Key Differences Between Infrared and Traditional Saunas

Both types of saunas help the body detoxify, relax, and promote circulation — but they do it in very different ways. Traditional saunas heat the air around you, raising the ambient temperature significantly. Infrared saunas, however, use light waves to warm your body directly without needing to drastically heat the surrounding air.

This fundamental difference in how heat is delivered affects everything from comfort level to session duration.

Temperature, Duration, and Experience

In a traditional sauna, temperatures typically range from 150°F to 190°F. These high heat levels can make sessions intense and brief — usually lasting 10–15 minutes.

Infrared saunas, by contrast, operate between 120°F and 150°F. The heat penetrates deeper into the body without creating a sweltering atmosphere, allowing for longer sessions (20–40 minutes) that many find easier to tolerate.

Health Benefits Compared

Both sauna types offer health benefits, but how they deliver those effects differs:

• Traditional saunas stimulate sweating and heart rate via ambient heat — good for relaxation and skin cleansing.
  
  
• Infrared saunas trigger the same responses through deeper tissue penetration, potentially enhancing muscle recovery, circulation, and detoxification at a cellular level.
  
  

If you’re looking for a less intense experience with similar (or deeper) physiological results, infrared may be a better fit.

Detoxification and Calorie Burn

Detox is a core reason many people choose sauna therapy. Traditional saunas work primarily by increasing skin temperature and sweating through surface-level heat.

Infrared’s targeted heat and gentle warmth may help stimulate sweat from deeper layers of the skin. This could lead to a more efficient detox process — and potentially greater calorie burn — during a typical infrared sauna pod session.

Which One Is Best for Your Goals?

Choosing between infrared and traditional saunas depends on your needs:

• For a deep-tissue recovery and mild experience: Infrared sauna
  
  
• For quick, high-heat exposure and traditional ambiance: Traditional sauna
  
  

Athletes, people with chronic pain, and those new to sauna therapy often prefer infrared for its lower temperatures and longer-lasting benefits.

What to Expect from Your First Infrared Session

Your first infrared session is typically relaxing and meditative. You’ll sweat gradually over a 30-minute period and feel warm, but not overwhelmed. Hydration is key before and after the session. Most users report improved sleep, reduced tension, and a noticeable glow in their skin after a few visits.

Try the latest in wellness with an infrared sauna pod session at our San Diego location.
Prefer to book right now? Schedule your infrared sauna session here.
Still have questions? Contact our team for personalized guidance.

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