What exactly is infrared light?
Infrared light is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength that falls just outside the visible spectrum. You can't see it, but you can feel it — like heat. There are three categories:
- Near Infrared (NIR): wavelength of 700–1400 nm, penetrates deep into tissue
- Mid Infrared (MIR): 1400–3000 nm
- Far infrared (FIR): 3000 nm–1 mm, used, among other things, in infrared saunas
Most applications in light therapy and infrared training use near-infrared, because of its depth effect and proven biological effects.
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What does infrared do to your body?
This is perhaps the most frequently asked question — and rightly so. Because if you are considering using infrared light, you want to understand what exactly happens.
When infrared light hits your skin, the energy is absorbed by an enzyme in your mitochondria: cytochrome c oxidase. This stimulates the production of ATP, the energy currency of your cells. The result? Your cells function more efficiently, recover faster and more blood flow is stimulated.
Specifically, infrared light can contribute to:
- Improved blood circulation – blood vessels dilate, which ensures better oxygen and nutrient supply
- Faster muscle recovery – less muscle pain after exercise, popular with athletes
- Reduction of inflammation – at the cellular level the inflammatory response is dampened
- Skin improvement – stimulating collagen production for radiant, resilient skin
- Relaxation and stress reduction – the heat activates the parasympathetic nervous system
Infrared training effectiveness
More and more athletes and fitness enthusiasts are discovering the benefits of infrared in combination with training. The effectiveness of infrared training lies mainly in the recovery aspect: by being exposed to infrared light before or after exercise, muscles recover demonstrably faster. Various studies show that oxidative stress decreases and muscle strength returns more quickly after intensive exercise.
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Is infrared harmful?
Let's be honest: this is the question that many struggle with. And the answer deserves nuance.
Infrared and cancer: what does science say?
The keyword “infrared and cancer” leads many people to articles like this — understandable, because the fear is real. The good news: infrared light is non-ionizing. This means that, unlike UV radiation or X-rays, it cannot cause DNA damage. It simply doesn't have enough energy to break chemical bonds in your DNA.
In fact, there is active research into the use of near-infrared light as additional therapy for certain conditions, precisely because of its anti-inflammatory and recovery-stimulating properties. Obviously this does not replace medical treatment, but the perspective is almost the opposite of harmful.
When is infrared risky?
As with most things, the dose makes the difference. Overexposure — too long, too close, or with a poor-quality device — can lead to:
- Skin irritation or burning in case of direct, long-term exposure at short distance
- Overheating when your body cannot dissipate heat properly (always drink enough water)
- Eye damage when looking directly into a powerful infrared lamp without protection
In other words: use a good quality device, follow the guidelines, and infrared is completely safe for the vast majority of people.
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Is infrared good for you? An honest answer
When asking the question whether infrared is good for you, we must distinguish between short-term and long-term effects, and between the different applications.
For healthy adults using infrared light through a quality device, at the right distance and for the right duration, the answer is overwhelming: yes. The combination of better blood circulation, faster recovery, skin improvement and relaxation makes it a versatile and accessible tool for daily well-being.
Do you have a specific medical condition? Always consult with your doctor before you start.
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Infrared tanning bed: harmful compared to light therapy?
There is an important distinction that is often forgotten: a infrared tanning bed is different from one light therapy device. Traditional tanning beds emit UV radiation, which does entail risks (aging of the skin, increased melanoma risk). Some tanning beds have an infrared component for heat, but the damage is in the UV component — not in the infrared.
A pure infrared light therapy device, such as the one from Mvolo, emits no UV radiation off. This makes it a significantly safer alternative for those who want the benefits of heat and deep light therapy without the disadvantages of UV.
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How long to use an infrared lamp? A practical routine
A frequently asked question is: how long can you use an infrared lamp? Here are practical guidelines:
Beginners (week 1–2)
- Duration: 5–10 minutes per session - Frequency: 3–4 times a week - Distance: 30–50 cm from the device - Time: morning for energy, or evening for recovery and relaxationAdvanced (week 3+)
- Duration: 10–20 minutes per session - Frequency: daily or 5 times a week - Distance: 20–40 cm, depending on the device and your skin sensitivityGeneral tips
- Always start slowly and build up - Wear protective eyewear when working close to the face - Drink extra water before and after the session - Combine with exercise or meditation for maximum effect - Stop immediately if you experience skin irritation---
Start with Mvolo today
Curious? At Mvolo, we offer professional infrared light therapy devices designed specifically for home use — without compromising on quality or safety. Our devices combine near-infrared and red light for optimal depth effect, with adjustable intensity so that you choose exactly the session that suits you.
👉 [Discover the Mvolo light therapy devices](https://mvolo.nl) and experience for yourself what infrared can do for your recovery, skin and well-being.
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This article is for informational purposes and does not replace medical advice. If in doubt or if you have specific health problems, always consult a doctor.
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