Many know the healthy sweating from the sauna, in which the heat is generated via the room air and steam. In an infrared sauna, also called infrared or heat cabin, this heating takes place through the use of infrared radiation. Thus, it is not the air that is heated, but directly the skin. In this article, I’ll explain how to use an infrared sauna and how it can benefit your health.

Advantages

You’re probably wondering what benefits using an infrared sauna can offer your body. One obvious benefit is, of course, warming up your body, which is a soothing relief, especially on cold winter days. The temperature of an infrared sauna is individually adjustable and usually does not exceed the 60-degree mark.

Also, the infrared sauna can be heated up and used quickly, which saves on electricity costs. Your body slowly warms up, gets better blood circulation and then starts to sweat. Sweating itself is a natural detoxification mechanism of the body and thus supports metabolism.

If you use the infrared sauna regularly, you can strengthen your immune system. Furthermore, the infrared heat is said to be helpful for rheumatism, colds or tension. Sweating in the infrared sauna can also cleanse your pores, as dead skin cells are transported to the outside. With regular use, this can lead to a better complexion

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Unlike a normal sauna, infrared saunas usually require less space, since, for example, the device for the sauna infusion is not required. You probably also have space to enjoy the luxury of infrared heat at home. Many models fit even in small corners and are already available for 1 to 2 people. In our guide, we have compiled the best in frared saunas for you. In addition to infrared heat, many infrared saunas offer additional features such as relaxing lights, a radio or aromatherapy, which can lead to additional relaxation.

What To Consider Before Using It?

Although an infrared sauna can be beneficial to your health, there are a few things to keep in mind when using it. You must not use the infrared sauna after surgery. Also, severe varicose veins, epilepsy, open wounds, high blood pressure, fever or heart disease unfortunately mean not using the infrared sauna. Using the infrared sauna under the influence of drugs or alcohol is strongly discouraged.

If you are pregnant, chronically ill, or unsure if your medical condition allows you to use an infrared sauna, you should consult your physician before use. If you feel pain or discomfort at any point during use, stop the session immediately and leave the sauna. If you follow these instructions, there should be nothing to stop you from using the infrared sauna.

How To Use The Infrared Sauna

• Preheat your infrared sauna. This takes about 10 – 30 minutes, depending on the model. Infrared saunas with full spectrum heaters are often preheated in a few minutes
• Use the waiting time to drink about 500 ml of mineral water. This is important to compensate for the loss of fluids that occurs during sweating
• Have a large towel ready and if you have sensitive eyes, protective goggles if necessary
• Once the infrared sauna is preheated, you can take off your clothes and jewelry and enter the sauna
• Sit or lie down on your towel and enjoy the heat
• Be careful not to look directly into the radiators and to take care of your eyes
• End the session after a maximum of 30 minutes and turn the sauna off
• If you feel well, sit or lie in the sauna for another 5-10 minutes to give your body some rest. If you feel cold, wrap yourself in a towel or bathrobe
• Leave the sauna and take a lukewarm shower to remove sweat and dead skin cells. Then put on warm and comfortable clothes
• Drink at least another 500 ml of mineral water to compensate for your fluid and mineral loss
• Also, make sure you eat a balanced, light diet so as not to overtax your body

How Often Can I Use The Infrared Sauna?

A single session in the infrared cabin should not last longer than 30 minutes. Unlike steam saunas, you should only have a maximum of one session per day. Whether you can enjoy the benefits of your infrared sauna every day depends on the type of heaters installed. If your sauna is equipped with surface or ceramic emitters, nothing stands in the way of daily use. However, if full-spectrum heaters are installed, you should only use the sauna a maximum of 3 times a week to avoid premature aging of the skin.

Care

For hygienic reasons, you should always use an infrared sauna with a towel only. Since the temperature in an infrared sauna is lower than in a traditional sauna, odors and bacteria can develop over time. Therefore, regular cleaning of the wood with a damp cloth is mandatory. Remember to disconnect the infrared sauna from the power and let it cool down completely before cleaning. Otherwise there is a risk of burns!

However, you should avoid using cleaning agents, as they can attack the wood of the cabin. If the wood shows stains after some time despite proper and regular cleaning, you can simply sand them off with fine sandpaper.

If you want to have an infrared sauna now, we have compiled the best and most popular infrared saunas for home in our guide.