The whole purpose of using a sauna is for the potential health benefits it has to offer, from simply relaxing at the end of a long, stressful day to detoxification, weight management, and more. The last thing you want is to cause more harm than good.

So are infrared saunas safe? Absolutely. At least, they canbe. The specific sauna you use and how you use it dictates whether there are any infrared sauna dangers you need to be worried about. Some of the dangers of infrared sauna that come with improper use include:

• Dehydration: Excessive sweating can lead to dizziness or fatigue if you don’t rehydrate.
• Overheating: Prolonged use or excessively high temperatures may cause nausea or weakness.
• Low Blood Pressure: Heat-induced vasodilation can lead to lightheadedness.
• Skin Sensitivity: While IR sauna use can improve skin health in some cases, too much of a good thing can be harmful.
• Medical Device Interference: Pacemakers and metal implants may be affected by infrared heat, so you’ll need to talk with your doctor if you have these.

The good news is these risks can be mitigated to some degree or even avoided by staying hydrated, using the sauna in moderation, and following safety guidelines. 

The best thing you can do, though, is use a low emf infrared sauna. Nordica Sauna carries the top brands at unbeatable prices with world-class service along the way, so shop now and protect your health while enjoying all that saunas have to offer!

What is an Infrared Sauna and How Does it Work?

Sauna therapy has been used for centuries, hailing from Finland but now popularized worldwide. It’s not hard to see why, either. This is a versatile addition to any self-care or wellness ritual. 

But with so many different types of saunas, we need to narrow our focus a bit. So what is an infrared sauna and how does this style work? They’re unique in that they heat the body directly through infrared light rather than warming the sauna space itself.

Infrared heat is the same type of heat the sun produces but without the harmful UV rays. People prefer infrared saunas because they penetrate deeper into tissues while working at a lower, more comfortable temperature. 

How Infrared Saunas Differ From Traditional Saunas

In comparing an infrared sauna vs traditional sauna, you’ll see quite a few differences - most notably the heating method. Traditional saunas use a few different types of sauna heaters, but electric or wood-burning tend to be the most common. IR saunas use infrared light instead.

These unique heating methods produce different temperature ranges, with traditional saunas being much hotter at somewhere between 160-200°F. This also leads to differences in energy costs, as infrared saunas tend to be more efficient - and thus more cost-effective. 

There are also unique benefits infrared saunas deliver that their traditional counterparts do not. We’ll get to those below - but first, let’s look at the different IR sauna styles. This will come into play as we get into potential infrared sauna dangers. 

Types of Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas can be broken down based on the specific light spectrum they put out. The most common are:

• Near-Infrared (NIR) Saunas: Shorter wavelengths that penetrate deeper into the skin for stronger cellular repair, skin health, and wound healing.
• Far-Infrared (FIR) Saunas: Longer wavelengths that generate deep heat and promote a more intense sweat. They’re great for detoxification and the most common style available.
• Full-Spectrum Infrared Saunas: These combine near, mid, and far infrared wavelengths for a more comprehensive range of benefits.

Most of the concerns we see circulating the web are specifically on the full spectrum infrared sauna dangers or the near infrared sauna dangers. Far-infrared saunas are considered to be less dangerous, given the specific wavelengths they use.

Just remember that if you’re interested in bringing the benefits of far-infrared sauna into your home, the perfect infrared sauna for sale is right here at Nordica Sauna waiting for you. But whyare infrared saunas worth it in the first place?

Common Uses and Reported Benefits of Infrared Saunas

When most people think of sauna use, it’s for detoxification or relaxation. The truth is, though, there are so many other reasons you should invest in your own home sauna. These include:

• Muscle Recovery and Pain Relief: Infrared heat increases blood circulation and could heal sore muscles and joints faster than they otherwise would.
• Detoxification: Deep sweating may help eliminate heavy metals and toxins from the body.
• Stress Reduction: The gentle heat eases you into a state of relaxation and may reduce cortisol levels while improving mood.
• Weight Management: Some claim infrared saunas support metabolism and calorie-burning through thermogenesis, though this is a bit less understood.
• Skin Health: Increased circulation and sweating may help clear up the skin by supporting a better inflammatory response and promoting collagen production.

Athletes and everyday people alike are bringing the benefits of sauna therapy into their homes, and you can too. But are there any dangers of using infrared sauna you should be aware of?

Are There Any Dangers of Infrared Sauna Use?

