Understanding the Difference Between Infrared Saunas and Traditional Saunas

We often get asked “what is the main difference between infrared saunas and traditional saunas?”

If you are in the market for a sauna and don’t know which type of sauna to choose, this guide will explain the benefits of each type of sauna to help you choose the style that best suits your needs.

Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas differ from traditional saunas in the way they generate heat and distribute it to the body. While traditional saunas heat the air around you to warm the body indirectly, infrared saunas use infrared light panels positioned along the interior of the sauna cabin to directly penetrate the skin. This allows infrared saunas to provide a more subtle, comfortable and efficient heat that results in a soothing heat therapy experience, because the heat from infrared sauna panels distributes the heat evenly throughout the cabin without excessively raising the ambient temperature. 

Infrared Light Panels Provide Smooth Evenly Dispersed Heat Throughout an Infrared Sauna

Most infrared saunas provide a maximum temperature of 140 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. The lower operating temperatures of infrared saunas are designed for individuals who may find the higher intense heat of traditional saunas uncomfortably hot. Infrared saunas will be more energy efficient as well because they require less time to heat up, less power consumption and maintain a consistent temperature.

The smooth and evenly dispersed heat of a home infrared sauna is well-suited for individuals with cardiovascular issues or other conditions such as asthma or COPD, who need the health benefits of a sauna but may be sensitive to the extreme temperatures of traditional saunas. Benefits of infrared saunas include detoxification(sweating) which in turn helps lower blood pressure, improves skin health and lowers the risk of heart disease resulting in improved overall cardiovascular health.

Traditional Saunas

Traditional saunas are preferred by those who seek a more intense heat designed to make you sweat more. This intense heat is often combined with steam that is produced by drizzling particles of water over hot “lava” rocks located on top of the sauna heater. Traditional saunas can provide internal temperatures up to 195 degrees Fahrenheit.

Traditional Saunas Use Electric Heaters with Stones to Create Intense Heat and Steam

One of the primary benefits of traditional saunas is their ability to improve cardiovascular and respiratory health. The intense heat of the sauna causes the heart rate to increase, in turn stimulating the circulatory system which increases blood flow resulting in enhanced delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the body.  When steam is created from pouring water over the hot lava rocks, the warm moist air can help loosen mucus in your airways helping to improve breathing and lung function.

The intense heat and steam of a traditional sauna promotes can also help with skin rejuvenation through the process of detoxification. When the body sweats profusely it expels toxins and other impurities in the skin such as metals, chemicals and other unhealthy substances from the skin. The “flushing out” of the skin pores results in skin rejuvenation including reduction in blemishes and acne yielding a more healthy and radiant skin tone.

Conclusion

Both infrared saunas and traditional saunas can offer tremendous health benefits when combined with regular exercise. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences and health considerations. Some individuals may seek out the intense heat of traditional saunas for a more vigorous sweating experience, while others may prefer the gentler warmth and targeted benefits of an infrared sauna. Whichever type of home sauna you choose, incorporating a regular sauna session into your wellness routine can have a positive impact on both your physical and mental health.