In weighing all the different types of saunas, the most misunderstood is without a doubt the infrared style. These saunas claim to produce a more deep, penetrating effect at lower temperatures - but are infrared saunas worth it, or is it too good to be true?

While the traditional sauna will always have its place, it’s impossible to ignore the benefits of infrared sauna. Here are just a few of the ways they can enhance your health and happiness:

• Detoxification
• Pain relief
• Improved circulation
• Weight loss
• Stress relief
• Skin health

But health benefits aside, an infrared sauna is a smart investment in your home. They’re more efficient than their traditional counterparts and there’s nothing like the convenience of having a sauna within your home or directly outside in the backyard.

Learn more about the infrared sauna benefits below and see why these are a no-brainer addition to any wellness regimen. Or, experience the benefits of infrared sauna firsthand at Nordica Sauna, the #1 place to buy infrared sauna online!

Overview of Infrared Sauna Technology

Before we get into the benefits let’s take a step back and explain what an infrared sauna is and how it works. These are a unique twist on traditional sauna therapy in that they don’t heat the air around you, but rather, they warm your body directly. This is the principle of radiant heat.

Infrared light is a type of electromagnetic radiation that penetrates the skin and heats the body from within, creating a more intense sweat at lower temperatures than conventional saunas. 

While the traditional sauna temperature can range from 180°F to 200°F, infrared saunas operate at just 120°F to 150°F. Many individuals find this to be more comfortable and relaxing.

It’s worth noting that there are three different types of infrared saunas you have at your disposal. They vary based on the specific wavelengths on the infrared spectrum that are present:

• Near-infrared saunas: Focus on the skin's surface and promote skin regeneration and wound healing. 
• Far-infrared saunas: Penetrate deeper into the muscles and joints for relief from pain and inflammation. 
• Full-spectrum sauna: Provide a mix of all three wavelengths for a more comprehensive sauna experience.

Each has its place, but if you’re going to invest in an at-home sauna, it makes sense to shell out a bit more for the full-spectrum experience. Speaking of which, the sauna cost is certainly not cheap. This begs the question, are infrared saunas worth it?

Are Infrared Saunas Worth It?

The truth is, only youcan determine whether the infrared sauna benefits justify the price tag. Value is relative, after all. 

That being said, we believe wholeheartedly that this is one of the best investments you can make in your home and health. We’ll show you why below, starting with the health benefits of infrared sauna therapy. 

Health Benefits of Infrared Sauna

They say that health is wealth, and the way in which a sauna can support your wellness routine is reason enough to invest in one of these for your home.

Detoxification

Now, do saunas help detox or is this just a myth? It’s true. In fact, this is one of the most noteworthy benefits of sauna therapy in general. It’s especially prominent in the IR style.

Infrared heat penetrates the skin at a deeper level than traditional saunas, causing a more intense sweat. This helps flush out toxins, heavy metals, and environmental pollutants from the body so they can’t wreak havoc and contribute to other concerns.

Pain Relief

Infrared heat is especially effective for soothing chronic pain and inflammation, as it boosts circulation to muscles and joints. This brings beneficial nutrients where they’re needed most while removing the toxins we just mentioned above that can exacerbate pain and inflammation.

As a result, those living with arthritis, muscle strains, or chronic conditions like fibromyalgia find the infrared sauna to be incredibly therapeutic. It can stimulate the body’s natural healing response. 

Improved Circulation

Speaking of circulation, this is reason enough to invest in an IR sauna on its own! It goes well beyond helping reduce pain and inflammation. It can help lower blood pressure and improve endothelial function, which is crucial for heart health.

What makes the infrared technology so great is that it forces your blood vessels to dilate, in turn kicking your body’s circulatory system into overdrive. So whether you’re trying to speed up your recovery process or enhance cardiovascular health, yes - infrared saunas are worth it!

Weight Loss

One of the more unique benefits of infrared sauna is that you can actively shed pounds simply by sitting and relaxing in them.

It’s true that all saunas will do this to a certain extent, as you’ll be sweating out excess water weight. But there’s a key difference here: the infrared heat actually increases heart rate and metabolic rate.

This means it mimics the effects of moderate exercise by increasing calorie burn and inducing a sweat that helps release stored fat. While you aren’t going to get that chiseled look through sauna sessions alone, they can certainly help!

Stress Relief and Mental Health

Our personal favorite infrared sauna use case is for relaxing and unwinding after a long, stressful day, or setting the tone for a sense of calm all day long in the morning.

The calming heat reduces cortisol levels, which is the hormone associated with stress. A few sessions weekly may improve sleep quality, reduce anxiety, and elevate mood by stimulating endorphin release - the body's natural “feel-good” hormones. 

Skin Health

Many individuals find that their skin looks better after a few weeks or months of incorporating infrared sauna therapy, and there’s a reason for that. We’ve referenced it a few times already: circulation.

Infrared heat brings more oxygen and nutrients to the skin which can improve skin tone and elasticity while leaving you with a glowing complexion. A sauna session also opens pores and encourages sweating, which can help clear out impurities and reduce acne over time. 

Convenience and Cost Perspective

Health benefits of infrared sauna aside, what makes the higher price tag compared to traditional styles worth it? Simple - they’re more convenient and user-friendly. Plus, they’ll pay for themselves over time!

