Understanding

Near Infrared Sauna Dangers

by Erik Johnson BSEE MBA

Various full-spectrum and near-infrared heaters

In the last couple years, near infrared saunas and full spectrum infrared saunas, which include near infrared, have become common. High Tech Health, with more than 20 years of experience in far infrared saunas, is often asked why we haven’t embraced this “new” technology? More than one company even brags about how much more power they have in the near infrared spectrum. But is near infrared really a good idea?

Education

Near Infrared Dangers

Using a near infrared sauna or a full spectrum infrared sauna (which also outputs near infrared) can cause cataracts, accelerated aging of the skin, and an increased risk of skin cancer. The research shows that near infrared causes production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the skin, consuming the body’s already over-taxed antioxidant resources. These ROS lead to the activation of 599 genes, in particular the matrix metalloproteinase-1 enzyme, which damages the skin and results in accelerated skin aging. Eleven or more of these genes relate to how the body protects itself from genetic damage. Several papers show that near infrared decreases our normal protection from genetic damage, and has the potential for promoting cancer. These near infrared sauna dangers far outweigh any potential benefits.

 

It is important to note that there are no peer-reviewed studies at this time on the use of a near infrared sauna, or on a full spectrum infrared sauna, only studies using near infrared lasers and LEDs to target focal areas. So, any claims made about benefits of a near infrared sauna or full spectrum sauna have no evidence to back them up. On the other hand, there have been dozens of studies on far infrared saunas, with countless proven benefits and none of the near infrared sauna dangers. Read about the many proven benefits of far infrared sauna therapy here.

What is Near Infrared?
Infrared spectrum

Infrared is light from the sun that we experience as heat. Infrared energy accounts for about 38.9% of the sun’s energy reaching the ground at sea level (Kochevar et al., 1999). Infrared is light with wavelengths from 760 nm to 1mm (nm=nanometers, mm=millimeters). Those wavelengths are separated into 3 bands:

  • IR-A, also called near infrared, or NIR(780nm – 1400nm)
  • IR-B, also called mid infrared(1400nm – 3000nm)
  • IR-C, also called far infrared(3000nm – 1mm)

About half of IR-A energy that hits the body is absorbed in the dermis (Schroeder et al., 2006).

The Research Suggests Significant Near Infrared Sauna Dangers

The current research suggests many near infrared sauna dangers. First of all, it is well known from glass and steel workers that near infrared between 800nm and 3000nm over time promotes cataract formation, a clouding of the lens of the eye (ICNIRP 2013). Second of all, the research shows that near infrared causes damage to the skin. The research shows that exposure to near infrared accelerates the aging of skin and is part of what ages a person’s skin when they spend too much time out in the sun. It also shows that near infrared produces oxidative stress in the skin and several papers show it has the potential to cause cancer. While there are research papers showing positive effects on skin related to wound healing these are simply not applicable or relevant in a sauna. I’ll go into that in more detail, but first, let’s look at the research that shows harm to the eyes and the skin from near infrared and full spectrum saunas.

Near Infrared Sauna Dangers: Cataracts

Near infrared has been proven to promote cataract development with high or repeated exposure. Cataracts are an age-related clouding of the lens of the eye, and are the leading cause of blindness worldwide. A large study in 1984 showed that long term exposure to near infrared is associated with increased cataract formation. Iron, steel, and glass workers are exposed to high levels of near infrared. Thirty two percent of iron workers had early signs of cataract formation by age 60, compared with 12% of controls. By age 70, 16% of glass workers required cataract surgery, compared with 1% of controls (Lydahl, 1984).

Animal studies have since confirmed that near infrared promotes cataract formation, and have uncovered some of the mechanisms. Crystallin is a soluble lens structural protein that maintains the transparency of the lens. Crystallin degradation and decreased production cause a clouding of the lens, and are associated with cataract formation. A study in 2011 found that near infrared exposure decreases crystallin levels, and changes its structure to a less soluble form (Aly, 2011). A study in 2013 showed an increase in matrix metalloproteinases in the cornea and the lens after exposure to near infrared, an enzyme that degrades structural proteins. This parallels one mechanism by which near infrared causes skin damage (Dadoukis, 2013). Scientists have found only wavelengths under 3000nm (near and mid infrared) to cause this damage to the eye. Shorter wavelengths, 780um to 1400nm (near infrared), are the most damaging. Wavelengths over 3000nm (far infrared) have never been shown damage the eye.

