Saunas have been around for centuries, with the traditional Finnish sauna leading the way in sweat therapy. In recent years, however, infrared saunas have come onto the scene, offering a unique spin on the sauna experience. If you’re deciding between an infrared sauna vs. traditional sauna, you’re not alone! Both types of saunas have distinct benefits, and choosing the right one for your wellness goals depends on understanding their differences. So, let’s jump right in and see what sets them apart.
Traditional Saunas: The Classic Heat Therapy
While there are many different types of saunas available on the market today, the classic wood sauna remains one of the most popular, especially when it comes to home installations.
What Is a Traditional Sauna?
A traditional sauna, often referred to as a Finnish sauna, uses a simple but powerful heating method. These saunas heat the air inside the sauna room to a high temperature—anywhere from 150°F to 190°F. This higher sauna temperature causes your body temperature to rise, leading to sweat and deep relaxation. Most traditional saunas use rocks heated by electric or wood-fired heaters, which can be splashed with water to create steam saunas. This gives a humid environment that can reach up to 20% humidity, creating a well-loved sauna experience.
The Traditional Sauna Experience
For many, a traditional sauna offers the ultimate sauna experience—a hot, humid space where you can truly sweat it out. This high heat can feel intense but also deeply relaxing. While temperatures are high, traditional saunas can offer a profound relaxation experience, and the sweating often feels purifying, like a full-body cleanse. In fact, Saunas can be good for the skin, as it helps the body naturally detox and exfoliate the skin. For centuries, people have used these sauna sessions to unwind, recharge, and even meditate.
Benefits of Traditional Sauna Use
The sauna benefits from traditional saunas are extensive. Some highlights include:
- Improved Circulation: The high temperature promotes blood flow, giving your cardiovascular system a mini workout.
- Relaxation: The heat and humidity provide a calming environment, helping to relieve stress.
- Detoxification: Sweating in a traditional sauna can help flush out toxins, leaving you feeling refreshed.
Infrared Saunas: A Modern Approach to Heat Therapy
In recent years, infrared saunas have become increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional saunas. If you find conventional saunas too hot and humid, an infrared sauna might offer a more comfortable and relaxing experience. Unlike traditional saunas, which heat the air around you, it’s easier to stay in an infrared sauna for longer due to its more gentle heat.
What Is an Infrared Sauna?
Instead of heating the air, infrared saunas use infrared light to penetrate your skin directly, creating infrared heat that warms your body without raising the air temperature as much. Infrared rays heat your core more gently, allowing you to enjoy a sauna session at a lower temperature. The infrared sauna temperature is typically between 120°F and 140°F. Some find that these more manageable temperatures make infrared saunas a comfortable choice for longer sauna sessions.
The Infrared Sauna Experience
In an infrared sauna, the heat source isn’t air, but infrared heaters that deliver radiant heat directly to your body. While the air stays cooler, your body warms up, and you still break a sweat. Some say the experience feels more “soothing” or even gentle, which makes it ideal for those who find high heat uncomfortable.
Infrared Sauna Benefits
The infrared sauna benefits are quite extensive, offering a unique twist on traditional sauna perks. These include:
- Deep Relaxation: Infrared sauna use encourages a calm, comfortable environment that promotes relaxation.
- Pain Relief: The radiant heat from an infrared sauna can help ease sore muscles and stiff joints, making it popular with athletes and those with chronic pain.
- Skin Health: Many users report glowing skin after sauna sessions thanks to the gentle, deep heating effect.
Infrared vs. Traditional Sauna: Side-by-Side Comparison
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s compare these two popular types of saunas across different areas.
| Aspect | Traditional Sauna | Infrared Sauna |
| Temperature | 150°F – 190°F | 120°F – 140°F |
| Heat Source | Electric or wood-fired | Infrared heaters |
| Air Temperature | High | Low |
| Humidity | Often humid | Dry |
| Sauna Session Length | 10-20 minutes | Up to 30-45 minutes |
| Ideal For | Deep sweating, intense heat lovers | Lower heat tolerance, relaxation, skin benefits |
| Primary Benefits | Improved circulation, detox, stress relief | Relaxation, pain relief, skin health |
Key Considerations: Which Sauna Fits Your Lifestyle?
Choosing between an infrared vs. traditional sauna ultimately comes down to personal preference and wellness goals. Here are a few factors to consider.
Heat Tolerance
Traditional saunas are intense! If you enjoy a high-temperature environment with humidity, a traditional sauna or steam room might be your best bet. On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle experience, infrared heat provides the benefits of a sauna without the overwhelming heat.
Health and Fitness Goals
For pain relief or skin health, infrared saunas can offer targeted benefits. The infrared light penetrates deeper into the skin, making it especially useful for muscle recovery and skin rejuvenation. Infrared sauna health benefits extend to pain management, making it popular for people with arthritis or chronic pain.
Time Commitment
If you have limited time, traditional saunas might be ideal since you typically only need a short sauna session (10-20 minutes) to feel the effects. Infrared sauna sessions, on the other hand, are often longer (20-45 minutes) but at a gentler temperature, which allows for a more extended relaxation period.
Pros and Cons of Traditional and Infrared Saunas
Traditional Sauna Pros
- Intense heat and humidity promote a high level of sweating.
- Great for cardiovascular health and improved circulation.
- Provides a traditional sauna experience, rich in history.
Traditional Sauna Cons
- May feel too hot for those sensitive to high temperatures.
- Shorter sauna sessions mean less time to unwind.
Infrared Sauna Pros
- Lower temperature makes it suitable for those who dislike high heat.
- Infrared sauna benefits include skin rejuvenation and pain relief.
- Longer sessions allow more time to relax and enjoy.
Infrared Sauna Cons
- Doesn’t offer the same intense sweat as a traditional sauna.
- Lacks the humidity that some users prefer.
Home Sauna Options: Bringing the Experience to Your Doorstep
If you’re considering installing a home sauna, both traditional and infrared saunas are now available in compact, home-friendly designs, making it easy to find the right sauna dimensions for your space. Outdoor saunas, too, have become popular, providing a retreat-like experience in your backyard. Just consider the space available, your budget, and your personal preferences.
An infrared sauna might be easier to install, as it doesn’t require special ventilation. Meanwhile, a traditional Finnish sauna can be more demanding in terms of space and setup but delivers that classic, deeply relaxing experience.
So, Which Sauna Wins?
Ultimately, choosing between an infrared vs. traditional sauna depends on your goals. If you crave a classic, intense sweat and enjoy sauna bathing in a hot, humid room, then a traditional sauna may be your best choice. But if you’re more focused on gentle heat therapy for pain relief, relaxation, and skin benefits, an infrared sauna could be the right fit.
Both have unique benefits, and some people even enjoy alternating between the two for a well-rounded experience. Why not experiment with each and see which type leaves you feeling revitalized?
Wrapping Up: What’s Your Perfect Sauna Experience?
Whether you’re a fan of intense high temperatures or prefer a gentle infrared heat, both saunas have much to offer. From the infrared rays that provide deep muscle relaxation to the humidity of a traditional steam sauna, each sauna style has distinct advantages that can fit different needs.
No matter your choice, embracing the sauna experience can be a powerful addition to any wellness routine. So, take a moment to think about your goals, your heat tolerance, and your preferred sauna experience. With a little exploration, you’ll find the sauna that perfectly aligns with your wellness journey. Ready to add a sauna to your home? Shop our wide selection of home saunas at ALEKO today to create the perfect home retreat.
