Transform Your Health: Top 6 Infrared Sauna Benefits Explained

by Wes McMahon August 22, 2023

Transform Your Health

Once upon a time in a bustling city, there lived a spunky and adventurous soul named Jane.

She was a spirited wellness enthusiast on a mission to conquer new frontiers of well-being. From mastering yoga poses to exploring green smoothie wonders, Jane was always on the hunt for the latest wellness trends.

One day, she stumbled upon the mystical world of infrared saunas online. Little did she know, this discovery was about to transform her life forever.

The article unveiled the benefits of infrared saunas, a modern twist on ancient heat bathing. Enhanced metabolism? Check. Weight loss potential? Double-check. Stress relief? You got it.

As Jane read about the saunas’ anti-aging wonders and skin rejuvenation, she felt empowered and ready for the wellness journey ahead.

And guess what? Just like Jane, you, too, dear reader, can be the hero of your own wellness story.

In this article, we delve deep into the world of infrared sauna therapy, unveiling five transformative health benefits that will revolutionize your approach to health and self-care.

By the end of the article, you’ll have a deeper understanding of how:

Sweating plays a huge role in body detoxification
Having weekly sauna sessions can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles
You can burn up to 600 calories in just one sauna session
And many more

But first, let’s understand what infrared saunas really are and how they differ from traditional saunas.

What Is an Infrared Sauna?

An infrared sauna uses infrared heaters to create a soothing heat that pampers your body.

While traditional saunas use steam or hot air to heat the environment, infrared saunas emit infrared rays that directly warm your body without significantly increasing the surrounding air temperature.

The heat released from an infrared sauna is milder and more tolerable, typically ranging from 100°F to 150°F (38°C to 66°C).

This is in contrast to traditional saunas, which can reach temperatures of 150°F to 195°F (66°C to 90°C), or even higher, providing a more intense and sweat-inducing experience.

As a result, an infrared sauna makes an excellent choice for sauna enthusiasts who might find the high temperatures of a traditional sauna rather discomforting.

Below is a comparison table outlining the distinct features that set infrared saunas apart from their traditional counterparts.

Comparison Criteria	Infrared Saunas	Traditional Saunas
Heat source	Uses infrared heaters to emit infrared light, absorbed by the skin	Uses electric sauna heaters or wood burning stoves to heat the air
Heat distribution	Directly heats your body without warming the air around you	Heats the air around you, which then warms your body
Steam generation	Does not generate steam as it doesn't directly heat the air	Steam can be generated by pouring water over sauna stones, increasing humidity and temperature
Heat penetration	Uses Far, Mid, and Near infrared spectrum for varied depth of penetration into the body	Heat does not penetrate as deeply into the body, but induces more sweating due to higher air temperature
Humidity	Typically low humidity due to the lack of direct air heating	Can have high humidity if water is poured on heated rocks to create steam

Regular sessions in infrared saunas can work wonders for your overall well-being, offering a plethora of incredible health benefits.

Let's delve into these amazing advantages below.

Benefit 1 - It Promotes Detoxification

Naturally, our bodies release built-up toxins such as lead and mercury through the liver, kidneys, and digestive system.

However, an equally effective method for the body to expel these toxins is through the process of sweating. This natural process has been shown to help get rid of stored chemicals like arsenic, mercury, and lead

Fortunately, it’s now possible to enhance the detoxification process with the use of infrared saunas.

Infrared sauna detoxification harnesses the power of far-infrared radiation to penetrate deep into your skin, generating a gentle yet effective heat.

As your body responds to this warmth, your sweat glands will get activated to produce sweat, facilitating the release of harmful accumulated toxins from within.

Far-infrared saunas are your best sauna choice when it comes to sauna detoxification. These saunas use far-infrared waves that penetrate deep into your body's tissues, including fat cells where toxins can accumulate.

A great example of such a sauna is the Golden Designs Studio Elite 1-2 Person Near Zero Far Infrared Sauna

Compact enough to fit in a medium-sized bathroom, this far-infrared sauna is your ideal choice if you’re looking to have multiple detoxification sessions within the confines of your home.

The sauna offers all the features of a larger infrared sauna within the same dimension as a standard refrigerator, making it an excellent choice for urban dwellers seeking to maximize space.

However, if space is not an issue, then the Golden Designs Catalonia 8 Person Ultra Low EMF Infrared Sauna is your best bet.

This is by far the largest infrared sauna we’ve come across, offering ample room to accommodate up to eight sauna enthusiasts.

It boasts an impressive configuration of 23 PureTech ultra-low far infrared heating panels. This strategic placement ensures a consistent and enveloping heat that permeates the entire space, creating an oasis of relaxation and detoxification.

With just a session lasting 20–30 minutes, at least once a week in either of these saunas, you’ll get to enjoy the multiple benefits that detoxification has to offer.

Some of these benefits include:

Enhanced digestion: Detoxification promotes the removal of waste and byproducts that may contribute to digestive issues.
Increased energy levels: Sometimes, chronic fatigue is a result of your body getting bombarded with toxins. Detoxification helps your body to function better and boost your energy levels.
Mental clarity: Toxins reaching your brain and central nervous system can affect your ability to focus. Detoxification enhances your mental alertness.