The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) sets occupational limits on near infrared exposure. While animal studies have been able to determine thresholds for acute exposure causing immediate cataract formation, there is little data on safe levels of long-term exposure, and thresholds have not been established. The ICNIRP acknowledges that “cataract has been epidemiologically associated with chronic intermittent exposure at low irradiance”, as in a near infrared sauna or a full spectrum sauna.

See this study, and others in the references section, showing near infrared (but not far infrared) promotes cataract formation: Infrared radiation and cataract.

In fact, if you do use a near infrared or full spectrum infrared sauna, it is recommended that you wear eye protection. There are many companies that sell protective eyewear to block near infrared.

Near Infrared Sauna Dangers: Photoaging (accelerated aging caused by light exposure)

There are numerous papers showing that near infrared exposure causes photoaging of the skin, similar to the effect of exposure to ultraviolet light. Photoaging is the formation of coarse wrinkles, uneven skin pigmentation, loss of skin elasticity, and a disturbance of skin barrier functions (Yaar, 2006)

Comparing young and old skin

Starting with Kligman’s paper in 1982, it was noted that near infrared alone caused skin damage and skin aging in albino guinea pigs similar to that from ultraviolet light.

Kim et al. 2005 found near infrared caused wrinkles in hairless mice. Since then it has been demonstrated and confirmed that near infrared (IR-A) causes production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human dermal fibroblasts, which cause skin aging. Fibroblasts are cells in the dermis layer of the skin which produce collagen and the extracellular matrix. Healthy collagen gives skin its structure and youthful appearance. These ROS cause harm on their own, but they also trigger increased gene expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) in the skin (Schieke et al., 2002; Kim et al., 2006; Schroeder et al, 2007; Buechner et al., 2008; Cho et al., 2008; Schroeder et al, 2008; Calles et al, 2010; Costa et al., 2015). This is a major factor in skin aging because the MMP-1 enzyme degrades type-1 and type-3 collagen as well as elastic fibers (Krutmann 2011 ßSkin Aging in Nutrition for Healthy Skin (book)first reference in Costa 2015).

Premature Aging of the Skin

Premature aging of the skin is not a desirable side effect in an infrared sauna that one is purchasing to improve and restore health. This is a full spectrum infrared sauna and near infrared sauna danger that is not a risk in a far infrared sauna.

See these studies, and others below in the references section, showing that near infrared, but not far infrared, promotes skin aging:

Premature skin aging by infrared radiation, tobacco smoke and ozone

Augmentation of UV-induced skin wrinkling by infrared irradiation in hairless mice

The role of near infrared radiation in photoaging of the skin

Intensification of ultraviolet-induced dermal damage by infrared radiation

In contrast to these studies showing that near infrared promotes skin photoaging, far infrared has been shown to prevent photoaging! Link to the study here: Far-infrared suppresses skin photoaging in ultraviolet B-exposed fibroblasts and hairless mice

Near Infrared Sauna Dangers: Oxidative Stress and ROS

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as super oxide (02-), cause damage and need to be detoxified out of the body. This means that they consume some of your body’s supply of antioxidants leaving you more vulnerable to harm from other toxins.

 

Schroeder 2007 specifically found that near infrared led to generation of super oxide (02-) originating in the mitochondria of human fibroblasts, leading to MMP-1 expression. It also leads to increased oxidized glutathione (glutathione is an antioxidant — oxidized glutathione is the form it has after it is “spent”). Schroeder 2008 also found a reduction in antioxidants in the skin after near infrared exposure. Costa 2015 found that after near infrared exposure there was a significant reduction in catalase and superoxide dismutase, both enzymes that protect against ROS. Darvin et al. 2010, concluded “Hereby, it has to be considered that IRA irradiation (near infrared) is used only in cases of lesions and injury, i.e., infrequently.” Their point being that due to the production of free radicals, habitual near infrared exposure, as you would have in a near infrared or full spectrum infrared sauna, is to be avoided.

