The Effects of Infrared Radiation on the Human Skin

    July 2023 in “ Photodermatology, Photoimmunology and Photomedicine ”
    Luke Horton, Joshua Brady, Colin M Kincaid, Angeli Eloise Torres, Henry W. Lim
    Image of study
    TLDR Infrared radiation can cause skin aging and cancer at high temperatures but may have therapeutic benefits at controlled levels.
    Infrared radiation (IR), which constitutes about 40% of solar radiation reaching Earth, can penetrate deeper into the skin than ultraviolet radiation and visible light. While traditionally linked to photoaging and photocarcinogenesis, recent studies suggest potential benefits. Chronic IR exposure can lead to skin wrinkling and erythema ab igne, potentially transforming into squamous cell carcinoma or Merkel cell carcinoma. These effects are mediated by activator protein 1 (AP-1) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) gene. However, harmful effects of IR appear only at temperatures outside the normal physiological range. Low irradiance and controlled temperature IR can provide protection against skin cancer, and be used therapeutically for skin rejuvenation, wound healing, hair restoration, and pain control. The exact parameters for the "therapeutic range" of IR need further research. Adding antioxidants to sunscreen may offer some protection against IR, but the need for this protection is debated.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    3 / 3 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 14 results

      community Sunlight: Does it Stimulate Hair Growth or Hair Loss?

      in Research/Science  61 upvotes 7 months ago
      The conversation discusses whether sunlight exposure affects hair growth or loss, with mixed anecdotes and theories but no clear consensus. Some suggest moderate sunlight can benefit hair by providing vitamin D, while others doubt its effectiveness compared to treatments like Minoxidil or finasteride.

      community Well here I am 3-4 years later.

      in Update  56 upvotes 9 months ago
      The conversation is about someone who has been taking finasteride for hair loss without success, considering switching to dutasteride or giving up treatment. Suggestions include trying dutasteride, microneedling, infrared therapy, multivitamins, and high-concentration topical solutions combining finasteride and dutasteride.

      community progress pic after 4 months fin, min

      in Progress Pictures  3 upvotes 1 year ago
      A 38-year-old man from Poland, balding for 15 years, shared his hair regrowth progress after 4 months of using finasteride (fin), minoxidil (min), micro-needling, and infrared light treatments. He recently switched from finasteride to dutasteride.

      community Quit vaping/smoking = 80% less loss

      in Research/Science  235 upvotes 7 months ago
      Quitting vaping significantly reduced hair loss for a user who was a heavy vaper and also taking finasteride. Some participants suggest nicotine's vasoconstrictive properties may worsen hair loss, while others share personal anecdotes of hair improvement after quitting smoking or vaping.

      community Should I get transplant #4 or just shave my head?

      in Transplants  169 upvotes 3 months ago
      A 36-year-old considering a fourth hair transplant is advised to either shave his head or use a hair system due to poor results from previous transplants and late medication use. He plans to consult top surgeons and adjust his current treatments, including finasteride and minoxidil.

    Similar Research

    5 / 992 results