Infrared Sauna vs Traditional Sauna: What’s the Difference?

You’ve probably heard about the traditional steam sauna, and might have used it as well. But there is a different type that’s now gaining popularity: the infrared sauna. While both aim to promote health through heat, their approaches differ significantly, catering to varied preferences and health goals. If you’re wondering which one might be right for you, I’m here to help break it down.

What Are Traditional Steam Saunas?

Traditional steam saunas, often simply referred to as steam saunas, create a high-heat, high-humidity environment that has been a staple in wellness routines for centuries. Originating from Finland, these saunas heat the air inside the room to temperatures typically between 150 and 195 degrees Fahrenheit.

What Are Infrared Saunas?

Infrared saunas are a modern adaptation of the traditional sauna concept, using infrared technology to heat the body directly rather than warming the air around you. This type of sauna typically operates at lower temperatures, ranging from 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which can make the experience more comfortable for those who find traditional steam saunas too hot.

How Do They Work?

Now, let’s talk about how these saunas actually heat your body. Traditional steam saunas heat the air around you, which in turn warms you up. They operate at higher temperatures, usually between 150 to 195 degrees Fahrenheit. This method produces a lot of sweat and gets your heart pumping because of the intense heat.

Infrared saunas, on the other hand, use infrared heaters to emit a specific type of heat that penetrates more directly into your skin. They don’t heat the air around you as much; instead, they heat your body directly. This means they can operate at lower temperatures—around 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit—while still providing a good sweat session.

Health Benefits

Both types of saunas offer fantastic health benefits, but they do have their nuances. Let’s dive into some specific areas:

Skin Health

Both types are great for your skin, but they do it in slightly different ways. The steam from traditional saunas can open up your pores and help cleanse the skin surface. Infrared saunas might not give you that same level of pore-opening heat, but they still help with detoxification through deeper penetration, which can rejuvenate deeper layers of skin.

Immune System Boost

This is where it gets interesting. Both saunas help to improve your immune system by inducing what’s called hormetic stress—essentially good stress—that causes your body to beef up its defenses. This process involves heat shock proteins, which are crucial for your body’s response to heat stress. Both sauna types can trigger these beneficial stresses, so in terms of boosting your immune system, you’re good with either.

Respiratory Health

If respiratory health is your concern, a traditional steam sauna might be the way to go. The steam can help loosen phlegm and clear out your airways, which is particularly beneficial if you’re dealing with a cold or other respiratory issues. Anecdotal evidence, like using steam to ease a child’s cough, really supports this benefit. Infrared saunas still offer respiratory benefits, mainly through immune system enhancement, but they lack the direct steamy impact of their traditional counterparts.

Hormone Production

Both sauna types can significantly spike your growth hormone levels, especially if used in the right protocols. This means sitting in the sauna at high enough temperatures to induce significant heat stress. The growth hormone is great for tissue repair, muscle growth, and general recovery—perfect for athletes or anyone looking to enhance physical performance.

Weight Loss

While using a sauna alone won’t melt away pounds magically, both types can contribute to weight loss by increasing your heart rate and making your body work harder to cool down, thus burning calories. Remember, though, effective weight management is more about overall lifestyle choices, such as diet and exercise, than about how much you sweat in a sauna.

Stress Relief

Here’s where personal preference really comes into play. Both saunas can be incredibly relaxing and help reduce stress. Whether you prefer the enveloping warmth of steam or the penetrating heat of infrared, it’s about what feels best for your body.

 

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Considerations for Your Home

If you’re thinking about installing a sauna at home, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Ventilation: Steam saunas create a lot of humidity, which can lead to mold if not properly ventilated. Infrared saunas don’t increase room humidity, so they’re a bit easier to manage indoors.
• Power Consumption: Traditional saunas can be a bit more power-hungry than infrared ones. For instance, a typical electric heater for a steam sauna might require more energy, affecting your utility bills more than an infrared sauna would.
• EMF Exposure and Off-Gassing: Lower-quality infrared saunas might emit higher levels of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) or use materials that off-gas harmful chemicals. Opting for a high-quality sauna minimizes these risks, ensuring a healthier experience.

Ultimately, the choice between an infrared sauna and a traditional steam sauna depends on your personal health goals, preferences, and the specific benefits you’re looking to get from your sauna experience. Both types offer substantial health benefits, so you can’t really go wrong. It’s more about tailoring the experience to what makes you feel best. Whether you’re drawn to the deep heat of an infrared sauna or the steamy embrace of a traditional one, both paths lead to a healthier, more relaxed you.