There are tangible risks to using an infrared sauna improperly or using a cheap sauna with low-quality materials. But the key takeaway from this conversation is the infrared sauna dangers can be mitigated, and in some cases avoided entirely, with the right precautions in place.

That being said, the biggest concerns with any type of sauna use are dehydration and heat exhaustion. Let’s start there.

Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance

Think about how much you sweat in an infrared sauna and it makes sense that dehydration is a concern. If you’ve never used one before, just know it can induce a pretty intense sweat!

This can lead to dizziness, headaches, fatigue, or muscle cramps since your fluid levels fall flat and with that comes an imbalance in electrolytes, which only makes matters worse. 

While there’s no avoiding the profuse sweating that comes with an infrared sauna, dehydration is easy to address - simply drink more water before, during, and after your session. Be sure to replenish electrolytes as well.

Overheating and Heat Exhaustion

Aside from dehydration, the risk of overheating is also real. Spending too much time in a hot environment where your core body temperature is raised can take a toll, leading to weakness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and even heat exhaustion.

Be clear, though - this is also something that can be mitigated by starting with shorter session durations and slowly ramping up your time spent in the sauna as you get a better understanding of how the heat affects you.

For what it’s worth, this is actually less of a danger for infrared saunas than traditional saunas since they operate at a lower temperature. Learn more about the differences between infrared sauna vs dry sauna in our blog.

Low Blood Pressure and Circulatory Effects

Sometimes the vasodilation effect of infrared heat is a good thing. In other cases, the rapid expansion of blood vessels can lower your blood pressure and in turn lead to lightheadedness or fainting when you try to stand up too quickly. 

This is a normal response to heat exposure and it’s not unique to infrared saunas. If you are out in the yard doing chores on a scorching summer day or playing golf in the heat, you can expect the same risk.

Like other dangers of infrared sauna it’s as simple as taking the proper precautions to avoid this. Stand up slowly after a session and cool down gradually. If you have existing blood pressure concerns it’s worth talking to your doctor before using an infrared sauna.

Skin Sensitivity and Burns

We know what you’re thinking - aren’t saunas supposed to be GOOD for your skin? Yes, but too much of a good thing can sometimes lead to the opposite of the intended reaction.

Some individuals experience mild skin irritation, dryness, or redness after infrared sauna use. It makes sense when you think about it, since this is fairly similar to spending time out in the sun and getting a sunburn.

But since there are NO UV rays in an infrared sauna, this risk is low and burns are very rare. It’s most often caused by direct contact with the heating panels or excessive session lengths.

Now - we want to talk about another skin-specific concern we see referenced by those who are hesitant to try infrared saunas: photoaging. This is where the skin ages faster than normal as a result of light exposure.

This could lead to issues like wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, loss of elasticity, and compromised skin barrier. But is it a real concern? Studies showing a link are limited to near-infrared and full-spectrum infrared saunas. Far infrared saunas are safe for those worried about this. 

Similar to other dangers of infrared sauna use, even photoaging can be mitigated through proper use. In fact, you could find your skin looking better with regular use since the sauna may encourage better circulation, collagen production, and wound healing.

Eye Strain and Sensitivity to Infrared Light

There are infrared sauna dangers pertaining to your vision as well, but only if you get up close and personal with the panels and stare into them for too long. If you’re not doing that, though, there is no evidence suggesting that infrared light exposure can damage eyesight over time.

Still, it’s best not to push this. Close your eyes or consider wearing eye protection in the sauna. Position yourself so the heating elements aren’t in your direct line of sight.

Risks for Pregnant Women and Certain Medical Conditions

Everything changes the moment you realize you’re pregnant, and now you need to be much stricter about what you eat and what you do. There’s another life on the line, after all. 

So are there any dangers of infrared sauna as it pertains to fetal development? Yes. Prolonged heat exposure may be a problem, which is why we advise most pregnant women avoid sauna use in general - be it an infrared vs steam sauna.

Expecting mothers aren’t the only people who need to be careful, though. Anyone with heart disease, diabetes, or neurological conditions should consult their doctor before using a sauna since they tend to have a harder time regulating body temperature.

Impact on Implants, Pacemakers, and Metal in the Body

Maybe you don’t have a pre-existing medical condition, but you dohave some sort of modality implanted in your body. This could be silicone breast implants or metal implants used in joint replacements. Even those with pacemakers need to be careful about infrared heat exposure.

