range of light at the extreme red end of the visible spectrum, just before infrared light. Usually regarded as the region between 700 and 750 nm wavelength, it is dimly visible to human eyes.
Vibrations in the infrared region are classified as fundamental – meaning a transition from the ground state to the first excited state. On the other hand, vibrations in the near-infrared region are either combination bands (excitation of two vibrations combined) or overtones.
Far infrared energy has the longest wavelength of the infrared spectrum. This allows it to penetrate the body most deeply, affecting soft tissue and the cellular activity of those tissues. This is the type of infrared that is most associated with infrared saunas.
So, in most cases, near infrared light is better than red light but red light also remains useful. The best frequencies for the healing effects of red and infrared light are around ~650nm and ~850nm, respectively.
Infrared panels offer up to 100% efficiency by directly heating objects, making them cost-effective and energy-efficient, meaning they are worth considering if you want to save cash on heating. These panels can double as mirrors, artwork, or personalized photo displays, blending seamlessly with home décor.
Exposure to IR radiation may cause the corneal opacity, burns on the retina, miosis, breakdown of blood–aqueous barrier and delayed cataract.
Red from 600 – 700 nm. Far red (the start of infra-red) from 700 – 800 nm.
The deep, penetrative effects of Near and Mid-infrared in the short term are beneficial, but over time leads to headaches and dry-skin.
For those specifically looking for deep tissue benefits, NIR may fall short compared to FIR. Far infrared light (FIR) uses longer wavelengths, which penetrate deeper into the body, reaching up to 1.5 inches below the skin's surface.
Following are the disadvantages of Infrared sensor: ➨Infrared frequencies are affected by hard objects (e.g. walls, doors) , smoke, dust, fog, sunlight etc. Hence it does not work through walls or doors. ➨Infrared waves at high power can damage eyes.
Do not use if pregnant, have serious inflammation, a fever, a communicable disease, acute bleeding, or intoxicated.
Far-infrared (FIR) rays enable multiple energy transfer as deep as 2–3 cm into subcutaneous tissue without irritating or overheating the skin and then accelerate blood flow, leading to an increase in shear stress, followed by an increase in endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity and nitric oxide production.
FIR does not possess the energy to alter atoms or molecules, thus it cannot harm human tissue like UV radiation can. Although FIR from infrared heaters is generally considered safe, prolonged exposure to UV radiation emitted by the sun has been linked to eye damage such as cataracts.
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.
Far Infrared is one of the three classes that make up infrared energy. However, it's helpful to understand how infrared energy works before discussing what far infrared energy is and its purpose. Infrared is a type of electromagnetic energy and part of the light spectrum that follows red.
Given the fact that heat also increases collagen tissue elasticity, stretching after a sauna session can relax tight muscles and decrease their pull on the joints. Therefore, stiffened joints and thickened connective tissues respond positively to Far Infrared Sauna Therapy (F.I.R.S.T.).
Who should not use red light therapy? People who take medications that increase their skin or eye sensitivity should not use red light therapy. People who have a history of skin cancer or eye disease should speak with their doctor before using red light therapy.
Studies have been conducted to quantitatively measure IR-induced skin damage. Indicators of cell damage such as MMP-1, an enzyme involved in the normal turnover of skin collagen, are used. Increased MMP-1 synthesis is suggested to contribute to premature skin aging.
When it comes to choosing the optimal wavelengths, you should look for light in the red and/ or near infrared spectrums – but avoid the range of 700-780nm which has been found to be ineffective. Multi-wavelength devices including both red and near infrared light may be the most versatile.