Health Benefits of Infrared Sauna + How it Compares to Traditional Saunas

Unlike traditional saunas, which use heated rocks or steam to warm the air, infrared saunas utilize infrared light to heat the body directly. This unique mechanism results in a host of benefits—such as potentially helping to fight inflammation and support hormonal balance¹ and heart health.

In recent years, the popularity of infrared saunas has soared as more people seek innovative ways to improve their health, especially from the comfort of their own homes. Having reviewed the benefits in the research, I personally have an infrared sauna and recommend them to patients to support overall health, longevity, and support the body in processing environmental toxins.

In this article, we'll explore the advantages of infrared saunas and compare them to traditional saunas to help you make an informed decision about incorporating this tool into your routine.

What Is An Infrared Sauna?

In a traditional sauna, the air around you is heated in order to generate heat in the body. Infrared saunas use a light that warms your body directly without heating the air around you. 

For people who can’t tolerate the higher temperatures of a traditional sauna, infrared saunas are a great alternative.

Infrared saunas can offer an array of benefits that extend beyond mere relaxation. The gentle heat generated by infrared rays penetrates deep into the body, causing a “hormetic response²” (a positive stress response), promoting detoxification and rejuvenation of cells and tissues. 

Potential Benefits of Infrared Saunas

Benefits of infrared sauna use may include:

• Reducing inflammation³
• Improved relaxation and stress relief⁴
• Support for cognitive function and brain health⁵
• Detoxification and removal of toxins⁶ through increased sweating
• Pain relief and improved tissue recovery⁷
• Improved blood circulation⁸
• Boost in cardiovascular health⁹
• Improved skin texture and reduced signs of aging¹⁰

Here's more about how infrared saunas can impact inflammation, hormones, and other aspects of health:

Inflammation Reduction

• The deep penetrating heat from infrared can increase blood circulation and help reduce inflammation¹¹ by promoting the dilation of blood vessels¹².
• This increased blood flow also helps eliminate metabolic waste products that can cause inflammation.
• The heat exposure itself may help reduce inflammation by decreasing levels of inflammatory messengers¹³ like cytokines and prostaglandins.

Hormone Balance

• Infrared exposure may increase growth hormone¹⁴ levels temporarily, which can aid muscle recovery.
• Sessions have been touted for their hormone-balancing effects¹⁵, particularly in women experiencing high cortisol¹⁶ or hormonal imbalances during menopause¹⁷.
• By helping to reduce systemic inflammation¹⁸ and promote relaxation, infrared sauna sessions may alleviate menopausal symptoms¹⁹ such as hot flashes, mood swings, and fatigue. 

Heart Health

• Studies have found that infrared sauna use can reduce all-cause mortality (death) risk²⁰ to a similar extent as exercise. 
• Saunas have been shown to improve vascular function, reduce arterial stiffness, decrease circulating inflammatory markers and lipid profiles, and to help lower blood pressure.
• In one study²¹ that followed participants for 20 years, it was found that using the sauna 4-7 times per week was associated with lower death from stroke or cardiovascular events.

Detoxification

• Sweat can help purge the body of heavy metals²² and pollutants.
• Infrared heat also aids in breaking down and eliminating cholesterol²³ and other fatty substances.

Other Potential Benefits

• Infrared heat penetration may help relax muscles, improve recovery from exercise²⁴, and provide pain relief for conditions like arthritis or autoimmune diseases.
• It can induce a short-term metabolic increase to burn more calories during the session.
• Exposure creates mild oxidative stress that can upregulate antioxidant defense systems.
• Sessions can support brain health by enhancing blood flow and oxygenation to the brain, potentially improving cognitive function²⁵ and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

How Infrared Saunas Work

Infrared saunas work by using infrared light waves to heat the body directly, rather than the surrounding air.

Here's a basic overview of how infrared saunas work:

• Infrared heaters are used instead of traditional heat sources. These emit infrared radiant energy that penetrates the body directly.
• As the infrared rays penetrate the body's tissues, they create a dry, sweat-inducing heat that increases the core body temperature.
• This process causes the body to sweat to cool itself down, which can aid in detoxification by expelling toxins through the sweat.
• The direct penetration of infrared light can increase blood circulation and promote other potential therapeutic benefits.