 

See the following study showing that near infrared, but not far infrared, promotes free radical formation: Radical production by infrared A irradiation in human tissue

Near Infrared Sauna Dangers: Potential to Cause Cancer

Near infrared (IR-A) has been found to suppress the apoptosis that would normally occur after ultraviolet-B (UVB) exposure (Jantschitsch 2009). Apoptosis is when cells with genetic damage die, to prevent them from becoming malignant. Calles 2010 found that near infrared exposure affects the expression of 599 genes. 11 of those genes relate to apoptosis. Costa 2015 confirmed that reduced apoptosis is dangerous, especially because they also showed decreased repair of DNA. This is due to a reduction of GADD45a protein (specifically 57.2% decrease at 48 hours, and 34.6% decrease at 72 hours).

 

Kimeswenger 2016 specifically looked at near infrared effect on human melanocytes. Melanocytes are cells that produce melanin, which absorbs ultraviolet light to protect the skin. The worst form of skin cancer is melanoma and it forms in melanocytes. In this study, at 24 hours, by itself near infrared did not affect apoptosis, but in combination with UVB it significantly reduced apoptosis. They then looked at what effect near infrared was having on DNA repair (since DNA damage is the major trigger for ultraviolet radiation-induced apoptosis), and found that at 6h, 24h and 48h there was no effect from near infrared on DNA repair. They showed that near infrared was altering the expression of several apoptosis-related proteins. The conclusion was “Since IRA (near infrared) does not affect the repair of DNA-damaged melanocytes, the enhanced survival of severely DNA-damaged melanocytes might support the accumulation of UVB-induced mutations, malignant transformation, and ultimately melanomagenesis.” This means that evidence shows the possibility that near infrared is what makes UVB cause melanoma. This is a very real and very concerning near infrared and full spectrum infrared sauna danger.

 

See these studies that show that near infrared can promote skin cancer:

 

Infrared A Radiation Promotes Survival of Human Melanocytes Carrying Ultraviolet Radiation-Induced DNA Damage

 

Infrared Radiation Confers Resistance to UV-Induced Apoptosis Via Reduction of DNA Damage and Upregulation of Antiapoptotic Proteins

Not in Good Conscience

Even though the research is still coming in and there is much left to examine, High Tech Health simply cannot sell a product with evidence that it might promote skin cancer. 

The effect from near infrared takes place over a few days and it would be ridiculous to require sauna users to avoid sunburns for days after using the near infrared or full spectrum sauna.  

As you will read in the next section, near infrared offers no benefits that would offset these alarming near infrared sauna dangers.

So Higher Levels of Near Infrared are Definitely Bad, but What About Research that Showed Benefits?

There are papers that have noted benefits from near infrared. Most of those relate to wound healing. Some of those experiments failed to wait long enough to see the delayed effects. The research shows that harm from near infrared exposure takes place over a few days after exposure. As noted in the Costa 2015 paper mentioned above, reduction in antioxidant enzymes were noted after 24 and 48 hours. Costa 2015 also showed that the increase in MMP-1 can show up after 72 hours and not be seen at 24 and 48 hours. A much earlier paper, Kim 2006, actually measured benefits from one dose of near infrared measured at 24 hours (decrease in MMP-1 and increase in type I procollagen — procollagen marks an increase in new collagen production). However, that same experiment then tested again after four weeks of three exposures per week, and found the opposite: elevated MMP-1 expression and an associated decrease in type I procollagen.

 

Barolet 2016 speculates that maybe there is a low level of near infrared, below the levels that cause harm, that triggers a protective biological reaction. This idea is called “hormesis”.

