Traditional Vs Infrared Sauna - Which One to Choose?

Traditional sauna vs Infrared sauna is a new debate since saunas have gained a massive popularity across the globe. With a lot of information and misconception regarding the effects and benefits of consistent sauna use, infrared saunas in particular, it is difficult to separate hype from facts.

This is a detailed guide on the benefits and drawbacks of traditional and infrared saunas, especially when we figure out which is the better option among the two. We aim to present a clear argument on which of these two saunas stand out. So, let’s begin our detailed comparison. 

At Relax Edge, we strive to honor the rich tradition and culture of saunas, which has been believed to offer numerous health benefits, social connection, and relaxation for centuries. Not only do we provide a wide range of saunas that suit your lifestyle, we also guide you in choosing the right option. So, here is our detailed guide which will help you choose between the infrared and traditional saunas. 

Traditional VS Infrared Sauna - An Overview

Traditional Sauna

A traditional sauna is sometimes called a Finnish sauna, and is usually a wooden structure or room that uses heated stones and a sauna heating unit to warm surrounding air. Typically, water is poured over the sauna stone in order to produce steam, and create a humid and hot atmosphere.

Temperatures in such saunas can go around 70°C to 110°C, and the heated air is responsible for warming your body and causing sweating. The humidity level is adjustable and is often kept between 5% and 15%, based on your own preference.

These traditional units are quite large in size and can accommodate more than a few people, typically 6 to 10 users. Users can also enjoy aromatherapy from natural sources such as wood burning heaters, birch whisks, or aromatherapy oils or scents added to the water.

While using the traditional sauna, you can stay in the sauna for anywhere around 30 minutes. After that session, you can either choose to get out and take a shower or repeat the process and enjoy multiple sauna sessions. Generally, cold shower is preferred because such a cycle of hot and cold improves muscle function and circulation, releases endorphins, and stimulates the immune system.

Infrared Sauna

On the other hand, infrared saunas, sometimes called IR saunas or far infrared saunas, are more advanced types of saunas. They are manufactured from plastic or wood having a compact enclosure that uses infrared ceramic, carbon panel heaters to emit infrared light. Unlike traditional ones that use steam, far infrared saunas allow the light to directly penetrate the surface of your skin. Your body absorbs this heat, and hence results in a warming effect.

This heating process keeps the air temperature more than 50°C and less than 60°C, which is lower than the temperatures in traditional saunas. Since infrared saunas don’t generate steam unless a generator is installed, the atmosphere is typically drier and quite comfortable, allowing for milder and longer sauna sessions. As far as size is concerned, infrared saunas are quite compact and can seat 1 to 4 people.

Traditional Saunas’ Health Benefits

The traditional saunas provide more than just relaxation. They are associated with specific wellness benefits, including easing joint pain and improving heart health. Following are some of the key benefits offered by traditional saunas:

Enhances Detoxification

The higher heat of traditional saunas causes intense sweating. This will help get rid of toxins from your body. Sweating helps the body flush out heavier metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic.

Promotes Heart Health

Regular saunas use enhances your heart rate by mimicking the response of your body to cardio exercise. The traditional units can get your heart rate go up to 150 beats per minute. It is quite similar to running or walking at a rapid pace, based on your fitness levels. It offers a great benefit to your heart.

Studies have showcased 63% lessened risk of sudden cardiac death among the regular users of saunas. Also, studies have shown that saunas lower the risk of fatal cardiovascular issues among men and women. More studies suggest that:

• Lessened risk of cardiometabolic diseases like diabetes, heart attack and stroke
• Lower cholesterol
• Benefit heart health by lowering blood pressure 

Improves Blood Pressure and Circulation

Sauna heat widens your blood vessels. The additional space in your vessels may enhance circulation and lower blood pressure. A study closely observed people who did a workout after a 15 minute sauna session thrice a week. These people had lower blood pressure compared to the ones who only exercised.

Enhances Skin Health

Studies suggest that a traditional sauna helps balance pH of your skin and keeps it hydrated. Also, studies suggest that sweat contains antibiotic peptide which helps maintain a healthier skin microbiome. This also helps avoid skin conditions such as acne.  

Promotes Muscle Recovery

The high sauna heat can help relax your muscles as well. Also, it can enhance blood flow to your muscles and lead to better recovery after exercise.

Lessens Cortisol

Regular use of traditional saunas can reduce cortisol levels, also called stress hormones. Lessened stress may also help your immune system.

Infrared Saunas’ Health Benefits

Infrared saunas are becoming increasingly popular and are being preferred over traditional ones. Following are some of the key health benefits offered by these saunas:

Pain Relief

Infrared heat can penetrate into your skin. This makes these saunas better at providing relief for pain. It is specifically ideal for those suffering from joint conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. In a sturdy, people with such conditions found improvement in stiffness, pain, and fatigue after infrared sauna sessions. 

Enhances Post-Workout Recovery

A few studies suggest that far infrared saunas enhance post-workout recovery as well, including soreness. It is compared to passive recovery or sitting idle in order to reduce soreness.

Improves Heart Health

Just like traditional saunas, infrared heat can also improve heart rate. The cardiac outcome from infrared sauna sessions is quite similar to walking at a medium pace.

Improves Fatigue

Regular sessions of infrared sauna can also help with chronic fatigue syndrome. It is typically a long term condition that leads to serious fatigue after routine activities. A small study found that consistent sauna sessions for four weeks can significantly lessen fatigue and improve mood among people suffering from fatigue. 

The Bottom Line: Who Wins?

Traditional saunas and Infrared saunas are quite valuable additions to your wellness routine when combined with certain healthy lifestyle activities. One can’t say that one sauna type is proven better than the other. The type of sauna you will use depends on your personal preferences and goals, and your specific health conditions.

For a maximum wellness benefit, you may need to consider alternating sessions in both traditional and infrared saunas. Hence, if you’re looking for any of these sauna types, we at Relax Edge provide them at the most reasonable prices. Check our stock and grab your desired saunas now!