Easier to Install

Infrared saunas can typically be installed without professional assistance since they don’t require special ventilation or plumbing. You can technically install one of these anywhere, too - a bathroom, basement, a spare closet, or even outdoors!

Their compact size and straightforward installation process allow you to enjoy the infrared sauna benefits without dedicating a large space or making significant home modifications.

Lower Maintenance

In comparing infrared vs steam sauna, or even traditional saunas for that matter, you’ll discover that infrared styles are more maintenance-free. This is because there isn’t any moisture present in infrared saunas.

There’s no need to manage humidity or clean up water drippings, as infrared saunas operate on dry heat. You can spend less time with chores and more time relaxing. 

Cost-Effective

Sure, a sauna can be an expensive addition to your home. But those trying to make the most of a tight budget can take a deep breath and relax - infrared saunas are cheaper than their traditional counterparts!

That’s because the technology that heats these saunas is more affordable than the complex, clunky heaters associated with traditional saunas. But it’s not just the upfront cost that’s lower, but also the costs of operation.

These use less energy to reach optimal temperatures and can be used in shorter time frames for the same benefits, reducing overall operating costs. 

So, Are Infrared Saunas Worth it?

Ultimately, this is not a question we can answer for you. We’ve done our best to break down all the benefits of infrared sauna so that you can make the most informed decision. 

We have more resources to help you in our blog, like our comparison of infrared sauna vs dry sauna or our more comprehensive sauna buying guide. In our opinion, though, yes - infrared saunas are worth every penny.

Not only is this an investment in your physical and mental wellbeing, but it’s more affordable and convenient than other types of saunas. That being said, why not experience the infrared sauna benefits for yourself and see what the hype is all about?

Experience the Infrared Sauna Benefits Firsthand!

Nordica Sauna is your trusted sauna provider. We’ve curated an unbeatable selection from the top sauna brands in the industry at the lowest prices online, with world-class support along the way. It doesn’t get any better than that!

Learn more about why you can trust us for the best infrared sauna for home use below along with a few tips on getting started reaping the benefits of infrared sauna firsthand. 

Why Shop at Nordica Sauna?

We’re passionate about helping you create your own personal sanctuary to relax and unwind, which is why we’ve worked tirelessly to create the best catalog featuring respected brands and their most sought-after models. That includes: 

• Almost Heaven Sauna
• Auroom sauna
• Finnmark Saunas
• Dundalk Leisure Craft Saunas
• Golden Design Saunas
• Sauna Life Saunas
• Scandia Sauna
• Sunray Sauna

Every single product we carry has been carefully crafted from premium materials and brought to life with incredible attention to detail, so you can rest assured you’re getting the quality you deserve. 

We’re authorized retailers for all these brands, which means you’ll have access to manufacturer warranties for peace of mind. Your order is protected by our own satisfaction guarantee, too.

Perhaps most importantly, you’ll be able to stretch your budget as far as possible through our low-price guarantee and free shipping policies. Plus, we have hassle-free financing options and you can even use your HSA/FSA funds!

Whether you want an indoor sauna for sale or outdoor sauna for sale, we’ve got you covered. We have all the different sauna sizes as well, including:

• 1 person infrared sauna
• 2 person infrared sauna
• 3 person infrared sauna
• 4 person infrared sauna
• 5 person infrared sauna
• 6 person infrared sauna
• 8 person infrared sauna

Not sure which is right for you? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our customer service team. We’ll offer a personalized recommendation based on your goals and budget. Or, take our intuitive sauna quiz for a quick pick!

Tips on Using an Infrared Sauna

We want to help you make the most of the infrared sauna benefits once yours arrives. So, here are some quick tips on getting started:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your session to prevent dehydration.
• Start Slow: Shorter sessions of around 15-20 minutes are perfect for beginners. You can gradually work your way up to longer durations as your body adjusts.
• Set the Right Temperature: Infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures (120°F to 150°F), so find the sweet spot that feels comfortable while still inducing a sweat.
• Frequency Matters: Consistency is key. Try using the sauna 3-4 times a week to maximize health benefits without overdoing it.
• Cool Down: Take time to cool down and relax after your session so your body can transition back to its normal state.

When in doubt, reach out. We aren’t just here to sell you on the infrared sauna benefits, after all. You have access to our customer service team for life when you shop with us! So, what’s holding you back? Take the next step today.

Wrapping Up Our Guide to the Benefits of Infrared Sauna

In closing, are infrared saunas worth it? Ultimately, that’s not something we can answer for you as we don’t know your commitment to living a healthier, happier lifestyle or your financial situation. 

But if you have the money to invest in your wellness regimen, yes - infrared saunas are well worth it. From detoxification and pain relief to improved circulation and stress reduction, the benefits of infrared sauna are well documented. 

Plus, they’re easier to install and more affordable than their traditional counterparts. Since they operate at lower temperatures many find them more enjoyable, too. 

Our blog has more resources on topics like using a sauna during fasting, barrel sauna vs square sauna, are infrared saunas safe, sauna for a cold, red light therapy vs infrared sauna, and more.

Whether you want an indoor vs outdoor sauna, your search ends here.

But at this point, why not see for yourself why infrared saunas are worth it? Shop at Nordica Sauna today and bring the benefits of infrared sauna into your home!