UV vs. Infrared: Understanding the Difference in Skin Damage

Energy travels through space in the form of waves called electromagnetic radiation. Types of electromagnetic radiation include gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet rays, visible light, infrared rays, microwaves and radio waves. Each type of electromagnetic radiation has a different amount of energy.

Characteristics

• Wavelength and energy distinguish types of electromagnetic radiation. Long wavelength rays contain less energy than shorter wavelength rays. Infrared radiation wavelengths range from 750 nanometers to 1 millimeter and ultraviolet radiation wavelengths range from 100 nanometers and 400 nanometers. UV rays, with their shorter wavelength, contain more energy than infrared rays.

Consequences

• Infrared radiation contains just enough energy to cause the molecules within an object to vibrate. The increased vibrations produce heat. Ultraviolet radiation has too much energy. Rather than just shaking the molecules of a substance or object, it splits them apart and changes their chemical structure.

Skin Effects

• Infrared radiation lacks the energy required to damage the skin. A study provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine suggests that infrared energy may actually benefit skin texture and wrinkles by increasing skin collagen and elastin. In contrast, UV radiation possesses sufficient energy to damage or kill skin cells. Sunburn results when the body increases blood flow to the damaged area.