 

From Wikipedia:

 

Hormesis is any process in a cell or organism that exhibits a biphasic response to exposure to increasing amounts of a substance or condition. Within the hormetic zone there is generally a favorable biological response to low exposures to toxinsand other stressors.

 

The Barolet et al. 2016 paper was considering applications called low level laser therapy (LLLT, also called photobiomodulation, or PBM). Benefits to the skin were primarily found in those papers. It should be noted that low level laser therapy has little in common with how near infrared light is emitted in a near infrared sauna. These therapies use low power lasers or LEDs applied at the surface of the skin to control the power level. Near infrared heaters used in a near infrared sauna are significantly higher in power, have a much wider output spectrum, and by necessity must be placed a distance from the body so they can radiate near infrared into the entire cabin or space. A near infrared sauna heater cannot accurately control the amount of power hitting the skin. There is no evidence that results from using LLLT or PBM could apply to a near infrared sauna. Equating those two is irresponsible (and yet there is at least one sauna company doing exactly that).

 

Whether or not hormesis is even possible is not yet certain based on the current level of research. If there is a “hormetic zone” for near infrared, we definitely do not know what it’s upper or lower threshold levels are. Even if the hormetic zone exists, there would be difficulty in designing a sauna around it such that you could move around in the sauna without over- or under- exposing yourself. Given the current state of understanding, it is not possible to design a safe near infrared or full spectrum infrared sauna that utilizes a hormesis effect.

Studies on Wound Healing

First of all, if you have an open wound, you should seek medical attention, not get in your sauna.

Saunas are not for wound healing. Any company suggesting their sauna is suitable for wound healing needs to get FDA approval for such a claim and is in violation of the law.

But worse than that, those company’s products are likely causing skin damage instead. As I stated above from the conclusion of the Darvin 2010 paper, near infrared radiation appears to have a use for treating lesions but should only be used infrequently due to negative side effects.

In other words, near infrared has no place in a sauna designed to support well-being and habitual use.

Conclusion

It is widely known that near infrared light promotes cataract formation. There is much that is still yet to be understood about near infrared and skin, but we do know that higher levels of exposure cause harm. Dangers include decreased antioxidant defense, accelerated aging of the skin, and the potential to cause cancer.

 

We do not know if a low-enough level could be used to trigger benefits, and if so, what that safe level is. Near infrared saunas and saunas that include near infrared, such as full spectrum infrared saunas, do not offer any benefits that outweigh these near infrared sauna dangers.

 

High Tech Health has spent significant time studying this technology in depth, but unfortunately for consumers, it appears that other sauna companies have not.

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References

Lydahl E, Infrared radiation and cataract. Acta Ophthamol Suppl 1984; 166: 1-63

Aly EM, Mohamed ES, Effect of infrared radiation on the lensIndian Journal of Ophthalmology. 2011 Mar-Apr; 59(2): 97-101

Dadoukis P, Klagas I, et al, Infrared irradiation alters the expression of matrix metalloproteinases and glycosaminoglycans in the cornea and crystalline lens. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2013 Aug;251(8):1929-36

ICNIRP Guidelines on Limits of Exposure to Incoherent Visible and Infrared Radiation: Errata. Health Physics: April 2014 – Volume 106 – Issue 4 – p 530–531

Kochevar IE, Pathak MA, Parrish JA. Photophysics, photochemistry and photobiology. In: Freedberg IM, Eisen AZ, Wolff K, eds. Fitzpatrick’s dermatology in general medicine. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 1999: 220-229.

Schroeder P, Schieke S, Morita A. Premature skin aging by infrared radiation, tobacco smoke and ozone. In: Gilchrest B, Krutmann J, eds.  Skin Aging. Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany: Springer-Verlag; 2006:45-54.

International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) Guidelines On Limits of Exposure to Incoherent Visible and Infrared Radiation.  Health Physics. 2013; 105(1):74-96.

Yaar M. Clinical and histological features of intrinsic versus extrinsic skin aging.  In: Gilchrest B, Krutmann J, eds.  Skin Aging.  Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany: Springer-Verlag; 2006: 9-21.

