Technology has paved the way for a variety of healing modalities, like taking the power of light and harnessing its therapeutic potential. More specifically, infrared light.

Maybe you’re looking for a way to turn back the hands of time with anti-aging benefits, or speed up your muscle recovery process so you can push the limits of your physical potential. Or, perhaps you want to support your mental well-being to live life to the fullest.

Either way, choosing between red light therapy vs infrared sauna can be tricky. They have some similar benefits, but they also have their own unique effects worth knowing. There are dramatic differences in cost and practicality, too.

That’s why we created this guide comparing and contrasting the infrared sauna vs red light therapy, helping you make an informed decision for your health and happiness.

But what if we told you that you didn’t have to choose between one of the other? You can enjoy the best of both worlds by combining an infrared sauna for sale at Nordica Sauna with one of our red light therapy devices.

Better yet, some of our models actually feature chromotherapy lighting directly within the sauna! Learn more below, or get a personalized sauna recommendation below.

What’s the Difference Between Red Light Therapy and Infrared Sauna?

While an infrared sauna and red light therapy device leverage the same type of technology, they are very different therapeutic modalities with quite a few nuances. 

So, what’s the difference between red light therapy and infrared sauna? Let’s start with a brief overview of how light spectrums play a role in healing.

The Basics of Light Spectrum

Choosing between red light therapy vs infrared sauna requires a solid grasp of light spectrum. This consists of a range of wavelengths, each associated with different types of light. 

Visible light, which we see with our eyes, falls in the middle of this spectrum. On one side, there are shorter wavelengths like ultraviolet (UV) light, and on the other side, longer wavelengths like infrared light. 

Red light therapy and infrared saunas both utilize light waves, but they operate on different parts of the spectrum. Red light therapy uses wavelengths in the visible red range, typically between 620 and 700 nanometers (nm). 

Infrared saunas, on the other hand, use wavelengths in the infrared range, which are longer and can penetrate deeper into the body’s tissues. These infrared wavelengths are usually divided into near-infrared (700-1400 nm), mid-infrared (1400-3000 nm), and far-infrared (3000 nm and above).

That being said, let’s take a closer look at the difference between red light therapy and infrared sauna technology below to help you make the best decision for your health goals.

Overview of Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy, also known as low-level light therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation, involves exposing the skin to low levels of red or near-infrared light. 

The primary purpose is to stimulate cellular function and promote healing. As light penetrates the skin it’s absorbed by the mitochondria (the energy-producing centers of cells), which enhances cellular energy production and promotes tissue repair and regeneration.

This therapy is often used for anti-aging treatments, as it can help reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots by boosting collagen production. 

It’s also popular among athletes and those with chronic pain, as it can help reduce muscle soreness, joint pain, and inflammation without the need for medication. 

Red light therapy sessions are typically short, lasting anywhere from a few minutes to 20 minutes, and can be done at home with portable devices or in clinical settings. 

Overview of Infrared Sauna

On the other end of the infrared sauna vs red light therapy comparison, this healing modality is an innovative take on a practice that has been around for centuries. An infrared sauna uses infrared light to generate heat, which is absorbed directly by the body. 

There are distinct differences between an infrared sauna vs dry sauna, the most notable being that infrared saunas operate at a lower sauna temperature, usually between 120°F and 150°F. This makes for a more comfortable experience so you can spend more time in the sauna.

Infrared saunas are known for their whole-body benefits, including detoxification, improved circulation, and relaxation. The deep heat from the infrared light can also relieve muscle and joint pain, making it a popular choice for those with chronic pain or stiffness. 

The most unique benefit of this sauna type is that it can be used for weight loss and skin purification, as the heat helps burn calories and clear out impurities from the skin.

Unlike red light therapy, which targets specific areas, infrared saunas provide a full-body experience, promoting overall health and wellness. Sessions in an infrared sauna typically last between 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the user's comfort and health goals.