To summarize the process, infrared saunas use direct light waves to heat the body's core instead of hot air, creating an efficient way to induce therapeutic sweating.

How to Use an Infrared Sauna 

Use these tips to get the most benefit from using an infrared sauna:

1. Go Slow. Begin with a 10 minutes or less session and see how you feel.
2. Time Limit. While saunas have many benefits, using them beyond 30 minutes could be too much stress on the body. 
3. Hydrate. You’re going to sweat, which is why hydrating before you begin and taking water in with you can help you get the most benefit without over stressing the body. 
4. Shower After. Using a fat containing soap, like goat’s milk, can help with removing fat soluble toxins you’ve excreted. But at the very minimum, rinse off to wash out the toxins that are now on your skin. 

Infrared Sauna vs. Traditional Sauna: How Do They Compare?

When it comes to sauna options, the choice between a home infrared light sauna or a traditional model boils down to personal preference and desired outcomes. That said, infrared saunas offer some potential benefits that traditional saunas do not, such as:

• Deeper penetration and better heat absorption by inner tissues and organs.
• Lower temperatures.
• Greater detoxification, circulation, and pain-relieving effects.
• Pain relief and circulation.
• Convenience, since they are typically easier to install at home, smaller, and don't require special plumbing.

While both types of saunas provide benefits like relaxation and cardiovascular effects, the deeper penetrating infrared wavelengths give infrared saunas an additional therapeutic advantage over traditional steam or dry heat saunas.

The biggest difference between traditional versus infrared light saunas is how they heat your body. 

Infrared wavelengths are able to heat the body directly instead of just heating the air. This allows you to experience a more intense sweat at lower temperatures than a traditional sauna.

Traditional saunas, typically heated to temperatures between 150°F and 195°F, rely on convection and conduction to heat the air and, subsequently, the body. They usually feel very hot and humid, which can be uncomfortable for some people.

In contrast, infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures, ranging from 120°F to 140°F, yet still deliver deep-penetrating heat that warms the body directly.

In terms of installation and maintenance, home light saunas often offer greater convenience for home use. They require less space, preheat quickly, and consume less energy compared to traditional saunas. They also don't require the use of hot rocks or burning wood.

Additionally, the reduced heat in the surrounding air of infrared saunas is generally more tolerable for people who struggle with breathing in the hot, humid air of traditional saunas.

Are Infrared Saunas Safe?

Infrared sauna therapy is generally safe for most adults²⁶; however, there are potential risks to be aware of. 

Dehydration and overheating are the primary concerns associated with infrared sauna use. To help prevent these side effects and minimize risks:

• Be sure to stay hydrated before, during, and after a session.
• Limit the duration of each session to avoid excessive heat exposure. Generally, it's recommended to start with shorter sessions of around 10 to 15 minutes²⁷ and gradually increase the time as your body acclimates. Most people find 20 to 30 minutes per session to be sufficient.
• Listen to your body and exit the sauna if you start feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or uncomfortable. 
• Don't drink alcohol or eat a heavy meal before sauna use since this might exacerbate dehydration and make it harder for your body to regulate your internal temperature.
• Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for operating the sauna, and never exceed the recommended temperature.

Who Shouldn't Use Infrared Saunas?

Certain people should avoid using infrared saunas due to a higher risk of experiencing side effects. This includes anyone with:

• A history of heat intolerance or sensitivity to infrared light.
• Heart conditions.
• Uncontrolled hypertension.
• Pregnant women.

If you have any type of serious medical condition, err on the safe side and talk to your healthcare provider before using an infrared sauna to make sure it's safe.

Key Takeaways on Benefits of Infrared Sauna and How They Compare to Other Saunas

• Infrared saunas offer unique benefits, including enhanced detoxification, relaxation, and rejuvenation, compared to traditional saunas.
• The gentle heat of infrared saunas penetrates deep into the body, promoting brain health, hormone balance, and relief from conditions like menopause symptoms and inflammatory conditions.
• When considering sauna options, weigh factors such as space, installation, and desired outcomes to determine whether an infrared or traditional sauna best suits your needs.
• While infrared sauna therapy is generally safe, it's essential to stay hydrated, limit session duration, and consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you have underlying medical conditions.
• Pregnant women, those with heart conditions, and those with heat sensitivity should exercise caution.

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