Kligman LH. Intensification of ultraviolet-induced dermal damage by infrared radiation. Arch Dermatol Res. 1982; 272:229-238.

Kim HH, Lee MJ, Lee SR, Kim KH, Cho KH, Eun HC, Chung JH. Augmentation of UV-induced skin wrinkling by infrared irradiation in hairless mice. Mech Aging Dev.  2005; 126: 1170-1177.

Schieke S, et al. Infrared-A radiation-induced matrix metalloproteinase 1 expression is mediated through extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 activation in human dermal fibroblasts.  J Invest Dermatol.  2002; 119(6):1323-9. [PubMed: 12485435]

Kim MS, Kim YK, Cho KH, Chung JH. Regulation of type I procollagen and MMP-1 expression after single or repeated exposure to infrared radiation in human skin. Mech Ageing Dev. 2006; 127:875-882.

Schroeder P, Pohl C, Calles C, Marks C, Wild S, Krutmann J.  Cellular response to infrared radiation involves retrograde mitochondrial signaling.  Free Radic Biol Med. 2007; 43: 128-135.

Buechner N, Schroeder P, Jakob S, Kunze K, Maresch T, Calles C, Krutmann J, Haendeler J.  Changes of MMP-1 and collagen type 1 alpha 1 by UVA, UVB and IRA are differentially regulated by Trx-1.  Exp Gerontol. 2008; 43: 633-637.

Cho S, Lee MJ, Kim MS, Lee S, Kim YK, Lee DH, Lee CW, Cho KH, Chung JH.  Infrared plus visible light and heat from natural sunlight participate in the expression of MMPs and type I procollagen as well as infiltration of inflammatory cell in human skin in vivo.  J Dermatol Sci. 2008; 50: 123-133.

Schroeder P, Lademann J, Darvin ME, Stege H, Marks C, Bruhnke S, Krutmann J. Infrared radiation-induced matrix metalloproteinase in human skin: Implications for protection. J Invest Dermatol. 2008; 128: 2491-2497.

Calles C, Schneider M, Macaluso F, Benesova T, Krutmann J, Schroeder P. Infrared A Radiation Influences the Skin Fibroblast Transcriptome: Mechanisms and Consequences. J Invest  Dermatol. 2010; 130: 1524-1536.

Costa A, Eberlin S, Clerici SP, Abdalla BMZ.  In Vitro Effects of Infrared A Radiation on the Synthesis of MMP-1, Catalase, Superoxide Dismutase and GADD45 Alpha Protein. Inflammation & Allergy – Drug Targets. 2015; 14: 53-59.

Krutmann J. Skin Aging. In: Nutrition for Healthy Skin. Krutmann J, Humbert P, eds. Springer-Verlag; 2011: 15-24.

Darvin ME, Haag S, Meinke M, Zastrow L, Sterry W, Lademann J. Radical production by infrared A irradiation in human tissue. Skin Parmacol Physiol. 2010; 23(1):40-46.

Jantschitsch C, Majewski S, Maeda A, Schwarz T, Schwarz A. Infrared Radiation Confers Resistance to UV-Induced Apoptosis Via Reduction of DNA Damage and Upregulation of Antiapoptotic Proteins. J Invest Dermatol. 2009; 129: 1271-1279.

Kimeswenger S, Schwarz A, Fodinger D, Muller S, Pehamberger H, Schwarz T, Jantschitsch C. Infrared A Radiation Promotes Survival of Human Melanocytes Carrying Ultraviolet Radiation-Induced DNA Damage. Exp Dermatol. 2016; 25(6): 447-452.

Barolet D, Christiaens F, Hamblin MR. Infrared and Skin: Friend or Foe.  J Photochem Photobiol. 2016; B 155: 78-85.

Hormesis. (n.d.) In Wikipedia. Retrieved April 25, 2018, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hormesis.

Schroeder P, Haendeler J, Krutmann J.  The role of near infrared radiation in photoaging of the skin. Exp Gerontol. 2008; 43: 629-632.

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