Beyond the Surface: Using Near-Infrared Light for Skin Comfort
Part
Your skin can look fine and still feel “off.” Tight. Overheated. Reactive. Like it needs a break, not another complicated routine.
That is why people get curious about near-infrared light therapy for skin comfort. Not as a medical treatment, but as a calm, repeatable wellness habit that may support how skin feels day to day.
This guide keeps things simple. You’ll understand what the science is saying, what it does not promise, and what “deeper penetration” means in real life, so you can build a routine that feels good and is easy to stick with.
Does near-infrared light improve skin?
It can play a supportive role for some people, especially if they use it consistently and keep the sessions simple and sensible. That said, results vary for everyone. Devices and routines vary widely, so scientific validation of many at-home, real-world outcomes remains limited.
What the research actually shows
Peer-reviewed studies on photobiomodulation (PBM) and LED use for facial skin have reported improvements such as:
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Measurable wrinkle changes in some participants
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Many participants reporting skin feels softer, smoother, or firmer
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Collagen-related changes observed in small studies
Examples:
A study using combined 633 nm (red) and 830 nm (near-infrared) LEDs reported improvements in wrinkles, and many participants reported better softness, smoothness, and firmness.
Another study used 633 nm and 830 nm treatments and tracked changes using skin-surface measures and patient satisfaction scores.
Reviews in dermatology note that PBM research is promising, but protocols and study designs vary, making it difficult to make one-size-fits-all claims.
Why do people say NIR feels different?
This is the “deeper” part, in routine terms.
Red light (typically 630–660 nm) is often more surface-focused, which is why it is commonly used in skin routines aimed at improving skin appearance and feel.
Near-infrared light (often 830–850 nm in devices) is often described as reaching deeper layers, which is why many people associate it with greater full-tissue comfort or a “recovery feel” in their routine.
When people say NIR feels different, they usually mean:
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A gentle warmth (not heat treatment)
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A “recovery feel” in the area
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Skin that feels calmer after a session
This does not mean deeper is always better. This means the experience may vary.
Mitochondria and ATP: the simple version
Mitochondria are like tiny power stations inside your cells. PBM research often reports that certain wavelengths can interact with cellular systems involved in energy production. That can influence ATP, which is the basic “fuel” cells use for normal work and repair.
What someone might notice: sessions feel relaxing, and over time, their skin may feel less “stressed” or reactive. Not overnight perfection. More like a routine that supports steadier comfort.
Is red light or NIR better for skin?
The honest answer is: it depends on your goal, your skin, and what you will actually do consistently.
A better question is:
What does your skin need most: surface support, deeper comfort, or both?
Red light vs infrared: the practical difference
When people compare red light therapy and infrared (or infrared light) therapy, they are usually comparing two “lanes” within the same wellness category (PBM).
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Red light (around 630–660 nm)
Often used for skin routines focused on surface-level appearance and overall skin “freshness” feel. -
Near infrared (often 830–850 nm)
Often used for a more comfortable, deeper feel. This is why you will see interest in 850nm infrared light and 850nm infrared light therapy in devices made for broader routine support.
Why do many people choose both
A common approach is to combine red and NIR because they can play different roles in a routine.
Studies have examined the use of combined red and NIR LEDs (e.g., 633 nm + 830 nm) and reported improvements in wrinkles and in self-reported skin feel.
If your top goal is skin comfort, NIR can help. If you want a balanced routine, red and NIR together can make sense.
Inflammation and recovery: what that means for your skin
Inflammation is the body’s alarm system. It is not “bad,” but if it remains on too long, the skin may feel reactive or look tired.
PBM research explores how light exposure can influence cell signaling pathways linked to stress and recovery. The science is active, but it is not a simple on/off switch; results depend on dose and consistency.
What people might notice: fewer “flare-up feeling” days, less tightness, a calmer skin feel after sessions.
Important note: If you have a skin condition or a medical concern, that is a conversation for a licensed clinician. This article stays in the wellness routine lane.
How close should infrared light be to skin?
Distance matters because it changes how much light reaches the skin.
The simple truth is: there is no one perfect distance for every device. That is one reason scientific validation of universal “best settings” across all at-home devices is still developing.
