Use of infrared-based devices in aesthetic medicine and for beauty and wellness treatments

Infrared devices and technologies are used for weight loss, cellulite treatment, body remodeling, beauty treatments, and wellness. Infrared (IR) is a type of electromagnetic radiation that has the ability to stimulate living tissues resulting in numerous biological responses. Exposure to IR is perceived as heat and their mechanism of action is related to the absorption of energy by photoacceptor molecules. Adverse reactions have also been documented. The studies, research papers and reviews of the last thirty years have been collected and examined and this review describes in more detail the main devices that use infrared: infrared thermal blankets, far-infrared thermal blanket, infrared lipo laser paddles, infrared lamps, far-infrared lamps, infrared saunas, far-infrared saunas, and infrared caps. IR thermal blanket improves blood circulation and the metabolism of the whole body, accelerate the detoxification, trigger the consumption of calories and fat burning. It is an alternative treatment to saunas but more effective. IR lipo laser paddles are a non-invasive alternative to traditional liposuction that helps to remove fat accumulated in specific areas of the body. IR lamps increase the absorption of cosmetic products, improve local blood circulation and relieve muscle and joint pain. IR saunas have a relaxing effect and the same effects of the thermal blanket and the IR lamps. IR caps can stimulate hair follicles and hair regrowth. Despite numerous studies, the precise mechanisms of action of the infrared need more research as well as the molecular targets that are directly or indirectly involved by their thermal effects and their non-thermal effects.