Infrared sauna: aids weight loss, sleep, pain relief and the appearance of your skin. Really?
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How does infrared sauna differ from a regular sauna?
So what is the difference between the sauna that we are all familiar with and the infrared sauna? And why does this difference matter?
Apparently, rather than heating the air you are sitting in, as a normal sauna would, the infrared lamps warm your body directly via the light and heat emitted from the bulbs. Typically, an infrared sauna operates at a lower temperature, somewhere between 50˚C and 60˚C, where as a traditional sauna would be between 65˚C and 80˚C.
Pros
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They are enjoyable - it can be a time for you to relax and take some well-deserved time for yourself.
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There is evidence from studies and positive feedback from users to support a number of benefits of using infrared saunas.
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We're quite vain so our favourite 'pro' is that infrared light has been shown to improve skin texture and increase collagen!
Cons
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There is a possibility of over-heating and becoming dyhydrated so you need to take care of yourself while using any kind of sauna.
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You should avoid using saunas while you are pregnant and during the time you are breast-feeding.
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If you have any health condition or are taking medication, you should consult with your doctor before using a sauna.
And what are the advantages of infrared sauna?
According to the manufacturers, about 80% of the heat goes into your body, with the other 20% going into the air. So the idea is that, although the ambient temperature inside the sauna is lower, you experience more heat and you sweat more. And the lower ambient temperature allows you to stay in the sauna for longer periods of time.
So you are hotter, sweat more, stay in the sauna for longer, and then there is the added benefit of the light itself. We have already written about the scientifically backed positive impacts of led light on the skin and body in our article “LED Light Masks: the Easiest Way to Achieve Glowing Skin?”
The benefits listed by manufacturers of infrared saunas include better sleep, weight loss, pain relief and improvements in the appearance of your skin.
What is the scientific evidence for infrared sauna?
Below are some scientific studies we found to support the use of infrared sauna. You can click into each study, if you would like to read further detail.
- Effect on recovery after endurance training – the use of far infrared sauna appears to favourably benefit recovery after exercise.
- Effect on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) – it may be useful and safe for treatment of CFS as in the study "perceived fatigue" decreased after therapy and the participants also experienced improvements in depression and anxiety.
- Changes in flexibility in full spectrum infrared sauna therapy - benefits were seen to joint mobility, stiffness and relaxation.
- Effects of infrared radiation on skin photo-aging and pigmentation – it was found that infrared radiation may have beneficial effects on skin by increasing collagen production.
While there clearly have been studies done into the effects of infrared sauna on the body, and the conclusions are very positive, we believe that more research would be needed before you would commit to invest your time and money into this therapy based on the the research alone.
What are users saying about infrared sauna products?
REVIIV Infrared Sauna Blanket
We looked at the REVIIV Infrared Sauna Blanket on Amazon. It is for home use and is easy to store. You would use it while laying on your bed or couch. This product is pricey but, if you plan to do these treatments regularly, over time it is an investment that could pay off.
The user reviews are generally positive with feedback about it being a great investment, helping with weight loss, aiding relaxation, and improving sleep quality.
- Home, Portable Sauna Thermal Heated Blanket Therapy
- Calm Your Body And Mind
VEVOR Portable Infrared Sauna Box
We also looked into the VEVOR Sauna Portable Heater & Infrared Sauna Box. This is a type of tent that you sit inside on a chair, with your head sticking out the top.
It does receive overall positive feedback with users comments appreciating the little extras, like the hot stones and foot massager, saying that after long days it is perfect to relax in to ease aches and pains, that you sweat a lot, so it is great for detoxification, and that it has helped with their sleep.
We can’t help feeling that we would rather be lying down!
- Infrared Sauna Box, 680W
- Portable Home SPA with 60min Timer
- Adjustable Temperature
- Foldable Chair
- Heated Foot Pad
Conclusion
Although further research into this therapy is needed, initial studies are very exciting. There has certainly been no evidence to date that there are any negative side effects. And the user reviews seem very positive.
Our view is that using an infrared sauna seems like a great way to relax. In the spirit of full disclosure, nobody in the Seeoran team has actually tried this therapy but, after doing the research for this article, it is on a “to do” list for the winter! Why not, we like a bit of ‘me time’ and if indeed it does help us to relax and look refreshed, all the better!
We are all about keeping our skin as youthful as possible so if infrared sauna can help with that, it is a real bonus! If you want to read more about boosting your collagen, check out our article Essential Collagen Boosting Tips for Ageless Beauty
What do you think about infrared saunas? Have you tried them? Would you be interested in trying them? Would you consider buying one?