A safe, comfort-first rule of thumb
Many at-home routines start with a comfortable distance range, then adjust based on how your skin feels.
A practical starting range many people use is:
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15–30 cm (about 6–12 inches) away
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10 minutes per session
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3–5 times per week
Then you adjust slowly. Not daily intensity jumps.
Blood flow and tissue response: what people notice
You will often hear “circulation support” in relation to NIR.
In simple terms, PBM research examines tissue-level responses, including signaling molecules and local changes, that can influence tissue behavior. Some work also explores nitric oxide-related pathways in skin. This is complex science, and it does not guarantee outcomes.
What people notice: a gentle warmth, a more comfortable feel, and sometimes a healthy-looking glow after a session.
Hormesis and dose response: why more is not better
PBM is known for a “sweet spot” effect. Too little may do nothing noticeable. A moderate dose may support comfort. Too much can backfire.
Researchers refer to this as a biphasic dose-response (sometimes linked to hormesis).
Signs you may be overdoing it:
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Skin feels too warm or irritated
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Tightness or dryness after sessions
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You are stacking sessions every day because you want faster results
What to do instead:
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Increase distance
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Reduce time
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Drop frequency to 3–5x/week
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Keep it consistent for 3–4 weeks before changing settings again
Simple routine plan (easy to follow)
If you are doing infrared light therapy at home or home infrared light therapy, start simple:
Week 1–2:
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10 minutes
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3x/week
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15–30 cm distance
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Track how your skin feels the next day
Week 3–4 (only if it feels good):
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Move to 4–5x/week
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Keep the time the same
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Change only one thing at a time
If you are using near-infrared light therapy devices that include both red and NIR wavelengths, maintain the same approach. Comfort first.
FAQs
Is red light therapy the same as infrared?
Not exactly. Red light is visible and typically ranges from 630 to 660 nm. Near-infrared is not visible; it typically begins around 700 nm and extends into the visible range. Many devices combine them because they can play different roles in a routine.
Does infrared light therapy work?
It may support wellness goals like comfort and skin appearance for some people, especially with consistent, sensible dosing. The research base includes trials and reviews, but results vary, and protocols differ. Scientific validation is still developing for broad claims across all consumer devices.
Can I use infrared light on my face every day?
Some people do, but daily is not automatically better. Because of the dose-response relationship, many routines start at 3–5 times per week and then adjust. If your skin is sensitive, less may be more.
How long should I use near-infrared light?
A common, beginner-friendly starting point is 10 minutes per session, 3–5 times per week; adjust based on comfort and consistency. Longer is not always better.
Can you overdo near-infrared light?
Yes. Overdoing can manifest as irritation, dryness, or a routine that feels too intense to sustain. PBM research indicates a biphasic dose-response, which is why moderation matters.
Do I need glasses for near-infrared light?
Many devices recommend eye protection, especially when using light near the face or using brighter panels. Follow your device's instructions and prioritize comfort and safety.
A simple next step with Mvolo
If your goal is long-term skin comfort, choose a device that clearly lists its wavelengths (e.g., red light plus 850nm infrared) and fits your daily routine. Mvolo offers options for different routines, from hands-free face and neck use to more flexible devices for targeted sessions. Choose what feels calm and repeatable, because that is what turns light-based wellness into a long-term habit.
Sources:
Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation — Michael R Hamblin
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28748217/
Mechanisms and Mitochondrial Redox Signaling in Photobiomodulation — Michael R Hamblin
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29164625/
Proposed Mechanisms of Photobiomodulation or Low-Level Light Therapy — Lucas Freitas de Freitas; Michael R Hamblin
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28070154/
Light-emitting diodes in dermatology: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials — Jared Jagdeo et al.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29356026/
A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in patient satisfaction, reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and intradermal collagen density increase — Alexander Wunsch; Karsten Matuschka
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24286286/
Suppression of early response genes to thermal stress in human skin by red and near-infrared LEDs — Barolet, D.; Roberge, C.J.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19961964/
Biphasic dose response in low-level light therapy — Huang, Y.Y.; Chen, A.C.H.; Carroll, J.D.; Hamblin, M.R.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19622912/
Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in dermatology — Barolet, D.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18681888/