Note: While infrared sauna detoxification is an effective method for eliminating accumulated toxins from your body, it’s important to ensure proper dehydration by drinking water before, during, and after each session. Neglecting this step could lead to dehydration.

Benefit 2 - It Improves Blood Circulation

We've all experienced those times when we feel a bit sluggish due to our blood circulation not being quite up to speed.

An infrared sauna can work its magic by enveloping your body in a warm embrace, leading your capillaries to widen in a process known as vasodilation.

As the capillaries expand, the result is increased blood flow and improved circulation. This allows nutrients and oxygen to travel faster and more efficiently throughout your entire system.

In a recent study examining the health advantages of far infrared sauna therapy, carried out at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, researchers revealed that a single infrared sauna session can improve your brachial artery’s blood flow by an impressive 68%.

The benefits of this improved circulation provided by saunas are manifold:

It supports your heart's health by efficiently delivering oxygen and nutrients, helping it to stay strong and function well.
It helps to keep your blood pressure balanced, preventing it from getting too high or too low.
It speeds up muscle recovery by flushing out metabolic waste products like lactic acid, which can accumulate during intense workouts and contribute to muscle soreness.

While enjoying your infrared sauna session, consider incorporating some gentle stretches or yoga poses. This practice not only enhances your flexibility but also further stimulates blood circulation and promotes deep muscle relaxation.

Certain infrared saunas, such as the Golden Designs Catalonia 8 Person Ultra Low EMF Infrared Sauna, even come equipped with removable benches, allowing you to effortlessly convert the space into a haven for yogic practices.

Benefit 3 - It Improves Your Skin Health

We all desire radiant, healthy skin that turns heads, and infrared saunas are here to be your skin's best friend, bringing that beautiful glow to your face.

When the infrared rays from an infrared sauna penetrate your skin deep into your blood cells, tissues, and muscles, they produce a detoxifying effect that helps to get rid of impurities and toxins that have built up over time.

As a result, your body purifies itself of oils, dirt, and other accumulations within the skin, leading to improved skin health and an overall enhanced appearance.

By regularly using your infrared sauna—at least 2–3 times a week—you'll be amazed by the fantastic benefits it offers, some of which we discuss below:

Skin detoxification: The profuse sweating induced by infrared saunas helps to flush out toxins and impurities within your skin, resulting in skin that’s less prone to pimples, acne, and blackheads.
Reducing the appearance of wrinkles: A 2014 study on the effects of red and near-infrared light treatment on the skin reveals that these lightwaves (also used in an infrared sauna) help renew the skin and promote tissue growth.
The result is smoother skin with a more youthful glow. The red lights also stimulate elastin and collagen production, which firm and plump your skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and stretch marks.
Accelerating the wound healing process: Infrared saunas can help wounds heal faster, thanks to infrared lights that accelerate cell regeneration, foster heightened tissue growth, and heal scars and burns.
A study published by the Journal of Clinical Laser Medicine & Surgery showed that human cell growth went up by 155-171% in certain situations, and wound size decreased by 36% following treatment with infrared light.
Improving certain skin conditions: Infrared saunas offer a subtle, relaxing, and refreshing approach to soothing dry, reddened, itchy, or sore skin, helping manage skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

But that's not all. Infrared therapy takes skin hydration to a whole new level. It's like giving your skin a tall glass of water, but even better.

Infrared therapy works by delivering infrared rays that penetrate deep into the skin, warming your underlying tissues without heating the surrounding air.

This gentle heat activates the sweat glands, stimulating a controlled release of sweat.

As you sweat during an infrared therapy session, your skin not only expels toxins and impurities but also excretes water, creating the perfect moisture balance to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.

That’s why after an infrared sauna session, your skin feels refreshed, revitalized, and becomes smoother, clearer, and even more radiant.

Thankfully, you don’t need to visit a sauna studio to enjoy these amazing skin benefits.

Sun Valley Saunas offers an array of home infrared saunas that allow you to create your own private and calming oasis right in the comfort of your home.

The Golden Designs Reserve 1-2 Person Near Zero EMF Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna, for instance, is a compact and cozy infrared sauna designed to accommodate you and a loved one with ease.

Additionally, this infrared sauna is equipped with a Bluetooth stereo system, enhancing your relaxation with your favorite tunes.

Benefit 4 - It Helps to Lower Stress Levels

Did you know that a simple strategy, such as sitting in an infrared sauna at least four times a week (or 15 times a month) can help improve your mental health?

Infrared saunas help to lower stress levels and enhance your overall mental well-being in several ways.

To begin with, heat exposure from an infrared sauna helps to increase serotonin levels, which are linked to feelings of depression when they are low.

When your serotonin levels are within the normal range (about 101 to 283 nanograms per milliliter or ng/mL), you experience heightened focus, emotional stability, increased happiness, and a greater sense of calmness.

