Far Infrared Sauna Therapy: Benefits, Risks, and FAQs

Many people enjoy how infrared sauna waves directly heat the body, which may be more effective. It's also less steamy, which many people find more enjoyable. But what are far infrared saunas, and how do they differ from other types of saunas?

Learn how a far infrared sauna works, its benefits, and risks. We’ll also discuss how to prepare for an infrared sauna treatment so you can relax without the hassle.

What is a far infrared sauna?

A far infrared sauna uses modern technology to penetrate the cellular level of the body, increasing body temperature and causing sweat to release toxins and relieve muscle tension.

The primary difference between an infrared sauna and a traditional sauna is the way they heat your body. While infrared heat raises your core body temperature, traditional saunas heat the air around you to jumpstart your body’s perspiration.

Infrared light comes from Far Infrared Radiation, a wavelength of light that doesn’t contain any UV rays. For example, Sunlighten-brand infrared saunas use the safe wavelengths of sunlight to raise your body’s temperature, causing you to sweat from internal processes. As this happens, your heart rate increases as your circulation improves. 

Infrared vs. Traditional Sauna

Infrared and traditional saunas both promote sweating and detoxification, but they work in different ways—and feel very different.

An infrared sauna uses light waves to heat your body directly, raising your core temperature from within. Because it doesn’t rely on heating the air, it operates at lower temperatures while still producing a deep sweat. This makes sessions more comfortable and longer—often up to 30 minutes—with a drier, less steamy environment.

A traditional sauna heats the air around you, which in turn warms your body. This creates a much hotter, more intense experience, often with added humidity. The heat triggers sweating externally, so sessions are typically shorter, around 10 to 15 minutes.

In short, infrared saunas offer a gentler, longer experience, while traditional saunas deliver that classic high-heat, steamy intensity.

What is better – infrared or traditional sauna?

It depends on your personal preference. Many people prefer infrared saunas because the rays may penetrate the skin more deeply. You may feel more beneficial effects because of that. Infrared saunas are also less hot and humid, which some people find more enjoyable. It's less of an endurance contest and more of a restorative experience.

Far Infrared Sauna Benefits

Medical professionals believe there are various infrared sauna benefits.

Anti-Aging

As you sweat and release toxins in an infrared sauna, you eliminate bacteria and dead skin from the top layer of your skin, aiding with anti-aging. This helps your skin become smoother and softer. Infrared rays also help clear acne, enhance elasticity to reduce wrinkles, and improve skin tone. 

Weight Loss

While saunas aren’t meant to be a weight loss treatment, they can help. During a sauna treatment, your heart rate increases and tricks your body into thinking it’s participating in cardio exercise. Sweating also requires a lot of your body’s energy, so you get to rest while you burn calories and eliminate excess fluid.

Heart Health

Some patients with heart conditions use far infrared saunas to improve their heart health. Some evidence shows that saunas can help normalize blood pressure and improve heart health. With that said, infrared saunas shouldn’t be used for treatment, and it’s vital to consult your doctor before using a sauna.

Pain Relief

Many people who experience pain find relief during an infrared sauna treatment. As your blood vessels expand and circulation improves, muscle tension decreases. Research also shows that infrared rays reduce the effects of arthritis by easing pain and stiffness. 

Detoxification

As you relax in an infrared sauna, the rays go deep into the skin. They raise your body temperature and heart rate, resulting in deep sweating. Sweating helps your body release excess sodium and small amounts of certain compounds, while your liver and kidneys do the heavy lifting when it comes to detoxification.

Relaxation and Better Sleep

If you’ve ever had a sauna treatment, you may have felt immediately relaxed and ready for a nap. Infrared sauna benefits, like pain relief and detoxification, help your body relax. Relaxation leads to better sleep, resulting in better mental and physical well-being. 

Who (Maybe) Shouldn’t Use Far Infrared Saunas

While infrared saunas are effective for many people, there are some cases where other spa treatments may be best. 

• Pregnancy: Hot saunas aren’t typically recommended during pregnancy
• Medications: Some medications don’t react well to infrared rays or high heat
• Medical Conditions: While far infrared saunas can alleviate many medical conditions, they can sometimes make them worse.

When in doubt, check with your doctor first. Safety first!

Preparing for Far Infrared Sauna Therapy

If you've never tried an infrared sauna before, these tips will help you fully enjoy the experience.

• Take a shower: While reputable facilities have deep cleaning and sanitizing processes, it’s best to shower and come to your appointment clean. Removing dirt and oil from your skin can also help make the sauna session more effective.
• Hydrate: Since sauna treatments lead to sweating, it’s vital to drink plenty of water during your session to prevent dehydration.
• Rest: After your treatment, you’ll probably feel much more relaxed. You may also feel a little lightheaded if you’re new to sauna therapy, so prepare to rest afterward.
• Dress comfortably: The key to spa treatments is enjoying your experience, so dress for comfort. Most people wear a swimsuit (or even their birthday suit).
• Understand the temperature: Infrared sauna temperatures usually range from 100°F to 170°F. If you’re new to sauna therapy, it’s best to start at a lower temperature and work your way up.
• Build up your time: Start with 10- to 15-minute sessions, and work your way up to 20-minute sessions after you’ve used the sauna a few times. 

If you’re new to infrared sauna therapy, go once per week for a few visits. If your body responds well, you can go up to four times a week.

See the Benefits of Far Infrared Sauna Firsthand

By using modern-day technology that heats the body from within, far infrared saunas can relax the body and improve your mental and physical well-being.

If you’re in Denver and want to experience infrared sauna therapy at an award-winning day spa, check out Oakwell Beer Spa. You can book a spa day in a private beer therapy room, which includes beer bath hydrotherapy and an infrared sauna for a complete reset.