What Is Far Infrared Light?

Far Infrared Light is a type of energy that exists just beyond the range of what your eyes can see, nestled within the broader electromagnetic spectrum. While you may not be able to see Far Infrared Light, you can feel its gentle warmth — think of the comforting heat from a sauna or the cozy sensation of sunlight on your skin.

Let's talk about far-infrared light and how it plays a role in many aspects of daily life, from the way your home is heated to the wellness technologies you might use.

What Is Far Infrared Light?

Far Infrared Light is a segment of the infrared spectrum, which itself is a part of the electromagnetic spectrum — a range of energy waves that includes everything from radio waves to visible light and beyond.

Specifically, Far Infrared Light refers to wavelengths that are longer than those of visible light and even longer than those of Near-Infrared Light. While visible light is what allows you to see the world around you, infrared light is invisible to the naked eye but can be felt as heat.

The electromagnetic spectrum is organized by wavelength, with shorter wavelengths like ultraviolet and visible light on one end, and longer wavelengths like infrared and radio waves on the other.

Infrared light is divided into three categories: Near-Infrared, Mid-Infrared, and Far-Infrared. Far Infrared Light typically falls within the wavelength range of about 15 to 1,000 micrometers, making it the longest and most deeply penetrating form of infrared energy.

Compared to Near-Infrared and visible light, Far Infrared Light is less likely to be absorbed by the surface of the skin and more likely to be experienced as a gentle, enveloping warmth. While Near-Infrared Light is often used in skincare and wellness devices for its rejuvenating effects, Far Infrared Light is commonly associated with heating applications and relaxation therapies.

How Does Far Infrared Light Work?

Far Infrared Light interacts with matter by transferring energy in the form of gentle heat. When Far Infrared Light reaches an object — such as your skin, clothing, or even the walls of a room — its energy is absorbed by the molecules within that object. This absorption causes the molecules to vibrate, which produces warmth that you can feel.

Unlike visible light, which bounces off surfaces and allows you to see, Far Infrared Light is mostly absorbed rather than reflected. This is why you experience a deep, soothing warmth when exposed to Far Infrared Light, rather than a bright or glaring sensation.

Everyday Uses of Far Infrared Light

You encounter Far Infrared Light from both natural and artificial sources. The sun is the most significant natural source, emitting a broad spectrum of energy that includes Far Infrared Light.

As far as artificial sources, Far Infrared Light is woven into many aspects of modern living, offering comfort and practical benefits through a variety of applications.

One of the most common uses is in home heating systems and saunas. Far Infrared heaters and panels warm up rooms by directly heating objects and people, rather than just the air. This creates a gentle, even warmth that feels natural and soothing. Far Infrared saunas use this same principle, providing a relaxing environment where you can enjoy the sensation of deep, enveloping heat.

Textiles and clothing are another area where Far Infrared Light is making an impact. Some fabrics are infused with ceramic particles or special fibers that emit Far Infrared energy when activated by body heat. These materials help keep you warm without adding bulk, making them popular in outdoor gear, athletic wear, and even bedding.

In the realm of physical therapy and wellness, Far Infrared Light is used in devices designed to support relaxation and comfort. Heating pads, wraps, and mats that emit Far Infrared energy are often used to deliver targeted warmth, which can help soothe tired muscles and promote a sense of well-being. These devices are valued for their ability to provide consistent, gentle heat that penetrates more deeply than traditional heating methods.

Is Far Infrared Light Used in Skincare?

Far Infrared Light is not commonly used in skincare technology, as its primary effect is to deliver gentle warmth to the surface of your skin. This warmth can promote relaxation and may offer temporary visible improvements, such as a refreshed-looking complexion or a slight reduction in the appearance of puffiness due to increased circulation.

However, Far Infrared Light does not penetrate deeply enough to support the visible skin rejuvenation benefits that many people seek from advanced skincare devices. Just a few wavelengths away, however, is Near-Infrared Light, which is widely used in skincare technology for its ability to reach deeper layers of the skin and visibly rejuvenate your complexion.

What Type of Infrared Light Is Used in Skincare?

Red Light Therapy and Near-Infrared Light Therapy are advanced skincare technologies that use specific wavelengths of light to support a healthier-looking, more radiant complexion. Unlike Far Infrared Light, which primarily delivers gentle warmth to the skin’s surface, Red Light and Near-Infrared Light reach deeper layers of the skin, where they can visibly rejuvenate skin and support collagen and elastin for that firm, healthy look.

Red Light Therapy uses deep red wavelengths to target visible signs of skin aging, helping to reduce the look of fine lines and smooth the appearance of wrinkles. Near-Infrared Light Therapy goes a step further, reaching even deeper to support overall skin radiance and a visibly rejuvenated complexion. Both therapies can also help reduce the appearance of acne-related inflammation, leaving skin looking calmer even during a breakout.

If you’re looking to upgrade your at-home skincare routine, the Wrinkle Retreat Face Mask is a good place to start. This innovative mask combines both Near-Infrared and Red Light Therapy to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles while also visibly rejuvenating skin, and at just 10 minutes per treatment and its gentle, non-invasive nature, you can fit it right into your regular skin routine!

Conclusion

Far Infrared Light is a form of energy best known for its gentle warmth, commonly used in home heating, saunas, and wellness devices. While Far-Infrared Light can offer comfort and relaxation, it’s Near-Infrared and Red Light Therapy that are widely embraced in skincare for their ability to visibly rejuvenate and brighten your complexion.

Want to see results for yourself? Check out our Light Therapy Before & After Results to see just what a little well-designed Light Therapy can do for your skin!

Sources:

1. Far infrared radiation (FIR): its biological effects and medical applications - PMC 

2. Heat energy — Science Learning Hub 

3. Do infrared saunas have any health benefits? - Mayo Clinic