That being said, Nordica Sauna has you covered whether you’re looking for an indoor infrared sauna or outdoor infrared sauna. These are among the best investments you can make in your health and happiness - but that doesn't mean you should overlook red light therapy.

Let’s take a closer look at where each has an edge over the other below by comparing and contrasting red light therapy vs infrared sauna side-by-side.

Red Light Therapy vs Infrared Sauna: Is One Better Than the Other?

Choosing between an infrared sauna vs red light therapy ultimately comes down to your health goals, budget, and space availability. We’ll help you navigate all these nuances below and weigh the possibility of combining them into one comprehensive therapeutic treatment.

Skin Health and Anti-Aging

You may realize now that both an infrared sauna and red light therapy can bring out the best in your skin, but they do it very differently. 

Red light therapy stimulates collagen production, which supports skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also encourages cellular regeneration, which can help to diminish age spots, improve skin tone, and promote a youthful appearance.

While infrared saunas may not offer the same level of targeted skincare, they can do wonders in their own right - primarily through the process of detoxification. 

The deep heat opens pores and expels toxins, which can lead to clearer skin. Meanwhile, the improved circulation from infrared sauna sessions can enhance skin vitality and provide a natural glow.

Pain Relief and Muscle Recovery

Whether you’re trying to address aching joints or speed up your recovery window after an intense workout, you can rely on both red light therapy or infrared sauna. 

Red light therapy has the ability to reduce inflammation and accelerate healing at a cellular level by penetrating deep into the tissues. It alleviates pain in specific areas, making it an excellent choice for targeting joint pain, muscle soreness, and even chronic conditions like arthritis.

On the other hand, infrared saunas support pain relief and recovery. They do this by increasing blood flow, which brings essential nutrients to the healing site while reducing stiffness. They’re a great choice for recovering from intense physical activity or dealing with chronic pain as well.

Similar to the skin benefits, it’s just a matter of choosing between targeted or broad healing. Is there a specific part of your body that’s causing your ailment, or do you want comprehensive care? You’ll choose between red light therapy vs infrared sauna accordingly. 

Mental and Emotional Well-being

You’re probably familiar with the mood-boosting benefits of sauna therapy. These are one of the most ancient approaches to stress management. 

The warm, enveloping heat creates a deeply relaxing environment that can help you melt away your worries. The heat can also stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural mood elevators.

In contrast, red light therapy has been shown to influence mood by enhancing the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of well-being and happiness. This makes it beneficial for those dealing with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or general mood imbalances.

Other Benefits Each Offers

There are a few other specific benefits both technologies bring to the table that you may be interested in. 

For example, red light therapy has been used for wound healing, as it accelerates tissue repair and reduces inflammation, making it useful in medical and cosmetic treatments. It also supports hair growth in some cases, as it stimulates hair follicles.

Meanwhile, IR saunas have the potential to improve cardiovascular health and enhance detoxification. They may assist with blood pressure management, too. 

Those who are on a weight loss journey can leverage the infrared sauna as a way to speed up their metabolic rate naturally, burning more calories at rest.

But benefits aside, there are practical considerations at play too when choosing between red light therapy vs infrared sauna - most notably, cost and installation considerations. 

Cost Considerations

You might already be aware that sauna prices far exceed those of red light therapy devices. But just how much of a difference is there in cost? It all depends on factors like size, brand, and advanced features.

Infrared saunas can start around $1,500 and work their way up from there based on the sauna sizes, with larger models costing between $5,000 to $10,000. These also cost more to operate, although they’re the most energy-efficient type of sauna.

Now, red light therapy devices aren’t cheap by any means either. Again, these will vary in cost with smaller models costing a few hundred dollars and larger full-body units ranging from $1,500 to $5,000.

While red light therapy is definitely the most affordable option, that doesn’t necessarily make it better. In fact, you should never shop based on cost alone when it comes to your wellbeing. Health is wealth, after all!