This is why many medications used to manage anxiety, depression, and similar mood issues aim to raise serotonin levels in the brain.

Fortunately, regular sauna sessions stimulate the skin and underlying tissues, leading to the activation of serotonin-releasing cells in the brain.

In fact, a study on the effects of heat on depression found that raising the body temperatures of depressed individuals can improve their depressive symptoms for up to six weeks.

Furthermore, infrared saunas can help lower stress levels by aiding in the regulation of cortisol, the primary stress hormone in your body.

Cortisol plays a crucial role in your body's stress response, and maintaining its balance is essential for overall well-being.

Upon stepping into an infrared sauna, the gentle heat penetrates your skin, promoting a soothing effect on your muscles and tissues.

This warmth triggers a physiological response that helps reduce cortisol production. As cortisol levels decrease, your body transitions into a more relaxed state, allowing tension to melt away and promoting a sense of calmness.

Additional ways that infrared sauna therapy can help lower your stress levels include:

Providing a meditation space: Practicing mindful meditation during a sauna session can help to reduce inflammation, lower cortisol levels and cytokine chemicals, and induce a state of calmness.
Color therapy: Incorporating chromotherapy (color therapy) into your sauna experience introduces vibrant colors, creating a visually captivating ambiance that aligns with your body's equilibrium.
The visible light spectrum, akin to the sun, corresponds to distinct energy centers within the body. For example, violet and blue tones contribute to anxiety relief and an increased sense of calmness.
Incorporating sound therapy: Adding music to your sauna seamlessly blends the therapeutic influences of sound and vibration to calm your mind and relax your body.

To enjoy the benefits of sound therapy, consider an infrared sauna equipped with a built-in music system.

For instance, the Golden Designs Reserve 3 Person Near Zero EMF Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna boasts an FM Radio complete with Bluetooth and MP3 auxiliary connectivity, allowing you to seamlessly enjoy your preferred tunes while indulging in soothing warmth.

Benefit 5 - It Can Help With Weight Loss

Weight loss is among the most sought-after benefits of using an infrared sauna.

When you sit in a sauna, the heat prompts your body to sweat profusely, leading to temporary water weight loss.

It’s important to note that this weight loss is mainly due to water loss, and you’ll regain the weight once you rehydrate after the session (which is essential).

While infrared saunas are incredibly helpful if you’re trying to meet your weight requirements for a sport or simply looking to shed some pounds, the weight loss solely from sauna sessions is not substantial or sustainable.

However, spending time in a sauna does elevate your heart rate, leading to the burning of more calories compared to resting in a room with a standard temperature.

Some people have likened an infrared sauna session to a cardiovascular exercise, such as running or an aerobic workout, as both scenarios involve increased body heat, blood circulation, and calorie burnup.

In fact, a single session in an infrared sauna (which typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes) can burn up to 600 calories, making this practice an excellent alternative to exercise if you’re seeking to shed extra calories without necessarily hitting the gym.

The heat generated by the infrared sauna can also help to break down fat cells stored in your body.

As you sweat, your body expels toxins and waste products trapped within these fat cells, making it easier for your body to flush out fat and waste.

This ultimately contributes to weight loss.

Note: For more substantial and lasting results, combine sauna use with weight loss programs. A comprehensive weight loss plan that includes healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and sauna sessions will yield more effective and enduring results.

An Infrared Sauna Awaits You at Sun Valley Saunas

Congratulations. You've now unlocked the secrets of the magnificent infrared sauna and its incredible benefits.

From detoxifying your body to improving skin health and lowering your stress levels, you're well on your way to a healthier, happier you.

Now it's time to level up your wellness game and bring the magic of sauna heat therapy right into your home with our range of infrared saunas.

At Sun Valley Saunas, we are a team of real people who are passionate about saunas, health, and making your wellness dreams come true.

We are enjoying our sauna. It was easy to put together. Sun Valley Ssaunas was very easy to work with. Our sauna arrived quickly and is very good quality. — James S., Verified Buyer

We stand by the quality of our infrared saunas, so you can enjoy your sauna with confidence when you purchase from us, knowing that your sauna is built to last.

Take a look at some of our best-selling Golden Designs Reserve infrared saunas below.

Every other day I thoroughly enjoy the comfort cabin with the fun “light show”. Go ahead and order one … enjoy. — Case Breeuwsma, Verified Buyer

Wes McMahon, is the founder of Sun Valley Saunas and a seasoned ski town sauna enthusiast. In early 2021, Wes transitioned from being an attorney and sauna aficionado in Sun Valley, Idaho, to founding Sun Valley Saunas. His deep appreciation for the Finnish sauna tradition has helped him understand and select high-quality, hand-built saunas for customers throughout North America. Combined with his understanding of the therapeutic and communal benefits of sauna culture, he advocates for the wellness practices that saunas can bring to your overall health. Got questions? Get in touch by calling 1-855-963-5665 or info@sunvalleysaunas.com

Important: The information provided in our articles about saunas and related topics is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare practitioner before using saunas, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are pregnant. Individual health needs vary, and what benefits one person may not be suitable for another.