Now, we want to dispel some of the myths surrounding these concerns. While there’s truth to some of them, most titanium and surgical steel implants don’t heat up in infrared saunas so you have nothing to worry about there.

Those with pacemakers and defibrillators do need to exercise caution, though. The devices can be sensitive to high heat and electromagnetic fields (EMF), which is why you might want to stick with a low-EMF sauna if you have the option.

Can Infrared Saunas Cause Cancer?

There’s one more thing we want to clear up that we see so many misconceptions on - an infrared sauna is not going to cause cancer.We understand where the myth comes from, as you may assume these units emit radiation similar to UV rays or X-rays, but that’s not the case.

Infrared radiation is not ionizing radiation. This means it won’t alter DNA or cellular structures the way that X-rays or UV rays can. On the contrary - there’s reason to believe infrared therapy could even help repairdamaged cells!

How to Enjoy the Benefits of IR Sauna Without Worrying About the Risks

It’s true - infrared sauna use is not without its risks. But the fact of the matter is that most concerns are easily mitigated through proper usage. The real dangers of infrared saunas we see talked about are mostly rooted in myth rather than reality.

All that being said we want to share some tips on how you can avoid the infrared sauna dangers while still enjoying all that this form of heat therapy has to offer - starting with getting thebest infared sauna for your home, health, and happiness!

Investing in a Premium Sauna From a Trusted Brand

Not all infrared saunas are created equal. Those concerned about any of the risks mentioned here in this guide should invest in a sauna built from natural, premium materials and rated for low EMF exposure. This minimizes exposure to electromagnetic radiation.

The wood the sauna is made from matters too, as high-quality wood like cedar or hemlock won’t produce harmful chemicals when heated. Safety-certified infrared heating panels are a must as well.

Whether you’re looking for an indoor infrared sauna or an outdoor infrared sauna, Nordica Sauna has you covered with the best models from the most respected brands in the industry. This means you can shop with confidence, knowing you’re getting the quality you deserve. 

We also offer a price-matching policy so you can get the best deal possible and stretch your budget further. With free shipping, hassle-free financing, and the ability to use FSA/HSA funds, we make sauna therapy more accessible.

You can ask any other questions about the dangers of infrared sauna to our customer service team. We’re here to help you feel more comfortable bringing the benefits of sauna into your home, and we can also help you find the right one! Get in touch today to take the next step.

Safe Usage Guidelines for Infrared Saunas

Most of the infrared sauna dangers can be traced back to improper usage. Follow these tips to reap all the benefits this self-care ritual has to offer with none of the downside or stress:

• Start Slow: Newcomers should begin with 10-15 minute sessions at a moderate temperature (110-120°F). Gradually increase time and heat as you get used to the heat.
• Wait Before Showering: Let your body cool naturally after your session instead of taking a cold shower right away. This will help prevent circulatory shock.
• Avoid Alcohol and Heavy Meals Before Use: Alcohol dehydrates the body, and a full stomach can make heat exposure uncomfortable. Save the indulgence for post-sauna.

But the deep sweating is where most risks come from, so make sure you’re entering the sauna fully hydrated and replenishing any fluids you lose after you get out. 

Drink at least 16-20 oz of water 30 minutes before your session, and you should have a bottle on hand during your session to sip on. Drink another 16-32 oz of water to fully rehydrate when you’re done, and get some electrolytes in as well.

Listening to Your Body

The best way to avoid the dangers of infrared sauna is to listen to your body - it’ll send signals that it’s overwhelmed.Exit the sauna and slowly cool off if you feel lightheaded, dizzy, or fatigued. 

You should also pay attention to more serious warning signs like rapid heartbeat or confusion. These are linked to heat exhaustion. But if you follow our advice above you have little to worry about. So, enjoy your infrared sauna session safely!

Final Words on the Infrared Sauna Dangers

That does it for our deep dive into the infrared sauna dangers. In closing, most of the concerns are more fiction rather than fact. The real infrared sauna dangers are dehydration and heat exhaustion, and these can be mitigated easily.

Myths about infrared saunas causing cancer or serious harm are not supported by scientific evidence. Still, you should make sure you’re only using the best sauna to avoid exposing yourself to harmful light spectrums or toxins. That’s where we come in.

Nordica Sauna is here to help you tap into the potential of infrared sauna therapy without any of the stress of doing more harm than good. Set yourself up with a safe, high-quality sauna from a trusted brand today and enjoy infrared therapy done right!