Practicality of Installation 

One final thing to consider in choosing between an infrared sauna vs red light therapy device is the space you have available in your home. 

Depending on the sauna model, you may need a larger room, proper ventilation, and access to electrical outlets that can handle its power requirements. 

While some infrared saunas are designed for easy DIY assembly, others may require professional installation, especially if they are more complex or custom-built into a home.

Obviously, a sauna will be much larger, but these can be installed outside - while red light therapy devices typically cannot. They’re not weatherproof. 

However, they are portable, which means you can put them under the bed or in a closet when not being used. They’re a bit more versatile in this sense - you can even take smaller devices with you when you travel to stay on track with your wellness regimen!

So, Which is Better Between the Infrared Sauna vs Red Light Therapy?

At this point, you might be starting to see that the biggest difference between red light therapy and infrared sauna is this: red light therapy offers targeted benefits to a specific body part, while a sauna provides whole-body healing.

They also each have unique health benefits that separate them from the other, along with distinct differences from a cost and installation perspective. Only you can determine which is right for you. 

But, given the role each plays in therapeutic healing, does it make sense to combine them?

Should You Combine Them for the Best of Both Worlds?

Integrating the deep-penetrating heat of an infrared sauna with the cellular regeneration effects of red light therapy can create a powerful routine that health from 360-degrees.

For example, starting with a session in the infrared sauna can help to loosen muscles, promote sweating, and prepare the body for the more targeted effects of red light therapy. You could then follow up with red light therapy to focus on specific areas of concern, such as skin health or localized pain relief.

Better yet, many high-end saunas now come equipped with red light therapy panels, allowing you to experience both treatments simultaneously or sequentially within the same session. This can enhance the therapeutic effects of each and save you time.

Whether you choose to combine infrared sauna with red light therapy or go with one or the other, the only question is where you’re going to invest in your health and wellness. Regardless, your search ends at Nordica Sauna.

Discover an Infrared Sauna WithRed Light Therapy at Nordica Sauna!

We’ve curated the best selection of at-home healing modalities to help you create your own personal sanctuary of wellness in your home. Whether you want an indoor vs outdoor sauna or a red light therapy device, you can trust us to deliver the industry’s most trusted brands.

In fact, many of our infrared saunas are equipped with chromotherapy so you can experience the best of both worlds simultaneously! The Golden Designs “Reserve Edition” 4-Person Full Spectrum PureTech™ Near Zero EMF FAR Infrared Sauna is one such model. It even has a Himalayan salt lamp included! 

So, breeze through our sauna buying guide for more tips on picking the perfect sauna. You can also learn about the best sauna brand for your budget in our blog. Or, filter your search based on the right size for your home:

• 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

Or, learn more about our red light therapy offerings, which start as low as $249 for the Infraredi Micro Light Therapy devices. We also have larger devices like the Infraredi Flex Mini + Max Light Therapy, and even full-body devices! 

This is your one-stop shop for bringing the power of light therapy into your home, be it through a red light therapy device or infrared sauna. Enjoy the lowest prices online and a money-back guarantee as you invest in your health and happiness today!

Wrapping Up Our Infrared Sauna vs Red Light Therapy Comparison

We’ve covered a lot, but the key takeaway should be clear: both a red light therapy vs infrared sauna offer powerful health benefits tailored to different needs.The best choice depends on your specific health goals, but combining both can offer a holistic approach to wellness.

If you still aren’t sure which technology is right for you, remember that our customer service team is here to help. You can also narrow your search based on our best brands, which include: 

• Auroom sauna
• Finnmark sauna
• Golden Designs saunas
• Harvia sauna
• Huum sauna
• Morozko Forge sauna
• Sauna Life saunas
• Saunum sauna
• Almost Heaven sauna

Whether you prefer the comprehensive experience of an infrared sauna or the targeted benefits of red light therapy, Nordica Sauna has the perfect solution for you. Elevate your health journey with our reliable products today!