Infrared saunas are becoming super popular, and for good reason! They don’t just make you sweat—they help your body in so many different ways. If you’ve been hearing the buzz and wondering what all the fuss is about, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’re diving into how an infrared sauna can help with your complexion, pain relief, stress, and more. Ready? Let’s get into it!
Skin Health: Glow from the Inside Out
Who doesn’t want better skin, right? An infrared sauna can help you get that healthy, radiant glow without spending a fortune on skincare products.
Here’s how it works: the infrared heat supports improved blood flow, transporting nutrients throughout your body while the sweat helps push out impurities. This helps leave you with glowing skin shortly after your sessions, while keeping clogged pores at bay!
Pain Reduction: Say Goodbye to Aches
If you deal with aches and pains—whether it’s from a tough workout or something chronic like arthritis—infrared saunas can offer relief. The heat penetrates deep into your muscles and joints, reducing inflammation and easing discomfort.
And here’s a bonus: infrared saunas trigger the release of endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers, helping keep those aches and pains at arms length.
To truly reap this sauna benefit, incorporate some gentle stretching or even a slow yoga flow during your sauna sessions!
Stress Relief: Feel the Calm
Speaking of endorphins, not only do they combat pain, but they also promote feelings of comfort, easing away anxiety and combatting stress!
Life can be hectic, but an infrared sauna session is like a mini-vacation. The gentle heat helps calm your nervous system, making you feel more relaxed. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a busy day.
Infrared saunas can also help lower cortisol levels—the hormone that goes up when you’re stressed. With less cortisol pumping through your body, you’ll feel more balanced and centered.
Plus, sitting quietly in a warm, serene space gives you time to practice mindfulness. It’s a great opportunity to focus on your breath and clear your mind.
Muscle Recovery: Bounce Back Faster
If you’re into fitness, you’ll love what infrared saunas can do for your muscles. After a workout, your body needs time to recover, and that’s where the sauna comes in.
The heat increases blood flow, delivering more oxygen to your muscles. This speeds up the recovery process and helps reduce soreness.
Again, gentle stretching in the sauna goes a long way to keep delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) from creeping up later in the day. Combine the power of infrared heat with giving your muscles the support they need with a relaxing stretch session in the warm glow!
The warmth also loosens up tight muscles, improving flexibility and reducing the risk of injury. So, not only are you recovering faster, but you’re also getting ready for your next workout.
Sleep Better: Get That Rest You Crave
Struggling to get a good night’s sleep? Infrared saunas can help with that too! The relaxation you get from a sauna session makes it easier to fall asleep at night. Plus, less stress means you’re more likely to stay asleep and wake up feeling refreshed.
Your body naturally produces more melatonin—the sleep hormone—when you’re relaxed. So, if you’re looking for a natural way to improve your sleep, an infrared sauna session before bed might be just what you need.
Better yet, the sudden drop in temperature plays a key role in signaling to your body that it’s time to sleep, also lending a hand in helping you fall asleep faster!
How Often Should You Use an Infrared Sauna?
So all these benefits sound awfully appealing, but it does leave one question: how often can you use a sauna?
This all depends on what you’re looking to achieve! For general wellness and relaxation, 2-3 times a week is a great start. If you’re using it for muscle recovery or pain relief, you might want to enjoy a session more often.
Your experience level also impacts how often you should be using a sauna, as your body will need time to adjust to the new, toasty environment!
It’s always a good idea to listen to your body and find a routine that works for you. If you’re unsure, chat with a wellness expert to create a plan tailored to your needs. In the meantime, here are some of our top tips for sauna beginners:
- Start Slow: If it’s your first time, keep your session short and sweet. We recommend starting with 10-15 minutes at a lower temperature, around 120°F. As your body gets used to the heat, you can gradually increase both the duration (up to 30-40 minutes) and the temperature. Alternatively, you can also step into the sauna as it warms up, allowing your body to acclimate more easily.
- Stay Hydrated: You’re going to sweat—a lot! Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your session to stay hydrated. Adding a pinch of sea salt to your water can help replenish electrolytes too.
- Wear Light Clothing: Infrared saunas work best when your skin can absorb the heat directly, so keep it light. Many people prefer wearing a towel or a swimsuit but always go with what makes you feel comfortable.
- Listen to Your Body: Sauna sessions should feel relaxing, not overwhelming. If you start to feel dizzy, lightheaded, or overheated, step out and cool off. Your body will build tolerance over time, so don’t push it on day one!
- Shower After Your Session: After a good sweat, find a cool place to relax and let your body temperature come back down. Then hop into the shower to rinse off. This keeps your skin clean and fresh, plus it feels amazing after a sauna session!
- Take It Easy Afterward: Infrared saunas can leave you feeling deeply relaxed, almost like a good workout. Take some time to rest afterward, and don’t jump into anything strenuous right away. Allow your body to fully soak in the benefits.
- Consistency is Key: Like anything, the more regularly you use an infrared sauna, the more benefits you’ll see. Try to make it a part of your weekly routine to maximize results for your skin, muscles, and overall relaxation.
Ready to Experience the Benefits of an Infrared Sauna?
Now that you know what an infrared sauna can do for your body—skin health, pain relief, stress reduction, muscle recovery, and better sleep—it’s time to experience these benefits for yourself.
At Lifestyle Outdoor, we offer top-of-the-line infrared saunas that can help you feel your best. Whether you want to add one to your home or transform your backyard into a wellness haven, we’ve got you covered.
Call us today or stop by one of our five Southern California showrooms, from Culver City and Pasadena to Sherman Oaks, Thousand Oaks, and Ventura to learn more!
