Alright, so you’re probably here because you want to learn more about red light therapy (RLT) & infrared saunas. Excellent. Glad you could join us.
We’ve learned a ton as we’ve researched this topic. As we’ve mentioned in previous articles, we are certainly not medical experts here at Sauna Squad, but we stay curious and we are eager to learn. So we’ve done a deep dive on how combining the two can produce some serious health benefits.
Ready for an interesting, action-packed article? Let’s get it!
The difference between infrared and red light
Infrared light is a spectrum of light invisible to the human eye. It is broken into three wavelengths: near, mid & far wavelengths, which create the “full spectrum” of infrared light. Saunas utilize this light to create electromagnetic radiation to heat one’s body directly.
Red light therapy (RLT) on the other hand, uses visible red light wavelengths to produce similar therapeutic benefits.
The two light sources work synergistically to produce a range of health benefits. Together, they can improve skin health, reduce inflammation, relieve pain, improve circulation, boost immune function, and promote relaxation.
How does infrared sauna with red light therapy work?
As mentioned above, this therapy works by delivering infrared & red light wavelengths to the body through specialized devices such as saunas, handheld devices and/or light panels.
These light wavelengths penetrate the skin and are absorbed by the body’s tissues. Red light wavelengths, on the other hand, stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in the skin.
When used together, they have been shown to improve skin health, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles & promote faster healing within the body.
How long should my sauna session last?
We tend to recommend starting with shorter sessions and building your tolerance up once you know it’s the right fit for your body. Start with a 10-15 minute session and gradually increase duration as your tolerance grows.
This timeframe will largely depend on a couple variables:
- The strength of the devices being used
We recommend utilizing a full spectrum infrared sauna but we understand not everyone can afford one. If you’re using handheld devices or portable saunas (or sauna blankets), it may require more time. - Pay attention to your body
It is vitally important to pay attention to how your body responds. If you begin to feel unwell, stop your session immediately.
How often should I utilize this therapy?
As with duration, the frequency will very much depend on your tolerance and how your body responds to the therapy. Daily sessions may be appropriate for some people, while others may need to start slower.
We recommend trying it once per week until you understand how your body responds to treatment.
Benefits of infrared sauna with Red Light Therapy
Infrared sauna with RLT offers a range of benefits for the body & mind. Here are some of the most notable benefits:
- Improved skin health:
Improves skin health by increasing the production of collagen & elastin in the skin. It can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture and tone, and promote wound healing. - Reduced inflammation:
Infrared light has been shown to effectively reduce inflammation in the body by increasing circulation & reducing oxidative stress. This can be especially impactful for those suffering from chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis. - Pain relief:
Relieves pain by reducing inflammation, increasing circulation & promoting the production of endorphins. This is good news if you’re a sufferer of fibromyalgia or the 84% of people globally who suffer from back pain. - Improved circulation:
Improves circulation by increasing the production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a molecule that helps to dilate blood vessels, increasing blood-flow throughout the body. This can be particularly beneficial for those with cardiovascular disease. - Boosted immune function:
Boosts immune function by increasing the production of white blood cells. Increasing the production of white blood cells stimulates the immune system, which can better help to protect the body from infections & illnesses. - Improved sleep:
Trouble sleeping? This should help improve the quality by regulating the body’s circadian rhythm & promoting relaxation. - Stress reduction:
Lastly, it helps promote relaxation by activating the body’s parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the “rest & digest” response. If you suffer from anxiety, depression or high levels of stress, you may see the benefits.
Who can benefit from infrared sauna with red light therapy?
Let’s be honest, there a ton of people out there who are afflicted by at least one of the diseases and disorders mentioned above. So naturally, many people can benefit from the sauna with RLT combo.
But let’s take a closer look at who may benefit the most:
- Athletes:
Improves circulation, relieve muscle soreness & promotes recovery after exercise. It can be beneficial for athletes who engage in intense training or competitions. - Individuals with chronic pain:
Relieves pain by reducing inflammation & promoting the production of endorphins. It can be helpful for individuals with chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis or back pain. - Individuals with skin conditions:
Improves skin health by stimulating the production of collagen & elastin in the skin. It can be beneficial for individuals with skin conditions such as acne, eczema or psoriasis. - Individuals with poor circulation:
Improves circulation by increasing the production of nitric oxide & dilating blood vessels. It can be helpful for individuals with poor circulation or cardiovascular disease.
How to use infrared sauna with RLT
The world is your oyster when it comes to applying this therapy to your personal life. Well, sort of anyways. Here are a few ways you can enjoy infrared sauna with RLT:
- Full-Body Sauna:
Full-body infrared saunas use infrared lamps to produce heat & light that penetrates deep into the body’s tissues. They can be purchased for home use. Therasage products are our personal faves! - Handheld Device:
Handheld infrared devices can be used to target specific areas of the body, such as the face, neck, or joints. They are portable and easy to use. Check this link out for some product recommendations. - Light Panel:
Infrared light panels can be used to treat larger areas of the body, such as the back or legs. They can be mounted on a wall or used on a tabletop. Visit this link for some product recommendations.
Regardless of the method used, it is important to listen to your body while undergoing therapy. Remember to stay hydrated! You should also talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or if you have underlying health concerns or medical conditions.
Potential side effects
While this type of therapy is generally considered safe, it’s always best to be aware of potential side effects. Side effects can include:
- Skin Irritation:
Skin irritation & redness can occur after using the sauna and/or red lights. This can usually be avoided by starting with shorter sessions & gradually increasing the length of time. - Dehydration:
Saunas are operated at high temperatures, which induces sweat. This can lead to dehydration, so it is important to drink plenty of water before & after treatments. Always hydrate! - Dizziness or fainting:
Should you become dehydrated, dizziness or fainting can occur. As we just mentioned, water is your friend. Stay hydrated!
Article wrap-up
What did we learn in this article? While there is some hard evidence to suggest that combining infrared sauna with red light therapy provides tangible health benefits, more research is needed before the science behind this can be considered “settled”.
In our humble opinions, it appears to be a safe and effective way to improve your overall health goals. But it is best utilized when combined with a healthy diet & exercise. Oh, and remember to drink water. Stay well, my friends!
A message from Sauna Squad
We hope we’ve provided some value in your research. But if you have any questions or concerns, hit us up on Instagram @thesaunasquad or feel free to fire us a message on our contact page.