Understanding Infrared Light: Near, Mid, and Far Infrared

As the only full-spectrum textile-based infrared solution on the market, prospective partners often ask precisely what full-spectrum means, and what the differences are between near, mid and far infrared wavelengths. In the article that follows, we break down the benefits and applications of infrared light and its various spectrums to offer that clarity.

What is Infrared Light or Infrared Energy?

Infrared light, also called infrared energy, is part of the electromagnetic spectrum, just beyond visible light. Infrared is the part of the spectrum with wavelengths longer than red light that is invisible to the human eye. Infrared is broken up into three categories: near infrared, mid infrared and far infrared. The differences between these categories are the wavelengths of the light, with near infrared being closest to red light and far infrared being the furthest.

How Infrared Energy is Used

Infrared energy has a wide range of uses and people encounter infrared energy every day, especially since the about the energy we receive from the Sun comes as infrared light. Humans have harnessed the power of infrared to create many products and innovations, including:

• Short-range communications like remote controls
• Thermal imaging cameras and night vision
• Touchless thermometer technology
• Electric heaters, for example as used in fitness studios for hot yoga
• Infrared saunas 
• Bioceramic textiles

Once reserved for more scientific and technical applications, the growing field of infrared research points to a wide variety of associated benefits for human health, leading to new applications of this long-standing technology, such as saunas and bioceramic textiles.

The Three Types of Infrared Wavelengths

Infrared energy is typically divided into three categories: near, mid, and far infrared. This division is made on the basis of the wavelength of the infrared. Near infrared has the shortest wavelength of the three and sits just after visible red light on the electromagnetic spectrum. Mid infrared has a longer wavelength and is between near infrared and far infrared. Far infrared has the longest wavelength and so is furthest from visible light and closer to radio waves on the electromagnetic spectrum.

When we think of infrared used for promoting human wellness, as in the case of saunas and bioceramic textiles, the different wavelengths of infrared (near, mid, and far infrared) have different effects on the body because of the difference in how deeply they are able to penetrate the skin and tissues.

Near Infrared and the Human Body

Near infrared energy is just beyond the visible red-light spectrum. Of the three categories of infrared, it has the shortest wavelength. This means that is able to penetrate the dermis of the body and so is used for skin health.

BENEFITS OF NEAR INFRARED ENERGY

Generally speaking, near-infrared is used to enhance skin health. Near infrared energy helps:

• Reduce inflammation
• Increase collagen production
• Stimulate healing of damaged tissues

Mid Infrared and the Human Body

Mid infrared energy has longer wavelengths than near infrared and so penetrates the body more deeply. It is able to reach the soft tissue.

BENEFITS OF MID INFRARED ENERGY

Mid infrared energy is beneficial to the muscles, fat and connective tissues of the body. Generally, it helps to:

• Expand blood vessels
• Increase local circulation

Far Infrared and the Human Body

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.

BENEFITS OF FAR INFRARED ENERGY

Far infrared is beneficial to the human body because of how deeply it can penetrate into the body. Generally, far infrared helps to:

• Increase local circulation
• Improve metabolic rate
• Speed the recovery process
• Improve cellular oxygenation

What is Full Spectrum Infrared?

Full spectrum infrared refers to something that emits all the wavelengths of infrared — near, mid and far. Technology that can harness the full infrared spectrum is able to give all the benefits of infrared at once.

Get Full-Spectrum Infrared Energy with CELLIANT Bioceramic Textiles

Infrared energy has many benefits to human well-being. As the wavelength of the infrared increases, from near to mid to far, we see that the infrared energy can penetrate the body more deeply and thus have different benefits. CELLIANT technology harnesses the power of all the infrared wavelengths. This is called full-spectrum infrared. CELLIANT captures and converts body heat into near, mid and far infrared, providing the benefits of all the wavelengths of the infrared energy where it is near the body.

Full infrared spectrum CELLIANT has been demonstrated to:

• Increase local circulation
• Improve local cellular oxygenation
• Improve temperature regulation
• Promote restful sleep
• Enhance performance
• Speed recovery

CELLIANT works hard to back its claims with scientific evidence that is specific to CELLIANT’s textile application. To date, we have conducted ten peer-reviewed studies showing the efficacy of CELLIANT’s benefit claims. To learn more about our testing process, watch our short educational testing video.

If you are interested in learning more about incorporating CELLIANT into your own brand’s products, please click here to learn how to connect with a business development representative from our team.

Infrared Light FAQ

There are many common questions about infrared, and it is still undergoing a lot of research regarding the expanding ways it may positively impact human well-being. Below are some of the most commonly asked questions that we encounter.

Does infrared make you hot?

Infrared does not necessarily make you hot. It depends on the intensity of the infrared source. CELLIANT is a relatively low-intensity infrared source and so rather than heat you, it acts as a thermoregulator, making you warmer when you are cold and cooler when you’re warm. This is because CELLIANT increases local circulation, and when blood flow is maximized, the body’s cells are more effectively able to maintain core body temperature, helping to warm or cool based on the external conditions.

What are the health benefits of infrared light?

Yes, there are many health benefits to infrared light. CELLIANT’s full spectrum infrared has been shown to:

• Increase local circulation
• Improve local cellular oxygenation
• Improve temperature regulation
• Promote restful sleep
• Enhance performance
• Speed recovery

Is infrared light harmful to humans?

Just like overexposure to any wavelength, such as blue light or UV rays, there can be dangers associated. Infrared light can be harmful to humans if the source is intense, and exposure is prolonged. In the case of CELLIANT, it is safe to wear or be on CELLIANT-infused textiles as the infrared is low intensity. CELLIANT fabrics undergo emissivity testing to ensure they are emitting low-level infrared energy, which we benchmark at .25 milliwatts per centimeter squared as generated in the 2.5-20 micrometer range. The human body is already accustomed to low levels of infrared radiation – for example, when your skin feels warm when stepping out on a sunny day, this is a result of infrared energy and poses no danger. However, you would not stare directly at the sun for any prolonged amount of time, as this would be harmful.

Is infrared light good for your skin?

Yes, infrared light is good for the skin. In particular, near infrared can promote healthier skin. Since CELLIANT is full spectrum infrared, the benefits of near infrared are included in CELLIANT technology making it a great addition to FemTech products and any skin-care textiles.