Getting an infrared sauna is one of the best purchases my wife and I have ever made. It has helped us relax before bed, recover from workouts, and get through the Utah winters with our sanity still intact.

Though increasing in popularity, infrared saunas aren't the only option out there, and there are some pros and cons to our choice.

This article will be your guide to help you understand the benefits of saunas generally as well as the pros and cons of infrared saunas compared to traditional saunas, allowing you to be a more informed buyer. I'll also let you know what sauna I use at the bottom of the article!

General Health Benefits of Saunas

Saunas have a number of well-studied therapeutic benefits and are a cornerstone of holistic wellness. Here's a breakdown of their general health benefits:

• Skin Health: Regular sauna use promotes sweating. This helps clean out your pores and balance helpful bacteria levels on your skin.
• Stress Relief: The warm environment of a sauna offers a serene space for relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety.
• Improved Circulation: Exposure to heat improves blood flow, benefiting cardiovascular health.
• Pain Relief: Sauna sessions can alleviate pain and aid in muscle relaxation, beneficial for athletes and those with chronic pain.
• Cardiovascular Health: A significant study in the Journal of the American Medical Association demonstrated a link between regular sauna use and reduced risk of heart diseases.

One common myth worth debunking is that saunas expel toxic metals through sweat. Though sweating can expel toxins, the way in which you sweat makes a big difference. A study published in 2022 found that sweating through dynamic exercise released significantly more toxic metals than by means of a sauna. So even though there might be some truth to this myth, it shouldn't be one of the primary reasons you get a sauna.

Pros of Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas, utilizing infrared lamps to heat the body directly, offer distinct benefits over traditional saunas:

• Deeper Tissue Penetration: Infrared heat penetrates deeper into the tissues, enhancing muscle relaxation.
• Comfortable Temperatures: Operating at lower temperatures (120°F - 140°F) makes them more accessible to those sensitive to high heat. It's able to do this and still have the same benefits by heating up your body from the inside rather than from your skin inwards.
• Skin Health: Far infrared light contributes to improved skin health, including smooth texture and more even skin tone.
• Energy Efficiency: These saunas are more energy-efficient and easier to install, making them a practical option for home use.

Cons of Infrared Saunas

While infrared saunas offer unique benefits, it's important to consider their potential downsides, especially in comparison to traditional saunas:

• Lack of Steam: Traditional saunas provide high humidity due to steam, beneficial for respiratory health. Infrared saunas lack this feature, which might be a drawback for those seeking respiratory benefits from steam inhalation.
• EMF Exposure Concerns: Although modern infrared saunas are designed to minimize electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure, some models may still emit higher levels than others. It's crucial to research and choose models with low EMF emissions if that is a concern for you.
• Initial Investment and Maintenance Cost: Generally, infrared saunas can be more expensive initially compared to traditional saunas. The cost of maintenance and potential repairs over time should also be factored into the budget.
• Different Heating Experience: Infrared saunas heat the body directly rather than the air around you, creating a different heating experience. Some users may miss the intense heat and the ambient warmth of a traditional sauna.
• Limited Research on Long-term Effects: While there is extensive research on the benefits of traditional saunas, studies on infrared saunas are still evolving. Potential long-term effects of infrared exposure are not as well-documented, which may be a consideration for some users.

In conclusion, while infrared saunas are an excellent choice for many, weighing these considerations against your personal preferences and health goals is essential when deciding between an infrared and a traditional sauna.

Choosing the Right Sauna for You

When selecting a sauna, consider the following factors to ensure it aligns with your individual needs:

• Health Goals: Whether it's detoxification, pain relief, or general relaxation, your health objectives should guide your choice.
• Space and Budget: Evaluate the space available and your budget. Infrared saunas are generally more compact and can vary in cost.
• Safety and Quality: Opt for saunas with safety certifications, robust construction, and non-toxic glues.
• Consultation: For those with specific health conditions, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended.

Conclusion

Infrared saunas present a unique set of benefits, including deep heat penetration and energy efficiency, but also come with considerations such as the absence of steam and initial cost.

Traditional saunas offer a different experience with their higher temperatures and steam.

Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal health goals, budget, and preferences.

The Infrared Sauna I Use

If you feel like an infrared sauna is right for you, I highly recommend this one by Dynamic Saunas (paid link). The exact model I have is no longer sold, but this model is very comparable.

I like it because it was very easy to assemble, relatively low cost, uses high-quality Canadian hemlock wood, and non-toxic glues (that last piece is important).

If you have questions, feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to me on social media!